IDENTITY THEFT ACTION STEPS

I hope this never happens to you, but if you're the victim of identity theft, act quickly and follow these steps:

1. Contact the fraud divisions of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax 888-766-0008, Experian 888-397-3742, TransUnion 800-680-7289). Ask them to put a fraud alert on each credit report.

2. Contact the creditors of all accounts that may have been jeopardized and request new account and PIN numbers. Ask for written verification that the old account number was "closed" and that it will be removed from your credit file.

3. File a police report. It may be required by some creditors.

4. Report fraudulent activity to the Federal Trade Commission's identity theft hotline 877-438-4338.

5. Contact any financial institutions where your accounts may be compromised.

6. Keep a log of all conversations with police, creditors, and credit agencies, including contact names, dates, times, and phone numbers.

7. Retain copies of everything that's related to your case.

8. Send correspondence to creditors and credit agencies by certified mail, return receipt requested.

9. Keep track of all expenses, such as stamps and certified mail. If your case comes to trial, you may be eligible for restitution.
Source: Thrivent

SLEEP ON IT!

Many people are having sleeping problems these days -- are you one of them?

The vicious cycle of stress and sleeplessness is very hard on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When we don't get enough sleep, we are more likely to be forgetful, less productive, accident prone, short-tempered, and susceptible to illness. We all need to take special care of ourselves during periods of uncertainty. Here are some things that can encourage sound sleep, no matter what may be going on around us, so we can wake up with the energy to cope with whatever comes our way.

1. Although it may feel relaxing, drinking alcohol in the evening actually disrupts sleep cycles throughout the night. And, of course, caffeinated drinks are not sleep-inducing.

2. Vigorous exercise in the evening can boost energy levels, interfering with sleep. Try doing a session earlier in the day. Gentle stretching or yoga may help with relaxation with before bed.

3. It is best to refrain from TV watching and computer use before bedtime, as the hormones released in response to the bright lights can keep you awake for hours afterwards.

4. Restful sleep requires a dark, quiet, and comfortable environment. Do what you can to make your bedroom feel like a safe and serene oasis.

5. Discuss with your doctor ongoing sleep concerns as well as any medications (including non-prescription) that you are taking. Sleep difficulties may be a symptom or cause of serious health problems. Some drugs and supplements interfere with sleep, and long-term use of over the counter sleep medications can produce significant side effects and medical issues.

6. Winding down for at least one half hour before bed with lowered activity in dim light can help. Also, brief periods of relaxation during your busy day will promote better rest at night.



DO YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO RELAX AND SLEEP BETTER? MY EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CD CAN HELP! PLEASE CALL ME AT 617-738-8222 FOR ORDERING DETAILS.

HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOUR BELONGINGS AT THE AIRPORT - Part Two

The most important rule: NEVER check anything valuable -- electronics, family heirlooms, anything you can't replace! Carry it on and watch it carefully as it passes through the checkpoint.

What happens when you report a loss? The TSA reviews the actual security footage of the screeners who handled your carry-on or checked bag. If they can't prove that they are not responsible, they may pay your claim.

The airlines may pay if you lose your bag, but they make it very clear that they will not reimburse for valuables packed inside.

The State Police will search the airport for your missing items and investigate alleged thefts.

The bottom line: be sure to report any losses immediately to the TSA, the airlines, and the State Police.
Source: WHDH TV



THANK YOU FOR PASSING MY BLOG ON TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM MY SERVICES!

ARE BAREFOOT-STYLE SHOES BETTER?

Have you seen people wearing sock-like shoes with toe compartments such as Vibram FiveFingers? Researchers have recently examined whether running injuries could be prevented by switching to these shoes from typical running shoes. They found decreased injuries only if the runner was able to change their running style to focus on short strides while landing lightly on the forefoot, unlike the traditional heel-strike running which has been implicated in knee, lower leg, ankle, and foot injuries.

So it's the running style, not just wearing the shoe, that is beneficial. In fact, continuing to land on the heel in this shoe can produce even more serious injuries due to the lack of cushioning.

If you'd like to give barefoot type shoes a try, be sure to give your body a chance to acclimate by walking in them initially (again, focusing on not landing heavily on your heels). Ease in to running using the new shoes for about 25% of your weekly running miles and slowly increasing the percentage, being very conscious of adopting a forefoot running style and addressing any pain or other symptoms immediately.
Sources: American Council on Exercise, University of Wisconsin




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

HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOUR BELONGINGS AT THE AIRPORT - Part One

Laptops, cameras, and electronics are most often reported missing from checked and carry-on bags. But watch your wallets and purses at the airport -- and even on the plane! As in any public place, thieves are poised to strike while you are distracted.

If something disappears, tell every agency you can. The more places you report the loss to, the more likely it is to turn up. Notify the TSA and the airlines if something is missing. Also contact the State Police, who investigate just about any loss, anywhere at the airport. Both the TSA and the State Police have lost and found departments as well.
Source: WHDH TV



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 AT 617-738-8222 FOR MORE DETAILS.

HOW TO GET KIDS MOVING

Do you have kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, or other children in your life? Here are some ideas for helping them to be more active:

Let them get dirty - Clothes, hands, feet, and just about anything else attached to a kid can get dirty during fun play. A little dirt when they're young beats heart disease when they get older.

Play with them - If a child is sitting around, go outside and show them games you played when you were a kid. When their friends are over, set up a "tournament" with a made-up activity. If they enjoy it, they'll want to do it when you're not around.

Have rules about electronics - For example, stipulate "no video games or t.v. until after dark." Keep electronics out of kids' rooms. This forces them to be creative and find other things to do.

Don't allow the phrase "I'm bored." - Kids are becoming accustomed to being constantly entertained, requiring no imagination on their part. If they say they're bored, give them chores to do, They may pretty quickly find an alternative to being bored!

Foster an active culture - If you exercise for the sake of fun, so will the kids.
Source: IDEA Fitness Journal




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




You're invited to a Bountiful Garden Party!
Celebrate the summer harvest season with Bountiful Brookline - there will be cocktails and raffle prizes in a beautiful community garden ripe with tomatoes, green beans, and more!
Wed. August 17th, 2011, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm, 11 Goodwin Place, Brookline. Rain or shine.
All proceeds benefit Bountiful Brookline programs and the Brookline community. To register, please email: bountifulbrookline@gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing you there!

HOTEL HINTS - Part Two

Here are some more travel tips!

Be specific, focused, and fair when resolving problems with hotels - Be very specific about how you would like to see the situation resolved, but be fair. You have a better chance of resolving your dispute if your expectations seem reasonable. Also, hotel managers have been trained to let aggravated customers vent until they tire of arguing, so be sure to initiate a dialogue rather than droning on.

Get confirmation - Hotel managers have been known to say anything to put an end to a disagreeable situation. Once you and management have agreed on a solution, confirm your agreement in writing.

Contest hotel charges - If you believe your complaint was not handled satisfactorily, get the names of the people involved, keep your receipts, and call your credit card company. Credit card companies have departments that deal with contested charges, and many will not charge your card while the matter is under investigation.
Source: Fodor's Travel


THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRALS!