Health Talk Today

Goodbye Blogger ~ Hello WordPress

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:03:00 +0000

Blogger has gotten comfortable - Maybe too comfortable. I've been blogging here for over a year. My first post was published on July 15, 2008. I've learned a lot about how Blogger works and I've also learned its limitations. But most importantly, I've learned how blogging works and I'm hooked! It's been fun here, but it's time to move on.

Please visit my new blog, Health Talk Today. It's the same old name with a fresh, new look. I've imported all the old posts for easy access and archived all the newsletters and health links.

And so, I'm off on a new adventure. Drop by Health Talk Today any time. The welcome mat is always out.

BUT WAIT! before you go, take a few minutes to leave a comment and say "Goodbye."

Welcome Perrie Meno-Pudge

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Welcome to my new friends, Joanne Fsadni and Barbara Kimmel, co-creators of Perrie Meno-Pudge. Baby boomers will appreciate the mid-life humor of Perrie Meno-Pudge. The cartoons bring back memories of the "Good Old Days."

This is one of my favorite Perrie Meno-Pudge cartoons. Many years ago, my parents owned an antique shop in Miami, Florida. The shop has been closed for a long time, but I still remember row after row of old oak furniture and collectibles. Dad loved clocks, so the walls were lined with them - Most of them ticking, chiming and striking the hour.

Visit Perrie Meno-Pudge to view all the cartoons - And tell them Health Talk Today sent you.

How Much is One Trillion Dollars?

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:29:00 +0000

A really long time ago, I remember when $20 in my wallet seemed like a lot of money. By the time my family was growing and the economy was booming, I needed $100 when I was shopping. Today, I need a credit card.

There's a lot on the news lately about the federal budget and the national debt. I remember when a million dollars sounded like a lot of money. Then, it was a billion. Now, I often hear a trillion dollars on the news. How much money is that? Watch the video to learn more . . .

Video compliments of www.mint.com, a free site where you can track your finances and create a budget. You need to add your bank, credit card, home loan and investment account information - Not something I recommend. Then, Mint pulls in your balances, purchases, stock trades, etc. to give you a complete picture of your finances.

Brain Fitness - Free Crossword Puzzle

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:10:00 +0000

Are you in a rut? Doing the same things day after day? Or not doing much of anything at all? Have you become a couch potato?

We all have a daily routine: Regular times to eat, sleep, shower, watch TV and work. There's nothing wrong with having a routine. As a full time caregiver for my mom, who's no longer independent, I thrive on routine. That way, both of us know what needs to be done and the schedule keeps us on track.

But, stimulating your brain with something new is the way to learn and grow. It's also one way to improve memory and concentration.

Brain exercise is an important part of staying healthy. One way to challenge your brain is to play games - Any game that you find fun and stimulating.

Here's a free online crossword puzzle. There's a new one every day, so come back often to play.

Crossword Daily

Complete the crossword as quickly as you can.

Play this free game now!!

What other things can you do to improve memory?

Mind Mapping

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:38:00 +0000

I'm always looking for ways to organize and document what I've done and what I want to do. I carry a lot of it around in my head, but there's a better way. I got rid of my mental clutter by creating mind maps.

Whether you need a To Do list, a bucket list or keep track of your goals, mind mapping software by FreeMind can help you sort out your thoughts. Create your mind map and save it as an image to use as your desktop wallpaper. Or print a copy of your mind map to post on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror.

And best of all . . .
FreeMind mind mapping software is a free download.

This is a sample mind map from FreeMind. The center of the chart can be where you are today. On the left, list where you've been and on the right, where you're going. Or it can be a goal or project, with all the brainstorming ideas branching out. FreeMind mind maps can be as simple or detailed as you'd like them to be.

What can you create with FreeMind mind mapping software? Comments welcome.

Slow Food ~ The Healthy Alternative to Fast Food

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:31:00 +0000

Alice Waters is a pioneer. She's been preaching the virtues of cultivating fresh food for decades. Lesley Stahl interviews this world-renowned chef and restaurateur. Alice Waters hopes a slower approach to the food we eat will keeps us healthier and greener.

From the Chez Panisse Restaurant website:
"Alice and Chez Panisse have become convinced that the best-tasting food is organically grown and harvested in ways that are ecologically sound, by people who are taking care of the land for future generations. The quest for such ingredients has largely determined the restaurant's cuisine. Chez Panisse has tried for years to make diners here partake of the immediacy and excitement of vegetables just out of the garden, fruit right off the branch, and fish straight out of the sea. In doing so, Chez Panisse has stitched together a patchwork of over sixty nearby suppliers, whose concerns, like the restaurant's, are environmental harmony and optimal flavor."

