Thursday, 30 April 2015

14 Hard Ciders That Are Even Better Than Beer

Beer? Beer who?

ACE Premium Hard Ciders

Based in Sonoma County, they have been holding their own next to top winemakers for 15 years. With seven tasty ciders, including pumpkin, the flavor is anything but basic.

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Crispin Natural Hard Apple Cider

In addition to the classics, Crispin has created a line of artisinal reserves, which includes "The Saint" — it smells like a beer but added maple syrup gives it a sweet smoothness to the fruity tang.

instagram.com / Via crispincider.com

Foggy Ridge Cider

Treating their apples as a winemaker does their grapes, the apples are grown specifically for their tannins, giving even their sweetest ciders a bit of bite.

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Westcott Bay Traditional Cider

Washington is known for its fantastic apples, and the ones in Westcott Bay Cider are no exception. Made in the style of champagne, it is mildly sweet with fresh apple flavor and a smack of smoke.

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View Entire List ›

WHO, health partners striving to treat quake survivors in Nepal’s remote regions

WHO has stepped up efforts to deliver critical medical relief to populations outside of the Kathmandu valley affected by Saturday’s earthquake, with a major focus on reaching injured people and preventing disease outbreaks.

Coordinating health sector partners in support of Nepal’s government, WHO is striving to reach remote areas beyond the capital, Kathmandu, where road access has been hampered by damage caused by the 25 April earthquake. via WHO news Read More Here..

Teleporting trick shows how the brain helps us know our own body

Conflicting sensory information that makes people feel they are teleporting has revealed the brain regions that keep track of our body in space







via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

10 ways to streamline your life

Feeling overwhelmed? Banish clutter from your desk, head and day for an instant lift

Tidy your desk

Distracted by the pile of papers to your left and lunch leftovers to your right?

Bogged down by busy work schedules it’s easy to let clutter creep up.

According to a recent study, we spend 35.7 million days a year looking for missing paperwork – the equivalent of 1.5 days per worker. Plus, almost one in 10 people have lost a new client, customer or a contract as a result of the state of their workspace. Eek! Take 10 minutes to tidy up at the end of the day for a happier work life.

Go digital

The idea of swapping your beautiful notebooks and diaries for their electronic cousins may not appeal, but going digital is the way forward. Using the diary on your phone, accessing your bank statements online and keeping notes on your smartphone is a great start. ‘Send yourself electronic reminders so you can keep on top of things every day,’ tips life coach Louise Presley-Turner (thegameoflife.co.uk). ‘I particularly like the HiFutureSelf app (free, for iPhone).’

Cut the crap

Physical mess can leave your mind cluttered – a massive seven in 10 adults get stressed out about by mess, according to a report commissioned by laundry brand Ariel. ‘A clear house equals a clear mind,’ agrees Louise.

‘When we are constantly dealing with mess, it drains our energy.’ Electrical items you no longer use? Unwanted Christmas presents? Sell them on eBay and make a quick buck!

Dry your shoulder

Being an agony aunt is great for your friends, but it can drag you down if you’re always providing a shoulder to cry on. ‘We all have what I call “energy vampires” in our life,’ says Louise. ‘As much as we want to be a good friend, sister or daughter, but it’s important that we don’t allow other people to stress us out. You don’t have to cut people out of your life, but ensure you also spend time with those who lift your spirits and make you feel good.’

Power down

The ability to check emails, Twitter and Facebook at any moment can leave your brain feeling frazzled – especially if you’re checking in before bed. Research from the Lighting Research Center in New York showed that using a tablet (set to its maximum brightness) for two hours or more can affect melatonin. This important hormone tells your body when it’s time to go to sleep, so messing with it can make it much harder to nod off. Give your brain some time to switch off from the electronic world and you’ll feel more relaxed.

Blitz the boring stuff

Everyone loves a to-do list, right? They’re one of the best ways to get those pesky errands off your desk and out of your life. Need to pay the energy bills? Sort out your insurance? Pay the car tax? So far, so boring. Write a list of all those niggling tasks and assign yourself one or two to do every lunchtime to clear the backlog.

Double up

Trying to fit in regular workouts, drinks with mates, family time and extra projects at work can leave life feeling a little messy and leave you feeling overwhelmed. Save yourself some time by combining commitments. Catch up with your mates on a run around the park and grab a quick coffee afterwards; write emails on your commute; or cycle or run to the office to get your exercise done.

Learn to prioritise

Technology has made multitasking an easy feat, but it can mean we take on too much – both at work and play. ‘Over-committing, whether socially or professionally, can eventually lead to burnout if you’re not careful,’ says Louise. ‘Prioritising creates calmness and space in your life so that you can focus your energy on the things that really matter. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, write down the five most important activities that need your attention right away. Focus your energy on these and don’t allow yourself to get distracted.’

Clear the rails

Wading through old jumpers and dresses you’ve never even worn to get to the stuff you wear every day is tiring! Clear out your wardrobe – and be brutal. Still hanging onto that LBD with the broken zip? If you haven’t worn it in the last year – and if you’re not going to fix any defects – it has to go! Grab a big bag and take it all up to the local charity shop. You can declutter your wardrobe and be a do-gooder in one fell swoop.

Read smart

At WF we love books! Dog-eared, coffee-stained or shedding pages – we can’t bear to part with them, but they don’t half take up a lot of room. Consolidate your library in electronic form with a Kindle. We’re relatively new converts to the e-reading trend, but even we can appreciate the fact it’ll save us buying that second bookshelf. Plus, the super-light reader means you can take a whole library on your hols!

Article Ellie Moss Apr 30, 2015
via Featured Articles http://www.womensfitness.co.uk/health-and-wellbeing/1315/10-ways-to-streamline-your-life
Health and Fitness Blog

10 ways to streamline your life

Feeling overwhelmed? Banish clutter from your desk, head and day for an instant lift

Tidy your desk

Distracted by the pile of papers to your left and lunch leftovers to your right?

