Hello Friends, How is everyone today? Haven't been on in a while have been busy with work and my studies finally getting a chance to pop on for a minute. It is still pretty cold here it warmed up for a few days and it was in the 50's with hopes that it meant spring might come early, then the temps dropped back down to the 20's, but at least the sun has been out melting some of the snow anyways. Can't wait for spring and summer to get here. I wanted to share this with all of you one of my friends sent me this video it's cute i can't imagine how one little cat could do so much damage, so if you live in this neighborhood make sure all your stuff is picked up or this kitty might collect it. Enjoy :) Hope You All Have A Wonderful Day
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Music Monday-Give In To Me- From The Movie Country Strong
Hello Friends, How is everyone today? Decided to make this video my music Monday pick it is a duet with Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester from the movie country strong. These two did such a wonderful job singing this song together ♥. So wanted to share it with all of you. Hope You All Have A Wonderful Day
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Deer & Cat Meet
Hello Friends, How are you all today? This video is so cute and of course i just had to share it with everyone:) Hope You All Have A Wonderful Day
Monday, February 7, 2011
10 Winter Health Myths
Hello Everyone, How are you all today? I stumbled upon theses winter health myths online. Most of us have all probably heard the old warning that going outside in chilly weather, and staying there too long, can make you “catch” a cold. This article says that it is just a myth and that it is one of the best things you can do to prevent catching a cold. So I thought i would share these winter health myths with all of you. Have A Wonderful Day
Myth #1: You can catch a cold by being out in the elements too long.
You’ve probably heard the old warning that going outside in chilly weather, and staying there too long, can make you “catch” a cold. Not true, says D.J. Verret, MD, an otolaryngologist in Dallas. “Going outside—with or without a wet head—is one of the best things you can do to prevent catching a cold. Actually being cold has nothing to do with your risk of catching a cold. Colds are caused by viruses or bacteria which are more often spread in the winter because of close contact from everyone being indoors.” That’s right, spending time outdoors can make you less susceptible to those nasty germs.
Myth #2: More people are depressed during the winter months than at any other time of the year.
Gray, dreary skies. Holiday stress. Bitter-cold weather. It seems natural to assume that depression spikes in the winter months. And yet, health experts say that’s just a myth. “Contrary to popular belief, major depression is not more rampant during the winter months than at any other time of the year,” says John Sharp, MD, a professor at Harvard University and author of the new book The Emotional Calendar. But what about the wintertime sadness you may be feeling? “The ‘holiday blues’ is a significant, temporary, stress-related condition, but it is not a recognized medical ailment or diagnosis.” Some people may also experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which has symptoms similar to depression, such as insomnia, irritability and difficulty concentrating, but only occurs during the winter months. If you suffer from these symptoms or just have less energy in general during this time of year, consider trying light therapy, suggests Dr. Sharp, who explains that an inexpensive 10,000-lux light box (which can fit on your desk) used 20 minutes or so a day may give you a boost—even if you haven't been diagnosed with SAD by a medical professional.
Myth #3: The idea that eating chicken soup can zap a cold is just an old wives' tale.
Your mom or grandmother may have raised you to believe that there’s something magical about chicken soup when it comes to treating a cold or flu, but is it true? Yes, says Dr. Sharp. “Turns out, there’s some real science behind this,” he says, explaining that chicken soup may have a positive effect on the immune system with something called neutrophil aggregation—which means “bringing white blood cells together.” White blood cells help fight off infection in your body and are integral to helping you feel better faster. While it’s not clear if other broths or hot beverages have similar immune system benefits, Dr. Sharp says hot liquids like tea and broth can help reduce the symptoms of a cold or flu virus, relieving sinus and throat pain.
Myth #4: You lose most of the heat from your body through your head, so you need to wear a hat.
We’ve all heard this one—and perhaps it worries you when you’re out with your children during the winter months. If they don’t wear a hat in the cold, is it drawing dangerous amounts of warmth from their bodies? Not really, says Dr. Sharp. “It’s largely a myth,” he says. While it’s true that you’ll lose heat from any part of your body that is exposed to the elements and not covered with clothing, forgetting a hat “is not a major health risk,” he assures. “You’re no better off in shorts and a hat than warm pants and no hat.” The bottom line: A hat is great in cold conditions, but if you leave the house without one to take the dog on a walk—no biggie. A warm coat is much more important to keep you insulated.
