3 Tips To Preserve Your Complexion Through Healthy Aging

If there is one part of our body that we always want to look young and fresh, it is our skin. Regardless of whether you are interested in healthy aging, you probably have spent thousands of dollars on skin care just to give your skin an extra day or two of longevity and youth. This is normal, after all, a wrinkled, lined complexion is one of the most noticeable signs of aging.

Luckily, there are certain healthy aging steps you can take to delay the most dramatic changes that occur to complexion as you age. This article will show you the three best ways to take care of your skin to help you stay young and beautiful long into your golden years.

Without healthy aging, the onset of old age hits complexion the hardest. Firstly, expect to see more and more lines and wrinkles as you grow older. Healthy aging can delay the process, but it is important to be prepared to deal with it sooner or later.

Your skin will start becoming less elastic, which in the long run will lead to it looking saggy and droopy in places. Your oil glands will grow less efficient with time, leading to much drier, thinner complexion. In short, without healthy aging, the fate that awaits your skin in the future is not pretty.

Luckily, there are ways to delay or even alleviate some of these problems. Using a good moisturizer is essential for healthy aging as your complexion will not be as dry and inelastic. A good moisturizer will also help you shed dead skin much faster and more systematically, resulting in complexion that looks much smoother. Of course, no moisturizer will help you delay skin aging forever, however, it is one of the key components of ensuring healthy aging of your skin.

Second, although you may like to spend time lounging on your favorite beach under the scorching glare of the sun, it is important to remember that sun exposure will also lead to drier skin.

Therefore, if you are serious about healthy aging, it is recommended not to spend too much time in the sun. If you absolutely have to go out on a sunny day, wear a good sunscreen as well as sun-reflective clothing. This might take some fun out of walking down the street and looking your absolute best when you were 20, but you will not regret doing that when you are 50.

Third, no matter how relaxing and alluring the prospect of having a long, hot bath may sound, studies show that spending too much time soaking in hot water can also lead to a drier complexion. Sadly, healthy aging for your skin and hour-long baths are not compatible.

It is important to moderate the amount of time you spend bathing and when you are relaxing in a tub, it is recommended that you avoid burning hot water and soak in warm water instead. It may not feel as good, but your skin will not suffer as much.

Furthermore, when you get out of the bath, try not to scrub yourself to death with a towel instead, gently rub or pat your skin and apply moisturizer. You will bask in the glow of freshly scrubbed moisturized skin, while your peers may start to look a bit like the towels they are using to dry themselves.

As you can see, there are many steps you can take to ensure healthy aging of your skin. It is important to keep in mind that time and age will catch up with you whether you like it or not as such, it is important to accept the fact, that one day, your skin will start showing signs of age. At one point, it is important to be able to accept your senior age and embrace it as a new, equally exciting part of your life.

.how to Get Through English Literature

Writing and editing advice from www.goodtermpaper.com

Becoming acquainted with classic books can be one of the most rewarding ventures possible for your mind. However, these often bulky tomes can be quite intimidating.   What I advise, even if you cannot sit for hours on end and thoroughly digest the book you are assigned to read, is to make a determined proxy effort via Cliff Notes.  Many people will rant and rave about how AWESOME it is to sit down in a cafe, or on the beach, and just read a book.  To put yourself in the intricately painted scenarios, to stand side by side with a character as the writer’s world congeals and whips around him/her, to cherish every word of a genius, world class author…

But not everyone is cut out for long reading sessions that require absolute focus, concentration and sitting still (at least in body).  So the natural reaction is to reject and resent the advice to really ‘feel’ the book and let it sink in- this is what gives the liberal arts the fairy rap that it has.   Well, I am telling you that those feelings are REAL and that you can get much the same feeling for the text by reading cliff notes.

Your feeling and sense of the text is what will allow you to come up with a good paper topic.  Your thesis should be somewhat creative, but not off the wall crazy, and should be logical and well ordered.  But your inspiration to write a good thesis has to come from the feelings you distill over the reading of a long text. If you can’t actually sit and read it, at least get a feel for the plot, characters and the majesty of the story from a good summary like Cliff Notes.

This article was written by the Editor in Chief at www.Goodtermpaper.com

Fitness Through the Winter Season

Thanksgiving has passed, but it’s not over yet. As the weather gets cooler and other winter holidays approach, it’s always a temptation to eat more and exercise less, potentially resulting in weight gain, a wider waist, and a slower metabolism. We may also feel stressed from personal and professional commitments.

If you’re satisfied with whatever diet and exercise plan you have, stick with it. If it’s been lacking or you feel the stress of the season may interfere, try this: Between now and the end of the year, try to set aside at least 30 minutes or more on most days of the week for physical activity. Exercise can help shake those winter blues. It can help you improve eating habits and can reduce food cravings in people prone to overeating.

Your routine doesn’t have to be all in one stretch, and it doesn’t have to be strenuous. Make a workout of household cleaning. Take the stairs. Go sledding. For extra motivation, work out with a colleague, friend or family member. With just a little planning now, you can stay fit, feel more energetic, and still enjoy the holidays.

Indoor Winter Maintenance

Staying in shape when it’s cold outside may take a little more effort and a dash more creativity than other times of the year, but it’s worth it. Stick with your winter workouts, and you’ll be a lot happier when the sweaters come off and the beach gear comes on. Exercise also keeps you occupied, filling time that might otherwise be spent on mindless eating. Health & Fitness Services offers several suggestions to keep you moving indoors.

Go for a walk. Walking is an easy way to meet the recommended amount of daily activity and avoid the holiday weight gain that can lead to obesity. Don’t have or not a fan of the treadmill? Some people walk with a friend or family member through indoor shopping centers before doors officially open for business. Walking outdoors can also be fun. Walking is not only a good choice for healthy living, but it is also great for strengthening relationships with friends and family.

Every little bit helps. You can watch TV without necessarily being a couch potato. Go for a walk or run on your treadmill, do some step aerobics, jump rope or jog in place. Any movement, even if it’s simply doing push-ups during the commercials, is worth something. When you’re at the mall, pick up a workout video. You can turn your TV into an exercise machine by popping in that video instead of just sitting there!

