Sooth achy winter feet fast

January 29, 2016 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

Soothe achy winter feet –

If you have achy feet from standing too long or keeping them in winter boots for hours, try this spa inspired hot towel massage! Follow these easy steps:

Soak two thin hand towels in water, wring out excess.
Microwave 1-2 minutes until comfortable hot. Drape one towel over right foot to keep warm, then gently wrap second towel around left foot.
Place your thumbs directly on towel on bottom of your left food and begin moving them in a circular motion, firmly massaging the ball of your foot through the hot towel.
Heat helps relax your muscles. Glide your thumbs down to the sole of your foot, continuing to massage through the towel.
When finished, repeat massage sequence on right foot.

Relax and Enjoy!

Heal winter – dry skin

January 29, 2016 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

Heal winter dry skin with an Avocado and Geranium Mask!

Avocado is becoming incredibly popular in the spa world. The reason? Its loaded with nourishing fatty acids and vitamins C and E ,which makes it an amazing moisturizer for dry skin. It even helps reduce redness and irrational. Mix it with geranium essential oil, an “anti-aging oil” known for its ability to firm skin. avocado

You will need the following:

1/4 fresh avocado
1 tsp. raw honey
1 tsp. coconut oil, melted
2 drops geranium essential oil

Mix ingredients together in small bowl. Using fingertips, smooth mixture onto damp face. Relax 10 minutes. Remove mask with soft washcloth moistened with warm water. Rinse well; follow with moisturizer. repeat weekly!

What foods fight hair loss?

January 29, 2016 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

Did you know that we typically lose 50 to 150 strands of hair a day which are quickly replaced by stronger ones. But if you are losing more hair than you grow back, don’t worry. Hair loss in women is often due to nutrient definiciency. To give your hair the vitamins and minerals it needs, try loading up on the following foods: hairloss

RAISINS – Raisins are packed with silica, a mineral that binds to protein, calciu and water molecules inside the hair shaft, helping build stronger strands according to researchers. Fine-haired women who ate more raisins during a nine month cycle not only had thicker hair, healthier hair bu the diameter of each hair increased an average of 8%.
ALMONDS – Almonds are rich in vitamin E which in addition to adding shine and softnees to your hair, it helps regrow what you have already lost. Increasing your intake can increase your hair count 50% in eight months. Almonds are also high in biotin, a vitamin B that strnghtens hair and prevents breakage. For best results, eat a handful of almonds every day.
DRIED APRICOTS – Iron helps ferry blood and oxygen to your scalp, which promotes hair grown and a single cup of dried apricots provides 8 mg.
WALNUTS – Walnuts are the only nuts containing omega 3s, which keep hair sleek and shiny. Walnuts are also a good source of copper which improves elasticity. It protects against the loss of melanin too, which is the hairs natural pigment, so it starves off the grays!
CASHEWS – Cashews contain methionine, an amino acid responsible for making keratin, which forms the layer of protein inside your hair. The thicker the layer of keratin is, the healthier your hair will be. Cashews are also high in zinc, a mineral proven to find dandruff and reverse hair loss.

Make your brain 10 years younger

January 28, 2016 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

Do you find yourself losing your keys, misplacing your cell phone or walking into a room to get something and wondering what it was? You are not alone! Here are some steps which can help sharpen your focus: woman-thinking-pen-eyes-upward

EAT BERRIES: Enjoying one cup of red, blue or purple colored berries every day can make you feel as clear headed as you did ten years ago. According to Columbia University researchers, berries are rich in flavonoids which boost the flow of nutrient riched blood to your brain cells.
SUNSHINE: You can cut your risk of brain lapses by 50% just by stepping outside for some sunshine every day! Sun exposure stimulates your body to produce Vitamin D, which helps your brain cells stay young and your memory stay sharper.
SALACIA SUPPLEMENTS: Supplementing with 500 mg of this herb could improve your focus and concentration within only 10 days. Salacia helps your brain absorb up to 27% more energizing glucose from every meal.
WEAR EARPLUGS: Wearing earplugs when you are trying to concentrate in a noisy environment can double your ability to zero in on the task at hand.

