Five Small Healthy Steps with Major Future Benefits

Making healthy life changes doesn't have to mean deprivation and a major lifestyle overhaul. Small steps can be just as effective in improving your health, and with small, gradual changes you are more likely to make your healthy choices last for the long haul. Here are a few small steps you can take today that will pay off in the future.

Lose a Little

Losing weight can seem like a daunting prospect, especially if you feel you have significant weight to lose. Setting small goals can help. Studies show that losing as little as 5% of your body weight (that's 10 pounds for a 200 pound person) can significantly improve your blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and risk of developing diabetes. Set a small goal for yourself to reap big benefits later.

Sit Less, Stand More

No matter how fit you are and how hard you work at the gym in the evening, sitting at your desk in front of the computer all day is harmful to your health. It increases your risk of kidney disease and death from other diseases. Take frequent breaks to stand up, walk to the copier or another floor, or just sit up tall and stretch. Your body will thank you in the long run.

Take Time Out

Stress kills, and you can't take care of anyone else if you aren't taking care of yourself. Take time to relax with a bubble bath after work, take that vacation time you've accumulated, and practice stress-relieving techniques to lower your blood pressure and fat-promoting cortisol (stress hormone) levels. You'll sleep better, and your heart will be happier down the road.

Make Sleep a Priority

While adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a night, many people get 5 or fewer hours on a regular basis. Sleep effects your mental focus and clarity, your emotional balance, and even your appetite and weight. Getting enough sleep can help fight anxiety and depression, among many other health benefits. Make time in your schedule for sleep, and if you have trouble falling or staying asleep, see your doctor for help.

Care for Your Smile

A healthy mouth is crucial for a healthy body. Seeing your Dental Physician for regular cleanings can help eliminate bacteria under the gum line that like to travel to places like the kidneys and valves of the heart and create problems in the long term. Your dentist can also repair cavities and restore bad teeth before they reach a point where extraction is required. Care for your smile today to keep your whole body healthy tomorrow.

The Benefits of Wearing a Mid Heel Shoe

High heel shoes are the epitome of class and sophistication for some, and the very pillar of pain and discomfort for others. So what is the half way mark where you can still pull off the well groomed look, but not have to suffer for it? The mid heel or kitten heel is the high heel shoe alternative for those who still want to hear the clickety-clack of heels on the ground, but who, for various reasons can’t wear them.

The Healthy Option

Research has documented proof that the regular wearing of sky high stilettos is not very good for your spine or your posture at all. Some women may say that they stand straighter when wearing very high heels, and although it may feel like it – your spine is actually just making compensation for the unusual stance.

The kitten heel or the mid heel is much better for your spine and your posture entirely, and you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for the sake of comfort either. But sacrificing your health and your spine just for the sake of being in vogue doesn’t make much sense at all.

Easy Walking

Mid heel shoes are much easier to walk in than high heels – you will feel more comfortable and you will look more comfortable as you walk. There is nothing more awkward than looking as though you are out of your comfort zone and stumbling around all over the place. No matter what look you are attempting to achieve, it will come across as clumsy instead.

With a smaller heel, you can still look and feel feminine and feel much more stable on your feet – and when you take your shoes off at the end of the day you won’t get into bed with sore and aching soles and toes.

Elegance

Many women are not fans of high heels because they are lucky enough to be tall enough already, and by putting on stilettos they will literally tower over everyone else – which makes them feel awkward as well. Unfortunately, very tall women have a much smaller selection of shoes in general as they tend to wear a bigger shoe size. But luckily there is an excellent selection of kitten heel and mid heel shoes these days that are still elegant and classy enough to compliment the most formal of looks when required.

Suitability

When it comes to important work functions and other functions when wearing your slip slops or your comfortable Ugg boots just won’t cut it, you don’t want to be uncomfortable as well. So it is perfectly acceptable to finish your look with a pair of kitten heels. Audrey Hepburn who was the epitome of class and timeless elegance was often seen wearing kitten heels and always looked perfectly groomed and well put together.

Why High Heels?

The wearing of high heels is worn almost always for aesthetic reasons – either to make the foot look smaller, finer, daintier, slimmer or more defined, as well as increasing the height for shorter women who don’t like to feel as if they are ‘’looking up’’ to people who are taller than them all the time. Also, many people feel that women that wear high heels are sexier than those that wear flats or shoes like ballet pumps. And there are some beautiful shoe designs out there that do make women feel like a million bucks – but at a price. And it is not always the high cost of the most coveted designer high heels that is the highest price.