Join others at the gym. Contact your local gym to inquire about group exercise. If the basics like spinning or step aerobics don’t appeal to you, look into something different, such as candlelight stretch, circuit aerobics, yoga aerobics, aqua running, or boot camp where available. You don’t have to join an expensive gym to find a group exercise class. Many community centers, universities, and hospitals have health/fitness centers that offer classes at low or no cost.

If you’re unsure of what gym to join, check out the list of discounted commercial gym memberships available through the National Health & Fitness Program. And don’t forget you can also take advantage of the Fitness Subsidy Program to cover up to half of the basic cost (excluding the cost of classes) of your gym membership!

Keep your weight up. That is, keep up your weight training routine. Doing a weight workout that involves the major muscle groups of your chest, back, legs, abs and arms not only burns calories, it also builds and maintains metabolism boosting muscle. All you need is your body weight and a few dumbbells for an at-home weight workout. Exercise bands are also a great alternative to dumbbells. Buy a basic weight training video or try this indoor winter workout. (Consult your personal physician or other health care provider before starting this or any other exercise routine, especially if you are new to exercise.)

Let’s Take it Outside

No matter what the temperature may be outside, you may still love the outdoors. Then embrace the cold weather by taking up a winter sport. If skiing, the classic winter sport, isn’t your idea of fun, there are other cold weather activities to consider. How about ice-skating, sledding, winter hiking and cross-country skiing? By dressing properly and heeding cold-weather safety tips, you can exercise outdoors. Here’s our advice to keep you moving safely outside.

Dress the part. You’ll need to dress in layers. Start with a thin layer of synthetic material such as polypropylene, which draws sweat away from your body. Next try fleece for insulation. Top this with a waterproof (e.g. nylon) outer layer. To warm the air you breathe, wear a face mask or a scarf over your mouth. Remember to wear a hat and gloves. Also, choose footwear with enough traction to prevent falls on slippery surfaces.

Remember sunscreen. Sunburn is possible any time of year, even when it’s cold. Snow reflects the sun’s rays. You’ll also want to use a lip balm with SPF.

Start slowly. It’s ok to feel a little chilly at first, as you’ll warm up quickly. Don’t forget to stretch afterwards.
Prevent dehydration. Water is important for body temperature regulation, so cold weather increases fluid needs, just like hot weather. Drink water or sports drinks before, during, and after your workout, even if you’re not thirsty. Cold air has a drying effect, which can increase the risk of dehydration. In turn, dehydration increases the risk of frostbite.

Head indoors. The wind can penetrate your clothes and remove the insulating layer of warm air that surrounds your body. Activity that involves fast motion, such as skiing, running, cycling, or skating, also creates wind chill because it increases air movement past your body. If the cold seems unbearable despite the insulation from your clothing, head indoors.

If you see a patch of hard, pale, cold skin, you may have frostbite. Further, if your body temperature drops too much, you may experience hypothermia – intense shivering, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and fatigue. If you suspect numbness from frostbite or the symptoms of hypothermia, get out of the cold and seek emergency care.

Who said it’s cold outside? Is it sunny and warm this time of year where you live? Then go for that family walk outside. Jog, roller blade, bike, and take advantage of what most of us wish we have this winter! Aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

Physician’s consent. For some people, cold air can trigger chest pain or asthma attacks. If you have any medical conditions, consult your personal physician or other health care provider before exercising in cold weather, especially if you are new to exercise.

Time to Eat!

The winter holidays are typically celebrated with luscious indoor feasts of food, food, and more food. Holiday shopping also draws us to unhealthy fast food restaurants. Here are some quick pointers to help you from stuffing your face:

• On the day of the party, eat regularly all day long. If you go to a dinner party and have starved yourself all day long, it will be difficult not to overindulge.

• At the party, start with the healthy foods. Filling up on fruits and vegetables should keep you from overindulging in fattening foods.

• Beware of alcoholic beverages. Some of them may contain several hundred calories!

• On-the-go? Have a piece of fruit, low-fat/low-sugar energy bar, or other healthy snack on hand to prevent that super-sized meal in the mall.

And even if it’s not a holiday, we may be trapped indoors because of the weather and often eat while sitting at the computer or watching television. It’s tempting to hit the mood-boosting carbs and fattening comfort meals over the winter, but try and resist the urge to comfort eat. Consider these tips this winter:

Remember to stay hydrated! As unappealing as a bottle of cold water may be when it’s freezing outside, it is important to keep up your fluid intake. Regular water intake may also help cut cravings.

Soup is a great way to get rid of winter’s chill and keep hydrated, especially if it’s low in salt. If it’s stocked with a variety of vegetables, beans, and grains, it can boost your nutrition as well. The plus in soup starts with the broth. Make chicken or beef broth by boiling the meat, then skim any fat before adding the vegetables, beans, and grains.

Nutrition bonuses come from the vegetables. Load your soup with dark green vegetables for fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals – the agents in vegetables that give them their color, and may aid in preventing disease. Beans provide protein, vitamins, fiber, and more phytochemicals. So, not only will you stay warm and hydrated, you may also prevent heart disease, cancer, and keep your immune system strong!

Drink to fight the winter bug. We are more susceptible to coughs and colds in the winter, so it’s a good idea to stock up on immune-boosting Vitamin C. Have a small glass of 100% fruit juice (e.g. orange juice is very high in Vitamin C) with your breakfast every morning. If you’re conscious of the calories, you can take a Vitamin C supplement instead.

Keep it whole grain. Try foods with a low glycemic index (GI), such as brown rice rather than enriched white rice, whole wheat bread and pasta rather than those made with white refined flour. If you’re baking, try whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose white flour. Replace your summer smoothie with a warming bowl of oats, an excellent low-GI food.

