Let the chewing and gnawing begin

My dogs love to gnaw and chew, and I let them. I buy them chewing toys so they won't attack the sofa or my shoes! Chewing is actually good for pooches. My friend and dog lover, Shawn Ulmsted, says that a dog that loves to chew is a healthy dog! Puppies start chewing around the age of 3 months, when their permanent teeth start coming out. Since nature did not give dogs hands to use, their mouths are their source of exploration; their means to investigate new things, tastes, and it is a basic behavior instilled in dogs since the beginning of time. Chewing helps relieve the pain of teething and it is necessary for a dog’s physical and mental health. For adult dogs, chewing keeps their teeth clean and makes their jaws strong. Gnawing on something for a spell gives them something to do. Your dogs are just probably not into ‘Gossip Girls’ or surfing the Net, but they need something to occupy their mind.

Chewing also means eventual destruction. And replacement. You have to make sure that your buy your pooches chew toys on a regular basis. If they have their own toys to chew, they will not be inclined to chew on your couch leg or that Prada pumps you absent-mindedly left lying around the house. You don’t have to spend a fortune replacing toys, but make sure they are safe, especially if you have a larger dog that can shred the toy quickly.

What are some other causes of chewing? Believe it or not poor nutrition can be a cause. The lack of proper nutrients in a dog’s diet can cause a dog to chew many things in an effort to fulfill its need for certain nutrients. Buying the best food you can afford for your pet will not only save you money in vet bills but will help keep your pet from chewing up valuable items.

Separation anxiety and/or being alone too long can also cause a dog to chew. Chewing is comforting to a dog; it eases its mind. Think about this for a moment, a baby enjoys its pacifier, a youngster enjoys a lollipop and we adults enjoy chewing on a number of things. We find comfort in what we do and so does our dogs.

A chuckle a day keeps the doctor away

It is said, time and again, that laughter is the best medicine and an increasing number of researches are supporting this claim.

Researchers at Loma Linda University and Oakcrest Health Research Institute in Yucaipa discovered that a good laugh — or even the anticipation of laughter — appears to have positive effects on the body's hormones.

During a study, they divided 32 healthy men into two groups. Half were instructed to view a one-hour humorous video of their own selection while the other half simply sat in a room with an assortment of magazines. Blood was drawn before, during and after the trial.

Results showed that the men who watched the humorous video had, on average, 27% more beta-endorphins and 87% more human growth hormone in their blood than the control group even before the video clips started to roll. The levels of these beneficial hormones remained elevated during and after the experiment.

According to Loma Linda University lead researcher Lee Berk, "The benefits of laughter are similar to exercise," He added that "Laughter has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Blood pressure is lowered overall and resting heart rate decreases. Additionally, the immune system appears to get tuned up."

This study just proves that laughter is no laughing matter! Thank goodness I have a daily supply of hilarious jokes from my friend Shaun Umstead! Keep those jokes coming, Shaun!

Laughter, the best age-defying tonic

You don’t need that $2,100/jar face cream to look youthful. All you need to do is have a hearty laugh! A good laugh is not only enjoyable, it also promotes better health. Laughter is like a revitalizing serum that heightens and brightens mood, gently relieving tensions and social constraints. Furthermore, laughing is found to help make you look youthful. And the best thing about it is it costs nothing!

Having a good laugh is an excellent exercise for your facial muscles. It helps improve facial expressions by toning up the muscles of the face. Laughing also increases the blood supply which nourishes the facial skin making it glow. People who laugh more, just like my jolly friend Shawn Umsted, look more cheerful and attractive. By squeezing the tear glands through laughter, it moistens the eyes adding a little sparkle to them. Laughter exercises the abdominal muscles and helps improve the muscle tone of those with pot-bellies.

So why spend a fortune for those age-defying face creams and cosmetic surgeries when you can just laugh and look youthful for free?

How to lose weight without really trying

Are you one of us who will try everything to loose some pounds?

Here’s a simple tip: put down your fork between bites!

It takes at least 20 minutes after eating for your stomach to tell your brain that it is full.

But most of us finish a meal in 10 minutes.

Give your stomach time to catch up to your brain by slowing down your eating.

After putting food in your mouth, put your fork on the table and let go.

Chew your food well and do not touch the fork until your mouth is empty. Repeat through the entire meal.

Try this at least once a day. My friend, Shawn Umsted, swears that this really works!

