Whether or not you’re new to hiking, you’re likely wondering what the best hikes are. The most important thing is to remember that the best hiking areas are directly related to your personal interests, your level of fitness, and of course what’s available in the area where you live.
Some of the best hikes are the most unexpected places. If you live near a large body of water (oceans, lakes, rivers, etc), you’ll likely find that there are naturally made hiking trails all around these areas. You might find that you’ll find some really beautiful sights if you check out these types of places close to you.
Never forget caves and caverns- A lot of really neat trails and paths have been naturally carved into caves and caverns, with the right equipment, you can really have a lot of fun in these areas. Sometimes caves or caverns make the best hikes because there are man-made paths in them, so you’re not as likely to get lost or injured.
Ask around. If you live in an area that holds a lot of interest for hikers, then ask around and see if you can find out what the best hikes are through word of mouth. Especially if you find people who aren’t too far above your own personal skill level, then you’ll get more sound advice about the best hikes for someone at your level of ability.
Sometimes the best hikes are those that are unexpected. If you are pretty familiar with an area and have a good sense of direction, don’t be afraid to step off the “beaten path” to find the best hikes for yourself. Just make sure you have proper equipment and supplies in case of any emergency while hiking.
Did you know that over 75% of teens aged 16-17 report that obtaining marijuana is “easy or fairly easy?” Or that 25% of youths between 12 and 17 say the same of crack?
When children start using drugs they usually exhibit many different signs that parents need to watch out for. Unfortunately, many parents often write-off these signs as normal adolescent behavior and as a result they don’t realize that their child is into drugs until it is too late. How can you as a parent know for sure whether or not your child is in danger of falling into drugs? Know that every child is in danger of this. Parents who fail to recognize this will stay in this state of denial till their son or daughter is arrested or overdoses — and by then it is too late. So what should you as parents be looking for as signs that your child is experimenting with drugs or alcohol?
Dramatic changes in attitude or personality.
New friends who may exert peer pressure on your child.
Problems at school, such as falling grades or increased tardiness.
Increased withdrawal, depression, or secretiveness.
Changes in sleep patterns.
Increased or decreased appetite.
Dilated, red, or glossy eyes.
Escalating verbal or physical abuse.
Dramatic mood swings.
Need for additional money.
Drug use can lead to a host of significant health, social, learning and behavioral problems at a crucial time in a young person’s development. Getting high also impairs judgment, leading to risky decision making on issues like sex, criminal activity or riding with someone who is driving high.
If you believe that your child may be using alcohol or drugs, don’t overreact. Some of the warning signs listed above may be normal for your teen and some signs may have other causes. One cannot ignore the reality of teenage drug and alcohol abuse, however, so the presence of three or more of these warning signs should prompt a discussion with your teen and an evaluation of whether professional help is needed. For more advice, or to locate the right treatment facility for you, contact your pediatrician or call the Center for Substance Abuse Referral Help line at 1-800-662-HELP.
About the Author
Nicole Brownfield
71 County Road 269
Stevenson, AL 35772
(256) 437-8788
jnb8788@aol.com
How do we face a day set aside for Mothers when the woman who brought us into this world has been taken from this world. Ask those who have already been down this road and they will tell you that it is a very lonely time.
For those of you that will be glowing with smiles, shopping for your Mother and taking her out to your favorite restaurant there will be those of us whose heart will be aching as we remember the last moment spent with our Mothers.
Don’t keep these emotions bottled up inside you, perhaps write a special article or poem and dedicate to your Mothers memory, share memories of your special times spent with your Mother with family and friends, pull out old photographs or look at a video tape of your Mother. Every year on holidays I light a candle in her memory. Go out and buy yourself a rose bush and plant it in your flower bed. Each year as summer brings back the birth of roses your mother’s memory will rebloom in the beauty of those roses.
My mother always loved the roses. Her and my father would grow them in the garden and all our neighbors would remark on the beauty of those roses. So during my Mother’s illness I often took her roses clipped from the rose bush in my yard to the nursing home. Every winter I am sadden by the loss of my mother, but as winter took her the first bloom of those roses brings her home.