Low GI foods are invaluable during the winter (or anytime of the year), as they release energy slowly. They prevent you from having those sugar highs and lows, which can have a negative affect on your mood, reducing the likelihood of you exercising. As always, watch the portion size! Anything in excess can cause you to gain weight.
Holiday Sanity

Pressure from personal and professional commitments at especially this time of year can cause stress. You may not realistically have time to get in as much exercise as you’d like. The sun may not be shining as much, making you feel down. How can you improve your mood? This is what we think.

Prioritize. Find a quiet place alone and take a few moments to think through your priorities. Ask yourself which commitments, goals, or responsibilities are most important to your well-being. Then, focus reasonable attention on those things, while deliberately allowing the less important matters to wait. By exerting some intentional control, you should feel less overwhelmed.

Don’t turn to overeating. Find the time to exercise, as any type of exercise can help your mood.

Don’t stress the family reunion. The holidays can be a time to gather with family members, whom may be sources of social support, as well as sources of emotional friction. In the workplace, you may be recognized as a reliable professional, but back at home you may be known as the “overweight younger cousin” or be harassed with questions about your personal life from nosy relatives. When dealing with these types of family members, recognize what is happening and take control over your own reactions. Consider the person whose behavior annoys you. Does their behavior tell you they are disgruntled, depressed, self-absorbed, or just plain insensitive? Realize that you are not responsible for their actions, comments, or issues.

Remember that you don’t need to let yourself become drawn back into roles or relationships of your past, and you have no obligation to respond to intrusive or annoying questions. Change or deflect the subject or just walk away.

When it comes to diet and exercise, the theme of moderation should not be forgotten. Keep in mind that it is easier to stay in shape than it is to get in shape. Sticking to a diet and exercise routine that you’ve already established allows you to maintain your level of fitness and continue to enjoy the results that you’ve worked so hard for. Even if your routine is light, staying in the habit of exercise is better than dropping out altogether and risk losing your desire to get back into it again.

Can You Believe God To Pull You Through? They Did.?

Beyond pain — Parents of daughter born with rare skin disorder look to God for relief and joy
By Alex Murashko — ANS
Gus and Suzy Hermes had to make a choice when it was discovered that their daughter, Noelle, was born with a rare genetic disorder that makes it difficult for her skin to stay on most of her body.When doctors delivered Noelle by C-section they found that she did not have skin on half of her legs, Suzy said. When they went to wipe off Noelle’s face, the skin came off. Placing a suction tube in her mouth to remove fluid caused the skin that lined her mouth and throat to detach.Gus said that although the doctors tried to look calm he “could see that panic was written all over them.”It took doctors nearly two days of research, starting on the Internet, to find that Noelle had one of the more severe forms of epidermolysis bullosa, a disorder that produces a mutated skin that is so fragile that it can blister or sluff off from just slight friction resulting in large blisters and sores.It was two months before Noelle could go home.Five years later, on the Hermes living room carpet, Noelle is playing music on a small harp and her big brown eyes and wide smile defy her struggle with EB.Her parents hope to share her story and raise money for the newly established Noelle Hermes Foundation during the “Amazing Race for the Cure of EB” fund-raiser in Newport Beach on May 20.”Those first few days were the worst days of my life,” Suzy said. “I just wanted to run out of the hospital and just think I was having a nightmare that I was going to wake up from.”Instead of running, Suzy said she decided to trust God with the situation.”The whole thing about us having a choice to make is so true,” Suzy said. “You really have a choice—do you want to be bitter and turn away from God or do you want to allow it to make you better?”I don’t want to be bitter. That doesn’t do anything for our marriage. That doesn’t help Noelle.”Open wounds and bandages
About one-third of Noelle’s body is covered with open wounds, much like the wounds of a burn victim, Suzy said. Noelle wears bandages and wrapping on her legs, feet and torso every day.The bandages and wrappings need to be replaced every other day. The process is a painful one that takes the family two hours and involves a bath with open sores.Despite the almost constant pain, Noelle’s typically joyful expression reflects her daily attitude, her parents said. In the beginning, Gus was not sure he could cope with caring for his daughter’s wounds.”We had to learn the whole concept of being completely sterile and the different types of dressings that you put on,” Gus said. “I was like no way. I’m squeamish. I can’t stand looking at medical things on TV. I can’t handle it and yet God has given me the grace to be able to handle her.”Because food taken in the mouth can cause sores in her mouth and throat, Noelle needs to be fed with a feeding tube that attaches at her abdomen. She gets hooked up with the tube three times a day for an hour each time and then at night when she goes to bed.Suzy said she struggled with looking too far into the future as well.”If you would have told us before she was born about what we do now, like changing her feeding tube button and stuff we do I would have said that you are out of your mind,” Suzy said. “But its just evidence of God giving you the strength todo things when you need it.”Just thinking back, it was so scary in the beginning. Now it is just so part of our life that it seems normal.”Full-time missionariesGus and Suzy, both 43 years old, work as domestic missionaries for Athletes in Action, a ministry of Campus Crusade. They are campus directors at the University of California, Irvine. Their work involves telling athletes at UCI about Christ, leading Bible studies, holding retreats, and discipling, they said.They are able to work out of their home much of the time, enabling them to more easily care for Noelle and their other two daughters, Brenna, 10, and Kalena, 8. The children are home-schooled by their parents.EB is an inherited disease that affects less than 10,000 children and adults in the United States, researchers say. Most doctors and nurses can work a lifetime and never bump into this condition. Research is being done to find a cure, but more needs to be done, the Hermes said.The parents, with help from others, have established the Noelle Hermes Foundation. The foundation’s board members want to assist the Hermes family with medical expenses. Although the family’s insurance has covered much of the cost, there is still plenty of out-of-pocket expenses, the Hermes said.The foundation, which is just three months old, also wants to raise money for EB research. In addition, Suzy said she would like to see that funds go to help other families who have a member with the disease. The costs can be very high, she said.Shift in priorities
Getting past the emotional anguish of having a child with EB required that the Hermes’ faith in God grow to a level they never imagined, they said. As successful long distance runners in college, both said they were previously too performance orientated.Gus and Suzy now use their experience with Noelle to help others in pain in painful circumstances”All of us are trying so hard to get attention and love from people by all the different things we are doing,” Gus said. “We are trying to achieve and be successful in business. Get the right husband. Get the right wife. Get the right house.”If you are an athlete you achieve something to get people to look at you and notice you. We just want that love and affection and it’s never going to satisfy us,” he said.”The only place that really comes from is God. But you can talk and talk about that and have it up here (in your mind), but I had never experienced it in my life. Now I understand it and it is completely life changing.”For more information about Noelle or the foundation, visit noellehermes.org. Sign-ups for the race may also be made by calling Rocky Whan at (714) 473-2848.
Published by Keener Communications Group, May 2006

Current USA High School Girls Track and Field Records Through July 2009 – Part 2

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Here are the current USA High School Girls Track and Field Records through July 2009. This list gives every high school runner, jumper and thrower an idea of what it takes to become a world-class athlete at the prep level.