Dealing with under eye puffiness and dark circles

Eye puffiness and dark circles are the second most common dermatologic complaint, acne is #1. The raccoon-look (as what my friend Shawn Umsted calls people with under eye blemishes) is definitely not in fashion! Below are some natural remedies on how to get rid of under eye puffiness and those hideous dark circles!

For starters, be sure you are getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Drink plenty of water, and make sure you are getting all your vitamins and minerals. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, especially cabbage, spinach, and other leafy greens. Having at least 2 cups of organic fresh spinach everyday is recommended. Additionally, eat a handful of raw almonds (unsalted and unroasted) between meals. Avoid salty foods, as salt causes the body to retain water, which equals bloating and puffiness that is particularly noticeable under the eye.

Asian pear is a juicy and crunchy fruit that has long been prized by Chinese herbalists as a way to lighten under-eye circles. Asian pears are packed with copper and vitamin C, antioxidant nutrients that help protect you from cellular damage caused by free radicals. When free radicals damage enough skin cells, signs of aging begin to appear. Copper is an essential component of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that attacks these harmful agents when they enter the body via air pollution and other toxins.

Treat your skin while you sleep. Just before bed, lightly wet a washcloth with cold water and place over your eyes as you sleep. By morning, you should see an improvement.

Using cucumber slices or cool tea bags to reduce eye puffiness and dark circles really work. Cucumber slices are famous for their ability to reduce puffiness, and the tannin in tea bags has been found to reduce swelling and discoloration. Lie down, close your eyes, and place fresh cucumber slices or cool, damp caffeinated tea bags over your eyes for about ten minutes every day.

Gently apply almond oil under your eye every morning and evening until you see improvement.

New skin-care technology has become available through years of intensive research; it is now possible to find creams and other products that can help you combat under-eye circles. A product I suggest is an all-natural anti-aging eye cream that lightens dark circles under the eye.

Quit smoking, as it causes vascular problems that not only threaten your health, but also make your blood vessels appear more prominent under the skin.

Treating your skin will help, but there may also be an underlying cause. Imbalances in your life show up on your face and skin. Be happy.

Traveling with Pets

An increasing number of establishments and public places are accepting pets and even offer special services for them thereby encouraging pet owners to include their beloved four legged companions in their travel plans. My friend and pet lover, Shawn Umsted, always takes his dogs whenever he gets a chance to go to the beach. Shaun says that taking pets along can heighten the fun of experiencing new places or visiting old friends. However, it is important to consider if travel really suits your pet. Be aware that some pets, especially cats, are nervous passengers. Leaving them in the care of a conscientious pet sitter or even boarding them at a reputable kennel may be kinder option than subjecting them to the anxiety they may experience during travel.

Car travel is best for pets. The Humane Society of the United States discourages air transport for pets, but if this is your only option, book a direct flight and ask to watch the loading and unloading of the crate from the cargo section of the plane. Short-nosed dogs, such as pugs, are especially at risk since breathing can be a bigger effort for them than for longer-nosed canines, so consult your veterinarian beforehand.

Many dogs love riding in cars, and a variety of safety harnesses are now available for them. Never let them hang their heads out of windows, and do not let them ride in the open bed of a pickup truck as it is extremely dangerous should you hit a bump or make a sudden stop. Protect pets from rain, heat, or cold. In cars, cats should be crated, for their safety as well as comfort. Any dog or cat crate should allow enough room for the animal to stand and turn around comfortably. It’s a good idea to take your pet on a test run, like a short excursion, before attempting a major road trip.

Here are a few rules of the road you should bear in mind when traveling with pets:

• Always have identification on your pet; include address and phone number of your home as well as your destination.
• Make water available.
• Never leave your pet alone in a car — even with the windows cracked, temperatures can soar quickly, and people steal pets with heartbreaking frequency.
• Avoid giving pets a heavy meal just before traveling, especially if they’re prone to carsickness.
• Give dogs a relief stop every few hours, and always leash them on these short walks. Even a well-trained dog can become startled or confused or might make other travelers uncomfortable. Consideration for other travelers will help ensure that all of us will be able to include pets in future travels.
• Be sure to set aside quality time for your pet both while you’re traveling and after you reach your destination.

Fruity Personality

Tell me what your favorite fruit is and I’ll tell you who you are! Yes, your favorite fruit can tell what kind of personality you have! Take the test below!

