According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke), cancer, and diabetes are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems. They are considered preventable because they are tied to our lifestyle choices. Choices that we have the power to control.Each waking day our lives are filled with messages that cause us to think about and encourage us to live healthier. We see them on T.V., hear them on the radio, read them in the newspaper or our favorite magazines – they even pop up while we’re surfing the Internet. And there’s a reason why these messages are so prevalent. It’s because our neighborhoods, our communities, our cities, our states and our nation are saturated with disease and illness that have our healthcare system in a financial bind.The CDC states that the medical care costs of people with chronic diseases account for more than 75% of the nation’s $2 trillion medical care costs. The bottom is, we all have the power of choice and it’s our responsibility to implement it not only for ourselves, but for those in our lives, to include the neighborhoods, communities, states and nation that our unhealthy lifestyles will impact.So, how are you going to respond to these messages? You see them. You hear them. They’re everywhere. Hopefully, you’ll respond by implementing change in your life. For months during President Obama’s campaign trail, we heard a message that resonated throughout this country. ‘Yes we can!’ It was a statement of possibility, a statement of hope, a statement that caused us all to believe. Well, that statement doesn’t have to end with President Obama’s campaign trail. You can make it your own by saying ‘Yes I can!’ You can even add to it and say, ‘Yes, I can change and make better choices!’Our leaders are working on legislation to help families make ends meet, as well as to address not only our economy and other issues, but our healthcare crisis. With all of the changes that are underway, though, it’s critical that we do our part. And we can start with our health and fitness.Just think about the following comment I recently heard from a lady. ‘I never made the connection of my lifestyle habits and the healthcare crisis until recently. Now, I think about my father who recently had a massive heart attack that costs somebody – Medicare, insurance company, etc. – over $150,000. I think about the costs associated with my debilitating arthritis which primarily stems from my excess body weight. I think about my cousin’s stroke that caused paralysis on her left side. I think more and more about how our unhealthy lifestyle habits were contributing factors that led to our health predicaments.’Take the time to figure out how you’re going to respond to the messages you’re seeing and hearing. Yes, you can change!This health and fitness dialogue is provided for your consideration only. It is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about your specific health and fitness needs.Fitness coach Bridgette Collins is the author of Destined to Live Healthier and Imagine Living Healthier. For general health and fitness questions, please feel free to visit www.BridgetteCollins.com or email Coach Collins at Bridgette@bridgettecollins.com.
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This video was made by one of our female members. I wanted to share it with you because it illustrates the power of collaborative efforts. Building a Network is only as effective as the active members in that Network. Do you have people who are willing to back long after the money you spent on them has gone?Please enjoy the Postcard and let me know what you think.Thanks, :-DD (Tweet)
At a time when the world is reeling from the worst financial collapse since the Great Depression, most people are experiencing an economic recession that will undoubtedly have an impact on their lives in 2009. Each day we hear about companies failing, industries needing government assistance, retailers struggling, increased joblessness, housing foreclosures, and more. Even more overwhelming and frustrating are our daily thoughts, feelings and activities that revolve around a busy schedule, a stalled business, a stressful job, a contract that ended unexpectedly or didn’t materialize, the rumors of job layoffs, an unfulfilled relationship, a pending divorce, the memories of an unresolved past, a medical condition, a mountain of bills, and so much more. All of which have the potential to stifle our desires and intentions to implement and/or sustain healthier lifestyle habits. So, how do you plan to address your desire to live healthier in the midst of a life full of hassles, demands, obligations, and uncertainty? Which lifestyle habits will you try to spend more time on? What will you decrease spending on to live healthier?As you began to sift through those thoughts and feelings about how your life has been and will be impacted by the state of the world and your personal circumstances, and those actions you intend to modify in 2009, don’t put off evaluating those related to healthier lifestyle habits. It’s no secret that when you have so many feelings, thoughts, interests, and activities vying your attention, the idea of exercising or eating healthier will inevitably and continuously be placed on the back burner. There is never time enough time in the day to exercise or prepare a home cooked meal, get a sufficient amount of sleep, drink the appropriate levels of water, or get that much needed annual physical examination. Are you one of those people?Now is the time for you to sit down at your kitchen table and focus on how you’re going to achieve the following three important tasks related to living healthier: (1) conduct a self-examination of those things that challenge you everyday, (2) develop a plan for how you’re going to align living healthier with your pursuits and challenges, and (3) implement your plan that will help to alleviate a continuum of poor lifestyle choices. The one thing you have to your advantage is the power of choice; taking responsibility for your actions and learning that your faith, determination, and perseverance are necessary for overcoming your challenges, rearranging your priorities, and embracing healthier lifestyle habits. One of the most important transactions you’ll make in 2009 will be to live healthier in the midst of it all.This health and fitness dialogue is provided for your consideration only. It is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about your specific health and fitness needs.Fitness coach Bridgette Collins is the author of Imagine Living Healthier and Destined to Live Healthier, two entertaining and inspiring books that uses fictional stories to illuminate familiar patterns and truths about common lifestyle habits. For more information about Bridgette L. Collins (Coach Collins) and her books, go to http://www.BridgetteCollins.com.