Some of these record-holders have just completed their senior season and are likely headed for college competition somewhere. They include middle distance runner Jordan Hasay, steeplechaser Shelby Greany, high jumper Toni Young, and discus thrower Anna Jelmini.

The list of names from the past and their performances is amazing, and they have become household names in the track and field community worldwide. They include Allyson Felix, Sanya Richards, Kim Gallagher, Polly Plumer, and more recently Christine Babcock.

USA High School Girls Track & Field Records

100 – 11.11 in 1998 by Angela Williams of Chino (CA) High School.

200 – 22.51 in 2003 by Allyson Felix of Los Angeles Baptist HS in North Hills (CA). Felix also had a 22.11 at altitude in Mexico City, Mexico.

400 – 50.69 in 2002 by Sanya Richards of St. Aquinas HS in Ft. Lauderdale (FL).

800 – 2:00.07 in 1982 by Kim Gallagher of Upper Dublin HS in Ft. Washington (PA).

1,500 – 4:14.50 in 2008 by Jordan Hasay of Mission HS in San Luis Obispo (CA).

Mile – 4:35.24 in 1982 by Polly Plumer of University HS in Irvine (CA).

3,000 Steeplechase – 10:15.26 in 2006 by Mel Lawrence of Reno (NV) HS.

3,000 – 9:08.60 in 1975 by Lynn Bjorklund of Los Alamos (NM) HS.

2 Miles – 10:01.08 in 2002 by Molly Huddle of Norte Dame HS in Elmira (NY).

5,000 – 15:52.88 in 2004 by Caitlin Chock of Granite Bay (CA) HS.

10,000 – 32:52.5 in 1979 by Mary Shea of Cardinal Gibbons HS in Raleigh (NC).

100 Hurdles – 12.95 in 1979 by Candy Young of Beaver Falls (PA) HS.

300 Hurdles – 39.98 in 2001 by Lashinda Demus of Wilson HS in Long Beach (CA).

400 Hurdles – 55.20 in 1984 by Leslie Maxie of Mills HS in Millbrae (CA).

4×100 Relay – 44.50 in 2004 by Shana Solomon, Jasmine Lee, Chanda Picott and Shalonda Solomon of Poly HS in Long Beach (CA).

4×200 Relay – 1:33.87 in 2004 by Shana Solomon 24.2, Jasmine Lee 23.3, Shana Woods 23.4 and Shalonda Solomon 23.0 of Poly HS in Long Beach (CA).

4×400 Relay – 3:35.49 in 2004 by Shana Woods 55.7, DeShanta Harris 55.6, Jasmine Lee 52.6 and Shalonda Solomon 51.6 of Poly HS in Long Beach (CA).

4×800 Relay – 8:43.12 in 2008 by Dominique Lockhart 2:13.0, Amirah Johnson 2:08.6, Brittany Ogunomokun 2:11.9 and Tasha Stanley 2:09.6 of Roosevelt HS in Greenbelt (MD).

4×1,500 Relay – 18:52.5 in 1982 by Laura Sauerwein 4:48.7, Polly Plumer 4:28.1, Judy McLaughlin 4:55.7 and Terea Barrios 4:40.5 of University HS in Irvine (CA).

4xMile Relay – 19:56.75 in 2006 by Christy Goldman 5:08.7, Shelby Greany 5:01.8, Caroline Heidt 4:52.3 and Kara McKenna 4:53.9 of Suffern (NY) HS.

800 Medley – 1:38.73 in 2003 by Shana Solomon, Dominique Dorsey, Jasmine Lee and Shalonda Solomon 51.4 of Poly HS in Long Beach (CA).

Sprint Medley – 3:51.90 in 2007 by Afia Charles, Doris Anyanwu, Takecia Jameson and Marika Walker 2:06.7 of Roosevelt HS in Greenbelt (MD).

Distance Medley – 11:31.81 in 2008 by Tori Pennings 3:33.2, Kristen Jados 57.3, Claire Pettit 2:11.3 and Lillian Greibesland 4:50.0 of Warwick Valley HS in Warwick (NY).

4×100 Hurdles – 57.49 in 2003 by Gayle Hunter, Dominique Manning, Lili Calhoun and Ashlee Brown of North HS in Riverside (CA).

High Jump – 6-04 in 2009 by Tori Young of Del City (OK) HS, and in 1993 by Amy Acuff of Calallen HS in Corpus Christi (TX).

Pole Vault – 14-01.25 in 2007 by Tori Anthony of Castilleja HS in Palo Alto (CA). Anthony also had an indoor vault of 14-02.50 in 2007.

Long Jump – 22-03 in 1976 by Kathy McMillan of Hoke County HS in Raeford (NC).

Triple Jump – 44-11.75 in 2004 by Brittany Daniels of West HS in Tracy (CA).

Shot Put – 54-10.75 in 2003 by Michelle Carter of Red Oak (TX) HS.

Discus – 190-03 in 2009 by Anna Jelmini of Shafter (CA) HS.

Hammer – 201-07 in 1998 by Maureen Griffin of Pocatello (ID) HS.

Javelin – 176-05 in 2005 by Rachel Yurkovich of Newberg (OR) HS.

