Back Pain And The Office Worker

Back Pain and Facts

At least 120 million working days are lost every year because of people's back problems.

10% of all major back injuries take place whilst handling, lifting or carrying.

Nearly two thirds of adults mostly in their 20's and 50's, experience back problems.

Back Pain is the single greatest cause for time off work through ill health.

Every person complaining of back pain, and any related condition, takes an average of 13 days off work.
(Shocking huh)

Unfortunately, you won't find a magic wand to cure your back problems, but you will find that you can improve or prevent a lot of problems by adopting back-friendly work habits.

Manual Handling

If you think about it, we all manually handle throughout every day of our lives, but have you ever stopped to think just how you go about it...

Do you bend from the waist (naughty),
Do you twist without moving your feet,
Do you slouch in your office chair,

How do you pick boxes, or your screaming toddler up from the floor?

If you sat down and thought about the weight you lift during a normal day, you would probably die from shock because it probably run into tons... Ha, is there any wonder you have those aches and pains?

If you must lift something...

Bend your knees rather than your back,
Keep your feet wide apart to provide stability (This is really important)
Carry objects close to your body
Bend again at the knees to put the object down
When carrying loads, try and lighten them, i.e. try and break them down into lighter smaller loads and store them in areas which are easily accessible.

How do you rate when working in an office?

Make sure your chair is comfortable and adjusted for you, (not everyone else)

Sit so your pelvis is upright
Try and ensure your thighs are at a 110 degree angle to your trunk

Ensure the lumbar support of your chair fits the small of your back so it maintains the natural S shape of your spine

Ensure the armrests of the chair touch your forearms, when your shoulders and elbows are relaxed at your side (This helps to avoid strain in your neck and upper limbs)

Ensure the seat depth allows your bottom to be at the back of the seat with a two finger gap between the front edge of the seat and behind the knees. (Ensures adequate thigh support whilst allowing movement without obstruction).

Make full use of the chair movement especially when reaching for items such as the phone

Don't slouch
Alter your position frequently when using a keyboard
Move if you are uncomfortable. (It's surprising how many people don't)

Change your posture frequently to give your muscles a break
Take frequent breaks from your desk (And no it's not an excuse for a cigarette break)

Keep your mouse and telephone as close as possible (Allowing you to remain relaxed and in a natural position at your desk)

Ensure your monitor is square on so you don't have to turn your head to look at it. (Document holders are handy)

Ensure your screen is at arms length away from your face so the top of the screen is horizontal to your eye line.

The next time you are at work again, open your eyes, and just see how much damage your office job is doing to your back...You just might be shocked.

About the Author

Kim is a Back Care Advisor working in the UK for a large hospital Trust. She's passionate about back Care, and can be found at www.backpain-free.com and www.nursing-hints.com

Ask Right and You May Receive

How easily do you get what you want from others? And how easy is it for you to ask for what you want or need?

Perhaps you haven't worked up the courage to actually make the request you want to make. Or perhaps you've made several requests, but still find your needs unmet. If you're frustrated because you seem to be unable to get what you want and what you ask for, you're not alone.

This happens in all types of relationships, including intimate and dating relationships, family, friendships and work relationships. I'll focus on intimate relationships in this article; however, if you are having a problem getting what you want in any relationship, the information below will be useful as well.

There are ten tricks to getting what you want in any relationship. But surprisingly, these tricks are not about manipulation. Whenever possible, use these ten tricks to get what you want. The more you practice, the better you will get at both asking effectively and getting results.

1. It's ok to ask.
This is the first and most important trick. Understand that you have the right to ask for anything you need or want. Whether it be an evening of help with childcare, help with the chores, an investment in your personal growth, or a gift you want. Always, always ask for what you want from anyone you want it from.

2. Be prepared to hear a yes or a o.
One effective way to ask is to be prepared to hear either a yes or a o. This gives the person you are asking a true choice. People like the freedom and power of being able to truly choose. Ask this way and you are more likely to hear a yes.

3. Never make a o wrong.
If you get a o to your request, be gracious. Anything but a gracious reaction will mean you were making a demand instead of a request. Demands are never responded to very well and are always resisted. Make a o wrong and you are asking for more o's. Be gracious, and you will get a yes in the future.

4. Have an alternative strategy.
You have the right to make a request and the person you are making a request of has the right the say o. This means, like it or not, you need an alternative strategy for getting what you want. If a person says o, you can't somehow make him or her do or give you what you want. You may simply need to employ an alternative strategy and take care of your needs yourself.

5. Assume that it would be a yes if...
Assume the person or people you are asking have your best interests in mind. If you get a o, assume the reasons for your request are not clear. Assume that if your reasons were known, your request would be granted. Make your reasons known, gently.

6. Make the impact known.
How would a yes or a o impact you? Does the person you are asking know the impact of a yes or a o? Small things can and do have a profound impact. So get clear on the impact a yes or a o will have on you. Share this information with the person you are asking.

7. Honor his or her requests.
You're not the only one who wants to get what you want. Others want to hear yes and have their needs met, too. If you consistently give others what they want, you will get what you want more often. The key is to give and do what someone requests...not what you *think* they want. A word of caution here - do not over give to the point of being unappreciated.

8. Don't ever nag.
Nagging is a way of making the same request over and over in order to wear the person down and force what you want. Nagging might sometimes get you want in the short term. But it always backfires because it creates intense anger in both the one being nagged and the one doing the nagging. If you need to repeat a request more than once, do so in the spirit of the ideas above.