Myth #5: You shouldn’t exercise in the cold.
You may already be unmotivated to lace up your running shoes and head out into the cold, but if you’re worried that chilly-weather exercise is bad for your health, don’t be. “It’s fine to exercise in the cold, just make sure you warm up first,” says Dr. Sharp. That may mean walking a bit before starting on a vigorous run, or avoiding a big hill until you’re acclimated to the temperature. Sudden physical exertion in cold weather can, at times, be a risk for cardiovascular strain—for example, leaving your armchair and heading outside to vigorously shovel snow. (An important note: Anyone with a history of heart problems should always consult his or her doctor before starting any new exercise regimen—in the cold or otherwise.) Your best bet for winter workouts is to ease in slowly.
Myth #6: We need more sleep in the winter.
Admit it—when winter hits and the sun seems to all but disappear, the thought of hibernation sounds appealing, doesn’t it? But that sleepy feeling you may get in the winter doesn’t mean you should always let yourself snooze longer. “While it’s natural to want to be cozier and be in bed more, we don’t technically need more sleep,” Dr. Sharp explains. Instead, it’s likely that the scarcity of sunlight in the winter months makes us think we’re sleepy. There’s nothing wrong with going to bed earlier, but beware of sleeping too much. “Some people find that when they get more sleep, they feel sleepier during the day, even a little dazed.”
Myth #7: You don’t need sunscreen in the winter.
It’s cold and cloudy, so you can retire your sunscreen until sunny days at the beach this summer, right? Wrong, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a New York City–based dermatologist. “The sun and UV rays are present winter, spring, summer and fall,” she says. “I recommend that you wear a sunscreen with SPF 30, and it’s best to wear a UVA/UVB blocker. The best ones contain zinc or titanium.”
Myth #8: Frostbite is hard to get.
Frostbite may sound like something people dealt with in olden times, or possibly a condition suffered only by hardcore ski enthusiasts. But not only is frostbite easy to get, it’s more common than you think, says Dr. Jaliman, who got a case of frostbite after an afternoon on the slopes. How do you get it? When skin—usually on the extremities, like hands and feet—becomes too cold or wet (or both), it can become slightly numb and then blister. It can happen fast—even in just 30 minutes while in extreme cold and wet conditions. “If blisters occur, then there may be damage and the skin may turn black,” says Dr. Jaliman. “Then you may become insensitive to heat and cold in the future. With further damage, you may suffer nerve damage and lose fingers and toes.” And don’t think that it needs to be -10°F for you to run into trouble. “The temperature can be relatively warm at 32°F, but it's more about how long the bare skin is exposed. Also, wet skin is very vulnerable.”
Myth #9: Dry skin is just a harmless winter annoyance.
Itchy, flaky skin can be an irritating and unsightly consequence of cold, dry air. But should you just write it off as a winter annoyance? No, says Dr. Jaliman. Dry skin, if not kept at bay, can be a portal for infection. “It’s very important to keep dry skin hydrated,” she says. When skin becomes dry, it can lead to small cracks that can leave your body prone to infections. To prevent this, moisturize twice daily—after you shower and before bed—as well as throughout the day for body parts that are prone to dryness, like your hands. “I like Aquaphor,” says Dr. Jaliman. “It’s inexpensive and effective.”
Myth #10: You can’t get allergies in the winter months.
In the winter, there’s good and bad news for allergy sufferers, says Dr. Verret: “If you have pollen allergies, they will be better in the winter, but if you're sensitive to indoor allergens, such as pet dander or dust mites, your allergies may be even worse.” So although your sneezing and sniffling may not be from seasonal culprits, your indoor allergies could be more bothersome than usual.
Myth #1: You can catch a cold by being out in the elements too long.
You’ve probably heard the old warning that going outside in chilly weather, and staying there too long, can make you “catch” a cold. Not true, says D.J. Verret, MD, an otolaryngologist in Dallas. “Going outside—with or without a wet head—is one of the best things you can do to prevent catching a cold. Actually being cold has nothing to do with your risk of catching a cold. Colds are caused by viruses or bacteria which are more often spread in the winter because of close contact from everyone being indoors.” That’s right, spending time outdoors can make you less susceptible to those nasty germs.