QUICK TIP

Take a deep whiff of a freshly cut lemon. Its tart aroma stimulates the release of energizing beta brain waves, revving focus, concentration and memory often within 30 seconds according to researchers at Standford University.

How to Make More Money?

January 28, 2016 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

There are many ways to make more money and save. Here are a few steps:

Get a bigger raise – Companies are giving raises these days to retain good employees. Ask for a range. This strategy is far more successful than asking for a specific number.
Make budgeting a breeze by looking at your cellphone – Are you tempted by sales and want to buy more than you need? Keeping photos of your family in your cellphone to glance while shopping keeps your spending at a halt. According to studies, being reminded of people you love make you feel calmer and secure which makes it easier to choice whats better for them.
Get a tax credit – Continuing your education will help you qualify for a tax credit on your tuition. You can also get reimbursed while searching for a job by deducting the cost of many expenses related to your job search.
Get that dream job faster by temping – Temp jobs/positions can help you land the job you want faster. Companies often view temping as way to try out people before offering them a permanent position. It determines if you are right for the job.
Fatten your wallet – have you been using the same cable company, insurance company or wireless plan for longer than two years? Sign up with a competing company to save up to 19% immediately. New customers often get low introductory rates and money saving promotions.

How to Feel Less Stressed

January 28, 2016 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

Read your way to less stress.

read If you having a stressful day, crack open a book! People who read for pleasure lower their stress levels instantly and are better equipped to deal with difficult situations. Reading a book gives your a chance to slip into someone else’s shoes, which takes you away from your own troubles.

Reading is one of the best ways to relax, even as less than ten minutes could be enough to reduce your stress levels. Researchers say reading works better than any other option.

So what are you waiting for, grab a book today!

Are White Potatoes Really That Bad For Me?

January 28, 2016 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

It’s true many nutritional experts may disapprove of the white potatoes for your every day diet. Most of the time, many people cook with white potatoes with cheese, bacon and many toppings that make a normal healthy potato into an enormous amount of calories that are bad for your diet. whitepotatoes

The truth is, just one large white potatoe with skin provides nearly half your recommended daily B6. This converts carbs into fuel and helps you metabolize protein and fat.

White potatoes pack more potassium per serving than almost any other vegetable. So eating white potatoes are a great source of vitamins and can be a great addition to your healthy diet.

How to diagnose and treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

January 17, 2016 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a devastating injury that affects more than 8 million people in the United States and continues to increase each and every year.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of many repetitive strain injuries (RSI’s) that are everywhere; homes, offices, assembly lines, grocery stores, book clubs, construction sites, dental offices, everywhere! Because carpal tunnel syndrome is so commonplace, and its effects so devastating, it is important to be knowledgeable of how it occurs, what its symptoms are, the testing methods used and what treatment options are available, as the prevention of any injury, especially carpal tunnel, begins with education.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder affecting the median nerve, which supplies function to the thumb, index, middle and one half of the ring finger. Usually the symptoms are most prevalent in the thumb, index and middle fingers (Sometimes one-half of the ring finger) and include numbness, tingling, paresthesia (pins and needles), pain and tightness in the front of the hand, wrist and forearm. These symptoms do not have to occur simultaneously, and may only affect one finger one day and then three fingers a few days later.

If a doctor provides a carpal tunnel diagnoses and the symptoms are in the ring and little fingers, it is NOT carpal tunnel syndrome! The ulnar nerve, not the median nerve, supplies function to the ring and little finger. Repetitive strain disorders affecting these two fingers are usually either Guyon’s syndrome, entrapment of the ulnar nerve in the guyon’s canal at the wrist junction, or cubital tunnel syndrome, entrapment of the ulnar nerve at the elbow junction. This is a common mistake made by many, many physicians and is completely inexcusable as they often recommend surgery for the patient, causing the patient to undergo an unnecessary procedure, and what makes it worse, for the wrong disorder!

If symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome do arise, doctors will recommend that a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test or an Electromoyogram (EMG) be performed to see if carpal tunnel syndrome truly exists. These tests are often painful to the individual being tested, very expensive, and often give false positives and false negatives. This is why it is recommended that manual carpal tunnel tests be performed in order to obtain a more accurate (and much cheaper) diagnosis. Manual carpal tunnel tests take no longer than 10 minutes, have a high accuracy rate, are painless and are very cheap in comparison to the NCV and EMG tests.

The recommended manual carpal tunnel tests consist of the following:

* Phalen’s Test: The wrist is flexed for 30 to 60 seconds in order to compress the median nerve and duplicate/increase the symptoms.

* Reverse Phalen’s Test: The wrist is extended for 30 to 60 seconds in order to stretch the median nerve and duplicate/increase the symptoms. Stretching the median nerve if it is already impinged will duplicate/increase the symptoms if a patient has carpal tunnel syndrome.

* Tinnel Sign: Tapping directly over the median nerve at the wrist junction will cause carpal tunnel symptoms to exhibit themselves.

* Compression Test: Direct pressure is applied over the location of the median nerve for 30-60 seconds to see if carpal tunnel symptoms are exhibited.

If a positive diagnosis comes back, most doctors will push for surgery, a procedure that has a terrible success rate and is to only be performed as a last resort once all other conservative treatment methods have been utilized. Conservative therapy is the key to successfully recovering from carpal tunnel syndrome and obtaining not only short-term but long-term relief as well.

The following is a list of conservative treatments that should be utilized in order to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from developing, but also rehabilitating carpal tunnel syndrome after it is already present.

* Ergonomics: Utilize proper ergonomic tools and equipment when working.

* Breaks: Take short breaks every 30 minutes when working in order to help reduce excessive strain on the hands.

* Stretches: Stretch the muscles that ‘close’ the hands as these are the muscles that are exercised all day long in activities such as typing, writing, gripping a steering wheel, using a computer mouse, carrying groceries and everything else that is done day in and day out. When a muscle is involved in exercise, it becomes shorter, therefore it needs to be stretched and lengthened both during and after the exercises are completed.

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* Exercises: Exercise and strengthen the muscles that are used to ‘open’ the hands, as these muscles do not receive much direct stimuli / exercise. (i.e. People do not turn doorknobs, hold things, type, use a computer mouse or lift things with the backs of their hands.)

The information provided above reveals how carpal tunnel syndrome occurs, what its symptoms are, the testing methods most commonly used and the best conservative treatment options that are used to thwart its existence.

It is very important for individuals to become well acquainted with the proper information and tools in order to maintain and increase their level of health and productivity.

It is also important for people to speak to their doctors regarding their health concerns, and if someone is involved in an occupation that is considered high-risk for carpal tunnel, they should discuss this with their physician, but is even more critical that people become self educated as no one can take care of you better than “YOU”!

How to negotiate for the best car deal

January 17, 2016 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

Learning: How to Negotiate for the Best Car Deal

New or used, buying a car can be serious business, so never head into negotiations unprepared. Learn how to haggle before you even step foot on a car lot. You’d be surprised to learn how many potential buyers purchase a car at sticker value, not even bothering to negotiate. Negotiations during this time are very important and can make a huge difference when it comes to the warranty, extra features, price and monthly payments. Keep in mind, the more you put down upfront the lower your payments will be.

Bargaining for a new vehicle online can actually save you money. Some dealerships will allow you to not only negotiate the price, but you can go through the financing process and have the vehicle delivered to your home or place of work where you can then sign the final paperwork. Purchasing a car from a dealership online can save you some serious cash in a few ways. Visit CarPricingTips.com for tips on how to buy a car and the best time of the year to buy a car. The salesman that you negotiate with is usually salaried and gets an extra bonus that’s received based on the number of vehicles they have sold instead of being commissioned based. Because of this the salesman will have more incentive to slash prices in order to move more cars. According to experts, you can expect average savings of one to two thousand dollars just from buying online.

