How do you feel these days? It's certainly true that our bodies tend to change as we age. Oh, and I'm not talking about for the better. One way to look at our bodies is as if they are machines. You know, like your car. Well, does your car run better and better the more miles you put on it? Probably not. This is why you take good care of your vehicle, which in turn helps it to run smooth and keep up. We humans are similar in this fashion. We too need to maintenance ourselves in order to stay fit. This involves a number of factors. First and foremost, we all have to adopt a proper diet. This is crucial to living long and well. Secondly, we have to stay active if we want to stay in shape. And finally, we always want to be sure to receive the right nutrients. Our body and mind depend on this. That's why you see so many multi-vitamins, iron, zinc, and calcium supplements now days. People are trying to live well, longer.

The best source of calcium is low fat dairy products. Some vegetables such as broccoli, kale, collard greens and mustard greens are good sources of calcium. Fish, such as sardines and canned salmon are excellent sources of calcium. You can also find calcium added to some breads and orange juices.

Women especially are susceptible to bone loss and calcium deficiency. Therefore women may seriously want to consider taking calcium supplements once they hit a particular age. You might want to talk to your doctor around age 35. It's always good to get a head start. The last thing you want to be deficient of is calcium. This vitamin concerns your body's frame. You need a strong bone structure to physically function and do those things you love.

A total intake of about 2,000 milligrams of calcium per day is recommended. An eight ounce glass of milk or six ounces of yogurt provide 300 milligrams of calcium. Two ounces of swiss cheese contains 520 milligrams of calcium. Keep in mind that vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium.

While food is your best option for getting the calcium needed you may want to take a supplement in order to maintain decent bone mass, and prevent bone loss. Consult your physician regarding this particular issue. It may be time for you to provide your body with that extra something. It's imperative that we all prepare for our future health, and not simply live in the now. The truth is if you don't take care of your body, you'll likely regret it down the road.

Balance Always!

Constance Weygandt

I am asked quite often where I come up with the ideas and information for my articles. People tell me that they would love to write but don't know what to write about.

I tell them that we all have talents and a font of knowledge that we tend to take for granted. Sometimes, we assume that if we know something then everyone else must know it too. If we don't assume that everyone knows what we know then we have useful knowledge to share.

Recently I feel into this trap. For years, I have organized my dishwasher so that it is easy to unload. I place mugs together, glasses together, large plates together, small plates together, etc. I stack my silverware the same way. I place the forks in one cubicle, teaspoons in another, bread knives in another, tablespoons in another and steak knives (blade side down) in another. This little trick helps me to unload the dishwasher in much less time.

A friend stopped by for a visit and commented on how fast I clean up the kitchen. I shared this tip with her. She has loved this tip. She called to tell me how she used to hate unloading the dishwasher and now it takes no time at all.

I hope that you too find this tip helpful!

Constance Weygandt

I have a strong reaction to spider bites. I end up with huge welts and am miserable with the burning and itching. Normal remedies such as a cortisone cream do not work for me.

This past weekend a spider or spiders had a feast on me. I woke up, in the middle of the night with my right leg on fire. I immediately put an anti-fungal cream such as lotrimin because this has worked well in the past to relieve the burning and itching. This time, however, I got no relief.

By the end of the day I was going crazy from the bites. I tried to think of anything I could use to relieve the pain. I happened to notice my container of powdered natural colostrum.

Natural colostrum contains 87 anti aging properties and 95 immune factors when taken internally. I wondered how well it would work on the outside of the skin. I had nothing to lose. I made up a paste of the natural colostrum and water and placed it on the bites. The relief from the itching and burning was immediate. I couldn’t believe it!

I put two applications of the paste on my skin that night and within four hours my bites were back to normal size. No more burning and itching.

Try this the next time you are miserable with bug bites. However, a word of caution. Some spider bites from spiders such as the hobo, recluse or black widow can cause severe reactions to your system. Tics can carry Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. If you have a bite which looks unusual or you start a fever with flu like symptoms, please call your doctor.

I hope this works as well for you as it did for me.

Balance Always,

Constance Weygandt

I just wrote an article on surviving this terrible heat wave that we have been having all over the country. I wanted to put on my blog the two tips that I consider could save lives.

It is very important to stay hydrated in this extreme heat. We don't always realize how rapidly we are losing moisture when the temperature rises. A sports drink such as Gatorade is good to keep in your cupboards. It will help to balance your electrolytes. Remember to drink plenty of water.

The second point I want to make is about the elderly. While dehydration is a very unpleasant experience for most of us, it can be fatal to the elderly. If you have an elderly neighbor or a neighbor with a serious medical condition, please check on them when the temperatures are soaring especially if they have no air conditioning. Make sure that they have plenty of liquids available. A good way to keep cool is to fill a pan with cold water and soak your feet in it. Offer to do so for your neighbor, when you visit.

By taking care of each other during this heat wave we should stay safer and cooler. Keep cool.

P.S. If you want to read the article in its entirety, go to http://www.ezinearticles.com

Yesterday, I caught an author of a new diet book on a daily talk show, "The View". He said there are no statistics which state that we need to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. There may not be statistics but I think we can all agree that water is one of the essential ingredients that we need to survive. Here are three reasons to drink water.

Water is 0 calories. Substituting a glass of water for a glass of fruit juice, soda or other sugared drink saves you hundreds of calories a day, which adds up to pounds saved at the end of a year. On the other hand, substituting a drink containing calories for water adds hundreds of calories a day etc.

Water helps to rid our bodies of toxins. It flushes out our kidneys so that our bodies are able to function better. Other drinks, while they obviously run through our kidneys can contain sugars, sugar substitutes or other ingredients that our kidneys need to filter out.

An inadequate amount of water, especially in the summer months, can lead to dehydration. This is an especially uncomfortable state to be in and can be potentially dangerous. It can have very serious consequences.

Do we need 6-8 glasses of water a day? It is just a measure. Use common sense. I would make it a goal to drink water between meals when you feel thirsty. A lack of hydration can mimic hunger pains. If you feel hungry between meals, have a glass of water. If you are still hungry, after a few minutes, have a snack.

I would not, however, give up drinking water because someone came out with a new "diet book". Diet books come and go. As always, think balance before making any drastic changes in your lifestyle.

Balance Always,

Connie

I wanted to share this cool picture with you. Just looking at this picture makes me feel cooler in this summer heat.

I found this picture on http://www.flickr.com. It has some really great pictures.

Enjoy!

One hundred percent of what you do begins in your mind. There is a proven mind - body connection that has everything to do with the state of your health. Visualization is now considered a standard form of treatment for cancer patients in conjunction with chemo or radiation.

Recently, I watched a video which I consider a must see for everyone but specifically for those experiencing chronic health problems. To find out
more about this you can watch the video at http://www.thesecret.tv

I believe the cost is around $5 but it is money well spent.

Balance always!