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Posted by Narda Goodson on January 29, 2009 at 2:42am
Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting several homes for the Annual Rose Tour in Whitewright. I was awestruck by the diversity of each garden as we went from house to house.I saw backyards filled with roses, irises, birdhouses, ponds, and many other gorgeous bouquets of plant life. The flowers generated an amazing ambiance that perfumed the air with pleasant aromas. I saw and smelled honey suckles for the first time and had the pleasure of tasting one too.What struck me the most was the diversity of fragrances the floras produced. In one garden, there was an assemblage of multicolored roses displayed in a row, so I decided to smell each group individually. Every colored rose possessed an enjoyable but distinct aroma. I couldn’t believe how they could all be so alike, yet so different, but each was lovely in its own right.Upon leaving, not far away, sat a cluster of red roses identical to the ones I had recently smelled. I couldn’t help myself, so I decided to take one last whiff. Ironically, they produced no scent. “But aren’t these roses the same as the others?” I thought to myself.You life is your garden and what you produce will be obvious to others. The Scripture says in I Peter 2:9 that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people; that we should show forth the praises of him who has called us from outer darkness and into His marvelous light.It is not enough to sit with others we think are like us and expect that this method alone will change us. Going to church doesn’t save you and make you a Christian anymore than sitting among rose bushes will make you a rose. Christianity is not a religion but a lifestyle; it is a daily walk with the Savior, which requires every individual to take personal liability for their own life by picking up their cross to follow Jesus.We have been set apart for God, and in that separation, there is something we must do. We must continually fill our hearts with His Word so that we can produce good fruit. When we faithfully commit to abiding in the Vine, we become the branches that bring forth the fruit of God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ (St. John 15:5).What fragrances do you possess and generate? Will you permit the power of God’s Word to cultivate in you the fruit of the Spirit or will you just sit among the roses?Tilt your heart towards the SON!Pastor Narda GoodsonFirst Lady of Whitewright, TexasOfficial Website: http://anointedarrowsproductions.org\Social Network: http://christianwomenpredestinedbygod.ning.com/Copyright 2008 Gospel "PiLLs". All Rights ReservedRead more…
It's nice to be back. I see there have been a lot of people visiting my spot. Thank you for looking at my page. Unfortunately, I have been away due to illness. Things are looking positive.So, I need to get back to helping with my automotive tips. Are you glad the gas prices are down? But, we keep hearing how bad the economy is doing. That shouldn't stop you from maintaining your car. Keep up with you oil changes, rotating the tires with the proper air pressure, and tune-ups. Just yesterday, I noticed the gas prices creeping back up. So, everyone needs to be dilegent about the the auto maintenance. Don't cut corners with you vehicle. With people being laid off, you may need to travel a little further to make ends meet.Where did we leave off with our tips? We've talked about using the correct oil weight. We've talked about why you should change your oil. Why the correct tire pressure is critical to the life of your tires. Here a topic that is overlooked by many car owners.Timing belt changeDoes your vehicle have over 60,000 miles? Did you buy it used? Do you have the maintenance records from that purchase? The timing belt is the most overlooked maintenace. Most people are surprised that there is a timing belt on there vehicle. The timing belt is overlooked because it's not seen by the naked eye. It's under a cover. You can't look at it to see if it need replacement. When do most people notice the timing belt? When it breaks as you're driving down the road. Your vehicle will suddenly shut off. You will lose all power to your vehicle. When the timing belt breaks, there is a chance the engine will need replacement. You won't know until the repair starts. Most engine are called interference motors. This will keep them from being repaired.In other words, get the timing belt replaced. With our economy going up and down, the last thing you're going to need is a new car.Take care, and happy motoring.