Next, you should avoid the financing and insurance office. This is where the consumer is likely to encounter extra fees and add-ons which can negatively impact the best deal you already negotiated in the showroom or online.

We found a great site to find the best accessories for a pickup truck. The site is called PickupTruckGear.com. This site has many reviews on tonneau bed covers, air intakes, wheels, tires and accessories for your Pickup truck.

Also visit CarPricingTips.com for more information on how to buy a car, how to get the best auto lease, and when it is the best time of the month or year to purchase a car.

The Love of Family Happiness

January 17, 2016 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

The Love of Family Happiness

Everyone has a different definition of true happiness. For some its money or fame, but for most its family happiness. As we get more and more connected to our gadgets it seems we are more and more disconnected from each other. Sometimes its great to just disconnect or unplug for a while from all the things that prevent us from speaking to each other.

Although many of the things we use today like our iPhone, iPods, Snapchat and Facebook would be difficult to disconnect from. Many of these things have been embedded in our lives for work and just plain easy convenience .

Take time to focus on one another-listen to problems, share a laugh or a much need hug. The Key to happiness will not be found in gadgets and things. They will be found in our relationships and love for each other.

What to Eat Now

January 17, 2016 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

What to Eat Now

A guide to portion control

The new nutrition recommendations are much easier to comprehend than the old style food pyramid we have known in the past. The food pyramid was what we were told for many years that was the best program to follow for a healthy lifestyle.

The USDA now recommends a portion control guide beginning with:

1/4 PROTEIN – Protein helps you build muscle mass while maximizing fat loss. Instuctions: Fill 1/4 of your plate with shortribs, chicken wings, eggs, fish or whatever you protein your heart desires.

1/8 CARBS – Indulge in quality carbs. Try to eat 2 handfuls of fruit, beans, sweet potatoes or whole grains such as brown rice. The right amount of carbohydrates can help you though your workout and everyday activities.

1/8 – HEALTHY FATS – Eat healthy fats such as avocados or nuts at each meal. Fats will help your cells due their job and boost your immune system.

1/2 – EAT PLENTY OF VEGETABLES. Keep the portions to 1/2 of your plate. Vegetables are loaded with fiber and make you feel full. The vitamins vegetables contain support proper functions and antioxidates that battle disease. So make sure you load up half of your plate with two fist sizes of servings of vegetables such as, Brussel sprouts or broccoli.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary

December 2, 2015 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

According to Bureau of Labor statistics for 2013, substance abuse counselors make as much as $38,620, on average, annually. This comes to $18.57 per hour. The highest paying positions pay as much as $60,160 per year but the lowest paying positions pay around $25,200.

The cities that have the highest pay scale for this profession are State College, Pennsylvania and Springfield, Massachusetts. The areas of Detroit, Lansing, Michigan also pay well. These are industrial areas that provide openings in schools, from the elementary level up to high school and college. There may also be some openings in companies that provide health care benefits and other options for their employees.

Currently, it ranks at number 18 on the Best Health Care Jobs list and number 38 on the 100 Best Jobs list.

What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?

Substance abuse arises for several different reasons, including behavioral issues, eating disorders and dysfunctional pasts. When the affected seeks help, he or she can go to a substance abuse counselor for help and support.

These counselors are available for help on specific issues that arise in substance abuse, most specifically aiding parents in trying to reclaim their roles in their households after addicted behavior has come between parents and children.

This includes the work they are responsible doing in personal relationships and work environments. This can include family consultations on solutions and treatment plans for the patient and outreach programs that educate on the dangers of abuse. The benefits of healthy choices are also covered in the outreach and education programs.

Meet the Demand

Due to the Affordable Care Act, laws now require that insurance providers also cover the necessary treatment for mental issues. In conjunction with the new laws, there is also new policies on criminal treatment to consider. With sentences for treatment being expanded on, the projected growth rate for this field is 31 percent by 2022. This could mean as many as 28,200 new positions in the next ten years.