Bogged down by busy work schedules it’s easy to let clutter creep up.

According to a recent study, we spend 35.7 million days a year looking for missing paperwork – the equivalent of 1.5 days per worker. Plus, almost one in 10 people have lost a new client, customer or a contract as a result of the state of their workspace. Eek! Take 10 minutes to tidy up at the end of the day for a happier work life.

Go digital

The idea of swapping your beautiful notebooks and diaries for their electronic cousins may not appeal, but going digital is the way forward. Using the diary on your phone, accessing your bank statements online and keeping notes on your smartphone is a great start. ‘Send yourself electronic reminders so you can keep on top of things every day,’ tips life coach Louise Presley-Turner (thegameoflife.co.uk). ‘I particularly like the HiFutureSelf app (free, for iPhone).’

Cut the crap

Physical mess can leave your mind cluttered – a massive seven in 10 adults get stressed out about by mess, according to a report commissioned by laundry brand Ariel. ‘A clear house equals a clear mind,’ agrees Louise.

‘When we are constantly dealing with mess, it drains our energy.’ Electrical items you no longer use? Unwanted Christmas presents? Sell them on eBay and make a quick buck!

Dry your shoulder

Being an agony aunt is great for your friends, but it can drag you down if you’re always providing a shoulder to cry on. ‘We all have what I call “energy vampires” in our life,’ says Louise. ‘As much as we want to be a good friend, sister or daughter, but it’s important that we don’t allow other people to stress us out. You don’t have to cut people out of your life, but ensure you also spend time with those who lift your spirits and make you feel good.’

Power down

The ability to check emails, Twitter and Facebook at any moment can leave your brain feeling frazzled – especially if you’re checking in before bed. Research from the Lighting Research Center in New York showed that using a tablet (set to its maximum brightness) for two hours or more can affect melatonin. This important hormone tells your body when it’s time to go to sleep, so messing with it can make it much harder to nod off. Give your brain some time to switch off from the electronic world and you’ll feel more relaxed.

Blitz the boring stuff

Everyone loves a to-do list, right? They’re one of the best ways to get those pesky errands off your desk and out of your life. Need to pay the energy bills? Sort out your insurance? Pay the car tax? So far, so boring. Write a list of all those niggling tasks and assign yourself one or two to do every lunchtime to clear the backlog.

Double up

Trying to fit in regular workouts, drinks with mates, family time and extra projects at work can leave life feeling a little messy and leave you feeling overwhelmed. Save yourself some time by combining commitments. Catch up with your mates on a run around the park and grab a quick coffee afterwards; write emails on your commute; or cycle or run to the office to get your exercise done.

Learn to prioritise

Technology has made multitasking an easy feat, but it can mean we take on too much – both at work and play. ‘Over-committing, whether socially or professionally, can eventually lead to burnout if you’re not careful,’ says Louise. ‘Prioritising creates calmness and space in your life so that you can focus your energy on the things that really matter. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, write down the five most important activities that need your attention right away. Focus your energy on these and don’t allow yourself to get distracted.’

Clear the rails

Wading through old jumpers and dresses you’ve never even worn to get to the stuff you wear every day is tiring! Clear out your wardrobe – and be brutal. Still hanging onto that LBD with the broken zip? If you haven’t worn it in the last year – and if you’re not going to fix any defects – it has to go! Grab a big bag and take it all up to the local charity shop. You can declutter your wardrobe and be a do-gooder in one fell swoop.

Read smart

At WF we love books! Dog-eared, coffee-stained or shedding pages – we can’t bear to part with them, but they don’t half take up a lot of room. Consolidate your library in electronic form with a Kindle. We’re relatively new converts to the e-reading trend, but even we can appreciate the fact it’ll save us buying that second bookshelf. Plus, the super-light reader means you can take a whole library on your hols!

Article Ellie Moss Apr 30, 2015 via Featured Articles Read This...

29 Food Pics That'll Make You Tingle With Pleasure

HNNNNGGGGG.

Let's start with some eggs. Here's a beautiful arrangement of shiny egg yolks.

Let's start with some eggs. Here's a beautiful arrangement of shiny egg yolks.

Creative commons: Flickr: limarie

Or this deliciously round egg yolk that fits perfectly in the sink.

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Here's an egg yolk being plucked out of the egg.

Here's an egg yolk being plucked out of the egg.

Pluck!

imgur.com

Here is some ~super~ gooey cheese streaming out onto the plate.

Here is some ~super~ gooey cheese streaming out onto the plate.

Flickr: burgtender


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This Is Why Fast Food Chains Should Merge

Move over, KFC-Taco Bell.

McDonald's + Chipotle = McPolte's

McDonald's + Chipotle = McPolte's

Andrew Peña / BuzzFeed

Burger King + Dunkin' Donuts = Dunking Burgnuts

Burger King + Dunkin' Donuts = Dunking Burgnuts

Andrew Peña / BuzzFeed

Domino's + Sonic = Dominonic's

Domino's + Sonic = Dominonic's

Andrew Peña / BuzzFeed


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Founder Of Weight Watchers Dies At 91

Jean Nidetch, who founded Weight Watchers in 1963, died Wednesday at her Florida home.

Jean Nidetch at her home in Parkland, Fla. in 2011.

Alan Diaz / AP

Jean Nidetch, founder of the global weight-loss company, Weight Watchers, died at her Florida home on Wednesday. She was 91.

The concept for Weight Watchers was hatched in 1961 when Nidetch, who described herself as an "overweight housewife obsessed with cookies," was 38 and weighed more than 200 pounds. She decided to shed the pounds and enlisted a group of six friends who also wanted to lose weight to meet in her living room in Queens, New York and provide each other with moral support.