So this Mother Day I will delight in the beauty of roses.
This Mothers Day allow yourself to feel the love and joy of your children. You are not betraying your Mother by feeling happiness. Your Mother would want you to be happy on this day and remember her laughter. Grief is normal and there is no easy way to deal with it. Close your eyes and remember your child hood and the happy times spent with Mom. Remember the talks and the wisdom she shared, even remember the fights when you didn’t quite see eye to eye.
Your Mother is forever with you, she is in the part of your mind where she will never die. This Mothers Day rejoice and smile. Your Mother gave you life and with that life she taught you many things but one thing she may not have taught you was how to say goodbye when her time would come to leave this earth. Death it is just the passage through a door. It is from one room until the next, from this life into eternal life. Right there through the clouds is where your Mother is, she is in the beauty of roses that bloom.
Remember your Mother this Mother Day, mourn in her death but rejoice in her rebirth.
My Mother I will never be able to write anything that matches her love for me but may my love for her be found within the wisdom of these words that I share with all of you.
1-800 I’m calling Heaven operator please patch through a call to our Mothers and wish them a Happy Mothers Day.
About the Author
Rose
DesRochers is a published author, web columnist and founder of Today’s Woman
http://www.todays-woman.net
; a supportive online
community for men and women over 18. Their goal is to help writers succeed in
the writing industry.
would you believe the pound is fetching a little less than a Euro at Travelex airport counters, one would think that there would be lots of excellent ski deals to be found in skiing resorts this Christmas as snowboarders stay in the UK to beat the recession. Initial figures barely publicized highlight that skiing resorts are 85 % booked across the New Year and Xmas time period. 15 percent higher than the identical time period last year.
One will have better luck in early 2009 that presently has a 35 percent reserve rate. Signs of a recession is during the significant Feb vacation month that has 65 percent bookings, 1 percent less than a year ago. Booking kiosks in the resorts of Montgenevre, Les Menuires, Savoie and Le Tour have noted good reservations during November encouraged by the brilliant early winter snow fall. Super Besse has better reservations in comparison to last winter, and Chastreix-Sancy experienced a fine New Year.
But there is strong requirement for bigger self catered chalets, 5 to 10 spaces, as skiers group-up to save the pennies. Early evidence shows that DIY skiing holidays are doing well, perhaps evidence that keen boarders will not lose their trip to the mountains. Reservations for the big tour operators are lower than last year.
For most women, part of their morning and evening routines involve a skincare regiment of applying creams, moisturizers, tonics, lotions, and the like. Why do women put themselves through this? To combat the signs of aging, and to maintain youthful looks and beautiful skin! However, how many women consider what is in the products they are using?
Some women probably do not realize that what they are putting on their skin may actually be undermining what they are trying to prevent to begin with. In fact, the average woman puts twelve products on her skin daily, most of which contain harmful chemical preservatives. Dr. Myron Wentz, founder and chairperson of USANA Health Sciences has this to say about beauty in the June/July 2005 issue of the “USANA Health Sciences” magazine:
“Some say that beauty is only skin deep. Nonsense! I believe that true beauty is a reflection of true health, and true health begins deep inside each and every cell in the body. But true health and true beauty have an outer component, which is why we require protection from environmental insults such as solar radiation, pollutants in our environment and the drying effects of air. . . The fact is, you simply cannot contain a healthy body if your skin isn’t healthy. And your skin can’t be healthy if your are subjecting it to toxic substances that are ultimately absorbed into your body.”
So, what can women do? How can they combat environmental pollutants, the affect of solar radiation, and the drying effects of air? How can they be sure they are using the very best products on their skin so they can be healthy inside and out?
Here are 7 tips to assist in this process:
1. Be very aware of what is in skincare products. Use products that are all natural as much as possible.
2. Look for products that contain Dermal Surface Renewal Technology. DSR smoothes away existing signs of aging such as laugh lines, crows feet, and dullness.
3. Use products that have regenisomes. Regenisomes penetrate the skin to speed cell renewal after sun exposure. They also use the light of photosomes to undo sun damage, and have ultrasomes to renew skin while sleeping.
