Daily Health Bits

In our efforts to maintain weight and eat healthy, we sometimes forget a very important factor; serving size.  Have you ever looked at the nutritional panel on your favorite foods and drinks to find that you are consuming MUCH more than you think? For example, we have low-sugar ice cream in the freezer, and the regular 1.75 quart container yields 15 servings!!!  A box of cereal yields 14!  Americans are notorious overeaters, but if you really pay attention to serving sizes, you can make a difference in your nutritional efforts, and recognize one of the reasons society has gained so much weight!  Here are serving sizes according to the USDA's standards:

• Fresh or cooked vegetables- 1/2 cup or a rounded handful
• Raw or leafy vegetables- 1 cup or the size of a baseball
• Fresh fruit- 1 medium piece or the size of a baseball
• Cooked or canned fruit- 1/2 cup or a rounded handful
• Bread- 1 slice
• Ready to eat cereal- 1 ounce but check the label
• Cooked cereal- 1/2 cup or a rounded handful
• Cooked rice or pasta- 1/2 cup or a rounded handful when cooked
• Cooked fish or meat- 3 ounces (4 oz if raw) or the size of a deck of cards
• Cooked dried beans- 1/2 cup or about a rounded handful
• Nuts- 1/3 cup or about a level handful
• Cheese- 1 1/2 oz. or the size of six dice

Pay attention to the above guidelines and always check nutritional labels to understand the serving size as it pertains to a particular product.  Next Tuesday I will follow up this article with photographic evidence of how serving size is skewed in my own life.  VERY interesting....

Source: Prevention's Ultimate Guide to Women's Health and Wellness

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 05:20 AM | Permalink

With literally thousands of chemicals and fragrances added to everything from moisturizer to nail polish, how do you know if your beauty product is safe?  If you looked at the back of products you use every day, you may be surprised to know what some of their ingredients can do to the body.  So, choosing better products in each category may be a way of doing something about it.  The cosmetic industry is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Companies are required to list all the ingredients in order of use, but they're not required (by federal law) to test products for safety. The FDA can only act if they have strong scientific knowledge that a product is dangerous. That doesn't mean that companies don't have safety standards, but it does mean that claims like "natural," "botanical" or "organic" are basically useless.
 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) -- a non-profit, non-partisan organization working to educate consumers about chemicals in cosmetics -- created Skin Deep a searchable database that analyzes about 25,000 beauty products and 10,000 different ingredients. 
Just do give you an idea, here are some potentially dangerous/unhealthy ingredients found in products, and what affect they can have. 
 
Fragrance- even though fragrance doesn't’t seem dangerous, it is a leading cause of allergic reactions from beauty products.  Fragrances are not just scents; they are a chemical combination and it is the chemicals which we should be concerned with.  With over 5000 different fragrances used in the industry, “fragrance-free” may be a better way to go.
 
Phthalates -- used widely in nail polish -- are a big topic of controversy and research. Scientists have been studying this group of chemicals for at least 20 years and have found that they may be linked to birth defects in humans (they're definitely toxic to animals). Unfortunately, phthalates often get hidden under "fragrance," so it's hard for the consumer to know if the nail polish contains it or not.
 
Propylene glycol (PG)-is a wetting agent and solvent used in make up, hair care products, deodorants, after shave and is often found in toothpaste.  It is also the main ingredient in antifreeze and brake fluid. 

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-A related agent found in most skin cleansers, is a caustic used to dissolve grease... the same substance you find in oven cleaners.
Visit the website above and check out some of the products you use to see what they contain and their potential affects on the body.  At least being aware will help you make decisions about what you put in and on your body. 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:13 AM | Permalink

If you've ever had a urinary tract infection, you know that they are not fun!  One of my friends is experiencing the pain and inconvenience of one right now, and it led me to do some more research into what causes them, and what some pretty immediate solutions are, should you not be able to get to a doctor right away. 

One in five women will get a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some time in her life, and some women get them again and again.  UTIs that occur in the bladder are called cystitis.  Those that affect the urethra are called urethritis, and infections in the kidneys (the most serious kind) are called pyelonephritis.  UTIs usually occur when bacteria that live around the anus gain entry to the urethra and begin to multiply.  Sexual intercourse is a common cause of UTIs, but women who are not sexually active get them too. 