Nidetch had always struggled with her weight and experimented with countless "fad diets." She even tried a 10-week diet at an obesity clinic but could not stop eating Mallomars, chocolate-covered marshmallow cookies, The New York Times reported.

It wasn't until a neighbor mistook her for being pregnant in 1961, that Nidetch finally decided to do something about her weight.

Within two months, 40 women were meeting weekly at Nidetch's home to chart their weight-loss and help to keep each other accountable, according to an obit on the Weight Watchers website.

She wound up losing 72 pounds and in 1963 launched Weight Watchers. Today the company holds 36,000 meetings each week and operates in about 30 countries.

In 1968, the company went public and 10 years later was sold to the H.J. Heinz company for $71.2 million, The New York Times reported. Nidetch continued to be the international face of the company until 1984.

She wrote three books, established a couple of university scholarship programs and in her later years she continued as a consultant to the company she founded.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg proclaimed March 25, 2013, as "Weight Watchers Founder Celebration Day" to honor Nidetch.

View Video ›

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Americans Try British Food For The First Time

“Who is Eccles? Why are we eating his cakes?”

Matthew Tucker / Thinkstock / BuzzFeed

Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed


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Do These Foods Go In The Fridge Or The Cupboard?

Put the bananas in the fridge and nobody gets hurt.

Thinkstock / BuzzFeed


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Americans Try Mouth-Melting Sichuan Food

“I can’t taste anything but fire.”

youtube.com / Via BuzzFeed Video

23 Desk Lunches That Will Make You Weep

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO YOURSELF?

These Nik Naks dunked in sewage soup.

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These sad noodles being boiled in a coffee pot.

These sad noodles being boiled in a coffee pot.

saddesklunch.com

This can of some unsanitary substance that could have been yummy tuna.

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This soup that met its end way too soon.

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The Best Guilty Pleasure Food In 25 Different Countries

Live every day like it’s fry-day.

Coxinha, Brazil

This delicious Brazilian street food has everything a late night indulgence needs: warm, savory filling, flaky buttery pastry, all rolled in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection. Dip it in fresh salsa for a final touch.

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Nutella Snack and Drink, Italy

If you thought the typical Nutella Snack & Go was everything you needed in life, you were wrong. Italian supermarkets offer a level up: the Nutella Snack & Drink, which features the regular breadstick and Nutella helping, plus a built in iced tea.

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Pizza-La, Japan

This Japanese pizza chain is undeniably epic, offering such gems as the "Sausage Rim Bacon Potato" and "Wild Salmon and Cream Cheese" pies.

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Patatje oorlog, Holland

The name means "war chips" in Dutch, so you know this greasy delight is serious. Holland has a decent list of chip-cased dishes, but this combo of fried potato, onion, mayo, and peanut sauce has to take the cake.

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US says no to modifying embryo DNA

Modifying the DNA of embryos is a "line that should not be crossed" and poses serious safety and ethical issues, a leading figure in US research says. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Surge in Pollen May Spur Many Cases of Dry Eye

Both are at their worst this time of year, study says

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Page: Allergy via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

Better Diabetes Blood Sugar Management Leads to Fewer Eye Surgeries

Intensive therapy cut risk of needing a procedure in half, researchers report

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Blood Sugar, Diabetes Type 1, Diabetic Eye Problems via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

C-Section Rates Drop Slightly with Hospital Review Program

Newborn complications also decreased, Canadian study reports
Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Page: Cesarean Section via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

Drugs Show Promise for Some Advanced Lung Cancers

Two experimental medications target mutation that fuels treatment resistance

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Lung Cancer, Medicines via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

Hispanic Women's Upbeat Outlook May Boost Heart Health

Study finds they worry less about weight, diet than whites, and have better cardiac profiles

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Heart Disease in Women, Hispanic American Health, Mental Health via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

Put Car Seat on Your Summer-Travel Checklist

Expert clarifies age and size requirements
Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Child Safety, Motor Vehicle Safety via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

Knowledge Is Power for Patients with Heart Failure

Death rates may be higher for those lacking clear grasp of doctor's instructions, study suggests

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Health Literacy, Heart Failure, Talking With Your Doctor via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

Traumatic Life Events May Harm Women's Hearts, Study Suggests

Managing stress as important as lowering blood pressure to prevent heart attack, expert says

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Heart Disease in Women, Stress via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

3D 'Printout' Device Keeps Very Ill Babies Breathing

Flexible implant adapts with child's growth, researchers say

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Bronchial Disorders, Tracheal Disorders, Uncommon Infant and Newborn Problems via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

4 in 10 Americans Breathe Unhealthy Air: Report

Some cities showed improvements in air quality, while others had their worst record ever

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Page: Air Pollution via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

Curbing School Bus Pollution Might Reduce Absences

Improved emission controls produced big benefits for students with asthma, study found

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Air Pollution, Asthma in Children, School Health via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

Half of U.S. Hospitals Could Do More to Prevent Serious Infections, Study Finds

Although many precautions are in place, not enough centers set strict antibiotic limits

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: Clostridium Difficile Infections, Health Facilities, Infection Control via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

COPD Tied to Raised Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death

Experts weren't surprised, since smoking often contributes to the respiratory disease and heart trouble

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: COPD, Cardiac Arrest via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

Experimental AIDS Vaccine Targets Hidden Virus

HIV-infected patients appear to get an immune system boost, study found

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay
Related MedlinePlus Pages: HIV/AIDS, Immunization via MedlinePlus Health News Read More Here..

Supersize your self-control

Article Apr 30, 2015

Master your mental strength and relight your motivational fire with our expert willpower tips

via Healthy Eating Read More..

Supersize your self-control

Master your mental strength and relight your motivational fire with our expert willpower tips

Willpower, wherefore art thou? It seems that the mental strength you need to resist chocolate cravings or show up to a tough gym session often deserts you at the crucial moment. 