9. Appreciate, appreciate, appreciate.
When you get what you want, make a big deal out of it. The giver just made you feel good, so return the favor. The more you appreciate, the more the other person will want to give to you and do for you. In fact, even if you do not feel appreciative, act appreciative. After a while, you will begin to feel appreciative.

10. Cure the, I shouldn't have to ask you to do this syndrome.
Ok, how much do you resent asking someone to do something they should have known to do in the first place? Don't you get angry at having to ask at all? In such cases, remember he or she is not you, but a different person, with different standards and priories. What may be obvious or natural to you may be very hard or may not even occur to another person. You do have to ask to get what you want. Just do it right.

Your Relationship Coach,
Rinatta Paries
www.WhatItTakes.com

(c) Rinatta Paries, 1998-2002. Do you know how to attract your ideal mate? Do you know how to build a fulfilling relationship, or how to reinvent yours to meet your needs? Relationship Coach Rinatta Paries can teach you the skills and techniques to attract and sustain long-term, healthy partnerships. Visit www.WhatItTakes.com where you'll find quizzes, classes, advice and a free weekly ezine. Become a rue love magnet(tm)!

About the Author

With nearly a decade of relationship coaching experience, Master Certified Coach Rinatta Paries works with singles to help them attract their ideal relationship, and helps couples create more love and fulfillment in their existing relationships. Visit her web site at www.WhatItTakes.com or e-mail her at coach@WhatItTakes.com.

What Once Was Ain't No More

Rather than beat around the bush and try to lead into this in a semi-logical manner, I'll get right to the point. The past is gone - vanished, disappeared in a cloud of dust and a hearty Hi, Ho Silver! It is history, not real, mental vapor, and gone, gone, gone!

Yabutt

Yabutt nothing. The past is gone! OK, I do understand that a bunch of stuff has happened before now to influence what ow is. And sometimes it's good to take a look at the past to see just how the heck we got to our ow. With a little luck, the record of the past will not have been so over-skewed by our individual and collective perceptions that we will be limited in our ability to make current rational decisions.

Well, so much for luck! We do change the past, don't we? We remember what we think we remember, then we shade it slightly with our current situation or viewpoint of life and the events surrounding us and remember the past as we think it should be remembered. The really good things that have happened just keep getting better and better. Unfortunately, the bad things have a tendency to get worse and worse.

Since I'm into positives - even exaggerated ones - I'm going to give myself permission to remember the good stuff in any absolutely wonderful way I want. Shucks, I may even extrapolate a bit and push some of these fantastic memories right into Fantasyland - for just a few minutes, that is. Then I'll come back to reality. Maybe

As far as the bad stuff is concerned - well, I think I'll handle those a bit differently. Let's see nowbad stuffhmmm, I can't remember anything particularly bad. Oh wait, there was that time Ino, that wasn't all that bad Ok, how about the timeno, that wasn't actually bad

What I do remember though, are a bunch of times that were darned uncomfortable! Times that I used poor information and/or logic to reach a decision - or times that I had to do things that I really didn't want to do (commonly because I had done something goofy previously to put me in an uncomfortable situation). Or times that I might have acted too impulsively - or even the times that something happened that was out of my control (a stuff happens thing). Nah, I can't remember all the details. I just have a general recollection of the events - and of some of the things I did to rectify the situation or changes I made in the way I was thinking and conducting my life.

Get the idea? Of course you do. Too many of us have a tendency to live in the past. We remember events and situations as ad. Our minds automatically fill in the missing details with exaggerated facts. We relive those bad moments complete with every associated emotion we can conjure up. We are sad, depressed and sometimes flat miserable. We resort to medications (and other readily available related alternatives) to relieve the pain. Life just sucks!

The past is not real, folks! It is gone! The only way it becomes eal is by allowing our minds to push it into the forefront of our thoughts. What has happened - has happened. We can't change it even though at times we may desperately want to. The only reality is now! Our past has brought us here - to our ow. Now is the only time we can do stuff - not yesterday, not tomorrow -only now.

You might think about using some of your ow to put the past to rest. Look for the lessons those uncomfortable events might hold for you. What can you learn from those situations that will help make your life easier on down the road? Turning ad events into lessons will help move them further back in the mental file cabinet. Apologies where appropriate and forgiveness of both yourself and others as necessary can be a couple of other useful tools to diminish the impact and the nagging of the memories of the past. Handing the negative memories over to your personal spiritual leader is often useful. (You'll probably still need to do something in addition though.) Also, focusing on the positives of the past will help to lessen the impact of the negatives.

If your ow is pretty sucky, all you can do is deal with it (do something) the best way you know how. If you can find an immediate lesson in the situation - great! If you don't see one, you may have to wait for a later ow when you can see a bit more clearly. Life's like that. Just remember that it won't be long until this ow is gone. I think that's one of those This too shall pass things.

The past? Remember the cool stuff and as for the rest of the garbage - LET IT GO!!!

