Backpain And Accidents In The WorkPlace

Four out of five people today suffer from back problems. and you know something, I haven't yet met that 5th person.

Back pain in the UK is the biggest cause of sickness from work, so why are we not more proactive about it? (It's costing us billions),

I would suggest the figures are similar in other westernised countries.

In the UK especially it's a constant battle. Many firms don't give even basic manual handling training despite the fact it's been a legal requirement for many years.

What about your workplace, what type of job do you do, What kind of training have you received to help you do it safely?

In the end, it doesn't matter what you do because I can nearly guarantee that whatever it is, somehow your posture, the way you sit, stand and work doesn't help your back. (And I'm not even thinking of the weights you're lifting constantly)

I wonder whether you are sitting reading this and you have pain in your back caused by your employment, are you off sick, maybe even semi or permanently disabled. Are your finances suffering as a result,

(Back pain causes so many problems doesn't it)?

So, what can you do about it?

Easy, be proactive for a start!

The really sad part of many accidents in the workplace relating to back pain (besides poor training) is sheer carelessness on the part of workers.

Come on, admit it, if you do have equipment supplied, can you be bothered to use it, or does it takes too long. (Gosh How many times have I heard that excuse).

Just stop and think before you do something dangerous. Because it may take a few extra seconds to mechanise that job, but will it make the difference between working safely and healthily for many more years, or sitting at home in permanent disability.

Think About it...

About the Author

Kim Standerline is a Back Care Advisor working for a large hospital Trust in the UK. She is passionate about good backcare, and can be found at www.backpain-free.com and www.nursing-hints.com

Article

Article updated

About the Author

Susan Dunn, MA, http://www.susandunn.cc . Coaching for retirement, relationships, career, transitions and emotional intelligence. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE ezine; put ezine for subject line. Susan is the author of many books relating emotional intelligence to your transformation.

Driving qualified traffic using Directories

Some education is essential to enlighten you about this form of
interactive marketing. Directories aren't Search Engines; they are
web sites or information portals which use analysts on staff to
review submissions from companies who want to be listed in their
Directory. Yahoo would be the penultimate example of this type of a
portal. But there are literally thousands of other sites that group
and list web sites based on their analysis criteria. Here are some
tips garnered from years of providing these services to our clients.

1)How do you find Directories? I don't have an easy solution for you,
as we've spent years developing and refining (ongoing) our own list
of Directories. But, look around on the Internet using Search Engines
to find popular sites that list resources in your vertical market
segment.

2)Directory listings are a great value, as they provide a long-term
listing, unlike Search Engine rankings which are much more volatile.
Once you achieve a listing you are typically locked into a
Directory's database for a very long time.

3)Let's start with the twenty-ton gorilla in this market, Yahoo!
Spend time carefully reviewing their various categories, then take
the plunge and use their Business Express service which costs just
under $200. (USD) to submit your site. Don't, I repeat don't submit
unless you have carefully analyzed where you belong in their huge
category selections; if you make a mistake you only have one chance
to get a new or revised listing, as they aren't very forgiving of
those who don't do their homework before submitting.

4)Be patient when submitting to Directories, as most are getting tens
or hundreds of thousands of submissions per day - it will take 30-90
days to actually get listed. Keep an accurate record of sites you
have posted to and then check back 60-90 days later and resubmit if
necessary, but don't spam them, as this will not garner any results.

5)Never submit a site unless it is ready for primetime, with no
broken links, under construction pages, incomplete text, graphics
that aren't loading properly, etc. Indexers are very busy, once they
see a site which has problems they will click to the next entry on
their list and your hard work is to no avail.

6)Be prepared with the proper marketing materials for this type of a
campaign, including a working title for your site which is 6-8 words,
several groups of keywords that are separated by commas and spaces of
varying lengths, approx 10-20 and 30-75 keywords, and a longer
description of your site which can be one to two sentences.

7)Part of the required expertise involved in this process is in the
actual category selection - carefully select which category or
categories where you think your site fits by looking at others in
this category to determine if you fit into this classification.

8)Be aware we are seeing a shift to fee-based submissions to shortcut
the process - Yahoo started the trend over a year ago, now LookSmart
and other top tier Directories are starting to do the same. The
tradeoff is of course minimizing time to market - we recommend using
the commercial services to our clients.

9)Want to know if this process has actually done anything for you?
Check your log files or web site analysis software and look at where
your traffic is coming from.

10)If you are getting significant traffic from a small list of
Directories you may want to go back to their web site and pay for
their premium listing services to drive more traffic. These enhanced
listings services typically enable you to bold your listing or add
graphical content which enhances the textual description, usually
only for a few hundred dollars per year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Lee Traupel has 20 plus years of business development and marketing
experience. He is the founder/CEO of a Northern California based,
privately held, profitable Interactive Marketing Agency and Software
Company, Intelective Communications, Inc. http://www.intelective.com
and can be reached via e-mail at Lee@intelective.com

Are You an Ethical Person?

A few years ago I attended a vocational school for computer programming. During my last semester there, we were all required to do a speech about the field of computer programming. I chose to do one on the ethics of computer programming, i.e. the industry you chose to work for, the
type of programming you did, etc.

I discussed things like; if you design programs for a company that produces highly gory video games, and that company promotes those games to young people, do you bear any responsibility for violent behavior in those young people? Or do you bear any responsibility if your programming skills are used to slip pornography through the filters that parents put on computers to protect their children
from online porn? What about if you design programs that help online
criminals steal from others, do you bear any responsibility even if
you don't use the program yourself?

In my summation I stated that I felt you did bear responsibility for these things. If you look at the S & L scandals some years ago, and some of the scandals in the big corporations these days, you might draw the conclusion that ethics in business is a thing of the past.

I think those currently making their living in the internet marketing
arena, and those of us trying to break into that arena need to consider
the area of ethics very seriously.

It amazes me how many wonderful opportunities are offered to me each
day. It's great; I can make tons and tons of money each month even if I'm a really lazy person. All I need to do is buy some ebook for a low $47 or put up some mini site and I'll have more money coming in than I'll know what to do with. What makes this so sad is that you can become so cynical from all the unethical offers, that it
makes it hard to recognize the legitimate ones when they come.

Now, let me assure you, there are many ethical internet marketers out there. There are a few of them that I really respect and look forward to their newsletters and offers. But you have really got to watch yourself. One of the things I really respect about the
ethical marketers is they tell you right off, an online business is like any other business, it takes time and hard work to develop.

It's kind of funny also when I get three or four emails within a day
or two telling me how their friend so and so has this great thing going on. It's of course only open to a few people, and fortunately I'm one of the lucky ones. :) It wouldn't even be so bad if they would at least personalize the offer with their own voice a bit,
but they don't. It's exactly the same, word for word, hey buddy, this ones for you.

You see, a lot of them are not what I would consider ethical business
people. Most of them could really care less about any benefit I might derive from the offer, what they care about is what they can get out of the deal.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with people trying to sell
you or I something. After all, isn't that the idea of internet marketing? But, if I get an offer from someone that I think has a great product and I want to send it along to you, I'm going to do things a little different. First I would send you a note telling you about why I thought the product was a good one. I would then tell you that I was forwarding you a copy of the letter I received so you could get more details about the benefits of the product.

To me, if I really believe in a product, and I want to be honest, that
is the only way that I can endorse it. Being ethical is being honest,
it's treating and dealing with people as you would have them treat or deal with you.

You may get someone to buy something from you with a slick sales letter once. But if the product isn't really something that will benefit them; but you used a slick sales letter to gloss over that fact, it may be the last time you sell them anything.

The moral of the story? If you're going to sell something, make sure it's something that you believe in yourself. If it's an offer from
someone else, don't pretend like the offer comes from you directly, use your own voice lest you sound phoney. Be honest, be ethical, and in the long run it will pay dividens many times over, and in many
areas of your life.

About the Author

Mike Shanta is a student of success who resides in Branson, Missouri. He is editor and publisher of a Free Newsletter All-Round Success which you can receive by going to his website http://www.on-lineopportunities.com, He also publishes a Success Blog called All-Round Success http://www.all-roundsuccess.blogspot.com.

Are You Superficial?

So many things I would have done, but clouds got in my way. from Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell

Like the clouds in Joni Mitchell's song, words get in our way all the time. Have you ever stopped to think about the power of your words? Especially the words you use all the time.

Besides the value of words for sharing ideas and experiences, words can also cause us to limit our understanding of the people and things in our lives. After all, words are only shortcuts we have invented to describe something in our reality. Words are not the objects they describe.

You might think of a word as the surface of a lake. The reality lies under the surface. Most of the time, we don't dive in to see what's under the surface. We're satisfied to skim over the surface.

Think of some of the words you use to describe the people you know. Have you ever called someone stupid or ugly? Once you have labeled them as such, isn't that the way you tend to view the every time you see them. The words you use have effectively put blinders on you. It becomes almost impossible to see them any other way, doesn't it?

Or consider the words used to describe people in the news. The media uses carefully chosen words and names to create the images they want you to have in your head. Maybe you read about the debate over what to call the unfortunate people in hurricane Katrina's path. Are they refugees or what?

Here's a list of seven words. Take a minute to think about what each word on the list means to you. Your meanings will be personal and unique. You may be surprised at what you discover.

Success

Happy

Love

Money

God

Work

Friend

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you think about each word.

Is my definition of the word accurate? Where did my meaning come from? Does my meaning lead me to greater understanding or does it stop me from seeing a bigger picture?