Myth #2: More people are depressed during the winter months than at any other time of the year.
Gray, dreary skies. Holiday stress. Bitter-cold weather. It seems natural to assume that depression spikes in the winter months. And yet, health experts say that’s just a myth. “Contrary to popular belief, major depression is not more rampant during the winter months than at any other time of the year,” says John Sharp, MD, a professor at Harvard University and author of the new book The Emotional Calendar. But what about the wintertime sadness you may be feeling? “The ‘holiday blues’ is a significant, temporary, stress-related condition, but it is not a recognized medical ailment or diagnosis.” Some people may also experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which has symptoms similar to depression, such as insomnia, irritability and difficulty concentrating, but only occurs during the winter months. If you suffer from these symptoms or just have less energy in general during this time of year, consider trying light therapy, suggests Dr. Sharp, who explains that an inexpensive 10,000-lux light box (which can fit on your desk) used 20 minutes or so a day may give you a boost—even if you haven't been diagnosed with SAD by a medical professional.
Myth #3: The idea that eating chicken soup can zap a cold is just an old wives' tale.
Your mom or grandmother may have raised you to believe that there’s something magical about chicken soup when it comes to treating a cold or flu, but is it true? Yes, says Dr. Sharp. “Turns out, there’s some real science behind this,” he says, explaining that chicken soup may have a positive effect on the immune system with something called neutrophil aggregation—which means “bringing white blood cells together.” White blood cells help fight off infection in your body and are integral to helping you feel better faster. While it’s not clear if other broths or hot beverages have similar immune system benefits, Dr. Sharp says hot liquids like tea and broth can help reduce the symptoms of a cold or flu virus, relieving sinus and throat pain.
Myth #4: You lose most of the heat from your body through your head, so you need to wear a hat.
We’ve all heard this one—and perhaps it worries you when you’re out with your children during the winter months. If they don’t wear a hat in the cold, is it drawing dangerous amounts of warmth from their bodies? Not really, says Dr. Sharp. “It’s largely a myth,” he says. While it’s true that you’ll lose heat from any part of your body that is exposed to the elements and not covered with clothing, forgetting a hat “is not a major health risk,” he assures. “You’re no better off in shorts and a hat than warm pants and no hat.” The bottom line: A hat is great in cold conditions, but if you leave the house without one to take the dog on a walk—no biggie. A warm coat is much more important to keep you insulated.
Myth #5: You shouldn’t exercise in the cold.
You may already be unmotivated to lace up your running shoes and head out into the cold, but if you’re worried that chilly-weather exercise is bad for your health, don’t be. “It’s fine to exercise in the cold, just make sure you warm up first,” says Dr. Sharp. That may mean walking a bit before starting on a vigorous run, or avoiding a big hill until you’re acclimated to the temperature. Sudden physical exertion in cold weather can, at times, be a risk for cardiovascular strain—for example, leaving your armchair and heading outside to vigorously shovel snow. (An important note: Anyone with a history of heart problems should always consult his or her doctor before starting any new exercise regimen—in the cold or otherwise.) Your best bet for winter workouts is to ease in slowly.
Myth #6: We need more sleep in the winter.
Admit it—when winter hits and the sun seems to all but disappear, the thought of hibernation sounds appealing, doesn’t it? But that sleepy feeling you may get in the winter doesn’t mean you should always let yourself snooze longer. “While it’s natural to want to be cozier and be in bed more, we don’t technically need more sleep,” Dr. Sharp explains. Instead, it’s likely that the scarcity of sunlight in the winter months makes us think we’re sleepy. There’s nothing wrong with going to bed earlier, but beware of sleeping too much. “Some people find that when they get more sleep, they feel sleepier during the day, even a little dazed.”
Myth #7: You don’t need sunscreen in the winter.
It’s cold and cloudy, so you can retire your sunscreen until sunny days at the beach this summer, right? Wrong, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a New York City–based dermatologist. “The sun and UV rays are present winter, spring, summer and fall,” she says. “I recommend that you wear a sunscreen with SPF 30, and it’s best to wear a UVA/UVB blocker. The best ones contain zinc or titanium.”
Myth #8: Frostbite is hard to get.