Chez Panisse is located in Berkeley, California, but Alice Water's influence extends far beyond.

Protect Yourself Against Swine Flu

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:49:00 +0000

The news is everywhere - On TV, radio, online and the newspaper. The speculation is that the Swine Flu breakout may become a pandemic. The key word is MAY. Right now, it is NOT a pandemic. Now is the time to take all the precautions we can to avoid this illness.

First we need to be able to recognize the Swine Flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea."

It's time to take preventive measures:

Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish and soy.
Take your vitamins every day.
Keep your immune system strong. I like a natural interferon booster.
Drink lots of filtered water.
Wash your hands often. Soap and warm water kill most germs.
Use a hand sanitizer.
Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
Avoid public restrooms, crowded waiting rooms and anywhere lots of people gather.
Avoid sick people. Unfortunately, people are most contagious just before they get sick.
Don't share personal items, food or drinks.
Keep a positive attitude.

If you get sick:

Visit your doctor. There are tests to determine if you have a cold, seasonal influenza or the Swine Flu.
Prescription medication is available to help you feel better, keep the flu virus from reproducing in your system and possibly prevent complications.
Stay home. You need the rest and you don't want to infect others.
Follow the guidelines above for prevention. They work well when you're sick, too.

Prevention is the best course of action. Living a healthy lifestyle keeps your body in the best shape to ward off illnesses of all kinds. You can't go back and do things over, but you can start from today and make a better future.

What are you doing to get healthy and stay healthy?

Top 10 Weight Loss Secrets

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:03:00 +0000

Losing weight isn't so hard if you do it a little at a time. Find a sensible plan that fits your needs and follow it. Sounds simple, but simple isn't always easy.

I found a free ebook that sounds like it has solid information. I've just skimmed the book and plan to read it soon.

Free download: The Hacker's Diet and the spreadsheets.

Top 10 Weight Loss Secrets

Surprise! There's no secret. There's no shortcut to losing weight. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, you need to change your lifestyle.
Eat less and do more. You gain weight when you take in more calories than you burn. To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you take in.
Keep a food journal. Knowing what you eat and seeing it in black and white is the first step to making good food choices. A food journal can be as simple as paper and pencil. Or as sophisticated as a computer program. I use CinchCoach as part of my weight management system.
Make eating an event. Plan what you're going to eat, prepare a plate or bowl, sit and enjoy your meal or snack.
Chew, Chew, Chew. Take small bites and chew well. This helps break down the food. And the saliva starts to break it down. This will help your digestive system.
Find a support system. This could be a spouse, sister-in-law or trusted friend. Make sure it's someone you can confide in and who will give you encouragement. Stay away from negative people. You don't need to be nagged or feel like a failure.
Join a support group. Find a local meeting or start one. Or join an online support group.
Walk 10,000 steps a day. Wear a pedometer to monitor your walking. If you're sedentary, you may only walk 2,000-3,000 steps a day.
Park your car away from the store or building. Walking the extra steps burns more calories. find other ways to add more exercise like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walk 15 minutes with a friend before eating lunch or take a Sunday morning bike ride thru the park.
Think thin. Keep a positive attitude. Don't expect to lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time. About 2 pounds a week is a good target. To lose one pound, you need to burn 3,500 calories more than what you eat.

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 04:39:00 +0000

All I need to know
I learned from the Easter Bunny!

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
There's no such thing as too much candy.
All work and no play can make you a basket case.
A cute tail attracts a lot of attention.
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
Some body parts should be floppy.
Keep your paws off of other people's jelly beans.
Good things come in small, sugar coated packages.
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.
To show your true colors, you have to come out of the shell.
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.
May the joy of the season fill your heart.
Happy Easter!

Earth Day 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:50:00 +0000

Earth Day is April 22, 2009. Earth Day is the largest secular holiday in the world, celebrated by more than one billion people every year. Earth Day is April 22nd, but there will be events and celebrations all thru the month of April.

I’ll be participating with LightsOut Ohio by turning off my lights for at least one hour on Earth Day. This event is organized by the Sierra Club’s Portage Trail Group. Workplaces, schools and households are invited to join us by switching off non-essential lights for at least one hour on Earth Day. It’s a simple step toward making daily energy saving choices.

Earth Day Network has all the info you need to get involved. They coordinate all the Earth Day events worldwide. Making a few simple changes in your lifestyle can have a significant impact on the environment.