As you do this little exercise in self awareness, you will begin to see how the words you use everyday have the power to control and limit your life. Awareness is the way out of this trap.

Ask someone to define the words from this list. How close is their meaning to yours? Listen and compare. Are you beginning to see how easy it is for misunderstandings to happen?

Now here's one more question you can ask yourself any time you find yourself shortcutting with a convenient label.

What else is there about this person, this place, or this thing, that I'm missing?

About the Author

If you enjoyed this article, you can read more of Tom Donaldson on his BLOG, PhreMind Freenotes Life at http://PhreMind.blogspot.com

Are you suffering from hypoglycemia

WHAT IS HYPOGLYCEMIA?

Hypoglycemia is an abnormally low level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This can be caused by a sudden rise in glucose in the blood due to sweets and other sweeteners. This then leads to a sudden drop once the sweets or sweeteners are no longer in the blood system. Too much insulin released into the blood system can also cause it. Diabetes on the other hand is just the opposite and is an abnormally high level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Learn more about hypoglycemia at:
Hypoglycemia Website

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN EXACTLY?

When someone is suffering from a hypoglycemic attack, the glucose level in the body is too low to effectively fuel the body's blood cells. Since all the cells of the body, especially the brain cells, use glucose for fuel, a blood glucose level that is too low starves the cells of needed fuel, causing both physical and emotional symptoms.

The normal range of blood sugar is approximately 60 to 120 mg/dl (milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood). When the level is below 45 mg/dl, a serious condition is suspected.

Hypoglycemia may be a condition by itself, or may be a complication of diabetes or other disorders. It is most often seen as a complication of diabetes (due to the fact that many doctors don't recognize hypoglycemia without diabetes as true illness), which is sometimes referred to as insulin reaction.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA

The following are the most common symptoms of hypoglycemia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. In most cases, the symptoms will go away once you eat (especially if you eat sweets). Eating sweets however is not the best way to deal with hypoglycemia.

THESE SYMPTOMS INCLUDE (but are not limited to): Headaches Dizziness Uncontrollable cravings Inner trembling Body feels weak Fatigue Sudden moodiness or behavior changes, such as crying for no apparent reason A craving for sweets Cold hands and feet Forgetfulness Blurred vision Irritability Shakiness Sudden hunger Crying spells Insomnia Mental Confusion Nervousness Faintness Depression Heart Palpitations Family history of low blood sugar or diabetes Exhaustion Low libido (sex drive) Inability to concentrate Waking up tired and exhausted Indecisiveness PMS or premenstrual syndrome

AM I HYPOGLYCEMIC?

How do you know if you are hypoglycemic or not? Is there anyway to test to see if you are?

What amazes me is that the answer is no. There is no standard way to test for hypoglycemia (although a small amount of doctors use a glucose test).

According to recent research, it is estimated that there are close to 100 million people in the United Sates alone that are suffering from hypoglycemia and many of them don't know it. With that many possible cases, wouldn't you think that they'd come up with a way to test for the disease?

If you are suffering from any or many of the symptoms listed above, yes, you COULD be hypoglycemic.

You should consult your doctor to rule out any other possible diseases, but don't allow the doctor to take over. You must be proactive in your approach and go with your gut feeling if the doctors tell you that you're fine.

About the Author

Shannon suffered from hypoglycemia for 12+ years before she stumbled across a system that helped her overcome her symptoms. Learn more about how she conquered hypoglycemia at:
www.hypoglycemiahelp.com

Overcoming Difficult People

Overcoming Difficult People
by Alan Tutt
http://www.KeysToPower.com

Everywhere I turn lately, I find information to help deal with difficult people. My biggest reaction to all of it is this, why just deal with them when you can completely overcome them? Why just learn to tolerate being around those you can't stand, when you have the option to either change them or get them out of your life completely!

Let me describe a situation that kind of sparked this whole thing. My girlfriend is a musician who does a lot of work for our church. One thing she did was to bring in another musician to add to the experience of the congregation, a guitar player who came in to play a few songs along with the keyboard and singers. Everything went well, until afterwards when he stormed out of the church without saying anything to anyone. Well, Linda met up with him later that day to pay him for his participation, and to find out what went wrong. At that point, he started eading her the riot act asking how could a church possibly be right if it didn't preach this or that.

Linda tried to explain to this misguided guitar player that our church teaches things a little different from what he was used to, and that she had tried to explain that to him before bringing him into the church (he was from a very conservative, fire-and-brimstone kind of church). Our church is one that teaches acceptance of others, living peacefully, and living the principles taught by the great teacher, Christ.

The difficult guitar player had a problem that the minister didn't even mention the name of the great teacher, although the lesson was clearly one that follows the teachings. For over an hour, Linda tried to tell this person that she accepted the fact that he believed things should have been different, and that she felt no need to convince him of anything. He, on the other hand, felt very compelled to point out he error of her ways. In short, he was being very difficult.

If I had been there, I would have been able to take care of the situation, but it reminded me that there are specific techniques to use in order to get someone else to come around to your way of thinking. And when this is impossible, you can always get the other person to not be so difficult. That is what I would like to share with you today.

There are two basic strategies for overcoming a difficult person. One is passive and the other is active. The passive strategy is one that has been taught by great motivational leaders throughout history. Christ phrased it this way, If your enemy strikes you on the cheek, offer him the other cheek as well. This does not mean that you actually ask to be beaten, but that you do not resist the attack. Gandhi also taught the path of no resistance.

With many personalities, if you don't fight back, then they realize that they cannot get a rise out of you and move on to someone they can intimidate. This works best when the difficult person is being difficult as a means of 'proving' that they are strong and powerful. And this is usually the case when you have someone who feels very insecure about his or her own identity. In Linda's case above, this was the tactic she tried to use, but it failed because the difficult person was not acting from a standpoint of insecurity.

In Linda's case, she was trying to overcome a person who had a strong need to be right. With this kind of personality, resistance or not, they will continue to fight for what they believe is the right course of action. Religious wars have been all too common, and many political wars have been based on the same theme. In our lives, we usually don't pursue the conflict long enough for it to escalate into an all-out war. When you find yourself in this kind of situation, you need to take an active approach to overcoming the difficult person.

The active approach has a few aspects that may be applied during the course of the encounter. The first aspect, which must be applied right from the start, and all through the encounter, is to communicate to the difficult person that they are fighting a losing battle. No matter what they try to say or do, they will not convince you to become any different than you are. Now this will not be something you say outright. If you do, then you are throwing out a challenge, and difficult people always love challenges. Don't make the situation any more difficult than it is already. Instead, you will implement the second aspect of the active approach.

The second aspect is to engage the difficult person as though the two of you are on the same side, and not adversaries at all. Find common ground, and make sure that everything you say relates to that common ground the two of you share. Battles of all kinds are all based on differences, not on similarities and commonalities. Salespeople (if they are any good) all know that stressing the things you have in common with the other person makes that person like you more. Part of the active approach to overcoming difficult people is to turn that enemy into a friend. How often do you fight with your friends?

The third aspect of this approach is the most difficult, and requires an intimate knowledge of the other person's viewpoint. And even if you know for a fact that you know the other person's viewpoint inside and out, ask that difficult person to explain what they are thinking. This will do a couple of things for you. One, it will give this person an outlet for their energy. The more they talk, the less energy they have to fight with. It also makes them feel as if they have accomplished something. They've gotten their point across.

It will also give you the information you need to bring this person around to your way of thinking. There is a great truth that the only way to lead a horse to water is one step at a time. You have to start where the horse is! The same is true when persuading anyone to do anything. Whether you are trying to persuade your boss to give you a raise, your lover to go along with your plans, your kids to behave as you wish they would, or a difficult person to leave you alone, you always have to start where they are.

There's one more thing that letting the difficult person talk could do for you. There is always the possibility that you could learn something new. Maybe you had never seen things the way this person sees them. Maybe from another perspective, the world could be seen as flat, or the sun revolves around the Earth, or your religion could become more effective in reaching its followers.

Benjamin Franklin, who has been acknowledged as a very wise man by many, learned that there were many times when he was mistaken about certain facts, and that he didn't know everything. If you're honest with yourself, you will find that you are not always right about everything either, right? Of course, this doesn't mean that you have to put up with a difficult person, but it gives you the next aspect of the active process to overcome them.

Placing a seed of doubt into the mind of your difficult person is the first step to moving them from where they are now to where you want them to be. They have to admit that they don't know everything, and that they could be mistaken about just about anything. Even if you get no further than this, you can usually convince the difficult person to not be so difficult. You want them to start to think that they could be wrong, and that you could be right. Unfortunately, you can't just say this to them, but you need to ask questions that will lead them to this thought.

If you find that you've gotten this far with your difficult person, then you could continue to ask questions (they lead thoughts so much better than flat statements, don't you agree?) that will cause their mind to take one step at a time over to your way of thinking. Just remember that small steps work much better than giant leaps. Any small step that leads them closer to you is good. And also remember that most people resist any change; so don't expect a complete reversal within minutes.

The only other thing I can say here in this short article is that those in the Keys To Power system learn even more methods which help change other people's thinking and behavior. And they learn methods of keeping difficult people out of their lives completely, so they never have to overcome them in the first place.

I hope that I have given you some new tools to use in making your life easier. Use them with joy, and with Power!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Alan Tutt is the creator of the phenomenally popular Keys To Power Mastery System available from http://www.KeysToPower.com. Become the Arnold Schwarzenegger of Mind Power using the Keys To Power Mastery System, and get everything you want in life.

