9 TIPS FOR AVOIDING SCAMS ON CYBER MONDAY

~ Install, update, and activate your security software and only connect to legitimate Wi-Fi networks.

~ Use strong, unique passwords - Long passwords, including letters, numbers, and symbols are more secure.

~ Make sure it's the right site - Phishers' links and pop-ups may lead to fake sites that look authentic but are actually designed to steal your log-in and financial information.

~ Shop from secure sites - The web address should start with https:// and have a padlock icon.  Look for Better Business Bureau and TRUSTe symbols.

~ Beware of gimmicks and deals that are too good to be true - Stick to legitimate retailers.

~ Use a separate email account for online shopping and marketing to protect your personal correspondence and information.

~ Use a credit card rather than debit card to protect your bank account and information and to allow you to dispute charges.

~ Read privacy agreements to avoid your information being sold or stolen.

~ Submit a complaint form on the Federal Trade Commission website if you do encounter fraud.
Source: Check Point Consumer Business Zone Alarm



GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs MAKE THOUGHTFUL HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR CLIENTS AND COLLEAGUES, FAMILY AND FRIENDS.  PLEASE CALL ME AT 617-738-8222 TO ORDER YOURS TODAY!

SAFE TURKEY TIPS

Before you gobble up that turkey, check out these food safety tips to make sure your holiday is a healthy one . . .

~ Thaw frozen turkeys in the refrigerator.  Leaving them to thaw at room temperature allows bacteria to multiply which could cause food poisoning.

~ Color is not a reliable indication of doneness.  Always use a food thermometer to check the innermost part of the thigh and wing and thickest part of the breast.  It's the only way to make sure your turkey reaches the minimum required internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

~ Cooking stuffing inside your turkey is not a good practice.  Because stuffing inside the bird must also reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, food safety experts recommend cooking it separately.

~ Pack leftovers in small containers for quicker cooling and refrigerate promptly.
Source: Andrea Astrachan, Consumer Advisor



THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATES AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs MAKE THOUGHTFUL HOLIDAY GIFTS!  PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 617-738-8222 TO ORDER YOURS TODAY.

BUSINESS EMAIL NETIQUETTE - Part 2

Guest Author: Beverly Zibrak, President of the Word Doc, Brookline, MA

Continued from 9/13/12 post . . .

Just as there are guidelines for traditional communication, there are guidelines for business emails.

THE RULES AND LEGALITIES

- Add disclaimers to your business emails.
- Do not forward chain letters or jokes.
- Before forwarding an email you received, make sure it is not a virus hoax.
- Delete and ignore spam.  Do not reply.
- Do not forward or send any offensive emails.  This includes off color jokes or racist or sexist content.
- Never send or forward confidential information in an email.
- Only send relevant files as attachments.  Make sure the file size is not so large that it creates a roadblock.
- Do not forward a message or attachment without the permission of the original sender.
- Be sure when you Reply to All that you want all recipients to receive your message.
- Do not use URGENT or IMPORTANT unless the email is truly timely.

If you choose to use email as a marketing tool, choose the right email service provider.  Find a reliable vendor, such as Constant Contact (R).

And lastly, read the email a few times before you send it.


Beverly Zibrak is President of the Word Doc, a writing and editing services firm dedicated to helping small business with all their communication needs, including web content development, press releases and marketing communications, and blog posts.  You can reach Beverly at www.worddocusa.com or 617.584.9847.

DINING OUT DO'S AND DON'T'S

Here's how to avoid dietary derailments when you're looking at menu item descriptions --

For calorie and fat concerns, avoid: battered, buttery, scalloped, crispy, creamed/creamy, rich, cheese sauce, hollandaise, bearnaise, tempura, gravy, au gratin, Alfredo, breaded, croquettes, a la King, Newburg, (deep) fried, bisque, smothered, aioli, carbonara, and en croute.

For sodium concerns, avoid: smoked, broth, creole sauce, tomato base, fish sauce, barbecued, soy sauce, marinated, Parmesan, hoisin sauce, pickled, teriyaki, cocktail sauce, mustard sauce, and chili paste.