Heptathlon – 5,533 in 2006 by Shana Woods of Poly HS in Long Beach (CA).

Marathon – 2:34.24 in 1984 by Cathy Schiro of Dover (NH) HS.

(Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 of a 2-Part Series.)

Excursions Carpool and Ride Share With Your Friends Going to the Beach and Through the Mountains

You will not be driving, as you said in front of the mirror and hopes nobody listened. But friends kept on pestering you to join in the excursion, and they would want that you drive for them to carpool and have a joy ride share with your closest chum.

 

 

After planning for the longest time, you feel like backing out, you would rather watch batman or spider man, but you know you can’t deep in your heart a carpool is a carpool, and your friends are expecting to have a ride share in your car.  Carpool is exciting, besides you feeling melancholic, with friends around you, you’ll end being cheerful!

 

Imagine bringing your favorite beach slippers and your favorite book to read while you are riding with your friends in a carpool, having a ride share with friend can perk you up and look forward to something very exciting.

 

In times like this, it is good to be sincere if you can’t really join in the carpool and having a happy ride share with them.  Recommend somebody else, especially if you want to be left alone for a while and had a quiet time the whole weekend.

 

Just in case you change your mind, its good to consider few things; first, if you feel very tired after a very tense time in the office, it’s good to hire somebody to do the driving for you in an excursion with friends, true, enjoying a ride share with them can be very fun and exciting, but not most of the time, when you are quite high strung after a very demanding week.

 

Second, in case you decide to be the one driving your friends for the carpool and have the others ride share with you, make it sure you have your first aid kit and cell- phone ready for any emergency.  Traveling in long distance sites, can be very taxing and restful at the same time.  Taxing it is because of the long distance driving, restful because of the change of schedule, mountains, trees, and atmosphere very different from the city.  The thought of just sitting and watching the beauty of creation can be sometimes irresistible.

 

Third, looking for the right outfit to be use in an out of town excursion can be a investment too. Completing your complete gear is important, if you intend to go under the sea.  Carpool friends during your ride share were passionately discussing how it is to discover the different types of fishes and creatures they can find at 150 feet above the ground.  It pays to have friends via carpool and the joys of ride share can never be taken for granted.

 

Fourth, working on a special place before eventually calling out your carpool friends and finally planning your weekend out, can be a rewarding experience. Ride share can be organized, so you won’t spend too much time looking around for some vans which can charge you super high.

 

Finally, if you really, hoped to be out of town with friends, with nobody disturbing you and calling you for an emergency work, but instead simply having a wonderful time in the carpool and joy ride share with your friends, just say so to your business friends, they will understand and they will be happy to hear you will be going out for a much needed rest, especially when you have done your job extraordinarily well.

Summer Road Trip Through the Northern California Coastline

I’m a long-time Californian, so come cruise with me through an ideal California Coastal Road Trip and then customize your own California Cruisin’ Dream Trip.

California runs nearly 800 miles; that makes this road trip the equivalent of going through nine eastern states. You’ll be amazed at the different environments you’ll find in the many cities dotting this expansive coastline.

In cities like Eureka, Fort Bragg, and Mendocino, you’ll find life there is laid-back, even bucolic. Yet here, you’ll see some of the prettiest coastlines imaginable along this curving highway. Get your camera ready to catch the rock formations jutting out of the deep ocean blue, or capture the fog rolling through tree skeletons stretching out to greet the horizon, and even the occasional cow meandering across the road as you round the next bend.

Of course, just because you’re hugging the coastline doesn’t mean you’ll be relegated to endless beach views (though that’s a darn nice way to cruise!). Include in your Road Trip Planning a hike through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Eureka, California’s largest redwood state park with more than 52,000 acres of old growth coast redwoods. If it’s occurring then, be sure to indulge in the Mendocino Music Festival in Mendocino & be swept off into an evening of wine and music. Take your shoes off at Glass Beach in Fort Bragg & marvel at the colors of the glass pebbles, all rounded smooth through years of wave action. Did you know that Glass Beach holds the highest concentration of sea glass in the world?

A relatively unknown attraction to add to your Road Trip Plan is to stop in at the Sea Ranch Chapel, one of my favorite examples of “free-hewn” architecture I’ve ever seen. Traveling south toward the Bay Area, stop at Tiburon for lunch & take the Ferry to Angel Island for the day. Beautiful Bay views and a fun ferry ride to the Westcoast Ellis Island. From the island, you’ll see spectacular views of the San Francisco Skyline.

Once you cross over the marvel of the Golden Gate Bridge, must-sees are the Golden Gate Park and Fisherman’s Wharf. Grab a loaf of San Franciscan French Bread and a freshly cleaned/boiled crab, dangle your feet from the pier & simply savor the flavor of “a day in the life” of a San Franciscan.

As you continue south, you’re in for a treat as you come to Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and Monterey; each city has a distinct pace, yet the easy going atmosphere remains. Personal favorites in Half Moon Bay is the Moss Beach Distillery, boasting a spectacular ocean view from the dining room and a firmly entrenched ghost! In Santa Cruz, there’s a wooden roller coaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. In 1987, it was honored as a national historic landmark, and still provides thrills after 84 years! Dance barefoot in the sand with their free beach concerts every Friday night during the summer.

The Monterey-Carmel-Big Sur area is my favorite recommendation to add to your Road Trip Planner because of all everything area offers: Old Fisherman’s Pier, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel Beach, the world-renown Pebble Beach, Point Lobos, and a breathtaking meeting of land and water as you travel to the stunning Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur.

Next time, we’ll continue even further south, all the way to the Mexico border. I suggest you start filling your Road Trip with the Northern California things to do now because soon we’ll be cruisin’ through some of the most popular spots in Southern California.

Food List For South Beach Diet: Working Your Way Through The Program

The South Beach Diet is one of the favorite diet programs for people who would like to lose weight. Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist, has formulated it. It is claimed that the food list for South Beach diet can help you lose weight from 8 to 13 pounds in the span of two weeks. This two-week span is just for the first phase of the program.