Are You Tired Of Looking For The Acne Cure ?

When it comes to zits and finding the acne cure it can be quite a difficult task. Everyone claims their product to be the one but are they. The acne cure is the product that works for you and what works for you might not work for someone else.

So how do you determine the acne cure that's right for you? Well I wish I could tell you it's very simple just buy product A or product B but the truth is you are going to have to experiment try different products until you find the one that works for you.

I could fill you full of bull and tell you Neutrogena is the one or Proactive is the one. For some that would be true, for others however it would not.

When trying a new product try to buy the smallest quantity available. Many acne products offer a trial size which is perfect! If no trial size is available then you'll have to buy the next smallest size you can find.

Remember price has no bearing on what works. For some the cheapest acne products do the job for others it's the most expensive. Trial and error is the only way you'll find out.

There are some general things you can do that help almost all sufferers to some degree.

Increase the amount of water you drink daily. It should be at least 10 8 ounce glasses. Water helps flush your system and that includes your skin which then can better move impurities and toxins out of the body.

Increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables you eat.

Exercise. Exercise helps boost the immune system which can then better fight our acne outbreaks.

Take a zinc supplement. Zinc has shown great results for many acne sufferers. If you want more information on zinc visit us at the acne cure center or do a quick search and you'll find other sites providing valuable information.

Reduce stress. Stress can trigger an outbreak so try to keep your stress under control. I know this can be easier said than done but there are many relaxation techniques available. Give one a try.

Contrary to the old wives tails floating around. Acne is not caused by sugar or greasy foods. Although they don't directly cause acne, they are overall not healthy for the body and can reduce the bodies ability to build a strong immune system so you should consume in moderation. But cutting them out of your diet won't make your acne magically disappear.

Many acne outbreaks are a result of hormonal imbalances. That's why acne is so prone in teens. There are hormonal treatments available that you can talk to your doctor about.

There are also many other treatments available from your doctor or dermatologist. This is certainly a route worth exploring if you suffer from severe acne.

But for the occasional outbreak you can find the acne cure that works for you over the counter. So why not start now?

About the Author

M.D. Stacener from The Acne Cure has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing valuable information to keep you beautiful and healthy. Please visit us at The Acne Cure

Are You Ready To Make A Strong Finish?

Talk about a strong finish! In their inspiring story of perserverance which ultimately led to great success and victory, the Detroit Shock won their first ever WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) championship title. USA Today told of their worst-to-first odyssey where the team, after winning only nine games in 2002, they finished 2003 with a league-best record and championship title. What was their formula for success? They did not quit... they believed they could succeed and played their best... They also have a coach in whom they believe and who gives them confidence.

The Shocks championship victory is an example of what can happen through perseverence and continuing to work toward a dream. Although your goals may seem out of reach, it is too soon to quit. There is still time to make significant progress toward your goals. Following are four tips to guide you in achieving your goals for the year and making a strong finish.

Four Tips for a Successful Finish

1.REVIEW YOUR PROGRESS. Take a look at your accomplishments since the beginning of the year. Are you on track to accomplish your goals? Have you lost sight of some goals in the busy-ness of daily activities? Acknowledge the progress that you have made and determine which goals you will continue to pursue.

Ask yourself: What have I accomplished to date? Which goals are most important to me?

2.REASSESS YOUR GOALS. Are you clear about what you want to achieve? Are your goals based on your true values or on something you feel you should do or ought to do? Give yourself permission to re-define or even eliminate goals that may no longer fit.

Ask yourself: Are my goals based on my true values? What do I really want to achieve?

3.RENEW YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR SUCCESS. Are you committed to achieving your goals? Decide that you will do what it takes to be successful in accomplishing the goals that are important to you.

Ask yourself: What is one thing I can do today to strengthen my commitment?

4.GET SUPPORT IN REACHING YOUR GOALS. Any endeavor is easier and more fun when shared with another. Having a teacher, mentor or a coach who is there to nurture and support you, to offer feedback and perspective and to challenge you to do more than you could accomplish on your own will increase your likelihood for success.

Ask yourself: Who will I ask to support me in reaching my goal?

Goals give you more than a reason to get up in the morning; they are an incentive to keep you going all day. Goals tend to tap the deeper resources and draw the best out of life. ~ Harvey Mackay

Pat Morgan, MBA and Professional Coach, has 10 years experience helping teams manage organizational and cultural change. As President of Smooth Sailing, she supports individuals and organizations in managing change, improving performance and achieving excellence both professionally and personally. She has created and led workshops and seminars for organizations such as: the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and Rotary International.

coach@chartingthecourse.biz

Be Content Yet Never Satisfied!

Many years ago a particular phrase came across my desk and caught my full attention. It was at first a bit confusing to me since the utterance seemed incongruent. The phrase was Be Content Yet Never Satisfied!

Interestingly enough, as the years go by it becomes clearer to me that they were in fact truly different words with very different meanings. They were not as I first thought synonymous.

The phrase evoked a lot of questions and left me wondering. Did I derive pleasure from my day to day occurrences or was I overlooking them? Did I acknowledge my achievements throughout the day and give notice to all the wonderful things that occurred or was I consistently in search of more?

I began to notice that many of my achievements left me with a deep sense of accomplishment yet several were gone in the blink of an eye. Not being satisfied with my reaction, I made an agreement with myself to sincerely practice noticing and enjoying my successes. I started to faithfully acknowledge how I felt each time I made even a small accomplishment. To make sure I didn't forget it, I jotted them down in a notebook.

In my search I discovered a very fine line which could either turn my day into a more fulfilling, joyful experience or one that would prevent me from having and owning a sense of pleasure. I observed after making that big sale or having achieved at any level, whether the feeling of contentment left quickly or stayed with me. If it left quickly, I would stop for a moment and give greater recognition to my successes in a more conscious way. It truly felt wonderful. Instead of keeping my eyes only on more, I began enjoying the successes of the day more fully.

It soon occurred to me how wonderful it was when I took the time to acknowledge the many delicious things that filled my life on a daily basis. Having practiced that for a while now, I've come to realize that life offers us a great deal consistently. But more important, I realized how often I had missed the true meaning of contentment. Being so busy in search of more, I had often missed what was right there before me. Copyright2005

About the Author

Charlene Rashkow brings 15 years of experience as a Writing Stylist and Consultant to her creative efforts as a freelance writer. She has successfully helped companies and individuals reach their objectives by writing outstanding web site content, press releases, articles of interest, business plans, resumes, and all other forms of marketing material. You may visit Charlene at www.allyourwritingneeds.com or write her at charlene@allyourwritingneeds.com.

Battling Childhood Obesity through Smart Eating

Finally, a positive solution regarding America's difficult and costly campaign to stem childhood obesity is emerging. For the thousands of children and their families who are currently battling with childhood obesity, this good news is long awaited.

Indeed, the risk factors for childhood obesity read like a checklist of ailments that only a generation ago would never have been linked to children and diet: heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and of course, social ridicule and alienation [i. This latter consequence of childhood obesity -- ridicule and alienation -- has the dual effect of damaging a child both physically and emotionally far beyond childhood, and possibly for the rest of his or her natural life.

For years, medical experts have called for a multi-faceted strategy to address this epidemic. It has been clear that any long-term solution must be fought on four major fronts: physical activity, sedentary behavior, socioeconomic status, and eating habits [ii.

Yet there is room for another pillar; or, at the very least, the identification of another component that must be a part of any lasting solution. This fifth pillar, or undiscovered component, is smart nutritional supplements.

Many obese children have been told repeatedly by well-intentioned dieticians that eating smart is the key to overcoming this scarring condition. This is easier said than done; especially when emotional eating or an unobserved food addiction [1 may fuel adverse eating habits.

Yet being told to eat smart is oftentimes not enough. Children must be provided with foods that are nutritionally sound, and foods that they actually enjoy eating. It is this latter criterion that most well-intentioned experts and caregivers overlook. This is explained below.

Most obese children are neither unable to learn, nor willfully disobedient. Some of these children even have remarkable support from their well-adjusted families who dutifully remove the usual suspects of chips, soft drinks, chocolate bars, and other damaging foods from the home. Yet many of these same children continue to gain weight and march ever closer to the litany of health defects noted above.

These children are not sadistic, and they are not attempting to kill themselves through eating; though some do because of the stigma associated with their condition. Indeed, many obese children are cognitively aware of the danger to which they are subjecting their bodies. Yet they continue to snack away in secret, or binge on foods when they get the chance, thereby undoing whatever minor gains might have been achieved in the previous few days or weeks.

The problem is one of food selection. Generally speaking, children of all weights and shapes will not eat something that they do not like. For obese children who have typically had unfettered access to highly stimulating foods such as gravies and sugar-loaded soft drinks, the willpower to eat unpalatable foods is undeveloped. Indeed, the dietician may snack away on carrots and celery while talking to an obese child about the importance of eating smart. For the obese child, carrots and celery are foreign foods for which there is no known preference.

This fifth pillar, or new component, is therefore one that provides obese children with nutritional supplements that they will eat. As stunningly obvious - even axiomatic - as this seems, it has been lost on many experts until recently.

Thankfully, as noted above, there is a solution emerging. It is one that meets this demand for tasty, healthy foods. Forward-thinking companies that understand their consumers are creating low-calorie, highly nutritious foods fortified with life-sustaining vitamins and protein. More importantly: they are tasty, and are often packaged in colorful containers that are een-friendly. Companies including MetRx, Experimental and Applied Sciences, Protica Research, and others develop products that fit well within these requirements. Granted, a healthy diet does not start or end with nutritional supplements. A healthy diet employs nutritional supplements to complement and fortify real foods.

