It's that time of year again . . . the search for holiday gifts is on! Do you know someone who fits the following description? The Easy Relaxing Meditation CD would be the perfect present for them!
Would you like to
- feel calmer?
- sleep more soundly?
- handle stressful situations better?
- be more productive and creative?
Meditation can help! You can learn to meditate with the step-by-step instructions on this CD and how to apply what you've learned to your daily life.
In just a few minutes, you can begin to experience relaxation and a greater sense of well-being.
This is meditation for everyone - clearly presented and not connected to any specific spiritual tradition. (65 minutes)
Please send the following to Joan Hardy MS, MSPT at 48 Dwight St. Suite 6, Brookline, MA, 02446: your name, address, phone number and email. Please enclose your check or money order payable to Joan Hardy for $20.00 for each CD which includes shipping and tax. Refunds are available only for items that arrive in damaged condition. Please call 617-738-8222 with any questions.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
ARE YOUR DONATIONS ACTUALLY DOING GOOD?
Charities need our help now more than ever. Here's how to be sure your dollars are going where you intend:
* Check the organization's performance at www.bbb.org/us/charity (Better Business Bureau), www.guidestar.org, and www.charitywatch.org.
* Many charities have similar-sounding names -- don't assume the one soliciting you is the same one you have in mind.
* A charity that wants your money today will accept it tomorrow, so don't be pressured in to an on-the-spot gift. Research appeals marked "crisis" or "emergency" by checking the organization's finances, governance, and track record on their website.
* If the organization's mission is unclear, ask for their annual report.
* To determine if your gift is tax-deductible, go to www.irs.gov, Publication 78 for a directory of eligible organizations. Be sure to keep good records for tax time.
* Give directly at a charity's dedicated website rather than responding to online solicitations; they often link to third-party sites that keep a portion of your donation as a processing fee.
Source: Better Business Bureau
THE HOLIDAYS WILL SOON BE UPON US ~ GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs MAKE PERFECT PRESENTS FOR CLIENTS AND COLLEAGUES, FAMILY AND FRIENDS!Please call Joan at 617-738-8222 for more information.
* Check the organization's performance at www.bbb.org/us/charity (Better Business Bureau), www.guidestar.org, and www.charitywatch.org.
* Many charities have similar-sounding names -- don't assume the one soliciting you is the same one you have in mind.
* A charity that wants your money today will accept it tomorrow, so don't be pressured in to an on-the-spot gift. Research appeals marked "crisis" or "emergency" by checking the organization's finances, governance, and track record on their website.
* If the organization's mission is unclear, ask for their annual report.
* To determine if your gift is tax-deductible, go to www.irs.gov, Publication 78 for a directory of eligible organizations. Be sure to keep good records for tax time.
* Give directly at a charity's dedicated website rather than responding to online solicitations; they often link to third-party sites that keep a portion of your donation as a processing fee.
Source: Better Business Bureau
THE HOLIDAYS WILL SOON BE UPON US ~ GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CDs MAKE PERFECT PRESENTS FOR CLIENTS AND COLLEAGUES, FAMILY AND FRIENDS!Please call Joan at 617-738-8222 for more information.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
HOW TO AVOID OVERPAYING ON YOUR HOSPITAL BILLS
Did you know 8 out of every 10 hospital bills contain multiple errors? Even if your insurer covers overcharges, they will count toward your lifetime spending cap. Here's what to look for:
~ Incorrect basic data - if information such as your insurance group number is wrong, the amount the plan covered is likely to be off too.
~ Unbundled fees - call your insurer to see whether multiple lab tests in one day should have been bundled under one fee, and what items are included in kit, tray, and room fees to avoid duplicate charges. Operating room fees, for example, cover sheets, gowns, and gloves.
~ Duplicate orders for medications, lab work, or room fees - you might be billed for a canceled procedure, or for 11 cholesterol tests instead of one.
~ Operating room times - the anesthesia record states what times surgery began and ended. With O.R. rates ranging from $69 to $270 per minute, being over-billed for extra minutes can add up.
