DE-STRESS YOUR SPACE - Part 6

Bring the outdoors in - Being surrounded by natural elements encourages friendlier interactions with others, according to a University of Rochester study.  For a more peaceful space, bring in a couple of houseplants or hang a mirror across from your largest window to maximize outdoor vantage points.  If your view includes more buildings than trees, hang landscape photographs on the walls.
Sources: HGTV, University of Rochester


THE HOLIDAYS ARE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER -- YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COLLEAGUES WILL APPRECIATE GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs!  PLEASE CALL ME AT 617-738-8222 TO PLACE YOUR ORDER.

DE-STRESS YOUR SPACE - Part 5

Simplify your color scheme - Use restraint with patterns and loud colors.  If you mix patterns, keep their color schemes similar, and if you like lots of colors, keep patterns to a minimum.  If you have too many bright colors or high-contrast patterns in a room, your eyes are going to be drawn all over the place, making it difficult to relax.  Simple designs and colors, on the other hand, are soothing.  The less-is-more rule applies to shelves and tabletops too.  Don't fill them just because they're there.  Instead, display only a few pieces that are meaningful.
Source: HGTV

THE HOLIDAYS WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT -- GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs MAKE PERFECT, THOUGHTFUL GIFTS!  JUST CALL ME AT 617-738-8222 TO PLACE YOUR ORDER.

DE-STRESS YOUR SPACE - Part 4

Create pedestrian-friendly paths - If you can barely get in to a chair without banging your leg on a coffee table, or if the path from a sofa to a door is cramped, rearrange your furniture.  Not being able to safely and easily move about produces anxiety -- not to mention an easy way to trip or stub a toe.
Sources: HGTV, University of Rochester


COULD YOU USE HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, SOCIAL MEDIA, 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.

DE-STRESS YOUR SPACE - Part 3

Light up locations, not whole rooms - Bright overhead lights keep you revved up.  Use spot lighting for areas where you need brightness, such as next to the seat where you read, and put overhead lights on dimmers.  Also, switch to full-spectrum bulbs, which mimic natural light better than standard ones do.
Sources: HGTV, University of Rochester


THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRALS TO MY INDEPENDENT PRACTICE!

DE-STRESS YOUR SPACE - Part 2

Create space - Our anxiety builds in small spaces if there's too much stuff. To reduce the clutter and make rooms feel larger, ask yourself if you really need all those end tables or picture frames, and cut anything deemed nonessential.  Consider painting a table or bookshelf the same or similar color as the wall it's up against so it "disappears" into it.  Painting walls white or a light color will also make a smaller room feel more spacious.
Sources: HGTV, University of Rochester

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PASS ON MY INFORMATION TO ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BENEFIT!

DE-STRESS YOUR SPACE - Part 1

Here's a good reason to do some low-cost decorating -- the choices you make can result in enhanced mood and less stress.

Organize daily debris - If you see old papers on the floor and bags of Goodwill donations waiting to be dropped off, you're going to think obligation, not relaxation.  Have a designated place for every item that enters and exits your space.  Try putting containers near the front door, one for outgoing items and one for incoming things.
Sources: HGTV, University of Rochester


THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRALS TO MY PRACTICE!

STRIKING BACK - Part 6

Here's one last summer storm safety tip . . .

Steer clear - Torrential rain can wash out chunks of road, creating puddles that look shallow but run deep.  6 inches of water can stall a car engine, which increases the risk that another vehicle will hit yours and leaves you vulnerable in the event of a flash flood.  If you can't scoot around a large puddle, find another route or pull over in a non-flooded area until you verify that the road is passable.
Sources:  Lightning Protection Institute, National Weather Service

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PASS ALONG THIS BLOG TO ANYONE YOU THINK WOULD BENEFIT!

STRIKING BACK - Part 5

Did you know this?

Don't touch that dial - Sitting inside a vehicle is safer than being outdoors during a storm, but not because of the rubber tires.  The car's metal body protects you by conducting electricity around the passenger cabin and in to the ground.  For this reason, avoid contact with any metal components, such as door handles or the radio dial.
Sources: Lightning Protection Institute, National Weather Service


COULD YOU USE HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, SOCIAL MEDIA, 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 INFORMATION AT 617-738-8222.