Indeed, children and families affected by the obesity epidemic in America are cautiously optimistic at this point; after all, they have been promised solutions in the past. However, thanks to the next generation of nutritional supplements, there is an expectation that this optimism will steadily grow with every success story, and every child that recovers from the potentially devastating impact of obesity.



ABOUT PROTICA

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com

You can also learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com

Copyright - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com


REFERENCES

[i Source: The Problem of Overweight in Children and Adolescents. The US Department of Health and Human Services.
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/calltoaction/factadolescents.htm

[ii Source: Childhood Obesity. American Obesity Association.
http://www.obesity.org/subs/childhood/causes.shtml

About the Author

ABOUT PROTICA

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com

You can also learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com

Autism and ADHD Linked to Vaccines

In a study review conducted by David A. Geier, B.A. President, MedCon, Inc., and Mark R. Geier, M.D., Ph.D. President, The Genetic Centers of America, the authors present a clear correlation between Thimerosal (a mercury based preservative used in vaccines) and spectral autism and possibly ADHD.
Thimerosal is an organic mercury compound that is metabolized to ethylmercury and thiosalicylate and has been present since the 1930s as a preservative in some vaccines and pharmaceutical products to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination.
One cited study showed that there are distinct similarities between autism and mercury exposure in their effects upon biochemistry, the immune system, the central nervous system structure, neuro-chemistry and neurophysiology
The National Toxicology Program (NTP), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Statement on Thimerosal states that symptoms of Thimerosal exposure include mental retardation in children, loss of coordination in speech, writing, gait, stupor, irritability, and bad temper progressing to mania.
The FDA in 1999, under the recommended childhood immunization schedule, determined infants might be exposed to cumulative doses of ethylmercury that exceed some federal safety guidelines established for exposure to methylmercury, another form of organic mercury. Additionally it was noted that routine administration of childhood vaccines expose children to more than 100 times the Federal Safety Guidelines for orally ingested methylmercury.
In another study, mice were injected with ethylmercuri-S-cysteine (EMC) and found that the extent and distribution of cell damage was highly predictable, and selective necrosis of the small granular neurons was a constant finding. Thimerosal crosses the blood-brain and placental barriers and results in appreciable mercury content in brain tissue.
In another report the authors concluded that the elimination of methyl- and ethylmercury is very slow, especially in man and primates, and consequently there is a considerable risk of mercury accumulation.
The authors also found that the glutathione system is involved in the metabolism of Thimerosal or its decomposition products. And that certain individuals are genetically more sensitive to Thimerosal due to genetic factors in their glutathione system.
Brain scans of children with autistic spectrum disorders show damage in areas similar to areas damaged by mercury. These areas tend to be areas that have minimal glutathione levels. In addition, these areas typically have higher testosterone concentrations. Testosterone has been shown to increase Thimerosal neuronal toxicity whereas estrogen has been shown to reduce Thimerosal neuronal toxicity.
According to John Hopkins University the increased incidence of ADHD could represent an alternative manifestation of vaccine-associated neuro-developmental toxicity as ADHD.
In a closed meeting where the findings of the Vaccine Safety Datalink analysis were discussed a participant, Dr. Johnston, stated: This association leads me to favor a recommendation that infants up to two years old not be immunized with Thimerosal containing vaccines if suitable alternative preparations are available. Forgive this personal comment, but I got called out at eight o'clock on an emergency call and my daughter-in-law delivered a son by C-Section. Our first male in the line of the next generation, and I do not want that grandson to get a Thimerosal containing vaccine until we know better what is going on.
Recent other studies report no correlation between vaccines containing mercury and autism. At least one of these studies was lead by Thomas Verstraeten, who failed to disclose to Pediatrics as per the journal's requirements that he is employed by GlaxoSmithKline a vaccine manufacturer that produced Thimerosal containing vaccines.
In conclusion parents taking their child for immunization should insist on vaccines that do not contain mercury preservatives, such as Thimerosal. In addition chelation and other natural detoxification programs are known to remove heavy metals from the body. Once heavy metals are removed from a child's body it may be possible for them to recover from the affects of the poisoning. For more information on heavy metal poisoning and detoxification visit the author's website at Whole Earth Health.
Copyright Scott D Saunders, Whole Earth Health LLC

About the Author

Scott Saunders is a wellness consulting helping people to live more enjoyable lives through nutrition and exersize. Contact Scott at http://www.wholeearthhealth.com

Are You a Victim?

Do you find yourself living from paycheck to paycheck? Do you often feel overwhelmed, tired, and worn out? Are you in debt? Is there no enjoyment in what you do?

If the answer to any four of these questions is a yes, then ask yourself a simple question. Why am I not living my dream?

I find that most people go through life, just enduring it. They become numb to their problems. Things are just uncomfortable enough to complain, but do nothing about. Joyce Meyer has a saying that says, Complain, and remain. I don't know about you, but I did not want to remain in a dead end job, poor health, lousy marriage, endless bills, and everything else that wanted to steal my joy.

You might be like a lot of people that I have encountered that make excuses. All excuses are the same and one is no better that an another. Excuses are completely useless and only render you helpless.

Making excuses and casting blame only make us out to be the victim. There is absolutely no power in playing the part of the victim. I know! I've been there and done that. And no one could beat me at the blame game. I was the blaming king! I was a victim. Why did life deal me such a poor hand? Why does everyone else always get the breaks? If it wasn't for you I could be successful. Even at one point, I went so far to say that someone put a curse on me.

I eventually took full responsibility for my shortcomings, but it was only after I acknowledged where I was and why. The truth hurts. I had to admit, to myself, and everyone around me, that in some fashion, I caused this. I admitted that I was making excuses and casting the blame. It was a humbling experience, to say the least. But, I tell ya, it was worth it. I am free!

The answers to most complicated problems are usually simple. Not all, but most. I understand that there are things that are completely out of our control. But, those things are just life and we must deal with them with the best attitude we can muster.

As for the majority of our problems, the first step is to acknowledge our situation. You can never solve a problem in your life until you can first acknowledge that you have one.

Do you sincerely want to move on with your life? You can if you decide to. Make a decision today to take full responsibility for where you are. Maybe you haven't made the right choices up to this point. But now, decide that you will make your choices right.

About the Author

Daniel N. Brown is the publisher of the Living the Abundant and Prosperous Christian Life Newsletter. A free weekly publication that teaches people how to live the abundant and prosperous Christian life. Receieve a free copy of Dan's 14 page report entitled, 5 Biblical Keys to Outrageous Prosperity, when you sign up.
www.secretplaceonline.com

Aromatherapy: How and When to Use Essential Oils

Copyright 2004 by http://www.organicgreens.us and Loring Windblad. This article may be freely copied and used on other web sites only if it is copied complete with all links and text intact and unchanged except for minor improvements such as misspellings and typos.

To repeat where we are, my sweetie (my wife June) had breast cancer a few years ago and we opted 1) to have a lymph-ectomy (mistake) and later 2) radiation (good decision). Regardless of whether it was a mistake we did it and the result is that she has to be very careful about not injuring her right arm. Last summer and fall she burned herself on our oven three times, one of them very seriously. There are other articles covering where else we have gone, but this is on how and when to use Aromatherapy.

Remember the effect of the Lavender oil? She happened to go on an outing with several girl friends right after the bad burn and in talking it over with them they decided to put therapeutic-grade lavender essential oil on the burn. She could feel it healing immediately and in spite of this being a large burn (2 x 6) it healed with only a very small scar, about the size of a half-quarter (like a half-moon shape).

Needless to say, we are sold on the herapeutic grade of essential oils from Young Living. They can be used in several ways, very effectively. These methods of use, or application, are: 1) Apply the oils directly to the bottom of the feet (more on this as we go on), 2) apply the essential oil directly to the bruised or wounded area, 3) diffuse your essential oils into the air, and 4) add certain edible essential oils to water or food for both exotic and exquisite flavorings.

1) In the Orient they have been using acupuncture and acupressure for centuries, perhaps millennia? What is perhaps more surprising is that essential oils, when applied to the bottom of the foot, are absorbed rather quickly into, and dispersed throughout, the body. As a liquid they are also immediately used by the body as anti-whatever and begin their healing actions almost immediately. Because they are pure - therapeutic grade - there is nothing within the compound to hinder the healing effect, nor to slow it.

2) Apply the essential oil directly to the bruised or wounded area. As in the example of the Lavender applied directly to the burn, apply Lavender or Melaleuca oil directly to the cut, scrape or bruised area. This will provide maximum relief directly to the affected area, where it is needed most. But be careful of the oils you use in this manner. When using spearmint, for example, keep it completely away from the eyes; it can cause severe itching and burning and lead to blurred vision for several hours.

3) Use a diffuser and diffuse your essential oils directly into the air you breathe. You will need to have a very good diffuser, such as the one available from Young Living, in order to do this more effectively. We have used several but discarded them all. Only the Young Living diffuser seems to literally radiate the oil scent throughout our home, but to do it efficiently. It costs about $100 US but it has proven many times worth it.

4) You can add add certain edible essential oils to water or food for both exotic and exquisite flavorings. Such spiciness will enhance your cooking and enhance the therapeutic (medicinal) value of your foods as well. You cannot use all essential oils in cooking so it might be prudent to purchase one of Young Living's how to books. They can be ordered directly from the web site.