~ Up-selling - if your doctor orders a generic drug but the hospital provides you with a more costly brand-name version, you are not responsible for the increased charges.
Source: Consumer Reports
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The holidays will soon be upon us -- gift certificates for therapeutic massage and Easy Relaxing Meditation CD's make perfect presents for everyone on your list -- friends and family, colleagues and clients. It's stress-free for you and the recipient! Please call me at 617-738-8222 for more information.
~ Incorrect basic data - if information such as your insurance group number is wrong, the amount the plan covered is likely to be off too.
~ Unbundled fees - call your insurer to see whether multiple lab tests in one day should have been bundled under one fee, and what items are included in kit, tray, and room fees to avoid duplicate charges. Operating room fees, for example, cover sheets, gowns, and gloves.
~ Duplicate orders for medications, lab work, or room fees - you might be billed for a canceled procedure, or for 11 cholesterol tests instead of one.
~ Operating room times - the anesthesia record states what times surgery began and ended. With O.R. rates ranging from $69 to $270 per minute, being over-billed for extra minutes can add up.
~ Up-selling - if your doctor orders a generic drug but the hospital provides you with a more costly brand-name version, you are not responsible for the increased charges.
Source: Consumer Reports
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The holidays will soon be upon us -- gift certificates for therapeutic massage and Easy Relaxing Meditation CD's make perfect presents for everyone on your list -- friends and family, colleagues and clients. It's stress-free for you and the recipient! Please call me at 617-738-8222 for more information.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
CAN CURVED SHOES REPLACE EXERCISE ?
You may have seen ads for footwear with curved soles such as Shape Ups, Easy Tone, and Fitflops that claim to promote weight loss and tone muscles with no exercise needed outside of your normal daily activities. Is this possible?
The shoe manufacturers have produced studies showing that the instability and heaviness of the shoes increase leg muscle activation, resulting in lost pounds and chiseled muscles. To date, there has been no independent research supporting these claims performed by scientists outside of the shoe industry.
Medical experts are expressing doubt, stating that even if the leg muscles are working harder, the shoes are not a substitute for a regular exercise program. In addition, they can create painful conditions in the legs and feet.
Bottom line: There is no scientific evidence that these "gym built in" shoes are a magic bullet replacement for exercise!
Source: www.CNNhealth.com
_________________________________________________________
FREE, expert health information can be found at www.JohnsHopkinsHealthAlerts.com! You may read dozens of helpful articles on the website with topics from arthritis to weight control, as well as opting for e-mail updates.
The shoe manufacturers have produced studies showing that the instability and heaviness of the shoes increase leg muscle activation, resulting in lost pounds and chiseled muscles. To date, there has been no independent research supporting these claims performed by scientists outside of the shoe industry.
Medical experts are expressing doubt, stating that even if the leg muscles are working harder, the shoes are not a substitute for a regular exercise program. In addition, they can create painful conditions in the legs and feet.
Bottom line: There is no scientific evidence that these "gym built in" shoes are a magic bullet replacement for exercise!
Source: www.CNNhealth.com
_________________________________________________________
FREE, expert health information can be found at www.JohnsHopkinsHealthAlerts.com! You may read dozens of helpful articles on the website with topics from arthritis to weight control, as well as opting for e-mail updates.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
6 EASY MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR YOUR HOME AND OFFICE
1. Instead of post-its or note pads, use a white board for communications.
2. The blank sides of one-sided junk mail and documents are useful scrap paper for messages and rough copy writing and computer work.
3. Rather than paper towels, use rags for cleaning (great for the car, as well). Worn out clothing and linens work fine, or purchase reusable microfiber "miracle" cloths.
4. If you're going to be away from your computer from more than an hour, turn it off.
5. Many electronics use electricity even when they are turned off, accounting for about 5% of your monthly utility bill. Plug your computer and electronic accessories in to one power strip and switch off the whole strip when not in use.
6. Addicted to your daily Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts coffee drinks? Recipes to make them inexpensively yourself can be found with an online search (example: "frappuccino recipe"). And of course, preparing your own meals can save a bundle.