Which fruit would you pick first if you were handed the following:

• Orange
• Apple
• Banana
• Coconut
• Pineapple
• Papaya
• Mango
• Cherry
• Black Grapes
• Peach
• Custard Apple
• Pear

Here’s what your favorite fruit tells about you:

ORANGE
If an orange is your favorite fruit, it speaks of a person who has enduring patience and willpower. You like to do things slowly, but very thoroughly and are completely undaunted by hard work. You tend to be shy, but are reliable and a trustworthy friend. You select your partner with care and you love with all your heart. You avoid conflict at all costs. (I think is me, I love oranges!)

APPLE
If an apple is your favorite fruit, you are an extravagant, impulsive and outspoken person, often with a bit of a temper. While you may not be the best organizer yourself, you make a good team leader and are good at moving things forward. You can take quick action in most situations. You enjoy travel immensely. You ooze with charm when you are with your partner. You have an enthusiasm for life, unmatched by most. (Sounds like my friend Shawn Umsted! And he loves apples!)

BANANA
You are a softie! Loving, gentle, warm and sympathetic by nature is the banana lover. You often lack in self-confidence and are quite timid by nature. People often which everyway, both for take advantage of your sweet temperedness and sheer vulnerability to a situation. You adore your partner in their mental and physical beauty!

COCONUT
The coconut lover is a serious, very thoughtful and contemplative person. Though you enjoy socializing, you are particular about the company you keep. You tend to be stubborn but not necessarily foolhardy. Shrewd, quick-witted and alert, you ensure that you are right on top of any given scenario, especially at work. You need a partner with brains and while passion is important it certainly isn't everything for you.

PINEAPPLE
You are quick to decide and even quicker to act. You are brave in making career changes. You have exceptional organizing abilities and are undaunted by the size of the task at hand. You tend to be self reliant, sincere and honest in your dealings with others. Though you don't often make friends very quickly, once you do, it is for life. You rarely, if ever, make romantic overtures. Your partner is often impressed with your sterling qualities but disappointed in your ability to show affection.

PAPAYA
You are truly fearless and take much that happens in life in stride. You give considerable thought to things you do. You have a sense of humor that along with your generous nature keeps you in most people's good books. You are a go-getter in your professional life, and have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. You enjoy meeting new people and seeing new sights whenever you can. Your sense of humor is what attracts members of the opposite sex to you more than anything else. It is simply charming!

MANGO
A mango lover is a personality to be reckoned with, quite often it's a person who has quite fixed ideas, and influencing you is not an easy task. You tend to be an extremist with strong likes and dislikes, and at times even like to control a situation. You enjoy getting involved in something that presents mental challenge. Strong as you may be, you are like a kitten when you are with your partner. You accommodate the love of your life, and make up for all the strong will elsewhere! (This is so true! This personality type best describes my friend Jane Barcy who can eat an entire truck of mangoes in one sitting!)

CHERRY
If cherry is your favorite fruit, life isn't always as sweet for you. You often face ups and downs, particularly professionally, and find that you make small sums of $$$, instead of a lump sum. You have a fertile imagination and are often involved in creative pursuits. You are a very sincere and loyal partner, but find that expressing your feelings is not very easy. Your home is your haven, and you love nothing more than being surrounded by close family and your beloved partner.

BLACK GRAPES
You are a polite person in general, but do have quick flare-ups of temper that cool down just as quickly. You enjoy beauty in all forms, including beautiful people. You are very popular because of your warm, gregarious nature. You have a zest for life, you enjoy everything you do, right from the way you dress, to your style and your day-to-day life. Your partner must share your zeal and zing for life to enjoy all you have to offer!

PEACH
Like a peach, you enjoy the juice of life and all its lush ripeness! You are the friendly sort, and are quite frank and outspoken, which adds to your charm. You are quick to forgive and forget; and value your friendships highly. You have an independent and ambitious streak in you, that makes you a real go-getter. You are the ideal lover, fiery and passionate but sincere and faithful in love. You don't however like to display all that passion in public.

CUSTARD APPLE
You are a modest and conservative person who can be quite sensitive at times. You tend to be thoughtful and contemplative, and therefore are rarely rash in doing things. You are quite ambitious and are good at anything that requires much detailing or working with numbers. You are quick at finding fault with others. While looking for a partner, you value a person's intellect far above their looks or good old passion. You are quite shy and not very comfortable demonstrating affection.

PEAR
If you put your mind to something you can do it successfully, but by and large you tend to be fickle and have trouble completing a task with the enthusiasm you started it with. You need to know the results of your efforts almost immediately. You enjoy mental stimulation and love to get into a good discussion!