Finally, all the good health and good nutrition and exquisite flavorings in the world will not make you healthy if your body cannot use the nutrients you are feeding it. Good digestion is the basis for good health. Without good digestion most of the nutrients in your body are going to waste - you might as well have a gigantic tapeworm siphoning off your food. In order to enhance your digestion you should also be using, at least periodically, a proven organic greens product as a digestive aid, one such as Bio 88+ (Plus).

About the Author

Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer. June's and Loring's latest business endeavors are at
http://www.organicgreens.us
http://junedawn.younglivingworld.com

Barcelona Primavera Sound 2005

Who would tell the organizers of the first edition of the Primavera Sound just five years ago that this would be one of the most prestigious music festivals of Spain and even of Europe. Considering the fact that year after year the festival has matured in quantity and quality it could not be otherwise.

The most important groups of the next edition, which will take place from the 26 until the 28 of May, will give the visitors an amazing experience. The punk will have its appearance at the festival through the presence of the veterans Iggy Pop & Stooges, New Order and The Human steps in to the festival as a reference to the English tecno-pop of the 80s, Steve Early arrives with The Dukes, while the American Sonic Youth repeats the experience after being demanded in the 2003 edition.

Not less important second level artists and national groups appear. As r representatives of our music, The Planets, Astrud, Christina Rosevinge and Nacho Vegas deserve a special attention.

As news, The Primavera Sound of 2005 incorporates a contest dedicated to the French music to its program. Dominique TO, Briggite Fontaine, Bertrand Betsch, Daniel Darc, The Married Monk, among others, are some of the abundant number of musicians of the neighbouring country that will approach Barcelona during three really promising days.

As a new contribution to the festival, the more than 70 bands that will participate in the festival will parade through the seven settings that will be used in the precinct of the Forum, space that will permit to enlarge the capacity compared to past editions, besides housing a Record Fair and of Professionals and the Primavera Soundtrack Film Festival.
More Info : Barcelona tourism

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barcelona On Line is a DMC(Destination Management Company) specialized in Barcelona. We provide tourist service and information about the city with our website www.barcelona-on-line.es, since 1996.

Avoid Commont Fitness Pitfalls

While exercising isn't complicated, it's very easy to make mistakes. Often times the mistakes are made because of lack of proper technique training or simply due to rushing to get the workout completed. Regardless of the reason for the mistakes, they can lead to injuries or at the very least be counter-productive to your fitness goals.

Of course it's important to know specifically what to do to be successful at meeting your health and fitness goals but it is also crucial to understand what not to do. So take note of the following common mistakes and how to avoid them. These tips will help ensure your workout time is effective and help prevent injuries.

Too Much, Too Soon

Many new exercisers try to lose weight or tone up too quickly, by exercising too frequently or trying exercise programs that are too difficult for their fitness level. Be sure to start with an exercise plan that takes your current fitness regimen (or lack of) into account.

Pie In The Sky Goals

Despite what many advertisers would like you to believe, it's unrealistic to think you can lose 30 pounds in 30 days or that you can have Hollywood abs simply by doing 10 minutes of crunches a day. It's good to set goals but be sure they aren't too aggressive and realize it's okay to periodically re-define them.

Ignoring Expert Advice

It's always advisable to consult your physician before starting an exercise program. Working with a fitness professional is also a good idea so you can learn proper technique, the latest fitness information and learn how to avoid injuries.

Over-Exercising

If you start to feel overwhelmed, neglect important daily activities in order to workout or repeatedly get injured, then it might be due to exercising too frequently. Realize the importance of balance and that more is not always better. Consider reducing the frequency of your workouts or the intensity of some of them and periodically resting for a few days or a week.

Improper Breathing

Sure, breathing is an involuntary bodily function; something that most individuals tend to ignore. But, breathing correctly during fitness sessions is very important. Incorrect breathing can lead to lack of oxygen and even faintness. When working out ensure that you don't breathe too shallowly and try to breathe through the nose and out the mouth.

Selecting The Wrong Size

Choosing the proper weight size when strength training is trickier then it sounds. Lifting weights that are too heavy for you can lead to improper form and ultimately to injuries. Use weights that are too light and the exercise session can be ineffective. If possible consult a fitness trainer to determine the correct amount of weight for your size, strength and goals. A trainer can also help you develop a plan for safely progressing forward on weight sizes.

Not Staying Hydrated

Drinking enough water on a daily basis is important. When you exercise you need to consume even more water. You should drink 16 ounces for every hour of exercise you complete. Plus you should try to consume 1-2 cups of water about 30 minutes before you begin working out.

Eating Too Little

No, that's not a typo. Not eating enough can be as detrimental as eating too much. When the body is not fed consistently, it goes into a starvation mode. Five to six smaller meals evenly spaced throughout the day helps keep the metabolism running smoothly. Just be sure to control portion size.

Hanging Out Instead Of Working Out

Just showing up at the gym is not going to help you get more fit. Socializing while leaning on a weight machine won't build muscles. It's important to enjoy your exercise time but make sure that the focus remains on physical activity.

Fixating On The Scale

If you think the scale doesn't lie, consider this. Many professional athletes would be considered obese based on their weight alone. Look at the bigger and more relevant picture. Monitor your body fat percentage, if possible. Otherwise track measurements. Also don't underestimate the importance of improved physical and mental well-being.

Lynn Bode is a certified personal trainer specializing in Internet-based fitness programs. She founded Workouts For You, which provides affordable online exercise programs that are custom designed for each individual. Visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com for a free sample workout and to sign-up for their monthly fitness newsletter. Fitness professionals take your business online, visit: http://www.trainerforce.com

Be Discontented With The Status Quo

It is natural to be satisfied with the way things are; but the moment we settle for how things are, we give up the opportunity to experience how things could be. Life is evolutionary, but only if we allow it to be. If we choose to, we can get stuck in the comfort of the status quo and miss the real opportunities that require us to step into a bigger life.

Many people in business are comfortable with things being the way they are. People will even say, It has always been that way. Just because it's always been hat way doesn't mean it has to stay that way. Things must change in order to grow. We must change. To stay the same means to never grow and develop, and never reach our full potential.

Life is about change. Nothing ever stays the same. There are times when people resist change and become comfortable and attached to the status quo. The key is to always be discontented with the status quo and search for new opportunities.

Are you discontented with the status quo? If so, you are right where you need to be. Becoming contented means that you stop looking for opportunities and are not open to new possibilities. The status quo will lull you into thinking things are fine, but that isn't true. The true nature of life is change, so if you are not changing, you are not fully experiencing life. This doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the moment you are in. Most certainly you should enjoy where you are, and be excited about where you are going.

About the Author

Coach Rachelle Disbennett-Lee, PhD, is a Certified Master Coach specializing in working with business owners and professionals in being more profitable and productive while staying sane and balanced. Visit Coach Lee at http://www.365daysofcoaching.com. True Direction, Inc. Copyright >>>This article along with byline attached may be freely republished

Are You a Winner Who Can't Get Laid?

Are You a Winner Who Can't Get Laid?

So you have it all Rolls Royce cars, ocean cruises around the world, vacations abroad, sailing on your yacht, shopping in ParisGolf with the Golden Bear. Everything you ever wanted except your fantasy girls.

Well sir, you have earned it and money alone will not have young hot chicks beating down your door but hanging out with Elvis Preston King the number 1 playboy in the world will make that fantasy come true.

Why did you work and sacrifice if you can't have what you really want? Donald Trump wants lots of hot model girlfriends, he even bought some beauty pageants just to meet the girls, but he doesn't have the self-control not to marry the first pretty face that smiles at him. You can put your girl up in an apartment but DO NOT MARRY the girl. Donald the only thing Elvis Preston King has to say to you is YOUR FIRED!

What are you going to do when fantasy girl number 2 and number 3 and so on and so on comes into the picture. You better believe if you hang out with the King of Seduction that problem will come around sooner than later Most likely the same day. I like to vary my plate of the day .daily. Ok so you only want 6 hot girls like Hef has. That too can be arranged by the King of Seduction Elvis Preston King.

Let me remind you the world's top playboy does not date dancers, pros or sleazy women. He particularly like the sweet innocent loving kind of girlfriend hot and sexy but one you can still be proud to take home to Mom. It's just that Mom keeps asking ut son why do you have so many girlfriends, isn't one enough my dear? Sure Mom I just can't make up my mind which one I wantElvis Preston King

Email your new found buddy at: loverboybachelor@yahoo.com

About the Author

Elvis Preston King is the world's most renowned and respected playboy. His job is picking up and seducing classy young women globally for the gentleman conoseiur who realizes that there is more to life than just accumulating money and the same old same old boring wife. You can email him at loverboybachelor@yahoo.com or visit http://bachelortours.blogspot.com and http:www.msnusers.com/BachelorDreamTours

As The Primary Care Giver for an Alzheimer's Patient How Ca

Taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer's is a huge responsibility and very time consuming. It can bring a lot of stress, frustration and more. You devote all your time to your loved one and not have time for yourself anymore. You always wonder: when can I take a break from her? It is not an easy decision, but sometimes it has to be made for your own well being.

There are different options to consider. If your loved one is in early/mid stages of Alzheimer's you can consider private duty home care. Many agencies throughout the nation and in your community provide this service. A list of providers can be obtained in the phone book, from the local Alzheimer's Association, Area Agency on Aging, or any case management and referral source. The private duty home care can include services like bathing, sitting, taking to appointments, shopping, meal preparation and other day-to-day essentials. This assistance will definitely help you in getting more free time.

