Quote for a Change

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."

– Mark Twain

Sorry people, the "updated editor" still is not working and I'm unable to post any pics or even place line breaks. I have swapped back to the "old editor" however it is just the same. I have posted a message in the "help section" but no-one has responded. I have also looked through all the Google FAQ's and there is nothing to tell me how to fix it. Might have to leave blogger and go to wordpress?

Again, apologies for my posts being so visually boring.

Will's Wisdom

Hi All

Check out this thought provoking interview chop with Will Smith.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLN2k0b3g70

either copy and paste the link above or click on "Will's Wisdom" title to watch.

Weird Ways to get Kids to Eat Vegies

I have tried so many things over the years. From mashing cauliflower into potato to hiding minuscule sized pieces of vegies amongst mince and pasta. But the thing that has worked best for me in recent times is “naming” the weird coloured piles of goop spooned onto their plates.

My most recent creation is “alien creation goo” from none other than Ben 10. It’s at least 5 vegies, usually potato, pumpkin, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and carrot mashed with a bar mix until its soft “condensed milk” consistency. It’s a green coloured mess, but the kids eat it with very few complaints.

Another triumph is Giant’s Snot – no description needed I’m sure. We also have Worm Guts and Monster Poo which is a more yellow/orange colour. For me, just their name’s makes me feel ill, but these names seem to work quite the opposite for the boys. It’s strange to see them excited about eating Worm Guts. Now I don’t have any little girls but I imagine that names like “butterflies, fairy’s and sunshine” might work well. I’m keen to hear your thoughts or results on that one. Please feel free to leave a comment or two.

I know, I know.....I can hear you saying “but they are used to eating all their vegies combined, they’re not getting to know the individual flavours and textures”. Yes you’re right. However my boys are so picky that I’m just glad to be getting food into their bellies. And the fact that it is healthy has me doing cartwheels. I hope that in years to come that they will become curious and start eating their vegies steamed in whole pieces. If not..........I’ll still be happy to come up with weird names as long as they get healthy and nutritious food into their growing bodies.

Importance of Drinking Water Regularly

When you consider the fact that the human body is comprised of more than seventy percent water, it’s easy to see why regular consumption of water is beneficial for every human being. Water enables the body to function in more ways than one might think. The benefits of drinking water extend far beyond simply quenching thirst. Water contributes to almost every aspect of a person’s health.

As a person uses their muscles, they are constantly losing water. The simple act of breathing and using the lungs costs the average person between two and four cups of water every day. Typical, non-exercise related perspiration can remove another two cups of water per day. Using the bathroom facilities costs the body precious water. If the body uses this much water through everyday activities, imagine how much water physical exertion demands from the body.

It is obvious that the body needs water, but what are the benefits of drinking water? Cells in the body need water in order to work properly. Water helps cells to process blood, which is made mostly of water. Blood is essential to the body’s ability to carry nutrients and transport waste from the body.Organs and joints tend to work better when supplied with adequate water. Not only does water lubricate, but it hydrates as well to promote proper flow throughout all organs and body systems. Muscle discomfort can be reduced with plenty of water as well.

The benefits of drinking water can be seen on the surface of every individual. Our skin is probably the most obviously benefited recipient of adequate hydration. Skin looks younger and wrinkles are visibly reduced with adequate hydrate. People who have radiantly smooth skin are most likely providing their skin with plenty of water.

It’s easy to drink enough water every day. Simply have a glass as soon as you wake up in the morning. Also have a glass with every meal and snack. Have a glass before bed, and if you wake during the night for any reason......have a small glass then.

Cheers

Your life can be what you choose! Do not accept less than optimal health!

Firstly I wish to apologise for the lack of text formatting. For some unknown reason all my formatting tools, including being able to add pictures and page breaks, have disappeared. Anyway, if you're down Christchurch way this seminar is well worth a visit. Read on for details....

Dr Monica Lewis will explain in simple terms why we desperately need to be pro- active with our health BEFORE we lose it. She will show us how many of today’s modern diseases are preventable, and how top quality nutritional products can help YOU start to make important health changes today, even if your health is already suffering and you feel you are aging too quickly. Many of today‘s health problems can largely be reversed with this approach.

She will also discuss the effects of stress and present a way to make changes in your life. She has used this approach to turn her own life around after bad accidents caused her to develop serious generalized arthritis. Many people today are aware their medication is having other effects and are looking at alternatives.

Dr Monica Lewis is a NZ holistic doctor who has been in practice for 40 years. She specializes in chronic (long term) and hormonal illnesses by incorporating mind/body medicine, counseling and nutritional medicine. She is passionate about helping children with health and behavioural problems. Along with her cardiologist husband, Dr Gerry Lewis, she has authored several best selling books, including books on prevention of Cancer, and how to use Dietary Supplements correctly.

Date: Thursday, 11th March 2010

Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start

Cost: $10 per person

Location: Science Alive Building, next to Hoyts on Moorhouse Ave. Christchurch

Car parking behind - drive up ramp by House of Travel

More Evidence Supports the Importance of Vitamin D in Heart Disease Prevention

by Marek Doyle, citizen journalist

Although the link between low Vitamin D status and chronic disease has been well known for some time, a new study has shed further light on the role of Vitamin D in cases of hypertension and congestive heart failure.

Researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin analysed genetic data from 617 individuals stored at the Marshfield Clinical Personalized Medicine project, a DNA databank. They separated the group equally into a healthy control group, those with high blood pressure and those with high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, and it became clear that there was a striking correlation between those who suffered from both ailments and a deviation in the CYP27B1 gene, which reduces the rate that the body converts stored vitamin D into its active form.