From mental hurdles to physical obstacles, it’s easy to lose sight of your healthy eating or exercising goals, but keeping a few simple tricks in mind whenever motivation starts to wane could offer a big bump up in self-assurance and willpower.

Experts compare willpower to a muscle – the more you work it, the stronger it will become. ‘The brain has thousands of pathways which connect us up to our thoughts, feelings and emotions, which turn into our actions and behaviours,’ explains clinical NLP practitioner, life coach and hypnotherapist Lisa Bardell (lisabardellcoaching.co.uk). ‘So our thoughts around diet, exercise and lifestyle, be they healthy and motivated or not so, all have neurological activity associated with them. The key to changing our actions and behaviours lies in changing our thoughts. This way we become “wired up” for success, and it takes the willpower aspect out of the equation.’ 

Sound good? Try these top tips to rewire your brain for success.

You think: ‘I need dessert’

You’ve gone out for dinner with friends, mustered up the motivation to sidestep the bread basket and ordered the virtuous fish and veggies for your main, but when the dessert menu arrives, your resolve goes out the window. 

Break the cycle: It sounds strange but the fresh scent of oranges could help curb a sweet tooth, according to scientists at the University of Leeds. They found that smelling fresh orange makes you less likely to eat sweet stuff – so keep some orange essential oil handy, or go for a spritz of citrus-scented perfume. ‘The sight and smell of oranges activates the neurology associated with healthy choices, which gets dieters into a positive state of mind, meaning they eat less,’ explains Lisa. 

Want to make sure you don’t overeat? Try ordering a healthy starter before your main meal. The same experts say that eating a starter such as a salad rather than calorie-laden garlic bread means you’re more likely to eat less overall.

You think: ‘I can’t do another rep’

You’re desperate to banish your bingo wings but how can you challenge yourself in the weights room when there’s nobody there to push you to your limits? ‘Visualise, visualise, visualise!’ says transformational coach Sara Ellis, who specialises in weight loss and confidence (ellishypnosis.com). ‘Any successful sportsperson will tell you that it isn't just about their physical performance. They always keep their end goal in sight. Andy Murray saw himself holding the trophy at Wimbledon long before he won Wimbledon.’

Break the cycle: Don’t give up once fatigue sets in. ‘Using a drop set is a great way to get the most from your workout, even when you feel totally exhausted,’ tips fitness expert Dean Hodgkin (ragdalehall.co.uk). ‘If you find it hard to complete your usual number of repetitions at your usual weight, do as many as you can then immediately drop the weight and perform a few more. If you really want to accelerate your results, you could do this more than once, – drop and do a couple more, then drop again and do a couple more, and maybe even again.’

You think: ‘It’s too cold to exercise outside’

Outdoor workouts in winter are far less appealing than sunshine-fuelled summer sessions but don’t let that be an excuse to put your routine on the backburner. If you want to stay in shape, sticking to a regular routine is key. ‘Exercising outdoors can lead to better results because the additional sensory stimulus leads to a mood boost – if you feel better you tend to put more into your session,’ says Dean. ‘Bizarrely, cold temperatures and rain actually add to this rather than detract, as they will ignite your skin receptors even more.’

Break the cycle: Channel that amazing post-workout feeling next time you don’t feel like your early morning run. Imagine how energised you’ll feel after pounding the pavements and make a date with a running buddy so you feel obligated to turn up. You will often feel good about yourself getting out there and battling the elements, which means you’ll probably put more into your workout. But if you’re really can’t get up when the alarm goes off, don’t beat yourself up about it, just schedule in an after-work gym session instead. ‘If you pack your gym bag and take it work, you are more likely to go to the class or swimming than if you have to go home and out again,’ says Sara. ‘Remind yourself: “I am always prepared. I deserve my own support”.’ 

You think: ‘I want wine!’

It’s Friday evening and all your work colleagues are going to the pub – yes you’re tempted, but you just know that one glass of vino will lead to five, plus a next-day hangover binge. 

Break the cycle: The key to prevention is a jam-packed schedule – sign up for an evening class or meet a friend for a cinema date to slash the temptation factor. If you do step off the alcohol-free wagon, go easy on yourself. ‘Ditch perfectionism! If you make a few bad choices or life gets in the way be kind to yourself, this is not failure,’ says Lisa. ‘Decide what you can learn from it and move forwards, reconnecting with your goal.’

You think: ‘I’ll never get a promotion’

Assessing where you want to be in your career is the first step to determining your next move. If you feel like you’re stuck in a work rut, and you’re ready for change, don’t wait: now is the time to take action.

Break the cycle: Seek out feedback from your boss to find out if there might be a chance to climb the ladder in the near future. Write down your achievements over the past few months to show that you’re ready for more responsibility. ‘Nothing succeeds like success, so only focus on your successes, however small,’ tips Sara. ‘Keep a journal of your achievements and take notes to present to your boss.’ 

3 ways to stay on track 

Try Sara’s top shape-up mantras to get the body you want

1. You are not going to get the body you love by hating the body you are in. Rather than embarking on another diet, see it as beginning to take good care of yourself. Use a mantra like, ‘I love to eat healthy foods and I let myself have my ideal body’.

2. Avoid using the word ‘treat’ in connection with food. Instead, have a repertoire of different things you do to feel good, such as taking time out to see a film, reading a book or taking up a hobby that you have always put on the backburner. Use the mantra, ‘I choose to be nourished by fun and healthy activities’.

3. Don't underestimate the power of outside influences. As you move into healthier habits, keep in mind what you want and don't fall into people-pleasing. Remind yourself, ‘I know what I want and I keep my goal in mind’.

Article Louise Pyne Apr 30, 2015 via Featured Articles Read This...

