A Healthy Twofold Resolution; "Think Globally, Act Locally"

Healthy Environment

This year, I am going to plant a tree.

I am inspired by two global Nobel Peace Laureate Prize winners, 2004 Professor Wangari - Maathai of Africa, and 2007 former Vice President Al Gore of the United States of America. Both recipients are working to make the world a better place to live.

One criteria for winning the the Nobel Peace Prize is: the candidate must make a difference in the world. The Nobel committee stated that Professor Wangari - Maathai "thinks globally, and acts locally."

Professor Wangari - Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist, was the first female African to be awarded the Nobel Peace prize. Moreover, Maathai is the founder of the Green Belt Movement in Africa. The purpose of the organization is to plant trees, which provide fuel, food, shelter, and income to thousands of people, with the majority being women.

Wangari said" when we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and the seeds of hope." Over 30 million trees have been planted thus far. For more information on Professor Wangari - Maathai, and the Green Belt Movement check http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/.

Another organization, UNEP (The United Nations Environment Programme ) allows people from all over the world to pledge to plant a tree. Furthermore, UNEP is a great global resource for keen information, and scientific happenings all over the world. Check http://www.unep.org/.

Former Vice President Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his work, which produced the documentary film, "An Inconvenient Truth." The film draws attention to the severe problem of the increasing global warming on Earth. Additionally, Gore's work keeps the Global Warming issue on a political agenda as well.

In Summary, we must do more to make a difference in the world, and stop global warming. Some ideas and ways on my list are:

1. Plant a tree.

2. Utilize Rain Water for Watering plants etc.

3. Continue to Recycle.

4. Buy a Hybrid Vehicle (Soon).

5. Add Solar Panels to My New Home (soon).

6. Continue to Conserve Energy.

7. Utilize Cloth Grocery Bags.

Please comment on how you will work to stop global warming, or share with us, what you are doing now to make a difference?

Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy New Year 2008.

Healthy Holidays; To Buy, or Not to Buy Toys?

To buy, or not to buy toys? Is a question that many parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and consumers in general are pondering this holiday season.

Eighty percent of toys are made in China, and sent to America. Unfortunately, with all of the massive toy recalls due to the poisonous lead found in the toys, many consumers are scrambling to find safe alternatives to the more popular toys that children request during the holiday season.

The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), has lists that consumers can check before purchasing toys. Moreover, Consumers can check with parent magazines, and research online (www.HealthyToys.org) for toys before shopping.

Some gift ideas for children:

• Books
• Clothes
• Music
• Educational Computer Games
• Watches
• Cameras
• Board Games
• Dolls and Stuffed Animals

There is good news nonetheless. American toy manufacturing companies, and small toy shops are working to make safe toys for America.

Extra, Extra, Eat Extra Apples

Healthy Apples

The old adage of "eating an apple a day, will keep the doctor away" may be a way of decreasing the risk of cancer.

The news from Cornell University's research studies, and experiments state that eating one apple a day could reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by 17%. Moreover, eating three apples could decrease the risk by 39%, and eating six apples a day decrease the risk by 44%.

Researcher Rui Hai Liu, a Cornell associate professor of Food Science analyzed the peels of 230 lbs. of red delicious apples. He found many compounds. These compounds have "potent anti-proliferative activities against human breast, colon, and liver cancer." These compounds are "apple polyphenols."

Furthermore, the laboratory study on the rats that were given the apple polyphenols, showed, that the polyphenols, not only fought cancer cells, but decreased the number of tumors as well.

This is great news, and keen knowledge. If you think that you may find it difficult eating 3-6 apples a day, try a juicing machine. I have an old machine, but I am going to upgrade to Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer. LaLanne's Power Juicer allows you to put in whole fruit without cutting.

"It's My Anniversary" - Blog

Healthy Life Style

Well -Being

It was October 2006, when I wrote my first Blog. I am back after a short hiatus from an injury sustained, while working this past May. I was unable to play tennis, walk five miles a day, or jog. Moreover, I could not enjoy my friends as I normally do in the summer months. However, it was from the Grace of God, past yoga exercises, and following my wonderful doctor's instructions, that I was able to make a remarkable comeback!

One thing that I was able to do, nonetheless, was to plug in my computer, telephone, and the Internet, and produce streams of income via my virtual part-time business. "When a door closes, a window opens." Thus, well-being.

I have decided to keep my healthy living topics, and offset by writing about topics from A-Z. Thank you for reading my Blog, and please feel free to comment as usual.


K. Ray

Photograph: http://www.freephoto.com/

How to Build Muscle and Tone the Body Without Weights?

Healthy LifeSyle

Take the supplement Colostrum. Colostrum has many health benefits. It can enhance lean muscle mass, increase metabolism of body fat, and boost the immune system. Colostrum promotes healing in the body, grows hair and nails. Moreover, there is evidence of anti- aging properties as well. To read about all of the benefits of Colostrum search the Internet.

What is Colostrum? "Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid product by all female mammals prior to giving birth." Colostrum is processed into a premium quality organic first milking bovine colostrum form of powders, creams, and capsules.

Most health food stores carry the capsules, and orders can be placed online. I have taken the capsules that have 1,000 mg. colostum in one capsule. The cost of the top of the line brand runs about $24.00 for about 60 capsules. per bottle. You will see results after the second bottle.

Finally, please remember to check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Even if you are like me, and just take vitamins, check with your doctor.

Keeping you abreast of the secrets to a healthy lifestyle.

What's New in the Year 2007?

For centuries Queens have ruled countries. Two examples are Queen Elizabeth II. of the United Kingdom shown to the left, and Queen Nefertiti of Ancient Egypt (shown to the right), who ruled with her husband King Akhenaten.

It is in my editoral opinion, that I wonder why there is so much political chatter about Sen. Hillary Clinton's bid to run for the presidency of the United States of America. Yes, there are the obvious reasons. However, I am in deed, somewhat excited at the idea of a female president. Nonetheless, there are several interesting candidates in the race for the presidency. All of whom have unique styles and backgrounds.

Therefore, I hope that all of the candidates, given the due process of the democratic nomination, will be selected by the "content of their character," to quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and not by their age, race, creed, color or gender.

Finally, May the best candidate be elected!