Living Green.
Simple things that make difference:

Turn out lights that aren't needed.
Turn off computers at night or when not being used for several hours.
Refuse plastic bags at the checkout.
Bring reusable bags with you to the store.
Recycle paper, plastic, aluminum and glass.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL).
Turn off the water when brushing teeth.
Turn the heat down a few degrees.
Turn the air conditioner up a few degrees.
Do not use styrofoam cups, plates and containers.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL)

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 20:39:00 +0000

I finally bought a package of compact fluorescent light bulbs. They're more expensive than incandescent bulbs - As much as 2-4 times as much. But, they last longer and use less electricity. So, they're more efficient and better for the environment. I'm slowly replacing bulbs as they burn out. Before long, I'll have an all CFL home.

According to EnergyStar, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, about 20% of a home's electric bill is spent on lighting. Using CFL bulbs can reduce that by 75%. So, if your electric bill is $100, $20 is for lighting. Using CFL bulbs can reduce that to $5, saving $15 a month.

There's only one problem with CFL bulbs. They contain a little mercury. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict guidelines to follow if a CFL light bulb breaks. The danger lasts long after the cleanup procedure, so read and follow the instructions.

Because they contain mercury, compact fluorescent light bulbs need to be disposed of at a recycling center. Home Depot has a recycling program.

The Common Craft Show has a plain English video explanation of CFL bulbs.

Top 10 Reasons to Quit Smoking

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:38:00 +0000

Smoking - It's one subject that conjurs up very strong feelings. Smokers believe they have a right to smoke. And non-smokers believe they have a right to smoke-free air. The non-smokers are winning, but it hasn't been easy. Today, not only are public buildings smoke-free. There's a no smoking ban around the perimeter of those buildings.

I can finally enjoy a meal at a smoke-free restaurant. When the hostess used to ask "smoking or non?" I would always answer "A non-smoking section in a restaurant is like a no-pee zone in a pool." If I walked into a restaurant and smelled cigarette smoke, I would leave - But not before telling the hostess or manager why.

And now, I'm seeing signs outside public buildings warning that there's no smoking around the building. I no longer have to walk thru a cloud of smoke to enter a medical building. And who was outside smoking? All the employees, of course!

So, what's a non-smoking advocate to do? Speak up! Ban together and educate everyone I can about the dangers of smoking. I found another non-smoking advocate.

Joseph P. Weaver is the winner of the 2002 American Cancer Society's Great American Smoke-out Award, for leadership in building a smoke-free environment in New York City. A former neuroscience researcher, Joe has studied yoga, reflexology, herbology, and meditation in Nepal and around the world, and has helped thousands of people quit smoking.

In his book, The Tao of Quitting Smoking, Mr. Weaver lists 100 Reasons to Quit Smoking. Here are my favorite Top 10, taken from his list:

Because you can! (#1)
Quitting decreases the overall risk of death (all causes combined) by 50 percent in fifteen years as compared to continuing smokers. (#2)
Toxic tobacco smoke, a.k.a. secondhand smoke, harms others. (#26)
Nicotine—a poisonous, addictive, drug, has been linked to cancer. (#34)
You won’t feel like a leper in public. More than 70 percent of people don’t smoke. (#49)
You will be a winner because you finally took control of your addiction. (#58)
Because you know that you want to quit. (#69)
Children tend to imitate their parents. (#84)
Not socially acceptable anymore. (#87)
Quit for yourself. (#100)

So, is there life after cigarettes? You bet! You'll feel better, breathe better, look better, smell better and enjoy what you eat. And everyone around you will love you for taking control of your life.

Links:
The Long Term Health Effects of Smoking Tobacco
The Smoker's Body (Warning: It's gross)
Quit Smoking Resources

New Blog Header

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 03:09:00 +0000

I'm learning as I go. I really liked my original header (pictured here) because it was so personal. Each pic along the bottom of the header meant something special to me. But, as I learned more about blogging and studied other blogs, I decided to go with a cleaner, more sleek look in a header.

Who Are You?

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:51:00 +0000

Are you defined by the things you have? The things you buy? Are you in debt beyond what you can reasonably expect to ever repay? Are you always trying to keep up with your family and friends' lifestyles?

Or are you defined by WHO you are? What are your values? What are your priorities? What do you truly believe in? Isn't this much more important than stuff?

The recession is real and it's not going away any time soon. It's making all of us take a long, hard look at who we are.