You might also try adult day care. The centers usually operate from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. It is a good environment for socialization. Your loved one will be able to interact with others, but she knows she will be back home for the night. If you decide to look for an adult day care, you will want to make sure the staff is experienced in caring for Alzheimer's patients.

Another solution is hiring an independent in-home care giver yourself. This person will take care of your loved one while you are away. You may be able to obtain names and information about experienced caregivers from places such as your church, Alzheimer's Association, Area Agency on Aging.

Make sure you check the references. Meet and talk with the prospective caregiver and see how the person interacts with your loved one. Touching is very important. It could be a pat on the back or gently rubbing the hand. You can even ask your loved one for input about the person. People with dementia are often perceptive and intuitive.

And don't forget! You have family members as well that can help you. A loved one who has Alzheimer's affects all family members. So if family members offer to help, take advantage of it.

Remember, help is available. Do not feel guilty because you want to take a break. You deserve it.

William G. Hammond, JD is a nationally known elder law attorney and founder of The Alzheimer's Resource Center. He is a frequent guest on radio and television and has developed innovative solutions to guide families who have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's. For more information you can visit his website at www.BeatAlzheimers.com.

Aromatherapy Spotlight on Lavender

Imagine a flower being able to calm your nerves, reduce inflammation and swelling, promote faster healing for minor burns, decrease muscle pain, alleviate insomnia, and work as a natural bug repellant? That purple colored flower named lavender, which is derived from the Latin word lavera meaning o wash, is one of the most versatile essential oils the plant kingdom has to offer. Additionally, it's obtained without a prescription and the price is considered quite inexpensive.

Types of Lavender:
Lavandula angustifolia is the most common type of lavender and it hails from England It is oftentimes referred to as true lavender. Any true lavender will have the botanical name of lavandula as the prefix. (There are up to 50 different species, including lavandula officinalis and lavandula vera, yet they will all be simply lavender). Lavender grows all over the world, including many parts of the United States and Canada, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Russia, Croatia, China, and Australia. The reason the rue lavandula angustifolia genus is so popular is due to the low rate of camphor, less than one percent, it retains after distillation. This lends the essential oil a strong floral aroma, but it also makes it quite effective in aromatherapy usage, especially in accelerating the healing of minor burns. Camphor is a chemical constituent that you don't want near a burn, and other versions of lavender, such as lavandin, lavender's cousin, which can contain up to 8% camphorare not effective for soothing delicate skin tissue.

Lavandin (lavandula x intermedia) ~ According to 'The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils' by Julia Lawless, lavandin is: A hybrid plant developed by crossing true lavender (lavender angustifolia) with spike lavender or aspic (lavender latifolia). Due to its hybrid nature, lavandin has a variety of forms: in general it is a larger plant than true lavender, with woody stems. Its flowers may be blue like true lavender, or grayish like aspic. The scent of lavandin is also sharper and more penetrating. While the plant grows in parts of Eastern Europe, Hungary, and Spain, cultivation is mainly in France.

Spike Lavender (lavandula latifolia) ~ Spike, sometimes referred to as Spanish lavender, is native to Spain, France, Italy, the Mediterranean region, and Northern Africa. The bright purple-blue flowers commonly found in true lavender are often a grayer hue in the spike variety. The essential oil is very penetrating, more herbal than floral, and retains a higher concentration of camphor than true lavender.

Lavender 40/42 ~ The lavender is blended with other lavenders to bring the percentage of linalol to between 40% and 42%. Linalol is an active component of Lavender that contains therapeutic benefits. Some Lavender essential oils can contain 40% and 45%.

Historical Uses for Lavender:
Lavender was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians in the sacred walled garden at Thebes. They prized the herb greatly, using it to make a soothing and healing balm that was part of the ritual of mummification. It was turned into an expensive perfume to adorn both the living and the dead. Perfume urns were sealed into tombs to provide fragrance, and when Tutankhamen's tomb was excavated, the scent of lavender was still strong even after 3000 years. From 'The Book of Magical Herbs' by Margaret Picton.

Surprisingly, lavender is found more frequently in commercial fragrances for men rather than women. This is one of the oldest scents in the fragrance world, made from oils extracted from the lavender and lavandin plants grown in France as well as spike lavender grown in Spain. From the book 'Perfumes, Splashes & Colognes' by Nancy M. Booth. Examples of men's fragrances are: Aqua Lavanda, Cool Water, Drakkar Noir, Hai Karate, Lavanda, Le Male by Gaultier, Old English Lavender, Old Spice Fresh Scent, Pino Silvestre (conifer), Pour un Homme and Ungara Pour Homme all contain lavender and/or lavandin essential oils.

Benefits of Lavender:
This versatile essential oil is familiar to many of us. You should have a small bottle of it for your First Aid kit and/or to keep in your kitchen. Lavender is one of the best natural ingredients to help stop the pain from minor kitchen accidents such as burns from the oven/stove or knife cuts. A drop of lavender can ease the pain, and only the addition of the gel-like innards of a freshly sliced open aloe vera leaf is as good a remedy for instant relief. Combining the two is recommended, as aloe vera instantly cools a hot burn.

For sunburn pain, lavender is also recommended. Pesky mosquito or other insect bites bothering you? Try adding lavender essential oil to the problem area(s) and your skin will thank you.

Headaches may disappear when you massage a tiny amount of lavender on your temples or the nape of your neck.

Lavender and relaxation are two words that are virtually synonymous with each other. However, according to author Erich Keller in his book 'Aromatherapy Handbook for Beauty, Hair and Skin Care' he writes: Lavender is an all-purpose oil for skin care. Its effect is antibacterial, pain-relieving, healing for wounds, soothing for skin diseases, deodorizing, antiseptic, fungicidal, insect-repelling, rejuvenating, and anti-inflammatory. It may be used to treat all types of skin and is effective for acne and oily hair (as it regulates sebum production), itchy skin, hand care, cracked skin, bruises, shock injuries (in ice-cold compresses), acne scars, blisters, abscesses, furuncles, warts, boils, eczema, athlete's foot (tea tree is more effective here, however), wounds, and burns. A bath with lavender soothes and heals the skin after sunburn.

Safety/Precautions:
Unlike many other essential oils, there are few safety notes to share with you. Lavender essential oil can be used neat, meaning without diluting it in a plant based carrier oil, but it must be done in small amounts and only for minor skin problems. However, it is advised to dilute lavender with a vegetable carrier oil such as olive oil, jojoba, sweet almond oil, etc., just to make certain that your skin doesn't have an allergic reaction. Please be very careful when purchasing pure lavender essential oil to be used for minor medical burn treatment emergencies as you will need true lavender, the type containing the lowest amount of camphor, and NOT lavandin, the genus which has up to 8% camphor - a burn causing ingredient!

Please do not take lavender essential oil internally!

Uses for Lavender:
Bath soak ~ All you need is approximately 15 drops in your bathtub of warm to hot water and you should find yourself relaxing.
Candle ~ Add a few drops to a candle, next to the wick, not on it as essential oils are flammable. Lavender will fill the room with its soothing floral aroma and relaxation should follow.
Sachet ~ Add dried lavender buds to a small muslin bag and store in your drawers/cupboards, and especially where linen is stored. This method also works well as a natural bug repellent if you hang a scented lavender sachet in your closet(s) on a hanger.
Hair ~ Add two to four drops to your hairbrush and brush your hair. Not only will it smell great, doing this helps to condition it naturally. Also, lavender is believed to stimulate hair growth and its antibacterial properties can help eliminate scalp conditions.

Blending With Lavender:
The happy combination of two florals is pronounced with the intermingling of rose, jasmine or geranium (Bourbon or Rose). For more dramatic combinations, consider mixing lavender with the following essential oils: bergamot or any citrus essential oil, clove, rosemary, eucalyptus, patchouli, clary sage, cedarwood, tea tree, oakmoss, vetiver, or pine.

Finding High Quality Lavender:
The most important things to look for on any glass bottle of lavender essential oil will be four categories. Naturally, you would expect to see Lavender on the label. However, here are the four facts that you will find on any bottle of essential oil from a reputable supplier/company:

1.Botanical/Latin name. If in search of true lavender it would be Lavandula angustifolia.
2.Part. What part of the plant has the essential oil been extracted from? For lavender, that is the flowering tops.
3.Method of extraction. Is it an absolute, enfleurage, carbon dioxide (CO2), or has it been steam distilled? In this case it has been steam distilled. While lavender can be found in CO2 form as it's the most expensive, or as an absolute, the most common type is steam distilled.
4.Country of Origin. As noted, lavender comes from many different countries, and my personal preference is for the type from Bulgaria. Location can make a sizeable difference for many reasons such as climate, type of soil, high/low altitude, etc.

Other factors to look for are price, as too low of an amount means it has been adulterated in some way or is possibly synthetic. Essential oils should be stored in a glass bottle to protect the contents. Then you must continue to keep your lavender in the best environment and that would be in a cool, dark place.

For practical reasons, it's better to buy a small amount. Not only is this more economical, but this way you can determine what lavender oil you like the best. You can consult with a certified aromatherapist for advice on obtaining the best quality lavender. Another way is to locate a reputable farm where lavender is grown, as this would be the best place in which to purchase your lavender essential oil. Lavender farmers will be able to answer your questions and advise you on what type of lavender is best suited for your needs. You will be advised that lavender is harvested in the summertime and that immediately after it has been distilled is not the best time to buy itusually one to two years after distillation is when it matures. For example, I purchased a bottle of lavender in April, and the following spring I started to notice a less herbal, and more rounded floral aroma. Another benefit to lavender is that it has a fairly long shelf life (approximately five years) and, like fine wine, can improve during its bottled lifespan.