About The Author

Gene, through NuPathz.com, provides an easy reading self-help blog, articles and links along with affordable books and materials written to help folks find the road to a more enjoyable lifestyle, to pass on some of life's secrets for survival in a chaotic world & offer a few smiles along the way. It's a down-to-earth, simple approach to discovering a better life. You can visit Gene at http://www.nupathz.com/

gene@nupathz.com

Reduced Fat Meat Loaf

It is no secret that four legged meats, especially beef and
pork that were fattened in feedlots, comprise one of the
highest sources of fats in the American diet. If you want to
keep some of your recipes, but lower the fat by ten to fifty
percent, you can substitute some soy foods for part. This is
easiest to do with meals which can be made from ground beef.

I have yet to find an artificial meat cutlet, molded from
tofu and / or TSP/TVP = Textured Soy/Vegetable Protein, to
taste very good. But I have learned to like tofu and tempeh
for themselves. I have made eef stew with tempeh
replacing all the meat, and omelets with mashed tofu instead
of cheese, and served without sausage or bacon. I also like
angel hair pasta mixed with spices, soy sauce, and an equal
mixture of ground beef and tofu.

The scientific test for success was that I have eaten my
invented recipes more than once, and without any regrets.

So, what about meat loaf? It looks like a natural test case.

One should realize that fat in the starting meat will be
mostly trapped in the final dish, so start with lean ground
beef. Major groceries should have 5 to 10 percent fat ground
beef. If not, ask for some to be made from their leanest
cuts. If you extend the meat by folding in crushed crackers
or bread crumbs, realize that such will help trap fat.

Here is my experiment of a recent weekend.

First, start an oven heating to about 375 Fahrenheit, plus
or minus 25 degrees. It will be ready when the dish is.

I placed 12 ounces (a common standard package size) of extra
firm tofu (least water content) in a round ceramic baking
dish, then used a manual potato masher to reduce it to
paste. I then added 3 cups of lean ground beef, and blended
thoroughly, until the color was uniform. Along the way, I
had tossed in some diced garlic, blended green herbs, two
tablespoons of real soy sauce, and some fresh ground black
pepper, but no salt. Other people might want to include some
diced green or red pepper, some tomato sauce or fresh diced
tomatoes, and similar.

By the way, I use Mori-Nu brand of tofu, because it comes in
aseptic packages which require no refrigeration.

I cut two medium potatoes length wise into quarters, then
sliced fairly thinly. I also diced up a double handful of
pre peeled baby carrots. After shaping the meat into a round
loaf which did not touch the sides of the dish, I placed
potato around the sides, then the carrots over every thing.

I topped the dish with its clear glass cover, then placed in
the oven for an hour. This made the potato and carrot slices
tender but not mushy. The resulting juices made a great
gravy. After serving, I added a small amount of lite salt,
which is a 50 - 50 blend of potassium and sodium chloride.
Tasty!

Readers can vary the proportion of tofu. My meat loaf had a
very nice consistency, neither rock hard nor crumbly soft. I
would like to know if readers still got good results using
more tofu.

After the left overs had spent a night in the refrigerator,
I saw no globs of congealed fat, which confirmed that the
meat was lean. Of course, the fat absorbed back into the
loaf was not visible. I reduced the saturated fats in the
meal, but I did not eliminate them.

Baking the potatoes with the meat, rather than making mashed
potatoes, meant no temptation to add butter or margarine.

** Diet with FACTS, not MYTHS. **

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Dr. Donald A. Miller is author of Easy Health Diet http://easyhealthdiet.com/diet.htm, Easy Exercise All Ages http://easyhealthdiet.com/eeaa.htm, and numerous free articles on health http://easyhealthdiet.com/articles/.
Seven of ten deaths are caused by preventable diseases.

Aromatherapy & You

Aromas are inescapable! Think about how you encounter them on a daily basis from roses in the garden, a cup of steaming mochacchino or soothing jasmine tea, basil that permeates spaghetti sauce, and fresh citrus juices. Noses detect hundreds of scents a day, and of those, the aromas of plants, fruits, barks and roots are able to do more than just feed us. Leaves from the tea tree plant not only heal cuts and burns, but the essential oil is strong enough to use as an all-purpose cleaner. The lavender flower yields an oil that can ward off insects, reduce stress, scent linens and get rid of bruises. Peppermint oil is a natural way to bid farewell to unwanted houseguests like bugs and mice.

Did you know that the sodas and flavored bottled waters you drink contain essential oils? That the common vanilla flavor you find in ice cream is made from dark brown vanilla pods? Perfumes and colognes contain numerous blends of essential oils. High quality soaps, shampoos, bath oils, body powders and lotions all include varied essences of flowers, plants and fruits.

I had many successful experiences using pure essential oils, and I have read and heard of so many others enjoying relief from pain, healing of skin problems, awakening of positive spirits, etc. For example, a few years ago, before I had my own bath & body products business, I had to find a full time job. That prospect didn't make me enthusiastic, yet after applying a small dab of lemon essential oil, diluted in a jojoba oil carrier base, I was feeling cheerful and positive. This in turn came through in the interview and I was hired that afternoon.

What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a therapeutic natural practice that can be used to advance health, beauty and a sense of ease. It involves using pure essential oils with various methods, including bathing, inhalation and massage. Aromatherapy is derived from two words: Aroma means scent and Therapy means treatment. This scent/treatment has evolved over the centuries and across continents.

In his book The Art of Aromatherapy Robert B. Tisserand examines what happened to mankind during the twentieth century: Our minds have run away with us, and as we have become more obsessive, so we have become steadily more neurotic. As doctors increase their knowledge of disease so disease becomes more tenacious and widespread. As new drugs are formulated and marketed, the harm done by those drugs increases proportionally.