STRIKING BACK - Part 4

Beware of tingly hair - If you start to feel static in your hair or you hear a buzzing sound in the air, a lightning strike might be imminent.  Crouching down on the balls of your feet with your shoes touching, head tucked, and covering your ears may slightly reduce the odds of a direct strike and minimizes injuries should a strike occur.  When the static sensation passes, keep moving toward a building or car.
Sources: Lightning Protection Institute, National Weather Service

THANK YOU FOR REFERRING YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO MY INDEPENDENT THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE PRACTICE!

STRIKING BACK - Part 3

Another storm safety tip . . .


Branch out - Lightning commonly connects with trees due to their height.  If struck, a tree conducts potentially deadly current in to the ground and can even explode due to the extreme heat.  Also, gale force winds can snap large branches.  So be smart and give trees a wide berth during storms.
Sources: Lightning Protection Institute, National Weather Service




SEEKING GUEST AUTHORS!  I INVITE YOU TO WRITE A BRIEF EDUCATIONAL ARTICLE TO PROMOTE YOUR WORK TO MY CLIENTS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS.  PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS FREE MARKETING OPPORTUNITY BY CONTACTING ME AT 617-738-8222!

STRIKING BACK - Part 2

Avoid wires and water - When lightning strikes a building, the electrical charge can surge through pipes and utility wires.  So you could get zapped if you're touching running water or any device that's plugged in -- from a land line phone to a toaster.  Use wireless devices and refrain from using the tap.


Wait for quiet skies - Even after the rain stops, it's often best to stay inside for bit.  Lightning can strike 10 miles from a storm.  The easiest way to gauge your distance from a storm is by the sound of thunder, which generally doesn't travel more than 10 miles.  If you can hear it, fear it.
Sources: Lightning Protection Institute, National Weather Service




I APPRECIATE YOUR REFERRALS -- THANK YOU!

STRIKING BACK - Part 1

Lightning and flash floods injure hundreds of Americans every summer.  Here are some ways to reduce your risk:


Seek good shelter - In open-sided structures, such as gazebos and golf carts, a lightning bolt's path of least resistance could be you.  Keep moving toward fully enclosed shelter, sticking to low-lying ground if possible.


Stay in touch - During storm season, be sure to frequently access weather reports.
Sources: Lightning Protection Institute, National Weather Service




GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs MAKE GREAT GIFTS FOR BRIDES, GRADS, AND DADS!  (FATHER'S DAY IS SUNDAY, JUNE 21st.)  PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 617-738-8222 TO PLACE YOUR ORDER.

7 THINGS TO STOP DOING NOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Using a weak password - Avoid simple names or words you can find in a dictionary, even with numbers on the end.  A password should have at least 8 characters.  Mix upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols, and insert numbers or symbols in the middle of a word.


Leaving your full birth date in your profile - It's an ideal target for identity thieves, who could use it to obtain more information about you and potentially gain access to your bank or credit card account.  If you've already entered a birth date, go to your profile page, click on the info tab, then on Edit Information.  Under the Basic Information section, choose to show only the month and day or no birthday at all.


Overlooking useful privacy controls - Restrict access to photos, birth date, religious views, and family information to only certain people or groups or block particular people from seeing them.  Consider leaving out contact info, such as phone number and address.


Posting a child's name in photo tags or captions - If someone else does, delete it by clicking on the Remove Tag or ask them to remove the name.


Mentioning that you'll be away from home - Wait until you get home to tell about your vacation and be vague about the date of any trip.


Letting search engines find your private information - If you want to prevent strangers from accessing your page, go to the Search section of privacy controls and select Only Friends for search results.  Be sure the box for public search results isn't checked.


Permitting kids to use social networking sites unsupervised.
Source: Consumer Reports




PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PASS ON THIS BLOG TO PEOPLE YOU KNOW WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM MY SERVICES.  THANKS!

CRITICAL PORCH AND DECK CHECKS

Signs of an unsafe porch or deck are often not obvious.  Here are some safety checks to make on any porch or deck:


~ Be sure the railings and banisters aren't loose.  They shouldn't wiggle as you push on them.