4. Find products with Proteo-C and Proflavonol-T. These two vitamins protect the skin from premature aging caused by the sun, pollution, and other environmental factors. They also provide advanced nutrition to the skin to keep it appearing smooth and firm.
5. If possible, use products that are paraben free. Parabens are synthetic chemical preservatives that are widely used in personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair styling products, make-up, facial masks, skin lotions and creams, and deodorants. They also are typically found in baby lotions, shampoos, and other personal care products for infants and children. In addition, parabens are in many foods and pharmaceutical products. Researchers are beginning to find parabens in benign and malignant human breast tumors. While some studies have challenged their toxicity in many products and question their long term affect on humans, using products that are paraben free can eliminate the risk of exposure to this harmful chemical.
6. Drink plenty of water! Water hydrates skin and hair as well as flushes toxins out of the body.
7. Limit stress or learn to manage it effectively. Stress is harmful both emotionally and physically. Find that stress reliever activity that works best and use it on a daily basis!
Follow the above 7 tips to true beauty and health.
For some of the most effective and scientifically advanced beauty products available view the Sense range available here www.wealthontap.usana.com
Whether you are looking for renewed strength, energy and vitality in your life, drug-free relief from arthritis and joint pain, or wanting to make a difference in your financial future by becoming a MonaVie distributor, www.whatismonavie.com
Mike Law is CEO of www.wealthontap.com whose mission is to improve people’s lives whether it is through health, better financial status or both.
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Post Nasal Drip and Nasal-Sinus Congestion Will Transform
a Case of ‘Normal’ Breath into BAD Breath and ‘Bad’ Breath
into HORRIBLE Breath!
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Bad Breath is very closely related to post nasal drip,excess mucus, sinus problems, your tonsils, and
tonsiloliths.
The bacteria which cause bad breath and sour/bitter/metallic tastes are anaerobic (live without oxygen). Their goal in life is to break down the proteins in foods that we eat. However, under certain conditions, they will also start to break down the proteins found in mucus and phlegm.
Therefore, those people who suffer from post nasal drip, sinus problems, and other such ailments are more prone to bad breath and lousy tastes because the bacteria use the mucus as a food source and start to extract sulfur compounds from the amino acids that make up the proteins found in all this excess mucus.
Scientifically, the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath “love” the amino acids Cysteine and Methionine, which are the building blocks of the proteins that are found in mucus (and phlegm) and in dairy foods, too. In fact, many people notice that when they drink too much milk or eat too much cheese they end up with more mucous or phlegm in their throat. This is a natural reaction for many people and unfortunately, ends up causing more bad breath and lousy taste.
If you still have your tonsils, you may be harboring a higher number of the bacteria which can lead to an
“interesting” and very often misunderstood phenomenon, called TONSILOLITHS. Literally translated, they are “tonsil stones” produced by the conglomeration of mucus draining down the back of the throat and the volatile sulfur compounds created by the bacteria which easily end up in the “nooks and crannies” of the tonsils, every time one swallows. I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard from my patients who asked their dentist what these objects were, and more often than not the answer was ‘food particles’. This couldn’t be further from the truth!
Medication and Drugs MAY help Prevent Post-Nasal Drip, But At What Cost?
There are dozens of different over-the counter nasal decongestants and antihistamines you can use to help relieve congestion and dry up excess mucus, and some of them are very good at what they claim but mostly they are TOO GOOD! They create an extremely dry mouth, which exacerbates bad breath. And even in cases where the dry mouth side effect is minimal, when you stop taking that medication the problem comes back, and almost always with a vengeance! This is because in some cases, your body will actually develop a resistance to any antihistamines or nasal decongestants, especially nasal sprays (be careful, because
many sprays are habit forming!)
Suffice it to say, this should NOT be an option that you pursue.
Use a Nasal-Irrigator to Flush Your Sinuses free from Excess Mucus
Nasal Irrigation is probably the most effective method of eliminating post-nasal drip and helping to control sinus infections. A short period of regular use can stimulate the cilia (the tiny hair-like fibers in the nasal sinus passages) to restore their natural protective “sweeping & cleansing” action.