Suze Orman had very good advice on the Today Show today. She said, "If you have the money - Spend it. But if you don't have the money - You need to save it." Great advice from an expert. If you're digging yourself deeper and deeper in debt, it's time to stop. It's time to prepare for the future. Pay your bills - Mortgage/rent, utilities, car payment. But stop the non-essential spending - Going out to eat, movies, vacations. Find the money to start saving. If things get worse before they get better, you'll be glad you have some money put away. And when the economy improves – And it will – You’ll have a habit of savings AND money in the bank!

Fun Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:51:00 +0000

Here's my makeover.

Wouldn't it be great to see what you would look like with a total beauty makeover? A new hairdo, a new hair color or new makeup? What style glasses look best? How about earrings? Or a tatoo? What if you could do it all virtually?

At Total Beauty Makeover, you can upload a photo or use one of their models. Change hair styles and colors, add makeup and accessories. Then, save, print or email the new you.

Health Insurance For One

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 01:09:00 +0000

I've been self-employed for many years. Even when I had a job in the early 90's, the company didn't provide health insurance. So, I have an individual health insurance policy. It started out at about $100 a month. It seemed expensive, especially because I rarely used it. The premiums increased every year, but, I knew I couldn't go without health insurance any more than I could go without car insurance. So, I paid ... And paid ... Every month ... Year after year.

Starting January 1st, my premium rose about $40 to $550 a month. And I still don't use it. So, I knew I had to do something. I've lowered my premium in the past by raising my deductible. But this time, I wanted to REALLY lower it.

My policy is with Blue Cross Blue Shield. I learned that if I stay with them, I can change to any other policy they have without worrying about passing a physical or even filling out an application.

I found a plan that sounds good. It has a $5,000 deductible. That sounds high, but the policy works a little different from most. Wellness visits and routine tests are covered. If I go to a doctor with a medical issue, I pay the preferred, negotiated rate - Thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield. There's no co-pay. When I reach my $5,000 deductible, medical bills are covered 100% - Not 80/20.

I thought one drawback was going to be the network providers that I had to use. My policy is Ohio based, but I spend winters in Florida. According to the insurance agent, I can use any Blue Cross Blue Shield provider in the US. There are even providers internationally. At this point, I'm just about sold on this policy.

The deciding factor was the premium. I now pay $225 a month. That's a savings of $325 a month that I can use for doctor visits. And if I don't go to the doctor, I get to keep the $325.

This plan is called Lumenos HSA 100. Learn more of the plan details. Mine is an Ohio plan, but it may be available in other states.

Plastic Bags

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:54:00 +0000

I'm trying hard to live green, but it's not easy. I bought green, reusable bags to tote purchases home from the store. It's becoming a habit to remember to take them into the store. But, I also have to remember to get them back to the car after I've used them.

It's almost impossible to completely get away from plastic bags. The cashiers and baggers automatically start packing orders into their plastic bags. I can't remember the last time I heard "paper or plastic." They just put a couple items into each plastic bag. They can't fill the bags because they tear too easy. So, if I don't stop them, I end up taking home several bags. Then, I'm compelled to reuse or recycle.

I no longer use a plastic produce bag for each fruit and vegetable that I buy. I keep one of my cloth bags open in the cart and add tomatoes, apples, cucumbers and all the loose items into my bag. Then, at the check out, I set my bag on the counter and give the cashier an empty bag to transfer to as she rings up each item. So far, it's working well.

Presidential Inauguration 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:20:00 +0000

On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. It's always an historic event. Whether you voted for Barack Obama, John McCain, someone else or no one, Barack Obama will be OUR president. It's time to put the campaign behind us and support Barack Obama.

The official website for the inauguration has information on the events of the day, including the luncheon menu and recipes. If you're lucky enough to have a ticket, there's maps, parking and other attendance details. The swearing in ceremony will be streaming live at the site on January 20th.

Golden Oldies - 1957

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:05:00 +0000

I remember the good old days when you could actually understand the words in songs. I found an online jukebox with a lot of the old songs from 1957 and took a walk down memory lane. I was too young then to really be "into" that music. So, I suspect the songs weren't all from 1957. I was amazed that I remembered a lot of the words. I learned to dance to some of these songs. Others reminded me of teen parties, old boyfriends and school days. What great memories!

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:52:00 +0000

This is such a busy time of year. What will the New Year mean to you?

A new diet?
A new attitude?
A new business?

New Year's resolutions are easy to make, but hard to keep.
Whatever you decide to do this coming year, I wish you success.