~ Check that all of the steps are securely anchored to the risers by resting your weight all along the width.


~ Check the structure.  Look for rot and insect damage beneath the platform; if you find any, have it repaired by a professional.


~ Help prevent mildew and the slip hazard it causes by regularly clearing away leaves, other yard waste, and puddles on, beneath, and around the structure.


~ Inspect all nails, screws, and bolts.  Hammer down nails and tighten screws and bolts.


~ Safeguard children and pets by keeping the spaces between the railing balustrades to 4 inches or less.


~ Inspect outdoor lighting and replace any frayed cords or other damaged components.
Source: Consumer Reports




IT'S TIME TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR BODY -- CALL ME AT 617-738-8222 TO SCHEDULE YOUR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE TODAY!

SPRING CLEANING UNCOVERS TAX DEDUCTIONS!

It's a great time of year to clear the clutter in our homes and offices.  Many items can be useful to others.  Here is a guide with some helpful hints for recirculating and donating:


- Most organizations can only use certain types of items - call or check the agency's website for a donation wish list.


- Inquire as to whether an agency can pick up items or if they need to be dropped off at a certain location.


- ask for a receipt to claim a tax deduction.


Where to donate:


Big Brothers/Big Sisters    www.bbbsmb.org    800-483-5503


Boomerangs    www.aac.org    617-524-5120


Brookline Senior Center - gift cart items, used cell phones and iPods    617-730-2770


Coalition for the Homeless    www.mahomeless.org    781-595-7570 x13


DVDs for Vets    www.dvds4vets.org


Goodwill/Morgan Memorial    www.goodwillmass.org    617-445-1010


Got Books?    www.gotbooks.com    978-327-7600


Rosie's Place    www.rosies.org    617-442-9322


Second Step   www.thesecondstep.org    617-965-3999


Solutions at Work    www.solutionsatwork.org    617-576-0039


And another great resource for both giving and receiving:  www.freecycle.org




DO YOU KNOW ANY STRESSED OUT OFFICE WORKERS?  TREAT THEM TO MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY (WED. APRIL 22nd)!  PLEASE CALL 617-738-8222 TO PLACE YOUR ORDER.

QUIZ: HOW MUCH DOES YOUR WEIGHT DEPEND ON YOUR GENES?

To find out, answer yes or no to each question:

Section A

1.  I have been overweight for much of my life.
2.  One or both of my parents, or several other blood relatives, are signficantly overweight.
3.  I can't lose weight even when I faithfully stick to a reducing diet and increase my activity for several months.

Section B

1.  I am strongly tempted by the availability of food.
2.  I am moderately overweight, but I can lose weight when I diet and exercise.
3.  I tend to gain weight easily if I don't follow a healthy diet.

Section C

1.  I've never really been overweight.
2.  I can eat almost anything I want and not gain weight.
3.  I don't exercise much, and my weight stays normal.


Scoring:

 If you answered yes to two or more statements in Section A, genes are probably a significant contributor to your weight issues.  For people with a very strong genetic predisposition, sheer willpower can be tough in counteracting the tendency to be overweight.  But you can achieve and maintain weight loss under a doctor's guidance.

If you answered yes to two or more statements in Section B, genes are probably a lower contributor for you.  While you have some genetic predisposition to be heavy, it's not so great that you can't overcome it with some effort devoted to diet and exercise.

If you answered yes to two or more statements in Section C, your genetic predisposition to obesity is low.  You have a good chance of losing weight by eating fewer calories and getting more vigorous exercise.  It may also be easier for you to keep it off.  Ask your doctor for weight loss help.
Source: Nancy Snyderman MD, Diet Myths That Keep Us Fat


INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH FOR GUARANTEED HIGH RETURNS -- SCHEDULE A THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE BY CALLING 617-738-8222!

CONQUERING THAT TO-DO LIST - Part 3

Continued from 2/21/15 post . . .

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

Add to the List - At the end of the day, add items to your list that weren't there but which you accomplished, just so you can cross them off.  This gives you a feeling of accomplishment.