Supersize your self-control

Master your mental strength and relight your motivational fire with our expert willpower tips

Willpower, wherefore art thou? It seems that the mental strength you need to resist chocolate cravings or show up to a tough gym session often deserts you at the crucial moment. 

From mental hurdles to physical obstacles, it’s easy to lose sight of your healthy eating or exercising goals, but keeping a few simple tricks in mind whenever motivation starts to wane could offer a big bump up in self-assurance and willpower.

Experts compare willpower to a muscle – the more you work it, the stronger it will become. ‘The brain has thousands of pathways which connect us up to our thoughts, feelings and emotions, which turn into our actions and behaviours,’ explains clinical NLP practitioner, life coach and hypnotherapist Lisa Bardell (lisabardellcoaching.co.uk). ‘So our thoughts around diet, exercise and lifestyle, be they healthy and motivated or not so, all have neurological activity associated with them. The key to changing our actions and behaviours lies in changing our thoughts. This way we become “wired up” for success, and it takes the willpower aspect out of the equation.’ 

Sound good? Try these top tips to rewire your brain for success.

You think: ‘I need dessert’

You’ve gone out for dinner with friends, mustered up the motivation to sidestep the bread basket and ordered the virtuous fish and veggies for your main, but when the dessert menu arrives, your resolve goes out the window. 

Break the cycle: It sounds strange but the fresh scent of oranges could help curb a sweet tooth, according to scientists at the University of Leeds. They found that smelling fresh orange makes you less likely to eat sweet stuff – so keep some orange essential oil handy, or go for a spritz of citrus-scented perfume. ‘The sight and smell of oranges activates the neurology associated with healthy choices, which gets dieters into a positive state of mind, meaning they eat less,’ explains Lisa. 

Want to make sure you don’t overeat? Try ordering a healthy starter before your main meal. The same experts say that eating a starter such as a salad rather than calorie-laden garlic bread means you’re more likely to eat less overall.

You think: ‘I can’t do another rep’

You’re desperate to banish your bingo wings but how can you challenge yourself in the weights room when there’s nobody there to push you to your limits? ‘Visualise, visualise, visualise!’ says transformational coach Sara Ellis, who specialises in weight loss and confidence (ellishypnosis.com). ‘Any successful sportsperson will tell you that it isn't just about their physical performance. They always keep their end goal in sight. Andy Murray saw himself holding the trophy at Wimbledon long before he won Wimbledon.’

Break the cycle: Don’t give up once fatigue sets in. ‘Using a drop set is a great way to get the most from your workout, even when you feel totally exhausted,’ tips fitness expert Dean Hodgkin (ragdalehall.co.uk). ‘If you find it hard to complete your usual number of repetitions at your usual weight, do as many as you can then immediately drop the weight and perform a few more. If you really want to accelerate your results, you could do this more than once, – drop and do a couple more, then drop again and do a couple more, and maybe even again.’

You think: ‘It’s too cold to exercise outside’

Outdoor workouts in winter are far less appealing than sunshine-fuelled summer sessions but don’t let that be an excuse to put your routine on the backburner. If you want to stay in shape, sticking to a regular routine is key. ‘Exercising outdoors can lead to better results because the additional sensory stimulus leads to a mood boost – if you feel better you tend to put more into your session,’ says Dean. ‘Bizarrely, cold temperatures and rain actually add to this rather than detract, as they will ignite your skin receptors even more.’

Break the cycle: Channel that amazing post-workout feeling next time you don’t feel like your early morning run. Imagine how energised you’ll feel after pounding the pavements and make a date with a running buddy so you feel obligated to turn up. You will often feel good about yourself getting out there and battling the elements, which means you’ll probably put more into your workout. But if you’re really can’t get up when the alarm goes off, don’t beat yourself up about it, just schedule in an after-work gym session instead. ‘If you pack your gym bag and take it work, you are more likely to go to the class or swimming than if you have to go home and out again,’ says Sara. ‘Remind yourself: “I am always prepared. I deserve my own support”.’ 

You think: ‘I want wine!’

It’s Friday evening and all your work colleagues are going to the pub – yes you’re tempted, but you just know that one glass of vino will lead to five, plus a next-day hangover binge. 

Break the cycle: The key to prevention is a jam-packed schedule – sign up for an evening class or meet a friend for a cinema date to slash the temptation factor. If you do step off the alcohol-free wagon, go easy on yourself. ‘Ditch perfectionism! If you make a few bad choices or life gets in the way be kind to yourself, this is not failure,’ says Lisa. ‘Decide what you can learn from it and move forwards, reconnecting with your goal.’

You think: ‘I’ll never get a promotion’

Assessing where you want to be in your career is the first step to determining your next move. If you feel like you’re stuck in a work rut, and you’re ready for change, don’t wait: now is the time to take action.

Break the cycle: Seek out feedback from your boss to find out if there might be a chance to climb the ladder in the near future. Write down your achievements over the past few months to show that you’re ready for more responsibility. ‘Nothing succeeds like success, so only focus on your successes, however small,’ tips Sara. ‘Keep a journal of your achievements and take notes to present to your boss.’ 

3 ways to stay on track 

Try Sara’s top shape-up mantras to get the body you want

1. You are not going to get the body you love by hating the body you are in. Rather than embarking on another diet, see it as beginning to take good care of yourself. Use a mantra like, ‘I love to eat healthy foods and I let myself have my ideal body’.

2. Avoid using the word ‘treat’ in connection with food. Instead, have a repertoire of different things you do to feel good, such as taking time out to see a film, reading a book or taking up a hobby that you have always put on the backburner. Use the mantra, ‘I choose to be nourished by fun and healthy activities’.

3. Don't underestimate the power of outside influences. As you move into healthier habits, keep in mind what you want and don't fall into people-pleasing. Remind yourself, ‘I know what I want and I keep my goal in mind’.

