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.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
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!
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!
Saturday, March 21, 2015
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.
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.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
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.
~ 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.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
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.
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.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
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.
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.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
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.
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.
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