PEEPER PROTECTION

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can be damaging to the eyes.  It increases the risk of sight-threatening cataracts, as well as a number of other disorders, such as macular degeneration, that impair vision or cause blindness.  Overexposure to the sun's rays can also burn the front of the eye or cornea, causing temporary blindness.

Sunglasses can provide 100% protection if you  choose them wisely, and that doesn't mean they have to be expensive.  Look for lenses that block at least 99% of both UVA and UVB rays.  Additionally, polarized coating helps reduce glare from other surfaces, such as water.

The lens color is really a matter of preference, although they should be dark enough that you can't see your eyes easily when looking in a mirror.  Be sure they are close fitting and fully cover your eyes.

Additionally, a hat with a wide brim can keep about 50% of UV rays from reaching the eyes.
Source: US Dept. of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)



GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs MAKE THOUGHTFUL GIFTS FOR MOTHER'S DAY (SUN. MAY 11th)!  PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 617-738-8222 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

GETTING STARTED AND GETTING DONE: THE KEYS TO PRODUCTIVITY - Part 2

(Continued from 3/15/14 post)

Here are some more tips to increase your productivity:


- Admit multitasking is ineffective.  Focus on something and finish it.
- 20% of your tasks need to get 80% of your attention.  Delegate as much of the rest of it as you can.
- Outsource the right things and set whoever you're outsourcing up for success.
- Say NO more often.  Not everything merits your time and attention.
- Neglect stuff.  Some things can sort themselves out without you spending time on them.
- Stop doing "research" (in other words, reading junk on the internet).
- Dare to be slow.  Don't mistake activity for achievement.  Only go as quickly as you can while still delivering quality work.
- Avoid being a perfectionist.  It will never be perfect.  Good enough is good enough.
- Have all your emails funneled to one account and don't leave email sitting in your box.  Once you decide to open an email, act on it.  Read, reply, or delete.  You don't want to "touch" the same email repeatedly.
- Keep a notebook or electronic device with you to write down your thoughts.
- We all have the same 24 hours each day.  So, the disparity between what high achievers accomplish versus what the average person does is how they use those hours.  Use yours wisely.
Source: Fitness Business Marketing


GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs ARE A GREAT WAY TO RECOGNIZE OFFICE STAFF ON ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY (WED. APRIL 23rd)!

AGING IN PLACE -- SAFELY - Part 2

(Continued from 3/1/14 post)

To safely age in place, preventing falls is critical.  1 in 3 adults aged 65 and older fall each year, with half of those suffering fall-related injuries needing to move to nursing facilities.  Ask a rehabilitation/fall prevention specialist to conduct a home walk-through, inventory risk factors, and make recommendations.  Some tips to fend off falls:

- Repair sidewalk and driveway cracks
- Install handrails on stairs and steps
- Secure carpeting and avoid throw rugs
- Reduce clutter
- Use a nightlight
- Consider subscribing to an emergency response system
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


THANK YOU FOR PATRONIZING AND REFERRING PEOPLE TO MY INDEPENDENT PRACTICE.  YOU ARE SUPPORTING CREATIVITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP, FOUNDATIONS OF THE U.S. ECONOMY, AND NURTURING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY!

GETTING STARTED AND GETTING DONE: THE KEYS TO PRODUCTIVITY - Part 1

Here are some tips to make you a productivity machine:

- Plan your day the evening before.  Organize your to-do list for every day.  It's your productivity road map for the day.
- Allocate your time.  Know how much time something should take and plan accordingly.
- Effective scheduling looks for ways to minimize wasted time.  Schedule phone calls or client sessions back to back.
- Do the most important thing first.  Nothing sets the tone for a productive day like knocking out a big task early.
- Make it easy to get started.  Prep the night before, keep what you need handy and minimize distractions.
- Prioritize ruthlessly.  Focus your time on high ROI (Return on Investment) activities.  Track the return on the things you spend time on and prioritize accordingly.
- Beat procrastination.  Just start.  All you have to do is get going and more often than not you'll get on a roll and accomplish a lot.
- Time block.  You'd be amazed at what you can get done with one uninterrupted 30-50 minute block of time.  Use a timer.
- Minimize disruptions.  If you're working on something, letting other things interfere will cause you to lose your momentum and reduce your productivity.
- Goal set.  Why bother doing something if you don't have a goal for the outcome of that activity?
- Set and respect deadlines.  If you don't have deadlines you don't get things done.
Source: Fitness Business Marketing

Next month: more productivity tips . . .

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

AGING IN PLACE -- SAFELY - Part 1

More and more seniors are staying in their homes -- aging in place -- longer.  To keep safe, seniors should pay special attention to home modification and repairs, yard safety, and fall prevention.

Indoors: Because seniors often live in older homes, it's important to make sure electrical wiring is in good shape and fuses are not overloaded.  Making modifications and repairs can allow seniors to more easily manage bathing, cooking, and stair climbing activities.  Install sturdy grab bars in the bathroom, outside ramps for easy access, and lower counter tops in the kitchen.  Local Agencies on Aging have information on contractors and funding assistance.

Outdoors: Yard maintenance can be hazardous. Beware of lawn mowing mishaps from lifting and servicing the mower.  Consider getting help from relatives or paying lawn and garden services for yard work and other outdoors jobs such as gutter cleaning.
Source: QBE Regional Insurance

Next month: Fending off falls . . .


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.

MAKING FITNESS RESOLUTIONS THAT LAST - Part 2

Continued from 1/18/14 post . . .

Here are some more tactics based on current research:

Proactive Pessimism - The "resolution high" leads people to underestimate and omit planning for difficulties.  The stronger the intention, the more we fail to seek support and tend to increase our optimistic predictions regarding our success rather than the actual desired behaviors.  Instead of getting "psyched up", it's more effective to recognize obstacles and create a specific plan of action to overcome them on an ongoing basis. (Koehler & Poon 2006; Koehler, White & John 2011; Stadler, Oettingen, & Gollwitzer 2009)

The Power of Remorse -   Anticipating how much they'll later regret skipping a workout motivates people above and beyond imagining the positive outcomes of exercising.  Play out the consequences of the decision to exercise or skip it by asking "how will I feel tomorrow about the decision I made today?"  (Abraham & Sheeran 2004)
Source: IDEA Fitness Journal


THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRALS!

HOME IS WHERE THE HEALTH IS - Part 2

Continued from 1/4/14 post . . .

Here are some more tips for making your home a place that supports your healthy living resolutions:

Clear out a space for your workouts - If you have a small home, a dedicated corner will do.  Even if you belong to a gym, this gives you a "no excuses" option when bad weather and other obstacles arise.  All you need is a mat and some hand weights.  Make this space off-limits for other activities.

Make your bedroom your sanctuary - You need 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, so keep the television, computer, and hand-held electronic devices elsewhere.  Buy cozy linens and comforters for your bed.  Make sure you keep the room cool, dark, and quiet -- black out shades or curtains and a white noise machine can be helpful.
Source: Fitness Professional Journal



GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs MAKE THOUGHTFUL VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS (FRIDAY FEB. 14th).  AND BE SURE TO TREAT YOURSELF!