Article Louise Pyne Apr 30, 2015
via Featured Articles http://www.womensfitness.co.uk/health/1314/supersize-your-self-control
Health and Fitness Blog

S Africa court backs 'right to die'

A South African court grants a terminally ill man the right to die, in a landmark ruling on assisted suicide. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Get fit, fast!

Rack up a barbell for a better body on the double

Strapped for time? Cutting back your weights routine is the last thing you want – it’ll only mean trimming your workout gains. So, what can you do to save precious minutes in the gym? Cut short the amount of time you spend not working, of course. 

Instead of frittering away your session adjusting weights, going to and from different areas of the gym and resting between moves, try this short and sharp workout. Doing a complex routine – when you choose one weight and perform exercises back to back using the same piece of kit – is the best way to get a quick fitness fix. Give it a go.

How to do it

Load a barbell with a weight you can safely use for the sets and reps of each of these moves. Perform one set of each move back to back without resting or putting the barbell down. After you’ve completed one full circuit, rest for 30 to 45 seconds before repeating for the number of sets allocated for your level. Remember – do not stop moving in between moves!

Kit you’ll need

Barbell

Beginner: 2 x 10 reps

Intermediate: 3 x 10 reps

Advanced: 3 x 15 reps

Clean

Areas trained: Legs, bottom, back, shoulders, upper arms

Hot tip: This is a great all-over fat-burner

Technique

-Holding a barbell in front of your thighs, bend your legs to create momentum, then row the barbell up towards your chin.
-Rotate your grip to drop your elbows under the barbell.
-Reverse the movement and repeat.

Straight-leg deadlift

Areas trained: Bottom, rear thighs, lower back

Safety tip: Keep your shoulders back and your gaze forward

Technique

-Keeping knees soft but legs straight, hinge at your hips to take hold of a barbell on the floor.
-Push your heels into the floor and extend your body to an upright position, keeping the barbell close to your body throughout.
-Lower and repeat.

Squat

Areas trained: Bottom, thighs

Safety tip: Keep your chest up throughout

Technique

-Rest a barbell on your upper back. Bend at your knees and hips to lower your bottom, pushing it back and squatting as low as possible.
-Push up through your heels back to the start and repeat.

Shoulder press

Areas trained: Shoulders, rear upper arms

Technique

-Hold a barbell in front of your shoulders with both hands.
-Extend your arms to push the barbell overhead.
-Lower slowly and repeat.

Article Apr 30, 2015 via Featured Articles Read This...

Get fit, fast!

Rack up a barbell for a better body on the double

Strapped for time? Cutting back your weights routine is the last thing you want – it’ll only mean trimming your workout gains. So, what can you do to save precious minutes in the gym? Cut short the amount of time you spend not working, of course. 

Instead of frittering away your session adjusting weights, going to and from different areas of the gym and resting between moves, try this short and sharp workout. Doing a complex routine – when you choose one weight and perform exercises back to back using the same piece of kit – is the best way to get a quick fitness fix. Give it a go.

How to do it

Load a barbell with a weight you can safely use for the sets and reps of each of these moves. Perform one set of each move back to back without resting or putting the barbell down. After you’ve completed one full circuit, rest for 30 to 45 seconds before repeating for the number of sets allocated for your level. Remember – do not stop moving in between moves!

Kit you’ll need

Barbell

Beginner: 2 x 10 reps

Intermediate: 3 x 10 reps

Advanced: 3 x 15 reps

Clean

Areas trained: Legs, bottom, back, shoulders, upper arms

Hot tip: This is a great all-over fat-burner

Technique

-Holding a barbell in front of your thighs, bend your legs to create momentum, then row the barbell up towards your chin.
-Rotate your grip to drop your elbows under the barbell.
-Reverse the movement and repeat.

Straight-leg deadlift

Areas trained: Bottom, rear thighs, lower back

Safety tip: Keep your shoulders back and your gaze forward

Technique

-Keeping knees soft but legs straight, hinge at your hips to take hold of a barbell on the floor.
-Push your heels into the floor and extend your body to an upright position, keeping the barbell close to your body throughout.
-Lower and repeat.

Squat

Areas trained: Bottom, thighs

Safety tip: Keep your chest up throughout

Technique

-Rest a barbell on your upper back. Bend at your knees and hips to lower your bottom, pushing it back and squatting as low as possible.
-Push up through your heels back to the start and repeat.

Shoulder press

Areas trained: Shoulders, rear upper arms

Technique

-Hold a barbell in front of your shoulders with both hands.
-Extend your arms to push the barbell overhead.
-Lower slowly and repeat.

Article Apr 30, 2015
via Featured Articles http://www.womensfitness.co.uk/workout-routines/1313/get-fit-fast
Health and Fitness Blog

Your mid season beauty regime

Stuck between spring and summer? Here's how to cure your skin woes

So it’s not quite hot enough for bikini season yet but we have slowly been reaching for our maxi dresses! We have put together our top tips for getting summer ready, including prepping for your nails, skin, hair and even perfume – let’s get started!

With hotter weather approaching, it is all about preparing your skin, and using products that prevent against sun damage should definitely be a part of your routine. Whether you use a moisturiser that has SPF protection included in the formula or just sun protection, it is always best to be ready for the sunshine!

Take time from work, chores and everyday life and spend 15 minutes with a face mask on! You will be surprised how beneficial this will work for your skin, the Casmara face mask range has a selection of different formulas that cater for each skin type, algae is a key ingredient throughout the range which is perfect for cooling your skin in warmer weather. The next step for TLC is using a body scrub that contains refreshing ingredients, Grace Cole have a new scrub which contains Tea Tree and Witch Hazel, this little gem is perfect for reviving skin! This will have your skin ready for when sun finally arrives!