Frostbite may sound like something people dealt with in olden times, or possibly a condition suffered only by hardcore ski enthusiasts. But not only is frostbite easy to get, it’s more common than you think, says Dr. Jaliman, who got a case of frostbite after an afternoon on the slopes. How do you get it? When skin—usually on the extremities, like hands and feet—becomes too cold or wet (or both), it can become slightly numb and then blister. It can happen fast—even in just 30 minutes while in extreme cold and wet conditions. “If blisters occur, then there may be damage and the skin may turn black,” says Dr. Jaliman. “Then you may become insensitive to heat and cold in the future. With further damage, you may suffer nerve damage and lose fingers and toes.” And don’t think that it needs to be -10°F for you to run into trouble. “The temperature can be relatively warm at 32°F, but it's more about how long the bare skin is exposed. Also, wet skin is very vulnerable.”
Myth #9: Dry skin is just a harmless winter annoyance.
Itchy, flaky skin can be an irritating and unsightly consequence of cold, dry air. But should you just write it off as a winter annoyance? No, says Dr. Jaliman. Dry skin, if not kept at bay, can be a portal for infection. “It’s very important to keep dry skin hydrated,” she says. When skin becomes dry, it can lead to small cracks that can leave your body prone to infections. To prevent this, moisturize twice daily—after you shower and before bed—as well as throughout the day for body parts that are prone to dryness, like your hands. “I like Aquaphor,” says Dr. Jaliman. “It’s inexpensive and effective.”
Myth #10: You can’t get allergies in the winter months.
In the winter, there’s good and bad news for allergy sufferers, says Dr. Verret: “If you have pollen allergies, they will be better in the winter, but if you're sensitive to indoor allergens, such as pet dander or dust mites, your allergies may be even worse.” So although your sneezing and sniffling may not be from seasonal culprits, your indoor allergies could be more bothersome than usual.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sunday Funday- I Now Feel The Need To Carry A Toy Dog Everywhere
Hello Friends, How are you all today? This cell phone commercial made me laugh imagine actually seeing 2 mechanics working on cars while holding toy dogs ha ha! So i just had to share it on my blog! Hope You All Have A Good Day
Friday, February 4, 2011
Go Red For Women-The 10 Best Foods For Your Heart
Hello Friends, How are you all today? Today is national wear red day. Go red for women to help fight heart disease. As i get older i start thinking more about my health. It’s more important than ever to listen to your body and make healthy life choices now that will benefit you in the future. Heart health is very important! Your body is always changing and those changes can affect your heart. The following is some heart healthy foods that i found online and wanted to share them with all of you. Hope You All Have A Wonderful Day
Take heart with berries, beans, and other healthy fare.
Oatmeal
Start your day with a steaming bowl of oats, which are full of omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium. This fiber-rich superfood can lower levels of LDL (or bad) cholesterol and help keep arteries clear.
Opt for coarse or steel-cut oats over instant varieties—which contain more fiber—and top your bowl off with a banana for another 4 grams of fiber.
Salmon
Super-rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can effectively reduce blood pressure and keep clotting at bay. Aim for two servings per week, which may reduce your risk of dying of a heart attack by up to one-third.
"Salmon contains the carotenoid astaxanthin, which is a very powerful antioxidant," says cardiologist Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, the author of Lower Your Blood Pressure In Eight Weeks. But be sure to choose wild salmon over farm-raised fish, which can be packed with insecticides, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Not a fan of salmon? Other oily fish like mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines will give your heart the same boost.
Avocado
Add a bit of avocado to a sandwich or spinach salad to up the amount of heart-healthy fats in your diet. Packed with monounsaturated fat, avocados can help lower LDL levels while raising the amount of HDL cholesterol in your body.
"Avocados are awesome," says Dr. Sinatra. "They allow for the absorption of other carotenoids—especially beta-carotene and lycopene—which are essential for heart health."
Olive oil Full of monounsaturated fats, olive oil lowers bad LDL cholesterol and reduces your risk of developing heart disease.
Results from the Seven Countries Study, which looked at cardiovascular disease incidences across the globe, showed that while men in Crete had a predisposition for high cholesterol levels, relatively few died of heart disease because their diet focused on heart-healthy fats found in olive oil. Look for extra-virgin or virgin varieties—they're the least processed—and use them instead of butter when cooking.