Look for: broiled, grilled, steamed, poached, baked, roasted, braised items that are flavored only with herbs and spices with no added sauces or butter.  To fill up before a meal, order a non-cream-based soup or a salad with dressing on the side, used sparingly.  Order meals where vegetables and fruit are a major component and ask for extra lettuce, tomato, and other vegetables.  For a healthier dessert, try fresh fruit, sherbet, sorbet, or angel food cake with fruit topping.  Bon appetit!
Source: IDEA Fitness



COULD YOU USE HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG, WEBSITE OR HAND-OUTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS, OR EVENT?  I CAN SAVE YOU THE TIME AND EFFORT -- BY PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED MATERIALS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS FOR YOU TO REPRODUCE AND PERSONALIZE WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION.  PLEASE CALL ME FOR MORE DETAILS AT 617-738-8222.

BUSINESS EMAIL NETIQUETTE - Part 1

Guest Author: Beverly Zibrak, President of the Word Doc, Brookline, MA

Suffice it to say, email as a communication tool has replaced snail mail.  Think about it: When was the last time you received a handwritten or typed thank you note or invitation?  Emails are fast.  So answer an email quickly.

Just as there are guidelines for traditional communication, there are guidelines for business emails.

THE BASICS
1.   Always use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.
2.   Do not use CAPITAL LETTERS, except at the beginning of a sentence.
3.   Avoid sentence fragments.  Write in complete sentences.
4.   Even though it is faster, avoid abbreviations such as LOL, IMHO, etc.  Save them for personal emails.  Also avoid using emoticons.
5.   Do not write in long sentences.  Keep it short.
6.   Use active, not passive, voice.
7.   Use gender neutral nouns and pronouns.

THE CONTENT
8.   Be concise and get to the point.
9.   Anticipate: Answer all questions in the email you are writing or responding to and pre-empt further questions.
10.  If you often write the same type of business email, use templates for efficiency.
11.  Adopt a structure and layout that reflects your company, including the signature lines.
12.  Pay attention to formatting.  Your email conveys your corporate image.
13.  Make the Subject line relevant in order to get the reader's attention.

Next month: Business Email Netiquette Part 2 . . .

Beverly Zibrak is President of the Word Doc, a writing and editing services firm dedicated to helping small business with all their communication needs, including web content development, press releases and marketing communications, and blog posts.  You can reach Beverly at www.worddocusa.com or 617.584.9847.

WATCH OUT FOR TICKS! - Part 2

Continued from 8/1/12 post . . .

Here are some tips for protecting yourself from the increasing number of ticks and the diseases that they carry:

~ be careful about sitting on logs or leaning against trees; ticks often hide there
~ wear light-colored long sleeved shirts, socks, and pants so ticks are easier to spot
~ tuck pants in to socks or high-topped shoes/boots
~ when back indoors, check your whole body (and your pets) for ticks immediately and over the next few days and bathe thoroughly
~ wash and dry your outdoors clothes in very hot temperatures to kill any lingering ticks
~ use insect repellent (look for EPA certification on the container) and if you're spending time in heavily tick-infested locations, consider wearing clothing treated with insect repellent -- Insect Shield is one brand
Source: UC Berkeley Wellness Letter



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HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ELECTRONICS FROM POWER SURGES - Part 2

Continued from 7/16/12  - Don't want a fried flat screen?  Follow these tips . . .

Buy surge protectors - but be sure to read the fine print.  Some power strips and multi-plug outlets, especially the less expensive ones, provide no protection against power surges.

Surge protectors come at different levels.  It's actually better to get a lower number of volts, with the most protective level being the 300 volt range.  For example, if your building is hit with power surge of 1000 volts, a 2000 volt protector won't help you, but the 300 volt one will.

Be sure to check on the label that the device has been tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a not-for-profit organization that promotes safety standards.  The label should also state if a power strip has surge protection and the voltage rating level.
Source: Underwriters Laboratories


COULD YOU USE HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG, WEBSITE, OR HAND-OUTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS, OR EVENT?  I CAN SAVE YOU THE TIME AND EFFORT -- BY PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED MATERIALS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS FOR YOU TO REPRODUCE AND PERSONALIZE WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION.  PLEASE CALL ME FOR MORE DETAILS AT 617-738-8222.