In addition to the financial benefits, these simple changes are "green" too!
2. The blank sides of one-sided junk mail and documents are useful scrap paper for messages and rough copy writing and computer work.
3. Rather than paper towels, use rags for cleaning (great for the car, as well). Worn out clothing and linens work fine, or purchase reusable microfiber "miracle" cloths.
4. If you're going to be away from your computer from more than an hour, turn it off.
5. Many electronics use electricity even when they are turned off, accounting for about 5% of your monthly utility bill. Plug your computer and electronic accessories in to one power strip and switch off the whole strip when not in use.
6. Addicted to your daily Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts coffee drinks? Recipes to make them inexpensively yourself can be found with an online search (example: "frappuccino recipe"). And of course, preparing your own meals can save a bundle.
In addition to the financial benefits, these simple changes are "green" too!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
SMART PACKING
Traveling for business or pleasure? Here's how to avoid wrinkled clothes covered with shampoo!
-Begin organizing a week before the trip by thinking about what you will wear each day. Start with lots of options and pare down.
- Layer items in your suitcase with heaviest items at the bottom and a copy of your itinerary on top.
- Use plastic from dry cleaning or garbage bags to wrap easily wrinkled clothing. Put the plastic between layers to keep everything crisp. Include additional bags for laundry.
- Pack shoes with socks or stockings inside them and soles facing out.
- To keep jackets wrinkle-free, turn them inside out and stuff socks or stockings into the sleeves.
- Use Ziploc bags for toiletries.
- Never pack valuables, jewelry, or medications in your suitcase - keep these in a carry on only.
Source: Lisa Jacobs, professional organizer
-Begin organizing a week before the trip by thinking about what you will wear each day. Start with lots of options and pare down.
- Layer items in your suitcase with heaviest items at the bottom and a copy of your itinerary on top.
- Use plastic from dry cleaning or garbage bags to wrap easily wrinkled clothing. Put the plastic between layers to keep everything crisp. Include additional bags for laundry.
- Pack shoes with socks or stockings inside them and soles facing out.
- To keep jackets wrinkle-free, turn them inside out and stuff socks or stockings into the sleeves.
- Use Ziploc bags for toiletries.
- Never pack valuables, jewelry, or medications in your suitcase - keep these in a carry on only.
Source: Lisa Jacobs, professional organizer
Friday, July 31, 2009
SUNGLASSES SAVVY
Ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. The most protective sunglasses are large-framed, close-fitting, and wraparound. Look for a label that say "blocks 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays" or "absorbs up to 400 nm of UV radiation."
Tint is mainly a matter of preference. Darker lenses don't necessarily provide more protection.
Polarized block light waves that align in horizontal patterns when reflecting off flat surfaces, so they're useful for driving, skiing, and fishing.
Mirror coating is derived from thin layers of metal coating ordinary lenses and doesn't automatically convey UVA/UVB protection.
Blue blocking are amber-colored lenses that protect eyes from blue visible light, to which the retina may be more sensitive.
Impact resistant is a requirement of the Food and Drug Administration for all sunglasses to survive an impact test without fracturing but not to be shatterproof.
Polycarbonate is a plastic that resists impact especially well.
Photochromic lenses lighten or darken in response to sunlight's intensity.
Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Consumer Reports
Tint is mainly a matter of preference. Darker lenses don't necessarily provide more protection.
Polarized block light waves that align in horizontal patterns when reflecting off flat surfaces, so they're useful for driving, skiing, and fishing.
Mirror coating is derived from thin layers of metal coating ordinary lenses and doesn't automatically convey UVA/UVB protection.
Blue blocking are amber-colored lenses that protect eyes from blue visible light, to which the retina may be more sensitive.
Impact resistant is a requirement of the Food and Drug Administration for all sunglasses to survive an impact test without fracturing but not to be shatterproof.
Polycarbonate is a plastic that resists impact especially well.
Photochromic lenses lighten or darken in response to sunlight's intensity.
Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Consumer Reports
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