The Corporate and Educational World

If your job requires you to be standing for long periods of time, or requires you to be on the move rushing from one meeting to another, your feet are going to feel like they are physically killing you by lunch time if you wear high heels. Like a head ache, sore feet can become debilitating during a busy work day – and make you feel tired and drained before the working day is over. The same with study process - when you have the whole day to run from one floor to listen to all the lectures, the essays and pass all coursework, etc.

But if you are required to look the part at work, you don’t’ need to suffer for corporate glamour – you can get wear kitten heels instead. There are number of beautiful and classy designs for kitten heels that are made by medical and podiatry companies – who in the past really earned their reputation for producing the ugliest of the ugly medical shoes for comfort. And who are probably to blame for everybody thinking that comfort immediately translates into being frumpy and downright ugly.

Accessories

There are inserts, gel pads and all sorts of party shoes, work shoes and high heeled shoes accessories to ensure that your wearing experience is much less painful that it was before. If you never wear any sort of heel and then wear any other pair of heels and dance the night away at a wedding – not even the kitten heel is going to help to ease your pain. Consider getting some of the feet friendly gel pads and slip them into your shoes as well – your feel will love you for it.

Author bio:

Korah Morrison, writer College-Paper.org that helps students achieve their academic goals. Get 20% discount with -healthblog20- promo code.

Exercise For Cancer Recovery

What a buzz these last few days have been. From a tv feature on Win News Channel 9 to our local The Courier newspaper turning up at our kids school assembly this morning to take a picture of my #richardbransonproject. So much to fill you in with. More on all that as soon as I get links and images. 

In the meantime if you would like to donate to my Brisbane Ride to Conquer Cancer CLICK HERE.

Fitness Food And Style - Dani stretching after exercising

In the meantime I would love to share an article a friend sent me throughout the week. I am so passionate about sharing everything that I know and what I discover along the way, so this exercise and cancer article is simply perfect!

Melanie is currently a Master's student with a passion that stems from her grandmother's cancer diagnosis. She often highlights the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness.  To read more from Melanie, visit her blog for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. In her spare time, you can find Melanie trying new vegan recipes, on her yoga mat, or spending time with her family.

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Exercise For Cancer Recovery

Exercise is an important part of recovery when you have a cancer diagnosis. Regardless of the level of activity, regular exercise offers many benefits that promote an overall improved quality of life for cancer patients. Exercise also helps you feel stronger the more often you engage in it. It's not always easy to exercise while being treated for cancer, but here are 3 recommendations will help you find a starting point that is best for you.

Easy Stretching Techniques For Light Exercise

Stretching is important no matter what stage of cancer treatment you are going through. However, this level of activity is especially beneficial for those battling a prognosis of mesothelioma or any other cancers that may impair breathing. Light exercise will not increase your heart rate significantly, and you will feel like you are able to carry on an entire conversation without difficulty. Stretching will improve your flexibility,

Simple stretches are responsible for allowing the body to stay mobile. Hamstring stretches are especially important. These stretches will help you walk easier and relieve lower back pain. The hamstrings are responsible for a lot of the mobility in your body. Stretching is one of the best things you can do. Even if you are bed ridden, stretches can be performed without leaving your bed at all. Remember that if you are unable to take on higher levels of activity, it is important to try and remain as flexible as possible.

Moderate Yoga Exercise

When you are ready to advance to moderate exercises, yoga is the perfect choice. It centers your body, mind and spirit to create a positive feeling. Performing yoga is enough to create a light sweat and increased heart rate. It will allow you to carry on a conversation with some ease.

Yoga is beneficial because it reduces fatigue, increases strength and gives your body time to adjust to an intense routine. Yoga is able to help reduce pain and discomfort when it is practiced over the course of several weeks. Being consistent with yoga is the most important thing.

There are some cancer treatment centers now offer yoga classes to their patients as another form of therapy. Yoga classes may be more beneficial because an instructor can teach you how to hold each pose properly. There is also the support of other class members to help you through the workout routine.

Weight Training For Intense Exercise

Weight training is something you should do when you are fully prepared for the intensity. Patients who take on intense exercises are typically in the final stages of recovery. Strength is the most important part of an exercise routine, but you need to be able to handle the intensity. Proper form is important so that you can avoid injury.

Strength building will increase muscle tissues. It will also increase bone density that may have been lost during cancer treatment. Strength training improves cardiovascular health, energy levels and full-body strength. It will empower you to feel like a warrior after fighting the cancer. It's truly a worthwhile activity to participate in after your doctor has cleared you.

Lifting weights may not give you the same heart-pumping benefits as aerobics do, but you will notice faster improvements in your body. You will look leaner, healthier and stronger overall.