About the Author

Lisa Maliga is the bath & body products designer for Everything Shea Aromatic Creations http://www.everythingshea.com Everything Shea offers a variety of glycerin soaps, (including Bulgarian Lavender), lip balms, scented/unscented shea butter, Whipped Shea Butter, Shea Comfort, custom SoapCakes and Mini SoapCakes. Discover 275+ fragrances, designer duplicates and essential oils.

Are you controlled by the urge to binge?

I gotta confess: I'm completely addicted to crisps. Any kind is fine. Don't mind the flavor - they all taste fine. My resolve weakens every time I think about chomping into one. Feeling the crunch, hearing the crackle, and getting that first taste of its tangy flavor. Bliss - and if you are into crisps then you probably wish you had a packet right now - probably a big one.

But maybe crisps aren't your thing. Probably there's another food that lures you into the refrigerator or the pantry cabinet. I can think of a few more that do it for me. Milk chocolate, do-nuts, crispy pies....and the list goes on. I have no doubt that you probably have a list of your own - right. According to one study, 97% of women (compared to 68% of men) experience cravings on food.

So how do you control these urges that pull you away from your diet plan and down the temporary joy of self-indulgence? I researched on the topic to give you what some experts advise on how to enjoy that art called eating without it turning into a feeding frenzy. Read on - and never again feel guilty about eating a chocolate chip cookie.

This is what they say:

Take Charge of Your Eating Habits.

Try to control the number of food cravings you experience. It appears to be impossible for humans like us, but if you psyche yourself and develop fewer cravings, then slowly you'll submit to fewer cravings.(I'm not sure how to do this - maybe imagine that hamburger as a large lump on your butt or that chocolate as a shiny red bulge on your forehead)

According to one study of nearly 500 women, researchers found that women who received a daily 1, 200 milligram calcium supplement reduced their number of premenstrual food cravings by 54%. To reach the same result by getting the needed calcium intake from food, rely on skim milk and yogurt. Sounds a bit difficult for all lactose intolerant? Try some calcium-fortified foods or juices like cheese and calcium-filled orange juices. If you don't feel you can get sufficient calcium from food, make up the difference using a supplement of calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.

How about something relaxing? When you're anxious, the body produces more of the hormone cortisol, which may increase the amount of carbohydrates you want to eat. Sweets or carbohydrates temporarily increase our levels of serotonin, making us feel calm and relaxed.

Thus, one way of helping curb your sweet tooth, rent some videos, text your funniest friends, or schedule a spa weekend. Why not have a bit of chocolate once in a while? When you begin including small amounts of these forbidden foods into your diet, a funny thing happens: You don't crave them anymore.

Distinguish specific cravings from hunger. Suppose you drive by a fast food outlet and all of a sudden, you develop a deep craving for French fries. Rather than rushing down the drive thru section, reassess your urge. Turn on your favorite music and switch your attention away from the fries idea. Suppose, on the other hand, you feel the need to satisfy not the urge but your hunger, select an apple pie or salad as a substitute.

Cut Hundreds of Calories.

Sure you can cut on hundreds of calories on what you eat every day! How? By making the appropriate choices on replacing high-calorie to low-calorie foods, such as cheese, creams, whole milk, butter, etc. Here are easy tricks to keep you cooking and eating minus the calories.

When cooking, use nonstick pan to eliminate the use of butter and/or oil.

Remove the fat from the meat.

Remove the skin of chicken before serving.

Use butter-flavored seasoning on vegetables instead of sprinkling butter.

For casseroles, desserts and sauces, use evaporated skim milk (12 cal./tbsp.) instead of heavy cream (51 cal./tbsp.)

Cook stews and other casseroles ahead of time. Refrigerate. Remove congealed fat before serving.

Choose real orange (71 cal.) over an orange juice (90 cal./6 oz).

For snacks, low-calorie fruits (cucumbers, asparagus, carrots, apples, pickles) are good replacements for crackers and breads.

Use bottled chocolate extract for milk shakes instead of sweetened cocoa.

Use two egg whites (34 cal.) for cakes instead of one egg (82 cal.).

Choose diet margarine (50 cal.) instead of the regular margarine (100 cal.).

Choose cereals with the least calories then add fresh fruits to be more nutritious.

In parties, good substitutes for snacks are carrot strips, pickle slices, and raw mushroom caps.

Drip away fats by cooking hamburgers on the rack.

Avoid chips with dips.

Staying in healthy shape depends on the right behaviors. So how strong is your will power to control the urge?

About the Author

The http://www.lose-weight-quickly.info is dedicated to all those who are frustrated because they are overweight or obese and want to take back their life.
You may reprint this article on your website or in your ezine provided the resource box is included and the link to my website remains live

How To Build The Bond With Your Dog

Building the bond with your dog is really quite easy. If you recognize that you have a relationship with your dog, then building the bond comes down to nothing more than increasing the strength of that relationship.
And as with any relationship, building a bond requires:

1.) Spending quality time together.
2.) Getting out in the world and experiencing life together.
3.) Establishing and promoting a level of mutual respect.
4.) Developing a way of communicating so that both individuals understand the other's needs. (Hmmm... maybe I should be writing self-help books for humans???)

Let's take a look at each of these key points to see how they can have a positive affect on your daily dog training:
1.) Spending quality time together.
Spending quality time together does not mean sharing a beer with Fido while the two of you lay in front of the television. Well, okay... maybe it does.
But more importantly, it means committing to a series of rituals and behaviors that you and your dog can look forward to.
For example, I often throw Forbes (the Pit Bull) in the back of the truck when I wake up in the morning and we go for a drive down to the local McDonald's Drive-thru. For most of the drive, Forbes is either still wiping the sleep out of his eyes, or he's doing the guard dog routine if someone walks up to the back of the truck.
But the highlight of this morning ritual begins when we get home. It's Forbes' job to hop out of the back of the truck and take the empty McDonald's brown paper bag in his mouth, walk down the drive way, around the gate, into the back yard, and then over to the trash can... where he drops the bag.
Sure, it's a stupid pet trick. But see how disappointed the dog is when *I* insist on carrying the bag to the trash can!
From the dog's point of view, it's the 30 or 40 little things throughout the day (that he can help me with) that make his life worth living. And for the dog, this is spending quality. It all boils down to being an active participant in each other's lives.

2.) Getting out in the world and experiencing life together:
It had been years since Bud and Janice's kids had grown and left the house for college and later, corporate jobs. Bud had wanted a dog for several months and Janice finally gave in.
They decided to adopt a beautiful 5 year-old Golden Retriever and proceeded to train Mac, using many of the techniques I describe in my book, Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer! (To learn more about this book, go to http://hop.clickbank.net/?1greatdog/agkatz).
Janice got scared when Bud came back from his first walk around the neighborhood with Mac and ran into the house yelling, Janice! Janice! You won't believe what happened!!!
Oh my gawd, though Janice, thinking that perhaps Mac had bitten a child, or run away.
What happened? Janice questioned her husband.
You won't believe it, Janice, said Bud, I took 'Mac' for a walk... AND PEOPLE ACTUALLY CAME UP AND TALKED TO ME!!!
Imagine that! Here's a guy who had lived in the same neighborhood for eight years and didn't know any of his neighbors until he got a dog and started taking it for walks. Dogs are a wonderful excuse to get you out of the house and interacting with the world around you.
It's also one of the many reasons that handicapped people like owning service dogs... because it makes it easier for other people to come up and start a conversation.
And do you think that Mac minded all of the attention? Absolutely not.
As a matter of fact, I think that my dog Forbes is happiest when we're out in the world, meeting new people and experiencing new things together. Two best friends, out on the town.
You should see the look on Forbes' face when two or three beautiful women walk up and start rubbing his belly.
Even better... you should see the look on my face!

3.) Establishing and promoting a level of mutual respect.
Just like with any relationship, there must be mutual trust and respect.
Trust comes with time, and proving to your dog that you will keep him safe and happy.
Respect, just like with human relationships, comes from establishing boundaries and treating any breach of those boundaries with firmness and fairness. Without enforceable boundaries, there is no respect. And when there is no respect, your relationship with your dog will be out of balance. And trust me, when your relationship with your dog is out of balance... nobody's having fun.

4.) Developing a way of communicating so that both individuals understand the other's needs.
Developing a way of communicating gets back to laying a proper foundation with your dog training. And this relates specifically to making your praise and your corrections motivational.
Once your dog understands clearly when he's doing something RIGHT... and when he's doing something WRONG... a magical thing starts to happen. You find that you are actually COMMUNICATING!!!
And being able to communicate with your dog is what allows you to go anywhere and do anything with your dog and know that he'll listen to you.

There are four primary ways that dogs communicate with us, and with each other:
1.) Body language.
2.) Vocal tonation and voice inflection.
3.) Touch.
4.) Scent.
All of my dog training techniques try to incorporate as many of these elements as possible. In sum, you can think of dog training as a word that can be easily substituted for the word, communication.
Do you want to be able to take your dog anywhere, and KNOW that he'll listen to you... even if tempted by another dog, a cat, or even a piece of food??? Then check out: Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History! By Adam G. Katz, Owner of South Bay K-9 Academy. For more information, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author, Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer! which you can read more about at: http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

ArthritisHypnosis Connection

Did you know that we all have the ability to enhance self-healing, increase comfort and improve nutrition, exercise, communication and flexibility? This article explains clinical hypnosis and how it can bring relief to clients suffering from arthritis. Hypnosis is easy to learn, you can do it on your own and it empowers you to take an active role in your healthy well-being.