Principles of South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet is a diet that focuses on the intake of carbohydrates and fats. The diet has three stages. Each stage is called a phase. The first two phases introduces the gradual changes in your diet while the third phase is the diet that you will use for maintenance after going through the first two phases.

The South Beach Diet is a program where you are allowed to eat three meals a day with two snacks in between the meals. It aims to transform your eating habits from eating bad carbohydrates to eating good carbohydrates.

Phases of the South Beach Diet

As previously mentioned, the South Beach Diet has three phases.

Phase 1 is the start of the program. The Phase 1 stage will run for two weeks. During this span of time, you are allowed to eat three times a day with regular servings. Your food will not be measured at all. But in this phase, all forms of carbohydrate are not allowed. There will be a total absence of carbohydrates for a span of two weeks.

The food list for this phase includes meat like chicken and turkey – ensure that these meats are skinless. All meat should be lean meat like tenderloin and sirloin. Peanuts and pistachios nuts are also acceptable. Fishes, any type of it, are also acceptable.

Eggs and cheese plus oils like canola and olive oils are also allowed in the Phase 1 diet. Green vegetables like salads, cucumbers and broccoli are permitted. In addition to these, make sure that you drink lots of water to help in the metabolism of fats.

On the other hand, the following are excluded from the food list for this phase: red meat like rib steaks or honey-baked ham; dairy products other than low fat cheeses – examples are yogurt, ice cream, whole milk, low-fat milk and soy milk; vegetables with pure carbohydrates, such as potatoes, corn and carrots. All types of fruits, alcohol, starchy foods and sweets should also be avoided. Starchy food includes all pasta, rice, oatmeal and bread. Sweets, on the other hand, include candies, ice cream, cakes and cookies.

Phase 2 Food List for South Beach Diet

Phase 2 stage is a breather as compared with Phase 1. Under Phase 2, the goal of the program is to reintroduce carbohydrates. This time, you are only allowed to eat good carbohydrates. There are some people who stay longer than two weeks in Phase 1 but it is not recommended.

Phase 2 of the South Beach diet has a slower rate of weight reduction. It will only take off 1 to 2 pounds per week. There is no definite span of time for this phase. You can stay in this phase for as long as it takes to reach your ideal weight.

The foods that are allowed on this phase are the same with the foods that are allowed in Phase 1, plus some that are added. The additional Phase 2 food list for South Beach diet includes: fruits and milk, which are fat-free, like non-fat milk and soymilk. In Phase 2, you are allowed to eat whole grain starches and barley. A little alcohol is allowed, in the form of red wine.

Others carbohydrate-rich foods are also allowed but should be taken moderately. These are potatoes, carrots, beets and refined wheat baked goods. Fruits like bananas, watermelon and pineapple can be eaten sparingly.

Phase 3 Food List for South Beach Diet

This phase is for weight maintenance. This phase can last for a lifetime if you wish. Once you have achieved the weight that you desire, you will now just continue your current diet program.

For this phase, all food categories are allowed, but make sure that you only eat foods with good carbohydrates and with low glycemic index. Refrain from eating processed foods that contain lots of bad carbs and bad fats.

The food list for South Beach Diet is not that difficult to implement and this diet program is one of the most feasible among the many diet plans out there. You will just have to adhere and follow the restrictions to be able to maintain the weight that you have been dreaming of.

Back Pain Relief through Massage Therapy in Indian Rocks Beach, Belleair and Largo 33771

Studies show that seventy to eighty five percent of Americans experience back pain at some point in life. It is the usual culprit when people below the age of forty five have limited range of motion and need to curtail normal activity. It can be triggered by inactivity or too much activity or the wrong kind of movement. Standing or sitting for long periods can trigger it. In women, wearing high heels often becomes impossible. You can prevent and treat back pain, though, through massage therapy and this is easily accessible in Indian Rocks Beach, Belleair and Largo 33771.

A study conducted at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center in Los Angeles showed that seventy five percent of the participants who underwent therapeutic massage therapy for back pain benefited from it, exhibiting a higher efficacy than medication, self-care alone or other alternative pain treatments like acupuncture.

The study involved 262 participants between the ages of 20 and 70 who suffered from persistent back pain. Many of them were taking pain medication but were not relieved by it. None of them had any serious disease. The group was randomly assigned to three sections. One section was given self-care materials, another was given acupuncture treatment, while a third was given therapeutic massage including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and trigger point techniques.

After ten weeks, the massage therapy section had experienced more pain relief and exhibited decreased disability compared to the other sections. After one year of treatment, the participants from the massage therapy section had used the least medication and still had better results compared to those who underwent acupuncture therapy.

Another study by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami showed that massage therapy decreased back pain, depression and anxiety while improving sleep among participants. It also increased their  range of motion and boosted their levels of serotonin and dopamine which reduce stress and facilitate the feeling of wellbeing.

There is so much scientific research supporting findings on the legitimacy of massage therapy as a treatment for back pain that fifty-four percent of healthcare providers encourage their patients to add it to their medical treatment.

You should make sure that the massage therapist you go to is professionally certified, though. Ask for credentials or check with the website of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Please remember that improper use of massage techniques by untrained or ill-trained practitioners can worsen your condition. Professional massage therapists will know what conditions are counter-indicated for massage therapy and will ethically refer you to the more appropriate specialists.

Do not be surprised if your massage therapist asks you a lot of detailed questions. This is necessary to be able to accurately evaluate your condition. The therapist may then work not just on your back since back pain is sometimes referred pain from points in the neck or arms. Your therapist will find the trigger points and may use cross-fiber friction, stretching, muscle rotation and joint rotation. If the area is inflamed or swollen, though, the therapist will most probably ask you to rest and ice the area first at home.

Also consult your massage therapist about proper stretching exercises you can do at home between massage sessions. This will further benefit your healing and recovery. It will also ease you faster into your normal range of motion and daily activity. Be sure to only work within the prescribed exercises, though.