Set Minimum Goals - Tell yourself that you will accomplish a doable number of things during the day.  Maybe it is three, maybe more.  You can see if ranking tasks by easiest to accomplish to hardest works better for you.  If you get more done by knocking off the easier or the harder tasks first, then do that.  See what works for you.

Whatever you accomplish in the day, think of it as a success.  Do not get daunted by the things you have not done.  Rather see them as challenges for the next day.

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.

HOW TO KEEP WARM ON COLD DAYS

It's important to stay active, whatever the season.  And it's essential to maintain an adequate body temperature during winter outdoor activities . . . including snow shoveling!  Here are a few tips to keep you warm when you venture out:

~ Cover your head and don't forget neck and ears.  Keep your ears warm with a cap, earplugs, or ear warmers.

~ Get some tight, waterproof gloves so ice and water can't seep in to chill you.  Also, make sure the gloves have a good grip, so you don't have to take them off to do things outside.  If it's really cold, you can put some mittens on over your gloves or a liner in them.

~ Dress in layers.  Cotton and silk are good at absorbing moisture so you won't get chilled if you work up a sweat.  You might start with a layer or two of long underwear, topped with sweaters, fleece pants and jackets, plus a wind/waterproof shell.  Layers should be loose enough to leave room for air so you lock in heat.


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.

CONQUERING THAT TO-DO LIST - Part 2

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

Continued from 1/17/15 post . . .

Break Down Daunting Tasks - Break down big daunting tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks of activities that can be crossed off in a timely manner.  Some people prefer to tackle the harder tasks first in the day, so that you get a good sense of satisfaction in completing them.

Conquer the "Dregs" - Write down your "dreg" list, those mundane activities that appear on your list day after day.  Then divide it in to three categories:  a "hard" pile, a "nonessential" pile, and a "don't want to do" pile.  Ask for help on the "hard" pile, check with a colleague on the "nonessential" pile, and delegate items in the "don't want to do" pile.  If you work alone, make these decisions on your own.  You may still be able to get help on some of these tasks or eliminate them completely.

Reprioritize Your List Throughout the Day - When something inevitably happens and deters you from your to-do list, take some time and refocus your list.  You may be able to put an essential task off until the next day.

More tips next month!

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.

HELPFUL TIPS TO MAKE NEW HABITS STICK - Part 2

Continued from 1/3/15 post - -

Get feedback - Talk with friends and bounce ideas off those who are interested in maintaining healthy habits.  Seek professional help.  Sharing and accepting feedback will help you in your goals.

Believe in yourself - Healthy habits are for your benefit, for your health, for your longevity.  Trust yourself, listen to your healthy instincts.  You are your own strongest advocate.

Accept setbacks - Anything worth accomplishing takes effort and of course, the ability to overcome the occasional setback.  Remember to rely on your support system to help get you back on track.
Source: Plus One Fitness


GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs MAKE WONDERFUL TREATS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY (SAT., FEB. 14)!  PLEASE CALL ME AT 617-738-8222 TO PURCHASE.

CONQUERING THAT TO-DO LIST - Part 1

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

Do you feel like you never make progress on your to-do list?  You're not alone.  A recent LinkedIn poll found that only 11% of respondents said they finish what's on their to-do lists.  But that doesn't mean you should give up your to-do list -- we all need lists to stay on track.  Here are some tips to make that to-do list more manageable:

Log Your Day - Keep a log of your activities for a week to see if you're spending time on unproductive tasks.  Be diligent in tracking your activities, carefully noting how long a task takes.  If you do some of the same things repeatedly, think of how you can save time so that you are not constantly reinventing the wheel.

More Is Better - When you create your to-do list, put anything and everything on it, even if it's something menial, such as eating lunch or reading the mail.  That way, there's more satisfaction in crossing things off.

More tips next month!

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.

HELPFUL TIPS TO MAKE NEW HABITS STICK - Part 1

Set S.M.A.R.T. goals - Goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and within a time-frame will encourage you to keep working.

Monitor your progress - Track your weight loss each week or record how far you were able to run in a journal.

Find support - Asking a friend or co-worker to join you in your healthy habits will help you stay accountable.
Source: Plus One Fitness

More tips next month!


I APPRECIATE YOUR REFERRALS TO MY PRACTICE -- THANK YOU!