WATCH OUT FOR TICKS! - Part 1

The number of ticks carrying Lyme and other diseases is increasing in Massachusetts.  And the unusually warm weather this year is producing expanding insect populations.  So, if you venture off the pavement, be sure to take precautions.

If diagnosed and treated promptly, Lyme disease can often be cured with antibiotics.  Untreated, it can lead to chronic arthritis and neurological problems.  Getting Lyme disease once does not mean that you can't get it again.

The symptoms of Lyme disease vary; they can include:

- a rash that looks like a bull's-eye (however, the rash may not look like this and can still indicate Lyme disease)
- flu-like symptoms such as joint pain, sore muscles, headache, chills, and fever
- shortness of breath and other heart and lung abnormalities
- no symptoms in the initial phase

You should get immediate medical attention for any tick bite, as well as for a rash or other symptoms, which can occur up to a month after tick exposure.  If possible, bring the dead tick with you to the medical facility for lab testing.
Source: UC Berkeley Wellness Letter

Next month - how to protect yourself from ticks . . .


COULD YOU USE HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG, WEBSITE, OR HAND-OUTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS, OR EVENT?  I CAN SAVE YOU THE TIME AND EFFORT -- BY PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED MATERIALS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS FOR YOU TO REPRODUCE AND PERSONALIZE WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION.  PLEASE CALL ME FOR MORE DETAILS AT 617-738-8222.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ELECTRONICS FROM POWER SURGES - Part 1

It's that stormy time of year again.  Interestingly, while the most damaging power surges are caused by lightning, they can also result from something as simple as an appliance - like a furnace or vacuum cleaner - turning on or off.

That said, if a storm is forecast, it's a good idea to unplug sensitive electronics.  Merely turning them off won't help, as they maintain a connection to the power grid where the surges travel if they are plugged in.  While nothing can save electronics from a direct hit by lightning to a building, lightning strikes from up to two miles away can cause surges.

Sensitive electronics include computers, televisions, and stereos.  To prevent damage while you're on vacation, make a habit of unplugging these devices before traveling.

Power surges aren't going to do much damage to simple electronics such as lamps.  By purchasing surge protectors for areas such as your office, it's easy to unplug just the most sensitive equipment, making it less of a chore.
Source: Underwriters Laboratories

Next month - more power problem protection tips . . .


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SUMMER FOOD SAFETY - Part 2

(Continued from 6/4/12 post)

Because food poisoning is no picnic!

- Separate cooked food from raw.  Never reuse a marinade that held raw meat, and wash utensils used on raw meat before using them on other food.

- Cook meat to 160 degrees F.  (Use a meat thermometer.) Don't put cooked meat on a plate that held raw meat.

- Don't let foods that can spoil stay in the danger zone, between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F,  for more than 2 hours or 1 hour if the outdoor temperature is above 90 degrees F.
Source: Consumer Reports



THANK YOU FOR PATRONIZING AND REFERRING PEOPLE TO MY INDEPENDENT PRACTICE.  WHEN YOU SPEND AT A LOCALLY OWNED OFFICE, MORE THAN 50% STAYS IN OUR COMMUNITY.  AT A CHAIN, MORE THAN 80% GOES TO DISTANT CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS!

PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY ON FACEBOOK - Part 2

(continued from 5/14/12 post)

More ways to stay secure . . .

Turn off Tag Suggest - This disables the privacy setting feature that automatically recognizes your face in photos and deletes the information.

Block apps and sites that snoop - Unless you intercede, friends can share personal information about you with apps.  To block that, use controls to limit the info apps can see.

Keep wall posts from friends - You don't have to share every wall post with every friend.  You can also keep certain people from viewing specific items in your profile.

When all else fails, deactivate - When you deactivate your account, Facebook retains your profile data, but the account is made temporarily inaccessible.  Deleting an account, on the other hand, makes it inaccessible to you forever.
Source: Consumer Reports



THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRALS !

SUMMER FOOD SAFETY - Part 1

Here's how to stay safe:

~ Before touching any food and after handling raw meat, wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.  If they are unavailable, use a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

~Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.  Wash melons before cutting and keep them cool as they support bacterial growth more readily than more acidic fruits.