Nuts Walnuts are full of omega-3 fatty acids and, along with almonds and macadamia nuts, are loaded with mono- and polyunsaturated fat. Plus, nuts increase fiber in the diet, says Dr. Sinatra. "And like olive oil, they are a great source of healthy fat."
Berries Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries—whatever berry you like best—are full of anti-inflammatories, which reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.
"Blackberries and blueberries are especially great," says Sinatra. "But all berries are great for your vascular health."
Legumes
Fill up on fiber with lentils, chickpeas, and black and kidney beans. They're packed with omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and soluble fiber.
Spinach
Spinach can help keep your ticker in top shape thanks to its stores of lutein, folate, potassium, and fiber.
But upping your servings of any veggies is sure to give your heart a boost. The Physicians' Health Study examined more than 15,000 men without heart disease for a period of 12 years. Those who ate at least two-and-a-half servings of vegetables each day cut their risk of heart disease by about 25%, compared with those who didn't eat the veggies. Each additional serving reduced risk by another 17%.
Flaxseed Full of fiber and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, a little sprinkling of flaxseed can go a long way for your heart. Top a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal with a smidgen of ground flaxseed for the ultimate heart-healthy breakfast.
Soy Soy may lower cholesterol, and since it is low in saturated fat, it's still a great source of lean protein in a heart-healthy diet.
Look for natural sources of soy, like edamame, tempeh, or organic silken tofu. And soy milk is a great addition to a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal. But watch the amount of salt in your soy: some processed varieties like soy dogs can contain added sodium, which boosts blood pressure.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Snow-Day PIctures
Hello Friends,
Just wanted to post some pictures from the snow storm we got yesterday and today we cleaned it all up, I think it was the worst one we had this year we got alot of snow! Must say i will be so glad to see the grass and the flowers blooming again. Have A Wonderful Day
Part of the snow covered porch!
Just wanted to post some pictures from the snow storm we got yesterday and today we cleaned it all up, I think it was the worst one we had this year we got alot of snow! Must say i will be so glad to see the grass and the flowers blooming again. Have A Wonderful Day
Part of the snow covered porch!
Akita's Snow-Day
Hello Friends, How are you all today. We got alot of snow yesterday and today was our clean up day from the storm. It was a decent day and the sun was out, thankfully the snow was fluffy so it was easy to clean up. I Thought i would post a video from today's clean up,I've been learning how to make videos and post them, I'm still getting used to making them, it's pretty fun and this one is of my dog. While we were cleaning up all the snow she was loving it and having a blast playing so i ran and grabbed the camera so i could record her having so much fun, she is such a cutie but she was practically buried in it and could barley walk there was so much snow out there and she is just so little. Enjoy:) Have A Wonderful Day
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Happy Groundhog Day-Punxsutawney Phil Predicts An Early Spring
Hello Everyone, How are you all today? Happy groundhog day! The famous Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring,that sounds good to me i hope he is right! We just got hit with another huge snow storm today 8-14in I think we got the 14! I will be so glad if spring does come early, i haven't seen a winter like this sense i was a kid, seems like we are getting snow storms every other day this year yuck. Here is the write up from Ground Hogs day thought i would share the news with all of you. Have A Wonderful Day
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. – The country's most famous groundhog predicted an early spring Wednesday.Punxsutawney Phil emerged just after dawn on Groundhog Day to make his 125th annual weather forecast in front of a smaller-than-usual crowd in rural Pennsylvania who braved muddy, icy conditions to hear his handlers reveal that he had not seen his shadow.
Including Wednesday's forecast, Phil has seen his shadow 98 times and hasn't seen it just 16 times since 1887, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club's Inner Circle, which runs the event. There are no records for the remaining years, though the group has never failed to issue a forecast.
The Groundhog Day celebration is rooted in a German superstition that says if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on Feb. 2, the Christian holiday of Candlemas, winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow was seen, legend says that spring will come early.
Including Wednesday's forecast, Phil has seen his shadow 98 times and hasn't seen it just 16 times since 1887, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club's Inner Circle, which runs the event. There are no records for the remaining years, though the group has never failed to issue a forecast.
The Groundhog Day celebration is rooted in a German superstition that says if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on Feb. 2, the Christian holiday of Candlemas, winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow was seen, legend says that spring will come early.
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