It's important to take it slowly when you are exercising while going through cancer treatment. Exercise can help you feel better, but you must follow your doctor's instructions. You want to start off at the bottom even if you were an elite athlete prior to your cancer diagnosis.

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Thank you so much Melanie for your time and sending me this. I am a firm believer that fitness plays a big role and if one can keep a healthy body, they can have a better chance to overcome this awful disease.

XxDani

FEAR

My 49th Birthday!

What a gripping word that can literally take the wind out of our sails, right? We have all experienced some sort of fear in our lives and it does not discriminate with gender or age.  In my journey of life and health I have definitely felt and experienced fear on all levels, physical, emotional, relational, financial, and spiritual.  Of course, when going through such feelings, it can be difficult to see any light at the end of the tunnel, and sometimes, just staying put in the comfort of a warm bed until the storm blows over makes perfect sense at the time.  Facing a fear is one of the hardest things to do in life, and it does take courage, inner strength, and the physical will to force the body to go, when the mind says to freeze. 

Emotional challenges and fears seem to be the most draining, at least in my

experience, and take time to process through, and figure out the best way to persevere.  It does not matter how long anything takes to get resolved, the important thing is to keep going, and never give up. I have found that prayer and a bond with a great therapist to get over emotional hurdles worked for me years ago.  I was able to heal from hurt and learn how to create boundaries that I now implement to take care of me.  It is amazing how years of moving through different emotional challenges and fear has created such a positive growth process, but that is all in how I was taught to respond to life’s circumstances.  Healthy creates healthy and that is what I am striving for each day.  Going through emotional difficulties and this is also linked to relational definitely opened my eyes to what I do want and do not want in my life, and how to now walk through each fear or challenge with a new pair of eyes that can see clearly the way to a healthy resolution.  No more rose colored glasses for this girl. 

Many things that cause fear are out of my and your control, but the feeling can creep in and try to steal away our happiness, create doubt, anxiety and other self destructive mind games that our inner selves again need to recognize, and respond in a healthy way.  When I was injured years ago and flat on my back, I felt so fearful of my life never being the same, being stripped of who I was as a therapist and trainer, extreme athlete, and person…I felt like a failure and I grieved the loss of who I was…this was gripping FEAR.  I was very humbled through this year long healing process and truly lost some faith in what I was going to do.  It was this journey however, that finally opened my eyes to who I really was, and what I could really do with my life, my knowledge, and my body.  It was painful and fearful, but each day opened the window a little more to my purpose and my hope slowly was restored.  Again, things did not happen overnight, just like with getting healthy in every aspect, patience and perseverance are required. 

What I am trying to share about FEAR is that it is a part of life, is not going

anywhere, and to say that it will not be experienced is well…an untruth.  The truth is that fear can be used to grow me and you in a healthy positive way, or take us to the ground.  Let’s say lack of finances has caused fear and believe me I have felt that sting as well, and sometimes this is not created by our own doing, and sometimes it is.  The point is…what is going to be done to get into a healthy place?  Having a plan to fix the problem is important, can provide a comfort and eventually remove the fear surrounding the circumstance.  I am talking about all areas of life where fear can rear its’ ugly head. 

I have found that keeping a journal helps with being a healthy person, and if I am feeling a certain way, or fearful about something, I journal about it, pray about it, and let it go.  There may be work for me to do, but I always feel more sure and able to work through the process when I have written about it.  I look back on my periods of fear in the different areas of my life and can now say that I am thankful for the learning journey, and the blessings along the way.  Letting go of unhealthy and embracing the healthy has opened many doors in my life, closed those doors that needed to be nailed shut, brought fabulous loving people to share my life, and a wonderful husband that I love and cherish dearly.  I no longer look upon fear as such a negative thing, but get through those feelings the best that I know how, and ask myself …why am I feeling this way, what is causing me to feel this way, and create a plan to remove the source further asking myself…what am I learning to better ME through this circumstance.  YES, there will be FEAR, but what matters is how I will be handling it.  Stay Healthy!

IN YOUR FACE MOTIVATIONS

I dedicate this Blog to my fabulous husband Don who is celebrating his birthday next week!  Happy Birthday Babe and I Love YOU Forever and a Day~

Married to my Best Friend

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  If you are inspired, LIKE my entry, leave a comment and I look forward to responding! 

Stay Healthy~ Darla 

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Things to Reduce Stress and Live Healthier

Many people today suffer from stress and anxiety. They might have mounting bills and a stressful job, so their lifestyle is hectic and chaotic. A life full of tension and anxiety can lead to unhealthy eating or drinking habits, smoking or other harmful choices that can lead to a variety of health issues. If you have a life filled with stress, there are several things you can do to release stress and live healthier.