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Leave disease and illness in 2008, renew your mind daily on The Well-Side.For many years I suffered with several illnesses and was told that it was normal. Then I realized the importance of food and how it can heal the body. I released my ownership of disease and illness and decided to choose Wholeness. I can hear my body more clearly; I make better choices, and live with the respect of self and others.So I ask you, “What are you possessing?” On this last day of 2008 make the choice to renew your Total Body-Consciousness daily by making choices that add to you.You no longer have to live a life where food is your enemy.Tips to come to The Well-SideAche or pain - find the root cause of the issue before using medication to mask the symptom.Proactive - ask questions when you visit your care provider, know your body, never take possession of a diagnosis, seek options to make an informed choice to eradicate the cause of the illness.Self-Love – respect yourself enough to get the proper rest (no just sleeping), take time to spend alone to meditate/pray, be honest with yourself and others, know when and how to say “NO!”Leave the baggage behind – let go of foods you know are not working for you. Stop trying to convince yourself that this is the last time, find an alternative.Recreate – if you do not like your reflection change it. Stop receiving how others define you and create yourself for who you are (Be-come who you desire to BE). You make your own reality.Exercise – do it. Start small and increase but get started. Walk, jump rope, roller skate, run, play with your children, too many options for excuses.If you do not make these changes for yourself think of those who love and care for you, do it for them. Why shorten your life when you can live a long abundant life.“Total Body-Consciousness possess yours in 2009”Say this until you begin to live it “Wellness is Mine in 2009!”
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“Felons can vote this year.” I heard that statement on this Saturday. My questionable reaction was ‘What?!” and my feeling was dumbfounded. I speculated why I hadn’t heard of this and also I wondered what was so different this year than any other. My first planned course of action was to send out a world wide shout out to let everyone know of this; after some research of course.Monday morning on my way to the j-o-b, I phoned a family member who lives in CA and has been convicted of a felony in his past. Fortunately, he has not allowed that label hinder him. He is a profound business man and it making good for himself and his family. I asked, “Have you heard that felons could vote?” He chuckled and stated, “I have been voting all of my adult life.” I was so surprised. He stated that there was no question on the voter registration card that asked if you have even been convicted of a felony. Immediately, I began to wonder why everyone thought and believed this horrendous myth. I wonder why we just “went along with the flow” and didn’t research or ask questions.Now as I sit here informing everyone who was guided to this writing somehow, the statement, “Ignorance is bliss comes.” I say that because us not knowing this has hurt us so badly but it has blessed others, if you catch my drift. We have been walking around ignorant to the fact that as a people we have much more power than we allow ourselves to have. We have been the source of demise, just by carrying out the lie. I stand accused in this continued unawareness. As I speak I am internally forgiving myself for not knowing. I am forgiving myself for wondering why but not digging for the answers to my questions.I am now wiping my slate clean by informing the masses of people who are like me in this moment. I command you to do this research for yourself and alert everyone that you know to do the same. If you just do not have the tenacity to do so, at least spread the word that in some states, FELONS CAN VOTE, this year and every year after that! Let us not wonder why this genocidal fairy tale was carried out, we should all know the why. Let us work on the how. Let us focus on the what. Let us be the who. Together we can take a stand with the newfound knowledge that we have and we can make a difference. One person cannot change the world but together we can mold this puppy into what we want it to be. Let’s do this man!Depending on the state you live in, if you have had your voter right taken away due to a felony conviction or for any other reason, you can request to have your voter right restored. Certain states like Nevada have already restored felon’s right to vote. Go to your states government page and search for the election page or even more specific: voter right restoration. Don’t give up, look until you find the information you need and then pass the knowledge!Copy and paste the link below to register, if you have not done so already!https://ssl.congress.org/congressorg/e4/nvra/Love & Light, Literary Thought 2008http://www.literarythought.com
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Posted by Holly Spence on August 28, 2008 at 11:07pm
“Power of 10 Gaining Empowerment in 10 minutes, 10 words, 10 people”is a powerful tool that will cause senior executives, middle management or anyone in a leadership capacity to evaluate how they are procuring the American dream of success. Mrs. Spence declares that the necessity to review the corporate road to success, will prevent a premature headstone with no meaning for the “dash” that separates the beginning from the end. With more then 17 years of corporate management experience, Mrs. Spence is grateful for her faith and those that have made an impact in her life and thus she is sharing it through The Power of 10 Gaining Empowerment in 10 minutes, 10 words, 10 people.RetreatThe need for work/life balance in America is among the number one problems for corporate executives and leadership teams across the county. Each workshop is conducted with a maximum of 10 leaders to ensure a positive, intimate and eventual learning environment. Training is recommended to take place off site away from participant’s usual place of business to provide a change in scenery and increase focused energy.ReflectThis positive environment fosters self-evaluation of life priorities and provides steps to regroup and bring about the very necessary need for change to life/work balance.ImplementMrs. Spence has captured steps for each executive to read and evaluate their current state. This workshop along with her book restores empowerment through small steps of 10.Over the years corporate America has changed it’s culture and environment to improve the companies focus on R.R.I. (Retreat, Reflect, Implement) with various programs to address the life/work balance and mental health of their employees. The “Power of 10” is that workshop that reinforces the corporate commitment which ultimately improves the company's R.O.I through R.R.I.