Get relief from your acute or chronic back pain with massage therapy, including deep tissue massage and sports massage. Go to a professional massage therapist in Indian Rocks Beach, Belleair and Largo 33771.

An Adventure Through Time Into the Future – Odessa Ukraine

Travel Guides

I find a mix of official guides and guides with blogs to be the best way to find out about a city or location in general.

I have enclosed some links to get you going here.

www.2odessa.com

www.theodessaguide.com

www.odessaglobe.com/english/

www.odessa-guide.com/

If you want to read about others comments on hotels, stays, and sights, here you go.

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Ukraine/Odeska_Oblast/Odessa-703435/TravelGuide-Odessa.html

Things to do in Odessa, here are some tips and some visitors comments on places, worth reading really

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Ukraine/Odeska_Oblast/Odessa-703435/Things_To_Do-Odessa-BR-1.html#0

http://www.world66.com/europe/ukraine/odessa

http://wikitravel.org/en/Odessa

http://www.travelpost.com/EU/Ukraine/Odessa/Odessa/2420263

www.odessa-portal.com/

http://www.iagora.com/itravel/icities/ukraine/odessa/ic_index.html

http://www.odessaplus.com/tourismtravel

Hotels

You can choose to stay in hotels or in apartments, it is really only a personal choice and how well you want to live and how much cooking you want to do yourself and where you want to live.

Renting an apartment really requires you to have some knowledge of Russian/ Ukrainian or you can easily get tricked to get a bad apartment. Apartment itself can be fantastic, but the building it is in, can be in terrible state(Russian style really).

However, it can also give you the touch of authenticity if you want to experience this.

We can help you out here, if you want to try this option.

To give you a taste of apartment selections possible, I have this link for you to use;

http://www.katamarantour.com/index.php?p=apart&lang=eng

I recommend Londonskaya or Mozart hotels for good comfort and central locations.

Odessa hotel if you want western new style, and willing to take taxi to centre or make walks (20 minutes).

Here are the hotels we use every time we are in Odessa now:

Black sea hotels

http://www.bs-hotel.com.ua/e_main.html

They have two hotels, both are quite central and good quality for a nice price.

First one, oldest and rooms a bit worn down but ok quality and service is good, and good food in restaurant. Breakfast is ok, and they serve you in nice locations.

Black Sea Hotel

The eleven-storeyed building of the hotel “Black Sea” is situated in the very historical centre of Odessa, only five minutes on foot from the railway station. The hotel accommodates 207 comfortable rooms. Each room has air-conditioner, bathroom or shower, toilet, telephone, TV-set.

The hotel includes restaurant-bar with different fish courses, express-bar with wide range of alcohol and alcohol-free drinks, different starters and confectionary products.You will be pleasantly struck there by the superb service. There is also a night club there.

One can find in the lobby of the hotel the currency exchange, souvenir shop and the service bureau, where one can send fax to any country of the world or make a copy.

You may order breakfast, dinner or supper right into the room at any time. The hotel has also a laundry, where you may have your clothes cleaned and your shoes repaired. The Black Sea hotel possesses its own comfortable swimming-pool (the usage of which is free of charge for the guests of the hotel), gymnasium, sauna, solarium, massage room.

Next recommendation is;

This is the hotel me and my wife use every time we stay in Odessa now. Price is good and rooms are modern and clean. Service good and food ok. However the best thing is, if you like markets (Russian style) and you want to be close (15 minutes walk) from centre, there is your choice.

We like it and use it, simple as that. Several categories of rooms, however price around 450 Gryvnas ( 1 USD = 5.05 Gryvnas) gives you a good room, howewer you can get very nice rooms for around 550 Gryvnas.

Chernoye More New hotel

Price from: USD 78 Location: Central area

In 2006 there has appeared a new 3-star hotel Chernoye More on the 7-9th floors of a brand new shopping mall. Being close to the Odessa center, the hotel offers attractive rates and good quality. Tidy rooms of delicate pastel shades, light and spacious lobby and halls, green spaces with lush palm trees create relaxing and cozy atmosphere.

If you want to indulge in luxury and have a nice time for an affordable price, here is a choice.

However in fall and winter it is far from centre and you can not enjoy the beach and arcade only 5 minutes away from hotel.

But location and rooms are very nice. Recommend for stay in spring and summer.

Four star hotel Palace Del Mar is situated in the most picturesque district of Odessa-in Arcadia. The building of the hotel is the original example of the classical style. After the reconstruction it was skilfully equipped with various modern conveniences. Apart from luxurious comfortable accommodations the Palace Del Mar may offer its visitors SPA-centre and clinic, which are also known as the centres of the international association “Meramed”. Here you can receive a full range of treatments, including massage, hydrocolonotherapy, skin-peels, sauna, face-lifts aqua-aerobics, etc.

The hotel possesses 34 rooms, including presidental suite, 1 Del Mar suite, 2 exclusive penthouses, 2 deluxe rooms,7 business-class rooms, 15 Superior rooms, and 8 Standard rooms, ATM machine, currency exchange. The price for the accommodation includes taxes and breakfast. Payment may be accomplished in cash, or by means of the following credit cards: Visa, Master Card, Eurocard and American Express.

The hotel can offer to its guests free parking, guard, service in rooms, business-centre, open swimming-pool, sauna, tennis court, medical centre, SPA-centre, Beaty centre, Mediterranean and European restaurants. All the rooms contain satellite TV, access to internet, mini-bar, safe, hair-dryer, dressing-gown, slippers.

Continental hotel

Price from: USD 101 Location: Center

After thorough reconstruction, the new comfortable business-hotel Continental has occupied a beautiful 19th century mansion on the central street of Odessa. Conveniently located on the very Deribasovskaya Street, the hotel offers high quality service and rooms, part of which faces a quiet courtyard with a century old chestnut tree.

London hotel

Price from: USD 128 Location: Central area

In the central and quiet green area of Odessa a 4-star hotel has opened in October 2006. Short stroll from the hotel via broad Alexandrovsky Avenue walking area will lead you to the main Deribasovskaya Street. Ecologically pure materials in the rooms interior, drinkable tap water due to the modern water-purification system and a number of non-smoking rooms – this hotel was designed with travelers’ healthy life style in mind.