Pay Down your Debt

You need to make an effort to get out of debt. If you have trouble obtaining a loan or new credit, your credit score is probably low. A credit repair company can help you repair your credit, so your credit score will increase. Lowering your debt can drastically reduce your stress.

Make your Life Simple

Another thing you can do to alleviate anxiety is simplify your things to do. Chances are you have too many responsibilities, so get rid of some of the commitments. Do not be afraid to say no when asked to do something, and plan some relaxing time just for you.

Fitness and Exercise

Exercise has also been known to reduce stress. Gym memberships can be very affordable, so you need to make time each day to include a fitness regime in your daily routine. In some cases, you do not even need to make a trip to the gym. You can walk around the neighborhood, or you can go to the local pool.

Hire a Lawyer

If you have legal issues, it is important to find a qualified lawyer. LexingtonLaw.com can help you resolve your legal matters, so you can get on with your life. If you have been accused of drunk driving, contact an attorney and become informed of your rights. You can then put the unfortunate instance in the past and make better choices in the future.

Have a Healthy Diet

If you eat healthy, you will feel better, so your stress level will be reduced. Include fruits and vegetables in your diet, and eliminate the consumption of alcohol. Water will be healthier to drink than a soda and reduce the amounts of fried foods that you eat.

With a little patience and determination, you can start living a stress-free and healthier lifestyle. You need to be diligent and have a schedule. You can then take the necessary steps to endure that you lead a life without the anxiety that has consumed you.

Fort Max Diet Reviews: Does it Works on Weight Loss?

Unhealthy excess weight in today’s entire world can never be going down but then constantly improving instead. A lot of people across the nation have already tried out diet altering as well as a couple of actually have become good optimistic results out of it and many not . You will find a great number of weight loss supplements, products, as well as health supplement products open to order for diet plans but, certainly not all of them work with weight-loss.

What Exactly the Fort Max Diet All About?

Fort Max Diet is a weight-loss pill from Brazil; this supplement is categorized in their shares fat-interception, cleansing and immune fortification.

As opposed to the superficially decrease their appetite with fillers , Fort Max Diet thoroughly performs in healthy guideline of burning up much more excess calories compared to you eat . With proactive components similar to Acai Berry, this superfood full of nutritional dietary fiber works well for preserving fiber’s made up of fat molecules to reduce new lipid debris.

Fort Max Diet Ingredients:

1. Acai Berry
2. Caffeine
3. Tannin
4. Xanthine
5. Zinc

How Fort Max Diet works?

Fort Max Diet, which is, its actual component, The Acai Berries can certainly help to detox your organism from any kind of impurities you generally consume with your food. The Acai Berries really does a great work of making confident that those poisons are rinsed away.

Fort Max Diet Pros:

• Fat loss easily

Fort Max Diet Cons:

• NO money Back Guarantee.
• Reviews given on the site seems exaggerated.
• Not any in depth ingredients information is presented in site.

Conclusion:

Fine, before we seal up this article regarding Fort Max Diet up, I want you to definitely think about just how much of this unwanted weight is because of your personal carelessness of the body. Yes, I do know that point is rare which it will be simpler and easier to get fast food or make something in the micro-wave, then really making an attempt to make an appropriate, healthful meal. Is this really a valid excuse to what you really are carrying out with the body? It’s not, therefore stop damaging the body, begin with an effective nutritious diet and also allow Fort Max Diet allow you to in order to be in a much better shape. Trust me; as soon as you begin weight loss by means of this product, you simply will not start looking better. You will probably really feel much better. This may basically fill up you confidently which will prove.

#RichardBransonProject

This is too cool. The beautiful Andrea all the way from the UK had the amazing Biz Promo Video do this video. For me. For the Vision Crusaders. For you. For ALL of us! How unreal is that? Riding across Australia and New Zealand is a big call but I am prepared to do whatever it takes and complete the Ride To Conquer Cancer. It saddens me that 1 in every 3 will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. I want to change this statistic. That is why I am doing what I am doing.

Fingers crossed Richard Branson has seen this, if not I am prepping something really spectacular. So please join me and take a picture, make it fun and post it on any of the social medias or send me an email. 

Here are some people so far supporting me with the #richardbransonproject.

What an awesome win we had tonight!!! We are going to Brazil!!! Woo Hoo!! Well not us, the Socceroos. Well done team.

Send those pictures through. Please.

XxDani