Walk a little, Run a Little

For those who are looking for more cardiovascular conditioning, running is better than walking. However, walking is better for weight loss when it comes to exercise.
Moderately intense exercise, like a brisk walk, burns higher percentage of fat calories than high-intensity exercise. Walking is low-impact and is great for all ages and fitness levels.
This is great for families, or moms or dads with kids, take a brisk walk around the block or your subdivision. Make a fun game of it; find different birds and other critters. Before you know it your kids will keep you on your toes with scavenger hunts along with their energizing walks.
You may even find your family participating in 5K runs/walks in and around your community for a charity.
Tip: Start slow. It's better to walk 5 or 10 minutes per day and work your way up than to overdue it and then be less frequent and not enjoying your walks. Build up to a jog or run if you desire, or are training for a 5K or marathon.

Don't put off exercise until you're training for a marathon. Gather the kids, grab a bottle of water and enjoy family fitness. Or hook up with a neighbor and make a religious habit of walking together, take the dog if you need to.

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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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.

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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Exercise benefits your skin

We know that exercise is good for your heart and bones, but did you know that exercise has a positive effect on your skin’s appearance too? Here’s how:

Exercise makes you sweat. Sweat purges your body of toxins that can clog pores and plague your skin with pimples and blemishes. The body only has so many mechanisms to rid itself of toxins — the kidneys, the liver, and the skin. Exercise increases blood flow to the skin, increases neuronal stimulation, and allows the sweat glands to increase their functions and rid the toxins. Once you sweat out those toxins, it's important to wash them off — you don't want to leave them on your skin. Always shower after a workout to prevent bacterial or fungal infections that may occur from dirt clogging up your pores.

Exercise tones your muscles. The more toned you are beneath your skin, the healthier your skin will look and feel. The stronger and firmer your muscles are, the more support your skin will have and the more firm and elastic it will appear. Toning your muscles may also help to minimize the appearance of cellulite, the dimply fat that often strikes thighs and buttocks. You can't exercise cellulite away, but you can help it look better.

Exercise boosts oxygen and blood flow to the skin. Studies have shown that regular exercise boosts blood flow enough in type 2 diabetics to help reduce the risk of skin problems that lead to amputation. Exercise gets the blood flowing, and that increased blood flow carries more oxygen to the skin. The boost in blood flow and oxygen to the skin cells also carries nutrients that improve skin health, supporting all the effort you make with moisturizers and other skin care products on the skin surface.

Exercise eases stress. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. Those mind-body benefits may extend to your complexion. Though studies are small, some show that stress may worsen, if not actually trigger, acne. Stress may also trigger flare-ups of psoriasis and a condition called shingles. It’s known to boost hormone production and suppress the body's ability to heal, but regular workouts can keep stress — and possibly hard-to-manage skin conditions — under control. When you’re feeling tense, let exercise keep any frown lines at bay too.

Exercise gives your complexion a beautiful, natural glow. When you exercise, your skin begins to produce more of its natural oils that help skin look supple and healthy. While that can naturally moisturize skin, remember to cleanse your face gently as part of your skin care routine when you shower to prevent any breakouts.

Make exercise your secret skin care ingredient for a young, healthier, and smoother complexion.

Disappointed in Ulta

I am VERY DISAPPOINTED in ULTA, the retail shop. On several occasions now when i have come in to make a purchase, they have run out of the buy something get something for free. One time I spent over $30 or $40 on makeup and wanted the free brushes, not only did they not have them, they didn't offer a rain check, nor would they take matching brushes off the shelf.

Then yesterday my daughter and I went in and she wanted a certain brand of makeup. They were offering buy $20 worth of this product (which is basically one eye shadow) and you receive two eyeliners for free. So she selected two eyeliners she wanted and some other products retailing more than $30, not including the $18 eyeliners. We went to the checkout and this has also happened on several occasions, one sales clerk will have a question so two or three of the associates will get involved helping one client, meanwhile I'm standing there trying to wait patiently to pay for my purchases. Naturally I have a coupon, plus my points to redeem.

Finally one clerk is free, but not very friendly. I give her my purchases and ask about the two free eyeliner deal and am told that they ran out of those products. We can't use the eyeliners on the shelf either. Then, I can't use the coupon for $3.50 off because they makeup my daughter wants is a premier or prestige makeup, excluded from the sale. However, I can use my points and take $4.00 off. hhmmm...The sales girl just stood there staring at me, not being friendly, not apologizing. To me that is rude. Maybe she should go work for the government. Talk about false advertising. Get people in the door, they expect product to be there or be able to use their coupons and then pull the rug out from under them.

I should mention that we have spent several hundred dollars in this store in the past year.

Needless to say, they aren't the only game in town. I am a licensed Aesthetician and I can and will purchase my supplies, equipment, products, makeup from someone and somewhere else.

Anyone else have problems with retail?

Anti-Aging; Which Ingredients work and why

Peptides can fool your skin into looking younger. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can fool skin cells into generating more collagen. But not all peptides are equal, in fact, some don't work at all.

Look for a good quality set, like metrixyl (a procollagen pentapeptide, meaning it contains five amino acids that mimic the precursor of collagen), attached to fatty acids (ingredients like glycerin) help deliver the peptides into your skin versus just sitting on the surface (of the skin).

Retinols are like kryptonite to wrinkles. Retinols or retinoids are powerful derivatives of vitamin A that work extremely well, even in over-the-counter products to promote collagen production, thicken skin, improve elasticity and skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It's always best to start with a small dose and work up to a higher level to reduce chances of redness and irritation.

Vitamin B3, aka Niacin, is your skin's multi-purpose solution. Vitamin B3 can increase energy levels in aged skin cells and have a variety of effects on aging skin, increasing collagen production and increasing skin barrier strength. It also increases surface skin renewal and improves both circulation and the moisture barrier to help revers the appearance of past skin damage. Low doses of niacin used in OTC products can treat fine lines, acne, brown spots and signs of aging.

Glycerine, a humectant that forms the base of many skin care items, assists with the natural production of collagen. While some experts recommend that acne-prone skin types steer clear of humectants due to their potentially comedogenic (pore clogging) properties, for those in their 50's, this thicker emollient substance is like a super power that seals in moisture and plumps very dry skin. This also means fewer lines and wrinkles.