~ Organize picnic coolers.  Put drinks in one and perishables in another.  The drinks cooler might be opened often.  Make sure you have plenty of ice or ice packs.  Wrap raw meat securely and put it in the bottom of the cooler so juices don't migrate.  Place coolers in an air-conditioned car, not a hot trunk.
Source: Consumer Reports

More tips next month!


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PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY ON FACEBOOK - Part 1

Here are some helpful hints:

• Think before you type - Even if you delete an account (which takes Facebook about a month), some information can remain in Facebook's computers for up to 90 days.
• Regularly check your exposure - Each month, check out how your page looks to others and review your individual privacy settings.
• Protect basic information - Set the audience for profile items such as your town or employer.  And remember that sharing information with "friends of friends" could expose it to tens of thousands of viewers.
• Know what you can't protect - Your name and profile picture are public.  To protect your identity, don't use a photo, or use one that doesn't show your face.
• "UnPublic" your wall - set the audience for all previous wall posts to just friends.

Source: Consumer Reports

Next month - more privacy tips! . . .



COULD YOU USE HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG, WEBSITE, OR HAND-OUTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS, OR EVENT?  I CAN SAVE YOU THE TIME AND EFFORT BY PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED MATERIALS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS FOR YOU TO REPRODUCE AND PERSONALIZE WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION.  PLEASE CALL ME FOR MORE DETAILS AT 617-738-8222.

HOW TO DO YOGA WITHOUT WRECKING YOUR BODY - Part 2

(continued from 4/9/12 post)

Here are more tips for safe yoga practice:

- If you have a preexisting injury, ask your yoga teacher about his/her experience
with it.  For example: "Have you ever worked with a student who has had a
shoulder injury?"

- Many yoga-related injuries are chronic, the result of microscopic trauma
happening over time due to ongoing repetition of poor technique.  It's better to
practice a partial pose with good form than a full pose with poor form.  Try to
focus more on your breathing rather than how far you stretch.

- Don't compete -- many yoga students get hurt trying to keep up with the
instructor or other students.

- Listen to your body.  Beyond a good stretch, if something hurts, back off.

- Ask questions.  If you're unsure of a position or movement, stop and ask your
instructor for more explanation.  And check with your healthcare provider if you
have any medical issues.
Source: American Council on Exercise




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THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND
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CD's MAKE THOUGHTFUL
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(SUN. MAY 13TH)!

HOW TO PREVENT LAPTOP FAILURE - Part Two

(continued from 2/15/12 post)

Some tips for avoiding costly repairs:

- Problem: LCD Displays  Tip: The most common repair requires replacing the backlight or inverter for the LCD.  The display "lighting" will run a finite number of hours before failing.  To extend display system functioning, lower the brightness setting, set your laptop to go to "sleep mode" whenever you close the lid, and close the lid whenever you aren't using the laptop.

-Problem: Fans  Tip: The processor in a laptop generates a lot of heat in a small space, so it's critical to draw the heat away to keep everything running properly.  Clean the vents periodically, especially if you have pets or smoke which can clog vents resulting in failure.

Problem: Keyboards  Tip: Spilled beverages are the primary reason for this type of repair.  Install a keyboard spill guard if you can't keep the liquids away.
Source: Data Doctors



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HOW TO DO YOGA WITHOUT WRECKING YOUR BODY - Part 1

You may have read some recent news stories about injuries resulting from yoga. It is possible for yoga to be a safe and beneficial practice -- if you follow some basic guidelines:

~ Find a qualified instructor teaching small enough classes to provide you with personal attention. Poses should be taught step by step with options offered for varying levels of difficulty. www.YogaAlliance.org is one national database of yoga teachers who have met particular standards of training and qualifications.

~ If you're new to yoga, start slowly and learn the basics. Take a beginner class and move through the poses cautiously for the first couple of weeks. If you feel that your instructor is pushing you too far or isn't focused on your safety, find a new class.

Next month: More secrets of safer yoga!
Source: American Council on Exercise



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FUN UPCOMING EVENT!

You're invited to the first . . .