Aromatherapy works in harmony with your body. Side effects from properly administered dosages are absent. Your body becomes stronger as it's fed the complex nutrients of purity from essential oils, not something synthesized in a lab and deprived of all its components. There are no new essential oilsonly the same, reliable plant life that has been used successfully for thousands of years. Combining the rich and fragrant oils of rose, jasmine and neroli, for example, may appear to be a new twist to you, but guaranteed this expensive blend of floral oils have been utilized for an individual with an overactive mind [stress! some other time and place.

A Brief History Of Aromatherapy

Before 1993 you wouldn't have been able to find the word 'aromatherapy' listed in a dictionary even though this art/science has been effectively used for thousands of years. In fact, the word was invented in the 1920's by a French chemist by the name of Ren-Maurice Gattefoss who studied the cosmetic properties of plants. He soon learned that plants contained organic antiseptic elements that worked better than inorganic antiseptics. His interest was further ignited when he there was an explosion in his laboratory; badly burning has hands. Immediately he poured lavender essential oil [one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly on the skin on them and made the not so astonishing discovery that his hands healed quickly and with no scarring.

However, the usage of aromatic plants has been going on for thousands of years. From the civilizations of ancient Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome, floral and herbal oils have been used in all manner of ways from flavoring food and beverages to being poured into baths and massaged into the body.

The Romans weren't shy about employing scents. They inundated their baths and banquets with floral concoctions from scattering rose petals on floors to anointing their bodies with floral perfumes. After bathing their bodies were massaged with aromatic oils. Their beds and clothing, bodies and hair were scented with perfumes. Even men scented themselves with balsam and cinnamon oils.

The natural healing system of ayurveda, meaning science of life was established approximately 4000 years ago in the Himalayan region. Plants and all their properties are a relevant part of ayurvedic medicine that continues to be practiced where it started and has now spread around the world.

Hippocrates is known as the father of medicine, and this Greek doctor was a noted advocate for the usage of essential oils, especially in the form of daily baths and massages. Resins of myrrh and oils of cinnamon were often applied to a patient to soothe inner and outer complaints.

Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils:

Pure, unadulterated essential oils derived from the leaves, roots, seeds, flowers or bark of a plant or tree are the source extracted directly from nature via a form of steam distillation. When you first begin working with essential oils, take care in handling them. Lavender essential oil is quite safe for the skin, as is tea tree, but some people can have allergic reactions to them. When handling essential oils, it's wise to do a skin test. Simply apply a tiny amount on your wrist, and if there's no reaction within 24 hours you are safe. As these oils can be costly, you must take care that they're always kept in a cobalt or amber colored glass bottle and stored in a cupboard [out of direct sunlight and kept in a cool, dry place. When you buy an oil, write the date on the vial. Most essential oils can last from one to three years. Citrus oils have a shelf life ranging from six months to less than two years. Essential oils can last for several years, but the freshness disappears. There are some exceptions with the darker colored, heavier oils or resins. Patchouli is known to improve with age.

It's important to know about fragrance oils and what they really are. I visited an e-group for soapmakers and when someone asked for a company where they could purchase essential oils, a person gave the name of a company that sold only fragrance oils! Obviously, to this uninformed person, the terms are interchangeable. They're not. Fragrance oils are synthesized in a laboratory. They are sometimes referred to as ature identical. If you're looking for an inexpensive scent, then fragrance oils fit the bill. But fragrance oils are not therapeutic grade essential oils and never will be.

From personal experience, I've learned that sniffing an essential oil right from the bottle and diluting it with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba, makes a huge difference. I smelled my favorite, vanilla absolute, a thick balsamic oil derived from the pod of the vanilla plant. I determined that the first whiff brought out the usual vanilla scent I was accustomed to, but a millisecond later there was a stronger, harsher scent. I then added a few drops to a bottle of sesame oil and the change was magnificent! I had the aroma I equated with the spicy-sweet scent of a dried vanilla bean pod. The carrier oil had combined perfectly with the essential oil!

You should always dilute essential oils in carrier oils when applying directly to the skin, or even in the bathtub. This is a necessary safety precaution. Essential oils are very strong and need to be diluted. Also, some essential oils may smell good enough to drink, but are for EXTERNAL USE ONLY!

AROMATHERAPY IN YOUR ENVIRONMENT

The methods described here are for those of you who wish to be able to change the fragrance environment of a room, car, office, closet, drawer, etc. There are psychological benefits to entering a room that has the crisp aroma of citrus, or a subtle scent of fresh blooming flowers.

Aroma Lamps - Aroma lamps are either electric or operated by a tea light or votive candle. There is a small cup shaped portion that is usually made of glazed ceramic and holds a few ounces of water. However, other materials may include glass and stone. Warm or even hot water should be used; as that is less work the candle has to do. Only a few drops of essential oil are added to the water, thus making it ideal for costlier essential oils. Care should be taken to see that the water doesn't boil away.

Atomizers - Requiring no heat, atomizers, sometimes referred to as nebulizers or nebulizing diffusers, disperse the essential oils on a revitalizing current of air as it passes through an intricately engineered blown glass chamber. This course naturally suspends and ionizes the oil into extremely fine molecules, causing them to remain suspended in the air for longer periods.