Londonskaya hotel

Price from: USD 118 Location: Center

There is a hotel of this kind in every old big city. Old-fashioned building, luxuriant interior, superb location and a long list of famous tenants. The Londonskaya Hotel is that hotel in Odessa. Good hotel, very good location.

Mozart hotel

Price from: USD 125 Location: Center

Mozart Hotel is a 4-star hotel in the very heart of Odessa. Superb location – right by the famous Opera Theatre – and classic style of the building lend special charm to this small private hotel. Wi-Fi Internet access.

Probably the best rooms in Odessa, very central and good location. Breakfast not so good. Service ok but could be better.

Odessa hotel

Price from: USD 171 Location: Central area

Odessa Hotel is situated at the Odesa Sea Trading Port, only in a few steps from the famous Potemkin Stairs. Location is perfect for fares and exhibitions visitors. Very modern and good hotel, good service and good food, however location require taxi to and from centrum

However it is close to Potemkin stairs.

Otrada hotel

Price from: USD 157 Location: Central area, Otrada Beach.

In 2005 a small hotel was opened in a beautiful mansion of 19th century right by the seaside on the Franzusky Boulevard in Odessa. Proximity to the beach and high quality standards make the Otrada Hotel a favourite for summer vacations. And at wintertime low off-season rates draw guests to the hotel too

Arcadia Plaza hotel

Price from: USD 126 Location: Arcadia Beach area

Small 3-star hotel within 10 minutes walk to the famous Arcadia Beaches, booming with nightlife in the summertime. The hotel rooms have classical design. Cozy balconies face the beautiful hotel garden, tennis courts and swimming pool.Very nice location, but far from centre. Close to beach, a clear hit in summer though.

Chornoye More hotel

Price from: USD 87 Location: Central area

Close to the center of the city, only ten minutes walk from the railway station, the Chornoye More Hotel has customary amenities of a standard Ukrainian hotel. It offers more or less reasonable prices, though least expensive rooms are not perfect. The hotel proved to be a good option for tourist groups due to number of similar rooms.Old fashioned (soviet style) hotel

Lots of tourists stay here, especially package tourism.

Frapolli hotel

Price from: USD 108 Location: Center

Charming historical building in the very center of Odessa has recently become a small hotel. All the hotel rooms have air-conditioning, deposit box, minibar, computer, Internet access, satellite TV.

Lermontovsky hotel

Price from: USD 60 Location: Central area, Lanzeron Beach

In the beginning of 2006 a 3-star hotel has appeared in the central green area of Odessa. Right by the charming park Shevchenko and in 20 minutes stroll through the park to the Lanzheron Beach, the Lermontovsky hotel is a perfect place for vacations or health restoration. Each of 33 hotel rooms has air-conditioning, direct dial phone, cable TV, hairdryer and bathroom accessories.

Morskoy hotel

Price from: USD 129 Location: Arcadia Beach

If you are visiting Odessa for its beaches and bright nightlife this hotel will definitely meet your expectations. Located right on the seashore by the sandy beach of Arcadia, the Morskoy Hotel is in a few steps from Ibiza, Itaka, Pago, and Tropicana Night Clubs. So this place is not for solitude seekers in summertime. Nice hotel, but on the beach far from centre, clear hit in the summer.

Palladium hotel

Price from: USD 101 Location: Central area, by the rail station

The Palladium Hotel is not for the solitude seekers. With one of the most popular Night Clubs on the lower floor (open October-April), the modern style hotel offers extravagant rooms with equally extravagant names.

Passage hotel

Price from: USD 56 Location: Center

Passage is a tourist class hotel located right in the very heart of Odessa historical center. The beautiful building faces the Deribasovskaya Street and Sobornaya square park with the Cathedral. This hotel is for budget-minded travelers, who do not wish to spend lots on accommodation and willing to set up with some imperfections. Very old fashioned, Rooms not good, but you can find a bargain for large rooms here. Very central location, and gives you feel of being in old castle almost.

Yunost hotel

Price from: USD 44 Location: Franzusky Boulevard, Arcadia area

Located within 10 minutes walk to the seaside and famous Arcadia Beaches, the Yunost Hotel is a medium-priced option for summer holidays in Odessa. After recent renovation the hotel offers freshly remodeled rooms, tidy and brisk restaurant. Plus, friendly and hospitable personnel was always a merit of the Yunost hotel. New hotel, far from centre, maybe a choice in summer, lots of tourists here.

Outside Odessa, and areas to visit in southern Ukraine

Visit the Crimea region.

If you are going to the Crimea it is a 12 hour overnight train ride costing around 10 USD (2 persons sleeper 25 USD, very nice!). If you buy your ticket on the day you are leaving (not recommended) there is one group of cashier windows where you buy your ticket in the train station. If you buy your ticket on any other day (i.e. at least one day in advance) there is a completely separate group of cashier windows where the ticket must be purchased. As the lines can take up to 30 minutes make sure you are in the right one. Nobody in the train station will speak any international language other than Russian. In Simferopol you can take a trolleybus to Yalta via Alushta. The beaches on Crimea in summer are awfully crowded and the beachresorts are very noisy. Its better to go to East Crimea on the Sea of Azov.

If you need tips here, I can provide you with a list of activities, hotels and so forth to make you going for weeks in Crimea.

It’s a fantastic place to visit in spring and summer, even In fall if weather is good.

So I recommend people to go there.

Either by train or by taxi. A taxi will run you around 150-200 USD for up to 3 persons with luggage.

I hope you will try Ukraine some day, it is really worth the experience. Especially Odessa which is a city which can serve as your entry point into Ukraine. It is really worth the money spent, and you will get to see lots of history, mixed with modern lifestyle in the ever so lively Odessa center, with clubs and restaurants.

Please follow my article series on Odessa, as i will write more about its nightlife and the potential for the young spirited people wanting to see Ukraine at its best.

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