DIRT BALL

Get down - Get dirty - To grow Bountiful gardens in Brookline

The Frank Morey Band playing "dirty blues"
fabulous food* ~ dirty drinks ~ beer and wine
garden games ~ gifts and prizes!
garden costumes encouraged

Sunday, April 1st 4:00 - 7:00 PM
11 Goodwin Place, Brookline Village
(across the street from Brookline Main Library)

Tickets $45/$40 members

*from La Morra, Fireplace, Washington St. Tavern, Lineage, and more!


Bountiful Brookline is a volunteer organization educating, demonstrating, and promoting local, healthy food. Projects include demonstration community organic gardens providing food for the Brookline Emergency Food Pantry, garden sharing, and teen programs.

www.BountifulBrookline.org

HOW TO PREVENT LAPTOP FAILURE - Part One

Here are some tips for avoiding those expensive repairs:

-Problem: Motherboard failure Tip: When the power adapter dies, replace it with the original manufacturer's adapter. Less expensive "universal" adapters can deliver excessive power when they fail, resulting in motherboard destruction requiring a costly repair.

-Problem: Corrupted, infected operating systems from malware and viruses Tip: Utilize protective software systems and avoid risky on-line activities.

-Problem: DC Jack/AC Adapter damage Tip: Be gentle with the delicate pin jack in the adapter outlet. If it is pushed too hard or to one side it can short out, break off, or crack the solder connection or motherboard. Be careful not to push the laptop back in to a wall or cabinet or trip over the cord.
Source: Data Doctors


THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRALS !

DO U HAVE TXT NECK?

Text neck is caused by poor posture from stooping over to tap messages on your phone. "Looking down puts excessive pressure on your neck, causing muscle strain, which can lead to neck and shoulder pain," according to neurologist Orly Avitzur, M.D.

Here are some tips to help prevent gadget-related injuries:
- Take frequent breaks from texting (and typing on your computer) and stretch.
- Type longer e-mail messages on your computer instead of a handheld device.
- Hold your gadget in front of your eyes so that you don't have to look down.
- When you text, rest your forearms on a pillow or other surface for support.
- Take a tech holiday once in a while!
Source: Consumer Reports



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"HOW," NOT "WHY"

When talking with people, do you often espouse the many benefits of adopting healthy habits? This may not be the best way of inspiring behavior change, according to a recent study summarizing best-practice interventions for increasing physical activity among healthy adults. According to the data, face-to-face, individually targeted programs that focused on how to improve activity levels were more successful than cognitive interventions focused on why exercise is important. Other less successful programs were community-based, using communication methods such as mail or telephone.

"The focus needs to shift from increasing knowledge about the benefits of exercise to discussing strategies to change behaviors and increase activity levels," stated lead study author Professor Vicki Conn of the University of Missouri School of Nursing. "The common approach is to try and change people's attitudes or beliefs about exercise and why it's important, but that information isn't motivating. We can't 'think' ourselves in to being more active."
Source: American Journal of Public Health



DO YOU NEED HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG, WEBSITE, OR HAND-OUTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS, OR EVENT? I CAN SAVE YOU THE TIME AND EFFORT -- BY PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED MATERIALS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS FOR YOU TO REPRODUCE AND PERSONALIZE WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION. PLEASE CALL ME FOR MORE DETAILS AT 617-738-8222.

7 WEEKS, 7 CHANGES

Are you thinking about making some healthy changes? Here's a plan to help you get started . . .





Week 1: Complete at least 10 minutes of stretching 3 days of the week.


Week 2: Choose at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.


Week 3: Complete at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise 3 days of the week.


Week 4: Eliminate or replace an unhealthy item from your diet this week.


Week 5: Complete at least 5 minutes of sit-ups or push-ups 3 days of the week.


Week 6: Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day.


Week 7: Sleep 7-9 hours each night.





Be sure to check with your doctor before making any major changes in your lifestyle or starting an exercise program.


Source: IDEA Fitness











THANK YOU FOR PATRONIZING AND REFERRING PEOPLE TO MY INDEPENDENT PRACTICE. LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS DONATE TO CAUSES IN OUR COMMUNITY AT MORE THAN TWICE THE RATE OF CHAINS!