Many aromatherapist practitioners and others who utilize the finest essential oils choose atomizers. It's important to be careful with the atomizers. Since there is a continuous mist emitted it should not be used for more than a few minutes at a time. Many of the models do have built-in timers to avoid any problems like overuse. Also, make sure that this is done in a clear area, away from furniture, [varnish can be worn off wall hangings and other objects.

Candles - Candles create a more romantic ambiance and do double duty in helping disperse your preferred aroma[s throughout a room. In the spirit of true aromatherapy, it's advised to use beeswax, palm wax or soy wax candles as paraffin contains carcinogenic chemicals. Wicks should be trimmed, and the essential oils need to be added at the top of the candle, but never on the wick itself. You can add the essential oils after the candle has been lit and there's a small pool of wax at the top of the candle. Don't add the oils to the flame itself as oils can catch fire.

Diffusers - You can buy diffusers to plug into your car's cigarette lighter, as you can also find those that plug into any wall socket. The atomizers suspend a fine mist of essential oils into the air for aromatherapy is the best method of using essential oils for therapeutic treatments. Many aromatherapists believe that this is the most effective method of enjoying the aromas.

Sachets - If you want your linens to smell clean and fresh, the addition of a smell sachet filled with your favorite aroma will create a pleasant smell whenever you open the drawer or closet. You can buy them already made, or make them yourself. Highly recommended would be a small muslin or organza bag filled with dried lavender buds and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Not only is lavender a universally pleasing aroma, it also serves as an all-natural way to keep moths away.

Carrier Oils:
The most common way to dilute a pure essential oil is with a cold-pressed carrier oil. Carrier oils allow the essential oil to slowly permeate the skin, protecting it from irritation. Jojoba, sesame, sweet almond, rose hip, refined rice bran, wheatgerm, evening of primrose, grapeseed, kukui nut, sunflower, hazelnut, safflower, avocado or apricot kernel oils are commonly used. Several of the carrier oils can be combined and when essential oils are added, this makes for a very nutrient-rich bath oil.

Determining Quality of Essential Oils:

Read the label. If purchasing rosemary oil, for example, you would expect to see that name on the label. However, here are the four facts that you will find on any bottle of essential oil from a reputable supplier/company:

1.Botanical/Latin name. In this case it would be Rosemarinus officinalis.
2.Part. What part of the plant has the essential oil been extracted from? For rosemary, that is the leaf.
3.Method of extraction. Is it an absolute, enfleurage, carbon dioxide [CO2, or has it been steam distilled? In this case it has been steam distilled.
4.Country of Origin. Rosemary comes from many different countries, and in this case Morocco is the origin. Location can make a sizeable difference for many reasons such as climate, type of soil, high/low altitude, etc.

Aromatherapy isn't government regulated. Products can claim to be atural when in fact distilled water is the only untainted ingredient. Any reputable retailer of essential oils will be very knowledgeable about their product and capable of proving its purity. They will and should be happy to answer your questions.

To learn more about aromatherapy, please get a copy of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless, as the book features photographs of the essential oils themselves, botanical origins, along with several ways to safely use essential oils.

About the Author

Visit Lisa's Library of Writing, home of writer http://www.lisamaliga.com and receive tips on free web promotion, read articles on web-related topics and get library news on a variety of subjects. Lisa Maliga is the bath & body products designer for Everything Shea Aromatic Creations http://www.everythingshea.com

Are you an Early Bird or a Night Owl and how that can make

Early Birds are typically the people who love to get up at the crack of dawn and generally use the rising sun as their natural alarm clock.

It does not take much to get them out of bed and once their feet hit the floor, well they are almost instantly ready to start doing whatever needs to be done.

Some might turn on the tunes, singing along happily and are up to date on world news before the sun has even peek its entire head over the horizon

Around midday, their chirpy mood starts to wane, making way for the unexplained grumpiness that starts to set in. By the time the sun is getting ready to retire for the day, the bed is about the only place that will welcome their company

These Early Bird individuals need wind down activities at night. Now, meet the Night Owls, who need wind down activities in the morning.

We are all aware that everything in nature has an opposite, so it goes without saying that the Night Owls have a rightful place in this world too

These are the individuals that need a really loud sounding alarm clock to jolt them from their dreams. The snooze button must be unmistakably big and easy to hit with eyes still tightly closed.

Getting up early is not a pleasant experience for them. Given the slightest chance they will gladly doze until well into the morning.

When they eventually venture out of bed, they seem to daze around for a few more hours before they manage to get themselves dressed and ready for the day.

Generally, they will find some errands or effortless chores to pass the first half of the day. By midday, they are usually ready to take a little nap

But once they awake from the nap, there is no stopping them. Their minds start racing in a frenzied fashion from the one project to the other and they start performing miracles, working well into the night, seemingly effortless

If you are considering starting your own business, it is vitally important to determine when you work best and to choose a business that allows you to work when you are at your peak performance levels.

When you work for yourself, there is no paycheck just for showing up to work! No, you actually have to produce concrete results in order to get paid.

Running your own business is no joke, but the rewards are worth far more than the initial effort that you have to put in. But, here is a little known secret for you

If your business requires you to work against your inborn natural performance pattern, you will most probably fail no matter how hard you try. It is really as simple as that.

Look at it this way, if the business requires you to make important sales calls first thing in the morning, the Night Owl will surely fail because he simply won't feel ready for that type of pressure first thing in the morning.