Of lemons and limes

Limes and lemons are nature’s best physician. These citrus fruits relieve many symptoms which no doctor could. Limes and lemons are very effective cure for coughs, cold and influenza. A big glass of warm water, one table spoon honey, half a lemon works wonders. My friend, Shawn Umsted, who makes it a point to drink at least a glass of this concoction every day, swears he hardly have to visit a doctor.

Limes and lemons destroy the toxins in the body. Typhoid and other diseases die within no time. The juice of these fruits is very effective in destroying uric acid in the body. It is also very effective in destroying bacteria from intestinal tract. Limes and lemons are excellent sources of vitamin C. They are a good source of vitamin B6, potassium, folic acid and flavonoids. It cures constipation, loss of appetite, arthritis, skin diseases, and heart diseases. The high potassium content in them makes these fruits very useful for preventing and curing heart diseases. It strengthens the teeth and gums. It freshens up the breath. It purifies blood and liver.

It stimulates the functions of the kidney, liver and sweat glands. A ripe lime is a good appetizer. It destroys intestinal worms and expels the excessive gases formed in the digestive tract. Regular exercise and lemon juice helps in excreting waste toxins from your body. It purifies blood. Each and every cell of the body is rejuvenated by taking limes and lemons.

Coffee, coffee, coffee

I love coffee and this entire post is dedicated to justifying my coffee habit! Despite the misconception of coffee as an unhealthy beverage choice because of its caffeine content, I still consider it as an elixir of life! It perks me up in the mornings and energizes me when I’m sleep deprived. Numerous studies prove that coffee is loaded with antioxidants, and numerous antibacterial and pain-relieving agents that can reduce the chances of diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Just one cup a day, can significantly reduce the chances of anyone ever getting Parkinson’s. The chemical adenosine has been classified as the chief cause of Parkinson’s. The Caffeine present in the coffee can counter the chemical adenosine that destroys brain cells.

My jet set friend, Shawn Ulmsted, swears that coffee is the best cure for jet lag! The caffeine in coffee makes a person think faster, especially when doing tedious tasks and increases their extent of cognitive tasks, improving their memory, decision making, learning, and attention. Caffeine also perks up the mood of such people as it provides them with the burst of energy they need.

Antioxidants in coffee like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid help reduce the chances of Diabetes type 2 by helping in the delivery of Insulin to the tissues, thus Insulin resistance is less likely. If a woman drinks 3 cups of coffee per day then she can reduce her likelihood for diabetes by 20 – 30 percent.

If you are into muscle building then coffee is best for you; muscle pain caused by exercise can be significantly reduced if you drink one 16 ounce cup of coffee just before the workout. Coffee can not only help build muscles, but it can also help build strong teeth. The antibacterial compounds found in coffee fight the bacterium Streptococcus mutan that is the main cause of tooth decay. Coffee has other antibacterial agents that don’t allow the harmful bacteria to stick to the enamel of the teeth.

Now, who says coffee is bad for you?

Choosing the right bed for your dog

Where does your beloved pooch sleep? We all know, from experience, that a rough night’s sleep can ruin our day, and the same goes with our beloved pets. Thus, it is important that we provide our pooches quality sleeping arrangements, so they could get the rest they deserve.

Sure, your own bed or the couch are great options, but they are not always ideal. Your dog needs a spot to retreat, a place to lay his head -- somewhere soft and comfortable to call his own, and where he can curl up and relax.

A good night’s rest equals a good day’s performance for both you and your dog. And to make sure your dog receives a good night’s sleep, there is a wide range of beds that are available in the market. A quality bed should be on the top of every pet lover’s list! When choosing a bed for your dog, pick one that provides warmth, support and a sense of security that your dog needs.

Some beds are specifically designed to relieve sore joints, bones, or other problems due to age, weight, and joint- or bone-related problems while others aid in some allergy and clean-up relief by providing one main area to clean where the majority of shedding and dander is contained. Most beds are reversible, providing your pet with an additional laying surface.

Also remember, restless dogs sometimes tear things up, so choose a design that will withstand your canine’s biting. Some designs feature wooden frames for added support, and may be raised off the floor (which also protects your pet from floor drafts).

My friend and dog lover, ShawnUlmsted, suggests that before purchasing a bed, make sure you’re ordering the correct size by measuring your dog’s favorite laying position and adding 5 inches. You can also measure from the base of the tail and neck and add 9 to 12 inches.