Considerations

Upward mobility, or the opportunity for growth, advancement and economic gain, in this field is high, as is the flexibility of the position. However, while work hours and schedule can be very flexible, the stress level is considered to be very high, as well. It is considered to be above average and as such, should be a consideration in making this field a career choice.

Education

While there is no set curriculum that all substance abuse counselors must complete for qualification, there is a growing demand for counselors to know more, meaning more qualifications to meet for licensing. Training and education for this position should be explored locally.

Private practice positions require a licensed counselor for employment consideration. These positions require the applicant having 2,000 to 4,000 hours of experience in their chosen field as well as having a master’s degree. Those that want to apply for a private practice position should look into internships, as well as having the necessary qualifications.

Top Five Funniest Movies of All Time

December 2, 2015 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

If you ever wondered which movies are the funniest ever, here’s what most people think. A lot of research has been done on the subject, but somehow most of them come to basically the same conclusion. Different people tend to laugh at different things, but in general, these five movies are the ones that will make most of us roll on the floor.

Monty Python’s Life of Bryan

Voted the funniest movie by the Guardian, Monty Python’s Life of Bryan might be a bit of a controversial entry. Let’s say it’s not for those easily offended as it takes on religion.

Bryan is a humble Jewish man, whose only problem in life is that he was born at the same time and place as Jesus Christ. The film follows his misadventures as he tries to get away from the people who think that he’s the messiah.

Apart from tons of unforgettable scenes, this film is also remembered for its iconic theme song, which you can check out in the link above.

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

The second film on our list is equally controversial, especially if you’re from Kazakhstan. But, on the other hand, if you’re coming from that country, it means that you probably didn’t watch it as it is banned there.

So, what made this movie so offensive? Well, singing a made-up national anthem with the words ‘Kazakhstan’s prostitutes are cleanest in the region’, certainly didn’t help. There are so many funny moments in the movie that watching it only once is just not enough.

Superbad

Superbad is a coming-of-age comedy, which despite being a relatively new movie can already be considered a classic. Seemingly, it’s a simple story – two high school seniors are looking to throw the best possible party, but nothing goes according to plan.

Starring hilarious Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, Superbad will make you laugh so hard that you’ll cry. On top of that, Seth Rogen and Bill Hader play two policemen, looking to fight boredom the only way they can – joining the party.

Blazing Saddles

It looks like Mel Brooks was born to make people laugh. Throughout his career, he made movies like Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Young Frankenstein, or The Producers, all of which made generations of people happy.

Still, it seems that his magnum opus is a movie called Blazing Saddles. Rolling Stone Magazine declared it the funniest movie ever. Blazing Saddles is a Western comedy, spoofing every single cliché of that genre. It’s funny on so many levels, so both a child and a grown-up will find it equally funny.

Airplane!

A streaming website, Lovefilm, did a brilliant poll to find which movie makes us laugh the most. The result shows how many times in a minute a movie makes us giggle. On the top of the list is Airplane!, with 3 laughs per minute.

That means that in 87 minutes of this airline disaster spoof, you should laugh about 261 times. We challenge you to do the test on your own – not only will you see how your movie taste compares to the rest, but you’re also guaranteed to have a good time.

Small Wood Projects for Beginners

December 2, 2015 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

You would be surprised at what a single pair of hands can achieve. Woodworking is a craft that doesn’t require a lot, but gives a lot in return. You just need basic tools and if you follow the advice, you’ll be able to produce some amazing pieces. With these five small wood projects, you’ll have a lot of fun, and who knows, you might end up earning a few bucks at it.

Wooden Sofa Cup Holder

This is one of the easiest small wood projects, but is also one of the most useful. Literally, you just need to measure three pieces of wood to fit the sofa arm and put them all together in the shape of П. Then cut a hole in the mid part and you have a place to place a warm cup, without getting up.