If you don’t feel confident enough to skip your liquid foundation, start improving the quality of your skin and eventually you will feel ready to bare all – we love Beauty Lab’s Smart Defence Daily Moisturiser – providing 24 hours of hydration for your skin (hello, perfect for when the sun comes out!) and it is also infused with collagen stimulating peptides. This moisturiser is perfect for all skin types and will give your skin essential vitamins and minerals. For a travel sized, multipurpose moisturiser reach for the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré – you can use this little gem as a primer, make-up remover and everyday moisturiser, who says skin care needs to be complicated?!

Sadly we can’t all be blessed with long lashes but we are loving the new mascara from Silk Oil of Morroco – the two step system creates intense length and volume no matter how short your natural lashes are and the waterproof formula is always a plus - say goodbye to smudged mascara!

For your nails, we have two wonder products will tackle your toes and finger nails, BruzZ is the new superhero for nail cleaning, the bristles tackle any dirt and bacteria from underneath your nails, leaving them ready for nail polish! Before you reach for your nail polish though, give your nails a few coats of the Nail HQ Strengthener treatment – trust us, your nails will love you! The treatment is infused with protein which will stop your nails from breaking every five minutes, hallelujah! Don’t forget to pamper your hands, we are loving the new anatomicals Be Good With Your Hands in Bed Night time Hand Cream, this works overnight to leave your hands incredibly soft and smooth.

If you are tired of trying to create long lashes, reach for the falsies! Quick and easy to apply, the Invogue lash range are perfect for completing your look. 

Hair will need extra care in warmer weather, especially if you are best friends with your hair straighteners – your locks will be getting exposed to a lot of heat so you need to make sure you are protecting your hair. Argan Secret Perfect Ends is ideal for damaged hair, particularly split ends! The brush you use can also have a big impact on your hair condition, brush bristles can tear and rip your hair shafts so look for brushes designed with hair loving technology! Wet Brush have Intelliflex Bristles® that gently brush your hair without any hair loss or ripping. If you feel like your hair needs more oomph, try the new hair thickening sprays from Bouffe – they create instant volume and can also colour your roots, simply spray under your roots!

Finally, spritz on the new CK One Summer unisex fragrance (your brother, dad and boyfriend can steal this too I’m afraid and voila! You are officially prepped for the summer – now all we need is a few cocktails and a pool... 

Article Health & Fitness Apr 30, 2015 via Featured Articles Read This...

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Your mid season beauty regime

Stuck between spring and summer? Here's how to cure your skin woes

So it’s not quite hot enough for bikini season yet but we have slowly been reaching for our maxi dresses! We have put together our top tips for getting summer ready, including prepping for your nails, skin, hair and even perfume – let’s get started!

With hotter weather approaching, it is all about preparing your skin, and using products that prevent against sun damage should definitely be a part of your routine. Whether you use a moisturiser that has SPF protection included in the formula or just sun protection, it is always best to be ready for the sunshine!

Take time from work, chores and everyday life and spend 15 minutes with a face mask on! You will be surprised how beneficial this will work for your skin, the Casmara face mask range has a selection of different formulas that cater for each skin type, algae is a key ingredient throughout the range which is perfect for cooling your skin in warmer weather. The next step for TLC is using a body scrub that contains refreshing ingredients, Grace Cole have a new scrub which contains Tea Tree and Witch Hazel, this little gem is perfect for reviving skin! This will have your skin ready for when sun finally arrives!

If you don’t feel confident enough to skip your liquid foundation, start improving the quality of your skin and eventually you will feel ready to bare all – we love Beauty Lab’s Smart Defence Daily Moisturiser – providing 24 hours of hydration for your skin (hello, perfect for when the sun comes out!) and it is also infused with collagen stimulating peptides. This moisturiser is perfect for all skin types and will give your skin essential vitamins and minerals. For a travel sized, multipurpose moisturiser reach for the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré – you can use this little gem as a primer, make-up remover and everyday moisturiser, who says skin care needs to be complicated?!

Sadly we can’t all be blessed with long lashes but we are loving the new mascara from Silk Oil of Morroco – the two step system creates intense length and volume no matter how short your natural lashes are and the waterproof formula is always a plus - say goodbye to smudged mascara!

For your nails, we have two wonder products will tackle your toes and finger nails, BruzZ is the new superhero for nail cleaning, the bristles tackle any dirt and bacteria from underneath your nails, leaving them ready for nail polish! Before you reach for your nail polish though, give your nails a few coats of the Nail HQ Strengthener treatment – trust us, your nails will love you! The treatment is infused with protein which will stop your nails from breaking every five minutes, hallelujah! Don’t forget to pamper your hands, we are loving the new anatomicals Be Good With Your Hands in Bed Night time Hand Cream, this works overnight to leave your hands incredibly soft and smooth.

If you are tired of trying to create long lashes, reach for the falsies! Quick and easy to apply, the Invogue lash range are perfect for completing your look. 

Hair will need extra care in warmer weather, especially if you are best friends with your hair straighteners – your locks will be getting exposed to a lot of heat so you need to make sure you are protecting your hair. Argan Secret Perfect Ends is ideal for damaged hair, particularly split ends! The brush you use can also have a big impact on your hair condition, brush bristles can tear and rip your hair shafts so look for brushes designed with hair loving technology! Wet Brush have Intelliflex Bristles® that gently brush your hair without any hair loss or ripping. If you feel like your hair needs more oomph, try the new hair thickening sprays from Bouffe – they create instant volume and can also colour your roots, simply spray under your roots!

Finally, spritz on the new CK One Summer unisex fragrance (your brother, dad and boyfriend can steal this too I’m afraid and voila! You are officially prepped for the summer – now all we need is a few cocktails and a pool... 