When you feel a sinus condition come on, or feel that you have persistent post-nasal drip and excess mucus, consistent daily use for 10 days should result in a clearing of the condition.
Stop Bad Breath Associated with Post-Nasal Drip, Excess Mucus, and Sinus Problems
For people who don’t really have sinus problems, just “off and on” or seasonal post-nasal drip, then an alternative (and better) solution might be to minimize the amount of excess mucus in the back of the throat and more importantly to make sure you neutralize the odor caused by this excess mucus.
You see, the proteins in mucus make an excellent food source for the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath. The bacteria feed off the amino acids, Methionine and Cysteine, and create extremely odorous and lousy-tasting Volatile Sulfur Compounds as by-products, which are the odors and lousy tastes found in the medical condition halitosis, which YOU (or maybe everyone around you) more commonly knows as bad breath.
When I first started treating my own daughter’s breath problem 10 years ago, I never dreamed that I would end up helping so many people all over the world who had the same problem, which my fellow dentists ignored or misdiagnosed for far too long. It was only a few years into our clinical therapy that I realized that “Every case of bad breath is different and that there is no such thing as one formula to
treat every case of halitosis.”
For a decade now, we’ve been here to help our patients prevent bad breath, sinus congestion, and lousy
tastes. If there is anything we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to contact us - that’s why we’re here!
Uncover the REAL Causes of Bad Breath!
Dr. Harold Katz, founder of the California Breath Clinics,
is a worldwide expert on the topics of bad breath,
halitosis and dry mouth.
His ‘Bad Breath Bible’ is an easy-to-read guide to help
YOU enjoy fresh breath every day for the rest of your life.
Request your free copy at:
http://www.therabreath.com/a/1164/ebook.asp
7 Tips to Have More Time
by Barbara Myers
1. Reduce distractions so you can focus on your priorities. Turn off the TV. Arrange for quiet time at the office.
2. Make a list of your priorities. Do tasks and activities relating to those first.
3. Get rid of excess stuff. Material possessions cost time and money.
4. Organize your home, office and wardrobe. Stop wasting time looking for things.
5. Streamline everyday tasks. Find quicker ways to cook, clean and perform routine office duties.
6. Delegate as much as possible to family members and co-workers. Consider hiring or bartering.
7. Write a daily to-do list. Prioritize it. Planning ultimately saves time.
Barbara Myers is the author of “200 Ways to Save Time at the Office.” FREE “50 Ways to Manage Your Time” tips booklet at http://www.ineedmoretime.com
Most people focus on their cards when they’re playing blackjack and poker. They try to get as close as they can to 21 without taking a second glance at what the dealer is holding. It’s funny, because more often than not, you can win with a 12 or 13 by letting the dealer bust.
You can listen to me all day (in fact, I’d recommend it), but some people just need to see some proof. Well, for all you doubting folk, here are some bust hand statistics to give you nerds a quantifiable edge over the house.
Unlike poker, if the dealer is showing a 5 or 6, you’re looking pretty good. He’s got about a 45 percent chance of busting, so you need to make absolutely sure that you do not bust when you’ve got a hard 12 or higher.
If the dealer’s showing a 4, you’re still in a good place. There about a 40 percent chance of busting, so if there’s any risk of your hand busting, just sit on it and pray that the dealer pulls a high card.
If the dealer shows a 2 or a 3, it’s looking a little uglier, like losing on the river in poker. There are fewer cards that will bust the dealer on the first draw, and in these situations, it’s usually a pretty good idea to hit if you’ve got a hard 12 or 13.
(ARA) - Do you think you have a good grasp of modern manners and etiquette? A recent survey begs to differ. Results from the fourth annual Lenox Gift-Giving and Etiquette Survey show that more than one-third of the respondents rate the manners of Americans in general as poor; yet 80 percent of respondents rate their own manners as excellent.