Smartphone Stand

The next project is simple but brilliant. You just need a single wood block, a saw (or a drill) and sandpaper in order to make a dock for your cell phone or iPad. Measure the mobile device you plan to use with this deck and drill a hole in the wood the size of the phone. When you are certain that the mobile device will fit, you’re only a step away from finishing this small wood project. The final step is using sandpaper to make sure there won’t be any scratches left on your phone.

Picture Frame Made of Sticks

Making a picture frame is probably the easiest and one of the least time-consuming projects. All you have to do is to find four sticks that will make a rectangle slightly bigger than the photograph you’re planning to frame. Tie together the sticks or use glue and you’ll have an artsy wooden picture frame.

Wooden Buttons

This is one of those small wood projects that makes you say “why didn’t I think of that?” It’s simple, easy, and most importantly it’s pretty useful. Everyone needs buttons and the ones made of wood look really awesome.

Add a personal touch to your clothing by making your own buttons out of fallen branches. Choose a branch that’s slightly wider than your regular plastic buttons and peel off the bark. Cut the branch into 1/8’’ pieces. Puncture two small holes through every piece with a small drill and the project is completed.

Wooden Bottle Crate

The last of our small wood projects need a bit more effort than the rest, but it seems it’s the most rewarding. For less than $20, you can make a crate, with dividers for 12 bottles (or as many as you like). You’ll have to get pine boards, birch panels, some screws, glue and a hemp rope.

Saw and drill are the only tools that you’ll need for this. Basically, this whole project is done in two steps – making a box and making the divider. The first step is easy, while for making the divider you’ll need to interlock the tabs. Once you’re done with that, just place the divider into the box.

What You Need to Know About BCAA Supplements

December 2, 2015 by bFA3K4vEcAHWz

Synthesis is the process by which muscles grow and repair themselves. Synthesis cannot take place if the rate of muscle breakdown is faster. In order to repair and grow, muscles must have protein, and more specifically, amino acids. Without them, the body starts breaking the muscle fiber down.

The reason synthesis is important is because it has to be done at the right rate or more muscle is lost than gained. Muscle mass= rate of protein synthesis- rate of protein breakdown. You must stay ahead of the game with the proper rest intervals, the proper diet and supplements such as BCAAs to gain the steady, solid growth you want.

BCAAs are necessary because of the catabolic process that tears muscle down when the body is on a diet. When dieting, the body needs fuel from other sources, so it breaks down amino acids found in muscle fiber.

Muscles will also start breaking down if there is not enough energy being absorbed by the body. Research has proven that BCAAs, (branched-chain amino acid) supplements are some of the best supplements to take while participating in bodybuilding activities. They provide several benefits that can enhance training and provide proven results.

BCAAs help maximize your workouts by providing the necessities for a body in training:

Help with the immune system. Branched-chain amino acids helps provide immune system support for bodies under stress. Without this support, the body can weaken and is more susceptible to sickness while training.
Help with amino acid deficiencies. This supplement puts vital amino acids back in your system after your body has utilized what you had when you worked out. This especially helpful for those that are on restrictive or strict diets. When foods are restricted, so are amino acids and vital nutrients. It is important to make up for this loss somehow. BCAAs also help with protein synthesis, providing muscle with the building blocks they need to repair old tissue while building new tissue.
Aids in preventing lean muscle loss. BCAAs can help protect valuable muscle fiber that can deteriorate under the stress of overworking muscles. When muscles are overworked, certain hormones in the body can actually destroy muscle fiber, causing any progress to be destroyed with it. This is the reason a rest is required between workout intervals and intense workouts.

Whey has been cited by some as a good substitute for BCAAs. However, there are drawbacks to favoring whey over BCAAs, such as having to wait several hours for the BCAA in whey to digest and make it to the muscles.

With supplements, the benefit is gained sooner because there is no wait time for digestion and absorption. The benefit is almost immediate and there is a larger impact because BCAA supplements have higher dosages than a single serving of whey protein. BCAAs have been shown to be superior to other supplements and can provide the help you need.