The subconscious mind has many jobs. It quietly and effectively regulates our bodily functions and stores all of our values, beliefs and memories. It also balances our blood pressure, heart rate and co-ordinates each step we take everyday of our life. The negative effects of arthritis extend into many areas of a client's life, as does the positive resolve and relief of hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is the simple process of accessing and directing the subconscious mind to support certain positive changes. It is the language of the mind, it access the most powerful level of awareness and down loads new applications of freedom and relief.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It causes a deterioration of the protective lining of cartilage in our joints. This deterioration occurs due to a breakdown of the chondrocytes that form cartilage. Osteoarthritis affects men and women equally. Most people over 30 years of age have some features of early osteoarthritis. The degree of limitation depends on the location of the inflammation. The major areas of concern are hips, knees and spine. The development of osteoarthritis may be related to trauma, aging or heredity.

The symptoms of stress play a big role in exacerbating the situation. Communication with family and friends plays a key role in managing stress and hypnosis makes this a lot easier. Suggestions offered to a client during a hypnosis session encourage them to share what's on their mind enabling them to offload concern and frustration, giving them more time doing things they enjoy.

It takes energy to deal with any physical or emotional burden. Hypnosis creates ideal sedation allowing for sound sleep. We all follow the path of our most dominant thoughts and if the last thoughts a client has at bedtime involve deep restful sleep, they are in a much better position to recharge their body and mind for tomorrow's challenges.

For those suffering with arthritis it's often difficult just keeping up with the fast pace of day-to-day life. Hypnosis helps individuals adjust to a more appropriate pace and also to release the frustrations and anxiety associated with any limitation. Clients who routinely relax with hypnosis are more centered, balanced and less affected by things they can not control.

Increasing muscle tone reduces stress to affected joints, which increases mobility and comfort. Low impact activities like swimming; walking and range of motion exercises are commonly recommended to clients with arthritis. With hypnosis it's easier to integrate new regimes and to establish positive subconscious connections between healthy activity and improved mobility, comfort and freedom.

The more protection in your joints, the more comfort and mobility you create. Since the subconscious controls the multitude of our bodily function, hypnosis can direct it to increase the production of chondrocytes, which increases the growth of healthy new cartilage. Pain is often the biggest issue with arthritis. Some pain, however, is necessary; it acts as a warning system telling us that something isn't right. The responsible approach with hypnosis is to only reduce unnecessary pain, leaving intact the body's ability to signal us and protect us from further complications.

Hypnosis can also be used to regulate the flow and distribution of endorphins, which are the 'feel good' chemicals the body uses to create comfort and relaxation. Using hypnosis to regulate endorphin production plays a big role in putting the client in control. Hypnosis can also alter the perception of where the pain is located. By redirecting sensitivity away from key areas such as hips, knees and vertebrae to a less critical part of the anatomy like a finger tip, the client has much more control.

The same approach can be used to attach a different quality to pain. A sharp pain can be perceived as dull; burning pain can be perceived as cool. Involving other senses is one of the distinct advantages hypnosis offers in managing the symptoms of arthritis. Another technique involves using one color to represent pain and another to represent comfort, and then blending the two offering instant relief.

Lastly, by attaching a number value to pain creates the option of change. By imagining a yardstick during hypnosis a client can pick the number that best reflects their current level of pain, and then they are directed to different numbers which changes their perceived level of discomfort.

With hypnosis arthritis sufferers gain a distinct advantage in managing and even reversing the limitations of arthritis. Hypnosis is simple, empowering and extremely effective. A few sessions with a hypnotherapist gets you started and with a little practice you begin to effect healthy positive changes in your life. We all have remarkable self-healing abilities and hypnosis is an excellent way to jumpstart a return to a healthier more active life.

About The Author

Paul Gustafson RN, BSN, CH runs HealthyHypnosis.com of Burlington, Massachusetts. His 11 years of acute cardiac and hospice experience offer a solid foundation supporting his clinical approach to hypnotherapy. Visit HealthyHypnosis.com or call toll free at 888-290-3972.

info@healthyhypnosis.com

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 101

Introduction
This is a type of mental disorder, which occurs primarily in school-aged children but can also be diagnosed for the first time in the late teens esp., if some of its symptoms are left unnoticed. It was once falsely thought that after puberty the children don't need treatment.
These types of children are given special advantages under Section 54 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Diagnosis
The disorder, as described in DSM IV-TR, is best characterized by three main symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. For making a diagnosis in a child the disorder must start before age 7 and the symptoms must continue for 6 months. Children having signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity are restless, unpredictability, tendency to fail, difficult to stay seated and blurting answers without even giving thought.
Feelings of inattention are getting distracted, making careless mistakes and trying to finish off things very fast. Although they start very fast but quickly jump to another job without completing the former one.
Besides these other symptoms are vision problems such as double vision

Cause
The cause is still not clear. Among the hypotheses are anatomical structural problems in frontal lobes and the basal ganglia of the brain. Some propose the theory of genetics. Others claim that certain environmental causes are smoking and having alcohol in pregnancy. Finally some hypothesize that taking artificial sweeteners and additives might be the cause.

Differential diagnosis
Certain disorders such as autism, certain personality disorders, oppositional defiant disorder and learning disorders might at times mimic ADHD and mislead the doctors. Some disorders like bipolar disorder may accompany ADHD. Some children with ADHD may eventually develop some conduct disorder or anxiety or depression. Untreated the child is prone to both the social and family problems besides decreased self-esteem.

Management
The first step in the diagnosis of the disorder is to interview the parents and then the teachers although psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians or the teachers of the child can diagnose the disorder. Generally the parents are not the first to notice. The best person to manage the child in this context is a psychiatrist. There are basically two sets of management and both are to be given simultaneously in order to manage the child. The disorder might run forever. Nutrition and child psychotherapy do not seem to help in the treatment.

Medical
Although there are different medications available in the market but the most effective ones are adderal, Ritalin and strattera. Like all other CNS medicines, these are not without any side effects. For e.g. adderal has side effects of nervousness, irritability, dry mouth, sleeplessness and stomach upset. Similarly Ritalin causes above symptoms and decreased appetite. Strattera comes with the side effects of insomnia and anorexia.
Counseling
In a recent study long term combination therapy with both the medical and the counseling were far better than either of them alone.

About the Author

Shruti arora writes about Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder topics.

Competition Jealousy And Goals

Naturally some of us are more competitive than others, but the vast majority of us have a good degree of competition hardwired into us. If you think you are not competitive in the least, ask yourself: have you ever felt a twinge of desire, jealousy or envy when looking at another person's accomplishments or lifestyle? If you said yes, you are competitive - otherwise you wouldn't care what others have.

Now before I offend anyone let me make it clear that I am not equating healthy desire or competition with vulgar jealousy. There's a fine line between unhealthy jealousy and a competitive spirit that pushes you towards obtaining the same as another individual has. Let's break this down into a specific example:

First we have Joe, an average guy that struggles to pay the bills each month. One evening while watching television he catches The Apprentice, sees Donald Trump and starts thinking to himself: I wish I had what he had. It's not fair that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth while I sit here at risk of losing my home.

Across the town we have Mary, another individual that is barely able to keep up with the bills each month. She is also tuning in to the abovementioned television show, and she's thinking similar thoughts, though they have a distinct difference: I wish I had what he had. In fact, I'm going to sign up for a real estate course and learn the business such that years down the road I can match his success.

In the above examples, both would like to obtain Trump's status and fortunes, but only one has a realistic shot at actually improving his/her lifestyle. Joe is practicing sheer, unadulterated jealousy, which is an ugly and self-destructive attitude that leads him to rationalizing that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. In his eyes, life just isn't fair, and there's nothing he can do about it.

On the flip side, Mary recognizes that Trump is a savvy businessman that has made his fortunes via real estate. Sure, he might have had a head start with the properties inherited by his father, but anyone with enough determination and vision could potentially learn the real estate market and take their own slice of the pie. She is embracing her competitive spirit - she wants what Trump has and she's going to do her best to stake her own claim.

The above examples are highly exaggerated and quite frankly unrealistic for most of us - as much as we'd like to become a billionaire, it's just not going to be in the cards. But that isn't to say we cannot become very wealthy and even hit millionaire status if that is our goal - all it takes is a lot of hard work, determination and a healthy sense of competition.

Most of us would like something that another person has, and while religions and society have trained us to reject such feelings, they aren't inherently bad. If you allow your desires to turn into jealousy and envy then yes, you are walking down a bitter and self-destructive path, but if you instead convert your desires into an honest plan to match their achievements then you're embracing your competitive spirit.

So reach for your desires. Embrace and nurture your inner competitive spirit such that it bubbles up and guides your actions each and every day. Competition is a wonderful motivator, and few of the world's elite businessmen and individuals would have accomplished their goals and achievements without a strong competitive spirit.

About The Author

Jeffrey Rolo is an experienced human resources manager, business owner and also the owner of Goals-and-Motivation.com, a website offering a free 20+ page guide on goal setting. Visit http://www.goals-and-motivation.com to view this guide as well as other articles about goals and management.