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Hello beautiful Empresses!If you are not already aware, www.empressmag.com and www.empress-socialclub.com is an on-line lifestyle magazine and community devoted to enriching the lives of women by delivering entertaining, relevant and thought-provoking content with a strong style and voice. Empress is not only a magazine but a movement based on the concept that empowers and improves everyday life.We would love your continued support. Please check out the following steps you can make to grow our online community!- Join Our Newsletter Mailing List (click here)-Join The Empress Social Club and network with other Empresses. If you are already a member, contribute to the community by adding blog posts, forum discussions, etc.-If you have a myspace account, face book account or your own website add our banner.(click here)-Send us info (contact, bio, any relevant info) on women , people, products that are "Empress Worthy" to be featured on our site to submissions@empressmag.com-Send a picture to submissions@empressmag.com of yourself with or without the words "Empress" or "Love, Power, Respect" in the shot so that we can add your beautiful faces to our site.-Add our website link to your blog, site, myspace page or facebook account and submit sites and companies we should partner and exchange links with to submissions@empressmag.com.- And finally tell every Empress you know about www.empressmag.com!BBWO members because of your continued support we are offering 80% off of our advertising pricing and have $5, $10 & $15 advertising available for you. Email advertising@empressmag.com for more info.
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According to Target Market News, in 2005 Blacks/ African Americans spent $719 billion dollars on goods and services. It is projected that the buying power of Blacks/ African Americans will be $1 trillion dollars by the calendar year 2010. When I recently Googled 'black buying power' I was surprised by the number of professional articles I found that talked about how to market to Black/ African American people. Of the few articles I perused, not one of them talked about their corporate/ organizational responsibility to the communities they want to fleece. Not one of them mentioned the needs that exist in many of our communities. I was only five or six articles in when I got a clear image of a world (with few exceptions) that wants to take everything they can from us and give NOTHING back in return.An adage that I was taught many moons ago simply states: He who has the gold rules. It seems to me that since we as a race have the gold we should be ruling. I am so very happy to see the numbers of our people who are beginning to network with and patronize one another in greater numbers than ever before. I'm so happy that our value and worth are now being recognized and our historical accomplishments are no longer being hidden from our youth. But I am very curious and concerned about one thing. What is going to happen when our hard earned dollars are circulating in our own communities several times? What will happen as more and more sisters revert back to natural hair styles and patronizing black only nail techs in order to break the back of the Asian Connection that is not only taking over the hair care industry but is making inferior copies of black produced products while systematically nudging us out of the market? What is going to happen when there are lines outside of black owned grocery stores, liquor stores and gas stations while those that are owned and managed by other ethnicities become virtually empty? What is going to happen when our children are able to find summer jobs and internships within our own communities? What will happen as a result of us using our wealth for our own sustenance, empowerment, and glory?Personally, I don't think the rest of the world will stand idly by and let that happen. I suspect that at the very least we will all have a bunch of new found friends whose main concern will be to win our business away from our own family (I love that term as opposed to the n-word and it is soooooo fitting - my brothers and sisters). As that time approaches and as we deliberate regarding how to handle the opposition that is sure to come, let us remember that people of many nationalities would not hire one of us for any reason; and many of those who did required us to work for minimum wage money under the table, doing work that is beneath them so we would not be entitled to any working benefits or unemployment. Let us remember that many of them treated us like second or third class citizens while we were patronizing their establishments. Many of them intentionally cheat us and our children then get an attitude when we bring their -ah hem- error to their attention. I'm so glad that growing numbers of us are finally working in concert toward leveling the playing field. But remember, just because we deserve to benefit from the power of our own buying power doesn't mean they will sit by idly and let us.BTW: They in this blog specifically refers to people who are either not ethnically recognized as being Black or African American or supporters of the equal rights and entitlements of Blacks/African Americans.
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