Similarly, if the business requires sales calls that can only be done after hours, the Early Bird will fail simply because he is not at his peak performance levels at night.

In both cases, the individuals will start experiencing high levels of frustration and start thinking that they are not capable of doing what it takes to succeed and many will likely quit trying at this point.

But in reality, both individuals could have had success, had they been working with their natural inborn performance patterns. Some business owners need to find a system that allows them to work during regular office hours, while for others they need a system that allows them to work after hours.

So, where do you start to find a business that allows you that type of flexibility. E-commerce is the answer. It allows you to take full control of every minute you feel like working, no matter what the time of day or night is.

Early Birds and Night Owls alike can operate at full potential 24/7 and it is the only business solution where it is never too late or too early to grow your business into the successful venture you have always longed for.

Starting your own business will definitely be the best thing that you could ever do for yourself. For tips on how to naturally energize your environment while you are working, sleeping or relaxing, please visit http://www.naturalindoorwaterfountains.com for some great information on the positive benefits of negative ions.

About the Author

Lynette is the webmaster for http://www.naturalindoorwaterfountains.com where she teaches you how to energize your surroundings naturally in order to be more productive, therefore more successful, in all your undertakings.

What's the Difference Between an Auto Mechanic and a Medical

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What's the Difference Between an Auto Mechanic and a
Medical Surgeon?

By Stephen Bucaro

Doctors in West Virginia refused to treat patients because
of rising medical malpractice insurance premiums. A
majority of doctors in most other states are cutting back
on patient care because of rising malpractice insurance
premiums. I have a riddle for those doctors: What's the
difference between an auto mechanic and a medical surgeon?
Answer: An auto mechanic doesn't leave his tools inside
the object he worked on!

A study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and
Harvard School of Public Health found that surgeons ignore
the standard practice of counting the surgical tools before
and after an operation, resulting in tools being left
inside the bodies of 1,500 people each year. The actual
number of people with surgical tools left inside their
bodies is much higher because hospitals are not required to
report mistakes.

Surgeons leave clamps, electrodes, sponges and other
surgical tools inside the bodies of people. In several
cases, 11 inch metal retractors where left inside people.
Sometimes the people didn't know that a surgical tool had
been left inside their body. Many of the tools where found
in later surgeries.

The surgical tools left inside people often cause
obstructions, tissue damage, or cause infections. The
individuals are then required to endure additional surgery
to remove the surgical tools. Claiming easons of privacy,
researchers withheld information about people that died
from complications caused by surgical tools left inside
their bodies.

Maybe medical malpractice insurance premiums wouldn't be so
high if the doctors stayed awake and alert during surgery,
or if they at least followed the standard medical practice
of counting the surgical tools before and after an
operation. I think the doctors are correct to refuse to
treat patients. If they don't treat any patients, they can't
leave their surgical tools inside peoples bodies!
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About the Author

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Are You a Microwave or Crock Pot?

In our fast paced society we often want everything done quickly or your boss wants it done yesterday. In your spiritual life are you a Microwave or Crock Pot? I think often we want God to answer our prayers in Microwave fashion. I prayed a specific request today and I want it answered today. If our prayers are not answered quickly, we often wonder, What is God doing? We also decide to go it on our own and not wait for God's direction. Often it is difficult to wait on God's timing.

When we are in Crock pot mode we pray and rest in the knowledge that God's timing is best. Often, God may have to let several things simmer in our life before he answers our prayer. Many times in my life I have seen God's handiwork after the situation is over. If God had answered my prayer the way I wanted him to, it would not have gone well at all. God knows what is best for us and when it is best for something to happen.

I look at Scripture and see God works in Microwave and Crock Pot mode. When Daniel was in the lion's den God worked immediately to shut the mouths of the lions. I have to admit if I was Daniel I would want to know why God didn't act before I got thrown in the lion's den. Daniel being thrown in the lion's den was used to reflect God's glory and power. God also works in Crock Pot mode. Do you remember Joshua and the battle of Jericho? The people of Israel were marching around a wall for 7 days. Don't you imagine they asked God, Why? During that time Rahab was getting her family ready to leave Jericho. Could it be that God took seven days of marching around Jericho, to save one woman and her family? Could it be that God took that time for one woman who was faithful to God in spite of her lifestyle, in spite of her whole community being against God to show his glory? Most of the Israelites did not know about Rahab, but God did. In God's perfect timing he rescued the Israelites and Rahab, not in the way the Israelites would have wanted. God gave them victory in the battle in Crock pot mode.

So, I ask you are you in Microwave mode or Crock Pot mode in your spiritual life? Please remember God is always in control even when it feels everything is out of control. Trust God's timing and know he only wants what is best for you.

© 2004 Kimberly Chastain

Kimberly M. Chastain, MS, LMFT is the Christian Working Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in helping Christian women make the most of their lives. She is the author of the on-line course, I Can't Say No and Pearls of Encouragement for Christian Working Moms, a free e-book. If you suffer from I Can't Say 'No Syndrome, visit Kimberly's site today for the details on an exciting email course that's sure to set you free! http://www.christianworkingmom.com/online.htm.

