Thursday, April 29, 2010

10 Little Things that Lead to a Happier, Healthier You!

We know somedays can be very stressful and chaotic. Here's are a few ways you can start, end or help you relax and live a happier and healthier life, any time in between.
1. Stop and smell. Yes, just stop and breathe in the aromas, whether it's coffee, tea leaves, an orange peel or flowers. Aromas trigger different memories in our mind and help us to relax. So if you correlate chocolate chip cookies with the comfort of home, or when your mom or grandmother baked cookies and pies, think of chocolate chip cookies. Even if you're sitting at your desk, you can still visualize and imagine preferred aromas. Lavender is a great relaxer. I usually keep essential oils and candles around to offer pleasing smells.
2. Stop and breathe. We learn to breath at birth, however, it becomes second nature and we rarely give this vital function a thought. Proper breathing should come from the diaphragm. Breathing properly helps us relax, as well as take in necessary oxygen for our heart to beat.

Stay well rested -- The average person needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. However, those who are stressed may need even more winks. Lack of sleep interferes with our ability to cope, and nothing sours a mood quite like overtiredness. Reduce irritability by increasing your shuteye.
Show gratitude -- A positive attitude begins with being grateful for what’s already been received. Start each day by writing down or  contemplating something you’re thankful for.
Laugh at yourself, smile at others -- Laughing in the midst of challenges makes troubles seem less threatening. Find something funny about daily frustrations to help conquer life’s annoyances. Share your smiles with others because when we give someone else a pick-me-up, we give ourselves one too.
Play -- Grant yourself permission to be silly and childlike at least once a day. Being playful can lead to sudden inspirations, new solutions and creative pursuits.
Practice the art of nonresistance -- Remain in the current moment to find joy in the present. Don’t try to forecast the future by projecting struggles beyond their knowable range. Instead of trying to control what can’t be controlled, experience the exhilaration of living fully in the here and now.
Find supportive friends -- Surround yourself with family and friends whose traits and behaviors you admire. Steer clear of those who are insensitive, hypercritical or lack your vision for success.
Set attainable goals -- Visualize your deepest desires, but set attainable goals to achieve those dreams. A series of small accomplishments will build confidence while you’re working toward major milestones.
Get organized -- Set aside time each week to organize your surroundings. Declare a “deal with it” day, a period to tackle errands, chores and minor repairs you’ve been ignoring. Clear out physical clutter to lessen stress and lighten your spirits.
Experience nature -- Step outdoors and witness the varieties of plants, animals and insects. Marvel at the clouds, sun, moon or stars. When we surround ourselves with nature, we’re better able to put our problems into perspective. That tree we’re looking at might have stood for 100+ years despite countless storms. We, too, are equally resilient.
Be authentic -- Live each day on your own terms, actively choosing the path that is right for you. Be honest and faithful to your true self, and fully embrace your worth. Don’t let anyone else’s desires for you sidetrack you from your life’s mission. Say “no” when you need to. Remember that you alone get to decide what makes you happy.
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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

St. Thomas, Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa

Beginning July 1, the AAA three-diamond-rated Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa will become St. Thomas' only true 100 percent all-inclusive resort.

Seeing a growing demand from budget-conscious travelers for an all-inclusive resort, Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa plans to offer unlimited food and beverages, entertainment, half-day access to the supervised Kid's Club, and a comprehensive activities program featuring snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, miniature golf and family movie nights.

The resort will launch its new status with unprecedented discounts including Summer Getaway rates starting at $387 per night (double occupancy) for travel through Sept. 30, 2010, and a family special featuring 50 percent off a second room to accommodate up to four children.

All-inclusive summer rates vary by travel dates, beginning with rooms from $405 per night (double occupancy) and the second room for $201 per night for travel through Aug. 22, 2010.  Visitors booking stays from Aug. 23-Sept. 30, 2010 will enjoy the lowest prices of the season, with double occupancy rooms from $387 per night and the second room for just $193 per night.  Children under the age of 12 who share a room with their parents, stay, play and eat from the children's menu at no additional charge.  Rates are subject to availability, and certain restrictions apply.

As an added bonus, passports are not required for U.S. citizens who visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, making travel to St. Thomas easier than to other Caribbean destinations.

To book a summer getaway at Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, please call (340) 777-7100 or (888) 582-9104.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Are Sunscreens Toxic?

 Sunscreens were created to protect our skin, the body's largest organ, from UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun is divided into UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC is filtered by ozone in the stratosphere, whereas UVA and UVB reach the earth's surface. UVA can penetrate deeper through the skin than UVB, it is not filtered through glass and it is estimated that approximately 50 percent of exposure to UVA occurs in the shade.
Acute exposure to UVB causes effects such as erythema, edema, tanning, thickening of the epidermis and dermis, and vitamin D synthesis. Chronic exposure to UVB can result in photoaging, immunosupression and photocarcinogenesis. Exposure to UVA is more efficient in inducing tanning and causes less erythema, but it is also involved in photoaging and acute chronic photodermatoses. Both UVA and UVB are associated with immunosupression and carcinogenesis; therefore, there is a need for protection.
According to Benjamin Fuchs, R.Ph, "SPF is misleading, this is only for UVB. UVA rays cause the aging. Sunscreens can be toxic."
Sunscreen lipophilicity means means penetration, never use on babies, adds Fuchs. Sunscreens have estrogenic structures. UVA blockers (oxybenzone, Parsol (TM), are especially toxic.
Fuchs recommends sunblockers, preferably those with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. These are non-hormonal, non-chemical. These ingredients block UVA, UVB and UVC with limited penetration.
Zinc Oxide offers healing, soothing, is non-toxic, biogenic and very effective, thus being safe for babies.
Diet plays a huge role in sun protection in addition to its' vast other beneficial qualities of sustaining a healthy life. Eating vegetables stimulates the skins natural immunity.
Inorganic UV filters, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide act by scattering, reflecting and/or absorbing UVR dependent on their refractive index, the size of the particles, dispersion in the emulsion and film thickness. The drawback of inorganic mineral sunscreens is that they are opaque on the skin. To improve cosmetic acceptability, particle size can be reduced to 20-50 nm, rendering them transparent to visible radiation, but this also reduces their ability to scatter and reflect UVR. The availability of microfine Zno (for example Z-cote from BASF and Zin Clear from Advanced Nanotechnology Ltd., Australia) and TiO2 has increased the formulation of these inorganic filters in sunscreen products, thus permitting high SPF values and broad spectrum absorption, with reduced amounts of organic filters.
Fuchs recommends a sunblock with broad-spectrum with either Zinc Oxide or Titianium Dioxide. It is also imperative to reapply the sunblock if you go in the water or sweat while in the sun.
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