Living Wills ~aka~ Advance Health Care Directives

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:19:00 +0000

Two years ago, my aunt was in a nursing home. She was bedridden, weakened by years of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and rheumatoid arthritis. It was the first time I heard about a living will. My aunt didn't want to sign a living will, even though her health was failing. There were no medical procedures or medicine that could help her. She understood that, but I believe her will to live was very strong. So, for months, we continued to spend hour after hour at the nursing home with her. We fed her, made her as comfortable as possible and made sure the nurses and aides were doing all they could for her.

I just took a survey for a Twitter friend. Marijke is a nurse turned blogger. She's looking for information that tells her how many people have living wills, who doesn’t and what may be holding back people from drawing one up.

Do you need a Living Will? It's also known as an Advance Health Care Directive. Do you know what it is and how it works?

Click here to take the survey. It only takes a few minutes and it will help Marijke.

Click here to follow Marijke on Twitter.

When you connect with Marijke, let her know you read about her living will survey on Health Talk Today Blog.

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:59:00 +0000

From our house to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas on this blessed day.

We're celebrating in Orlando, Florida with family from all across the country. It's a fun filled 10 days, so there's plenty of time to catch up on what everyone's been doing.

Christmas Fun:

Santa and Reindeer Band

Animated Christmas Card by Jacquie Lawson

Snow Globe

Calculate Your Way Back to Financial Health

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:59:00 +0000

The first step to financial health is knowing where you are today . . .

Assets - What do you have?
Income - What do you earn?
Debt - What do you owe?
Expenses - What do you spend?

The next step is to set realistic goals . . .

Live within a budget
Pay off credit cards
Save for retirement
Create a college fund for children/grandchildren

The hardest step is finding a way to get from where you are to where you want to be.

Chase has several online planning tools to help. You don't need to be a Chase customer to use the calculators. Chase Calculators.

For even more help, click on the Financial Education Library at the bottom of the Chase page.

5 Ways to Reduce Stress During the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:12:00 +0000

1. Set Realistic Expectations
The Holidays can make anyone frazzled. Find shortcuts to save time and you can spend time doing the things you love. Here are a few ideas . . .

Holiday parties - You don't need to be the first one at every party and the last one to leave. Arrive fashionably late and leave early enough to get a good night's sleep.
Cooking - Buy some foods ready to serve or consider a caterer.
Cleaning - Hire someone to clean the house just this once.
Shopping - Shop online and save the driving and standing in line time.

2. Delegate
Even though we like to think we can do it all, it's more enjoyable to share the work and share the fun.

3. Set a Holiday Budget and Stick to it
You'll love yourself when the January credit card statements arrive.

4. Act, don't react
Set the tone, smile and stay possitive. It takes two to tango. Don't give anyone a reason to argue.

5. Christmas Card Strategy
Buy Christmas cards half price at the after Christmas sale. You'll have them on hand to address early next year. Sign and address all your cards during the summer. Closer to Thanksgiving, add personal notes. Play Christmas music to set the mood.

And finally . . .
Take a deep breath. It will all be over in a few weeks. But, you'll always have the memories.

Happy Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Marilyn Kvasnok) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 21:46:00 +0000

Today's the day we give thanks for all we have. It's a busy time of cleaning, shopping and cooking. But, there's more to Thanksgiving than basting the turkey and setting the table.

For years, I was caught up in the celebration. Now, I'm more reflective. Perhaps that's the wisdom that comes with age. (Did I really admit that?) Now I'm not so concerned with cooking a big dinner. Maybe it's because I did that for years. Now, I'd rather spend the time with my family and friends and not fuss so much with dinner.

I'm developing an attitude of gratitude. It's taken a long time. It reminds me of an old saying, "Too soon old. Too late smart." I used to see it on the back of the Schwan delivery trucks.

Here are the top few items on my gratitude list . . .

My family is spread out across the country. We keep in touch, especially by phone and email. I'm looking forward to our family reunion at Christmas.

My friends have stood by me in good times and bad. Some are old childhood friends and others are new. Some are local and others are Internet friends that I've never met in person.

My health. I didn't realize just how much I could have been doing to take care of myself until the last several years. Not that I was doing a lot to jeopardize my health. There's just so much I could have been doing to be proactive. So, now I'm eating better and faithfully taking my vitamins.

My business
I've been self-employed for 13 years. I quit my last job in 1995 and never looked back. For the last 4 years, I've been a Shaklee distributor. It's allowed me to be a full time caregiver for my mom, who's not longer independent.

Today is just the start of the Holiday season. I'm really looking forward to spending time with family and friends. And when the Holidays are over and life calms down again, we'll all have the memories to carry us into the future.

When I count my blessings today you will be among them. Thank you for your friendship and love. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.