The Text Information Box above MUST be included for reprint privileges. You may reprint this article in it's entirety with the attached text box.

kimberly@jerpat.org

Industrial Safety

Industrial safety is important for all employees on a daily basis and working in an area without safety awareness may result in serious bodily harm or possibly even death. Industrial safety is a key factor in running a company and there are many aspects to consider when providing overall safety for your employees. You must ensure that employees have special equipment and procedures to ensure eye safety, ear safety, head protection, fire prevention and respiratory protection. Here are ways to ensure you (or your employees) are protected in each of these areas.



Eye Safety - Any injury to the eye can be very serious and possibly cause permanent eye damage to the victim. It is important to make sure your eyes are covered at all times by wearing goggles or other forms of eyewear. Make sure the goggles you are wearing provide protection around the sides of your eyes as well, otherwise flying debris may come in through the side and puncture your eye.



Ear Safety - Ear safety is important because without it, our ear drums would be severely damaged from the loud noises constantly occurring in the workplace. Ear plugs and ear muffs are the most common forms of ear protection, however there are other alternatives as well, such as disposable hearing bands. By wearing these pieces of equipment, you are not only protecting yourself from loud noises, but also from flying debris which may enter the ear and possibly cause infection.



Head Protection - Protecting your head is easy and can end up saving you a lot of pain if an unwanted situation does occur. Wearing protective head gear can be as simple as putting on a helmet or hard hat before entering a location where there may be falling objects. Head injuries may result in brain damage, but you can significantly decrease the chance of serious injury by wearing head protection.



Fire Prevention - Working in an industrial area means that there is always a possibility that a fire may occur. If a situation like this arises, you will want to be prepared and the best way to do so is by having a fire extinguisher on hand at all tomes. Fire extinguishers are the best way to eliminate or control fires until the fire department arrives.



Respiratory Protection - Working in an area in which the air is constantly filled with pollutants can be dangerous and may ultimately result in serious respiratory problems for individuals working in these areas. A simple way to protect yourself from poor air quality is to wear a respiratory mask when working in these areas. Wearing a face mask can greatly decrease your chances of suffering from respiratory problems in the future.



Other Safety Wear - Other forms of safety wear which are critical in industrial areas include work boots and gloves. These are important in areas which you will have hands-on contact with dangerous equipment or areas where you may possibly drop the equipment onto your feet.



It is important to research and follow all safety rules when working in an industrial area. Everything can change in a split second and you want to ensure you are as prepared as possible for any situation which may arise.
Jim Staller is a freelance writer who worked for 15 years in the industrial industry. He spends most of his time working for http://www.industrial101.com - an industrial resource website that offers information on various industrial related topics such as inventory management software and industrial equipment.

Avoiding High Cholesterol Foods

Cholesterol finds its way into our bodies in two main ways. The first is
through our liver, which produces differing amounts of cholesterol in
different people, and the second is through our diet.

A certain amount of cholesterol is needed by our bodies, but the liver
makes all that is required for us. Any cholesterol that we intake through
our food, is all extra cholesterol, and should be avoided as far as possible.
Thus, what to eat and what not to eat becomes a major concern for people
who are trying to become healthier and lower their cholesterol levels.

Many foods contain cholesterol and many don't. Food stuffs such as oils,
fats, and animal products including meat, eggs etc are cholesterol containing
foods. Plant foods do not contain cholesterol.

Within the category of cholesterol containing foods, there are those that are
cholesterol high foods, while some may contain lesser amounts of cholesterol.
Egg yolks as opposed to egg whites contain a very high amount of cholesterol.
But of late, research has lead doctors to believe that egg yolks increase the HDL
cholesterol, which is good for your heart and not the LDL cholesterol that is bad for you.

If you are in a quandary as to what to eat to lower your cholesterol levels, you
should minimize your intake of meat, fats, and dairy products. Increasing your
intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains can be very good for your heart as
they are not cholesterol high foods.

About the Author

Dave Saunders is a certified nutritional educator, wellness
coach and author. He is also the host of a weekly, nation-wide
telephone lecture on health and nutrition. For additional
information, please visit www.glycoboy.com or email Dave at
dave@glycoboy.com

Are you controlled by the urge to binge?

I gotta confess: I'm completely addicted to crisps. Any kind is fine. Don't mind the flavor - they all taste fine. My resolve weakens every time I think about chomping into one. Feeling the crunch, hearing the crackle, and getting that first taste of its tangy flavor. Bliss - and if you are into crisps then you probably wish you had a packet right now - probably a big one.

But maybe crisps aren't your thing. Probably there's another food that lures you into the refrigerator or the pantry cabinet. I can think of a few more that do it for me. Milk chocolate, do-nuts, crispy pies....and the list goes on. I have no doubt that you probably have a list of your own - right. According to one study, 97% of women (compared to 68% of men) experience cravings on food.

So how do you control these urges that pull you away from your diet plan and down the temporary joy of self-indulgence? I researched on the topic to give you what some experts advise on how to enjoy that art called eating without it turning into a feeding frenzy. Read on - and never again feel guilty about eating a chocolate chip cookie.

This is what they say:

Take Charge of Your Eating Habits.

Try to control the number of food cravings you experience. It appears to be impossible for humans like us, but if you psyche yourself and develop fewer cravings, then slowly you'll submit to fewer cravings.(I'm not sure how to do this - maybe imagine that hamburger as a large lump on your butt or that chocolate as a shiny red bulge on your forehead)

According to one study of nearly 500 women, researchers found that women who received a daily 1, 200 milligram calcium supplement reduced their number of premenstrual food cravings by 54%. To reach the same result by getting the needed calcium intake from food, rely on skim milk and yogurt. Sounds a bit difficult for all lactose intolerant? Try some calcium-fortified foods or juices like cheese and calcium-filled orange juices. If you don't feel you can get sufficient calcium from food, make up the difference using a supplement of calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.