Article Health & Fitness Apr 30, 2015
via Featured Articles http://www.womensfitness.co.uk/beauty/1312/your-mid-season-beauty-regime
Health and Fitness Blog

Acceptance with Resilience – Living with Chronic Pain

Several years ago, I happened to be reading a research article about people who had lost limbs in landmine explosions, when I ran across a psychological distinction that I’ve seen validated many times since then. It seems that one of the major factors determining the quality of recovery for someone who has suffered this kind of traumatic injury is the attitude that the person chooses to adopt once he or she has had a chance to adjust to life as an amputee.

I believe this research regarding landmine survivors offers a crucial insight for people living with chronic pain.

The Choice Waiting at the Fork in the Road

All people studied in the landmine survivors report had similar reactions in the immediate aftermath of their traumatic accident. They could hardly believe what had happened to them. They got angry at those who had buried the landmine where they could step on it. They grieved the loss of their limbs. They felt disoriented, disconnected, and disempowered.

All this was a normal and natural reaction to sudden trauma. But what happened after these people had received medical treatment and the reality of what had happened to them had time to sink in?

From that point on, the landmine victims tended to diverge along two separate psychological paths.

Those taking the first path let their injury negatively affect their thinking about most everything that mattered to them. They felt badly about themselves and their lot in life and had little expectation of enjoyment in the future. They considered themselves to be fundamentally different from others, often disconnecting from family and friends and leading an unsettled life. They gave up work, gave up the hope of intimate relationships, and lost sight of their dreams.

Your attitude has everything to do with your quality of life while you’re dealing with chronic pain.

As you can imagine, those in this first group did not have good long-term outcomes. Following the initial shock of their accident, they arrived at a point of accepting the reality of their limb loss (as they needed to do), but it was not a kind of acceptance that would help them move on. On the contrary, it was an acceptance that left them mired in grief and misery. The researchers termed this response acceptance with resignation.

But others had another response to the same kind of loss. Along the alternate psychological path, some landmine survivors chose to make the most of what remained of their lives. They sought to derive meaning from their traumatic event and turn it into something good. For them, their amputation was a part of who they were, but it didn’t define who they were. They considered themselves to be fundamentally like everybody else, and they welcomed support from others and inclusion in the activities of everyday life.

Their outcome? These people had better physical health, a greater sense of overall well-being, and more thorough social and economic integration into their communities. They were benefiting from what the researchers labeled acceptance with resilience.

The landmine survivors all reached a fork in the road of their recovery. Some took a path that led to a higher quality of life; others headed toward a worse destination. It all depended on the attitude they chose:

Acceptance with resignation.
Or acceptance with resilience.

What You Do with What You’ve Been Handed

People living with pain face a similar choice. They incur some kind of unexpected disease or injury, and instead of their pain going away as its initial cause heals, the pain crosses the boundary from acute to chronic, forcing them to recognize that they now have a long-term, possibly lifelong, presence of pain in their lives. That’s when they have to make up their minds about what they’re going to do with the pain.

They face many decisions, everything from finding medical providers to requesting work accommodations to adapting to new family dynamics. But the crucial choice that affects all the others is what personal attitude they are going to bring to their new condition.

They will see themselves either as patients first or as people first. They will be either passive victims or active champions of their own cause. They will have either acceptance with resignation (I’m stuck with this pain and the lousy life it has given me) or acceptance with resilience (yes, I have pain, but I am still going to live well!). They may not consciously realize they are making a choice of attitude, but they are. And their attitude will have an immense influence on the kind of life they can expect to live from that point on.

After years of observing how people react to chronic pain, I have identified some commons signs that people are merely resigned to their pain problem:

  • They have a “Why me?” attitude and blame others for their condition.
  • They constantly look for others to care for them while refusing to take responsibility for their own improvement.
  • They look for drugs or other therapies to medically treat the pain and are not interested in maximizing what they can do to help themselves feel better.
  • They isolate themselves. Or they go to the other extreme and develop clinging, dependent relationships with their caregivers and family members.

With reactions like these, people in pain inevitably fail to feel any better and may in fact feel worse over time. They may survive, but they don’t thrive. They are in a place of “stuck-ness.” People often look down on them and don’t want to be around them, thus reinforcing their feelings of victimhood. They are depressed and they are a cause of depression for others.

In contrast to this first group, people who are determined to be resilient in the face of pain tend to exhibit very different behaviors:

  • They reject the idea that they cannot function or improve.
  • They push forward, mentally and physically, despite their bad lot.
  • They accept external support to bolster their own internal strengths.
  • They are engaged with others as much as possible and look for new opportunities for social engagement.
  • They don’t wear their pain on their sleeve, yet neither do they feel embarrassed about informing others of their limitations.
  • They have pride and self-esteem.

People who are resilient are physically active and mentally alert. They report lower pain than they otherwise might, and in the midst of their pain they find ways to achieve meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life. They are involved with other people as equals, making a contribution in their families and community. They appear to others as heroes, and consequently they inspire the people around them to overcome their own obstacles.

The outcomes for this second group are so much more appealing than what the first group experiences. It’s sad to note, then, how common are the signs of passive resignation to pain.

I don’t mean to pile on people who are having a tough time adjusting well to their new reality of pain. Nor do I want to minimize the struggle a person has in maintaining hope and making forward progress when facing awful pain. It’s a titanic challenge that calls for the best that lies within anyone. Nevertheless, I want to highlight the importance of attitude and urge all people in pain to think seriously about the outcome they are choosing for themselves when they adopt one attitude toward pain or another.

Virtually all people with chronic pain eventually accept the fact that they have a nemesis in their lives. But how they accept the reality makes all the difference, whether it’s acceptance with resignation or acceptance with resilience.

If you have pain, which are you going to choose?

Reference

Ferguson AD, Richie BS, & Gomez MJ (2004). Psychological factors after traumatic amputation in landmine survivors: the bridge between physical healing and full recovery. Disability and rehabilitation, 26 (14-15), 931-8 PMID: 15497924

Image via HildaWeges Photography / Shutterstock.

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