However, the survey uncovered a lack of basic etiquette knowledge. For example, 45 percent of those surveyed don’t always send a thank you note after receiving a gift; less than one-third of respondents always bring a gift for the host or hostess when visiting someone’s home; and 40 percent of respondents don’t always send wedding gifts when they cannot attend.
“Good manners and proper etiquette are at the very core of how we communicate with one another,” says Denise Dinyon, Lenox gift-giving and etiquette expert. “We need to develop and reinforce those essential courtesies that make our relationships strong, valuable and long-lasting.” She offers the following etiquette tips, which are easy to incorporate into everyday life:
1. Turn the cell phone off — completely — during a luncheon meeting, social function, or on public transportation.
2. Hold the door — whether male or female, hold open a door you have just passed through for the person behind you.
3. Bring a gift for the hostess — preferably one that doesn’t require her to drop everything she is doing.
4. Keep to the right — on the sidewalk, in stairwells.
5. Say please and thank you — to waiters, flight attendants, store clerks, cab drivers — the little things go a long way.
6. Circulate at a party or social gathering — whether hostess or guest, the people, not the food or drink, should be your main focus.
7. Keep food or drink, briefcases or files in your left hand — keep your right hand free for handshakes.
8. Stamp and address thank you notes in advance — when you know they will be needed, then fill them out and drop them in the mail after attending an event or receiving a gift or favor and you’ll be done.
9. Make eye contact and offer a warm smile — in every situation, this sets people at ease.
10. Be perceptive — survey a situation and always use your best judgment.
“Now, more than ever, people need to live graciously,” says Dinyon. “Having good manners is always in style.”
For more information, tips, and gift ideas, visit www.lenox.com or call (800) 63-LENOX.
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
(Is snoring a serious disease?)
Many women complain that their men snore a lot on some night and distract their sleep. What could be the cause?
“Snoring not only disturbs sleeps for those around, but also affects the quality of sleep of the individuals who snores”. Says Dr. J.Makaya of Mwanza Hospital in Tanzania. The author of this article interviewed the doctor following a social discussion on how to cope with snoring partners raised by some women in a hairdressing saloon.
According to Dr Makaya, snoring is caused by relative reduction in the size of the upper air passage especially around the throat. This reduction in the size of airways results in obstruction to airflow which are associated with brief periods where breathing stops (apnea). These periods of cessation of breathing are followed by period of partial awakening hence the disturbance in quality of sleep.
To an observer, the above may be noted as period of change in the rhythm of breathing (snoring), tossing and turning. The person snoring may be blissfully un aware of all what is happening only to wake up the next morning feeling tired and not and not well rested. ” In the more sever forms there may be increased day-time sleeping ness and change in mood and personality,” stresses Dr Makaya.
The period of apnea (they could be as many as 400 per night) is associated with increases in the level of carbon dioxide in the body. The body reacts to increased level of carbon dioxide by increasing the heart rate and by narrowing of the blood vessels. This reaction strains the heart as it not only has beat faster, but also has to use greater force to propel blood through the narrowed vessels.
This strain may lead to hypertension and enlargement of heart (hypertrophy) thereby making the individual susceptible to a host of heart conditions.
Snoring occurs during sleep because there is relaxation of muscles of the upper airways allowing for partial collapse to occur. It occurs more commonly among those who use alcohol as this acts as a depressant to the muscles and also depresses the protective reflex responses to cessation of breathing, so prolonging the apneic attacks.
Obesity is another factor associated with snoring, as there is an increase in fat deposition around the upper airways leading to their narrowing.
In children, blocked nose, enlarged tonsils
And upper respiratory tract inflammations are important causes of snoring.
In solving snoring cases, Dr. Makaya says that,” You should reduce the amount of alcohol if you are a drinker, reduce your weight if you are over weight and get respiratory tract inflammation treated. This should be done in addition to simple measures such as change in the position in which you sleep, because sleeping facing up leads to the airway blockage. It is advisable to sleep on the side or facing down in the recovery position. If the problem persist the then consult an E.N.T specialist.
FREELANCE JOURNALIST, DISTRICT POLITICAL PARTY SECRETARY AND AFRICAN CULTURAL ADVOCATE
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