How about something relaxing? When you're anxious, the body produces more of the hormone cortisol, which may increase the amount of carbohydrates you want to eat. Sweets or carbohydrates temporarily increase our levels of serotonin, making us feel calm and relaxed.

Thus, one way of helping curb your sweet tooth, rent some videos, text your funniest friends, or schedule a spa weekend. Why not have a bit of chocolate once in a while? When you begin including small amounts of these forbidden foods into your diet, a funny thing happens: You don't crave them anymore.

Distinguish specific cravings from hunger. Suppose you drive by a fast food outlet and all of a sudden, you develop a deep craving for French fries. Rather than rushing down the drive thru section, reassess your urge. Turn on your favorite music and switch your attention away from the fries idea. Suppose, on the other hand, you feel the need to satisfy not the urge but your hunger, select an apple pie or salad as a substitute.

Cut Hundreds of Calories.

Sure you can cut on hundreds of calories on what you eat every day! How? By making the appropriate choices on replacing high-calorie to low-calorie foods, such as cheese, creams, whole milk, butter, etc. Here are easy tricks to keep you cooking and eating minus the calories.

When cooking, use nonstick pan to eliminate the use of butter and/or oil.

Remove the fat from the meat.

Remove the skin of chicken before serving.

Use butter-flavored seasoning on vegetables instead of sprinkling butter.

For casseroles, desserts and sauces, use evaporated skim milk (12 cal./tbsp.) instead of heavy cream (51 cal./tbsp.)

Cook stews and other casseroles ahead of time. Refrigerate. Remove congealed fat before serving.

Choose real orange (71 cal.) over an orange juice (90 cal./6 oz).

For snacks, low-calorie fruits (cucumbers, asparagus, carrots, apples, pickles) are good replacements for crackers and breads.

Use bottled chocolate extract for milk shakes instead of sweetened cocoa.

Use two egg whites (34 cal.) for cakes instead of one egg (82 cal.).

Choose diet margarine (50 cal.) instead of the regular margarine (100 cal.).

Choose cereals with the least calories then add fresh fruits to be more nutritious.

In parties, good substitutes for snacks are carrot strips, pickle slices, and raw mushroom caps.

Drip away fats by cooking hamburgers on the rack.

Avoid chips with dips.

Staying in healthy shape depends on the right behaviors. So how strong is your will power to control the urge?

About the Author

The http://www.lose-weight-quickly.info is dedicated to all those who are frustrated because they are overweight or obese and want to take back their life.
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Are you Moving etc...?

With Christmas fast approaching, it's not only the shops and retail outfits that are getting ready for the sudden onslaught of customers.

As well as Estate and Lettings Agents, Removal and Shipping companies are getting ready for Christmas as well. After the Summer and Easter holidays, this is one of the busiest times of the year for moving home.

Anyone that was unlucky enough not to complete their house sale in the summer months is now desperately trying to make sure that they move this side of Christmas, so that all the loose ends are tied up before the New Year. Also Christmas and the New Year see the end of many tenancy agreements, so therefore the renting market becomes saturated with vacant properties to let.

Being a tenant at this time of year is great, due to the extensive range of properties that are available. And if you're lucky, you may even get a discount on the monthly rent or deposit due to the fact that the landlord is having trouble letting it out.

However, if you're a landlord at this time of year, you will have to make sure that the property you are letting is picture perfect so that you get the right kind of tenant and the right price for your property. With so many people taking advantage of the Buy to Let market, you cannot afford for your property to be on the bottom rung of the ladder right now.

Although, the actual moving day may not be top priority for many people relocating, it should not be forgotten and left till the end.

You see, many people think that booking a removal company is like booking a taxi - Quick and easy.

What many people don't realise is that removal companies can be fully booked for days and weeks in advance. So if you don't want to be left with the really expensive companies or on the other hand, the cowboy firms, contact your movers well in advance.

Don't get me wrong, it is not always that everyone leaves it late to book, but sometimes the exchange on their property does not go through until a few days before completion. And if you're renting, you can find a property and be accepted within just a few days if your credit check goes through straight away.

One major piece of advice that I give to all my clients is to make sure that you get quotes from Removal or Shipping companies as early as possible. If you contact them at least 6-8 weeks in advance of your proposed move date then you are more likely to be prepared for short notice completions. Also, the removal companies will be more patient and understanding of your situation if things do get delayed.

This is also a good idea so that you know exactly how much your removal is going to cost you well in advance. Moving with a professional company may be less hassle, but it can also be expensive. So Be Prepared!

And don't think that just because you are moving yourself, you have it easier either. Moving at any time of year is hard work, let alone in the cold and wet winter months, so make sure you have prepared yourself for the worse.

Check out Jane's website, www.movingetc.co.uk for more information on moving home, as well as free advice on which removal company to use for your stress free move.

About the Author

Jane is an Independent Relocation Consultant with many years experience within the moving industry.

She has worked for both small family removal companies as well as large multinational shipping firms and set up her own company in order to reduce the stress of moving home.

Jane has been with her partner for eight years and they are expecting their first child at the beginning of the New Year.