If you suspect that you have a UTI, you'll want to call or see your doctor right away.  Typical symptoms for cystitis include a burning sensation while urinating and a powerful urge to urinate even after you've used the bathroom.  Calling your doctor right away is the best way to get rid of your UTI quickly, as antibiotics are extremely efficient and expedient at clearing them up.  Here are some other things you can do at home to relieve some of the symptoms of UTIs:

• Ease discomfort by using a heating pad on your lower abdomen to relieve cramps or pressure.
• Avoid coffee and alcohol for a few days as they can irritate the urinary tract when you have an infection AND stimulate urination which can increase pain.
• Avoid acidic foods like oranges, strawberries, etc as they can create a more favorable environment for bacteria in the bladder.
• Drink baking soda mixed with water because it makes the urine more alkaline for about 24 hours which takes away the acidic environment that bacteria need to multiply.  When you first notice symptoms, mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it once daily until symptoms are improved. 
• Drink cranberry juice as a preventative measure.  The proanthocyanidins in cranberry juice help prevent bacteria from sticking to cells in the urinary tract. 

Note: If you have pain accompanied by fever, chills or nausea you could have a potentially serious kidney infection and should see your doctor right away.

Source: Prevention's Ultimate Guide to Women's Health and Wellness

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:23 AM | Permalink

With Halloween coming up next week, most of us are thinking about how to keep our children safe, which is a good thing, of course, but we also need to consider the health and safety of our four-legged "kids".  Halloween can be a scary time for pets because they don't understand what's going on around them. It is up to you, as a responsible pet owner, to ease their tension and keep them, your self, and visitors safe.  Here are some tips to help ease their anxiety during this holiday:

·         Your dog has a hard time deciphering between "fun" scary and "threatening" scary.  He may try to protect you and doesn't understand the frivolity of Halloween.
·         If you are wearing a costume yourself, consider changing into it in front of your pet so they recognize that it’s you, and not a stranger.  Put on any wigs or masks outside.  If you have any props for your costume, keep them out of your pet’s reach to ensure that they don’t eat them!
·         Trick-or-treaters result in the front door opening and shutting. Be sure your pet doesn't stray out the front door.  Also, be sure your pet is not going to jump on little kids, or even bite due to excitement or fear. 
·         Be careful with the candy at your house or that kids bring around.  Sweets are not good for pets, and can even be toxic!  Keep all candy bowls and bags off of tables that are within your pet’s reach.
·         If you are going to dress your pet up and take them out with you, use the same precautions as you would with yourself or children; be sure they can see properly (no masks), and that they are wearing reflective tape so that they are easily seen.  Keep them on a short leash so they do not disturb other people or pets.  Make sure that costumes do not hang on the ground and cause your pet to trip and hurt themselves.

The best bet may be to keep your pet in a quiet room with a favorite toy where they feel safe and secure

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 04:26 AM | Permalink

 Every 12 minutes, a woman in America dies of breast cancer.

In an effort to get presidential candidates to make breast cancer a national priority in the 2008 elections, the Susan G. Komen Foundation has launched the I Vote for the Cure, an initiative aimed at rallying voter registration, educating voters and challenging candidates to support achievable goals that will save lives.  The initiative lists the following goals:

We are advocating for three achievable goals that will save lives and help end breast cancer forever: (1) Increase investment in translational research, which is essential to ensuring that scientific discoveries made in the laboratory reach cancer patients as quickly as possible; (2) Provide every low-income, uninsured, and underinsured woman in America access to early detection by fully funding the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection program by 2012; and (3) Ensure that all women diagnosed with breast cancer have access to high quality treatment.

To learn more and sign the initiative, visit IVotefortheCure.org.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:10 AM | Permalink

Did you know that breast cancer does not just strike women, but also can affect men?  The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2007 some 2,030 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in the United States.  In 2007, about 450 men will die from breast cancer in the United States.  Although certain risk factors may increase a man's chances of developing breast cancer, the cause of most breast cancers in men is unknown.  Although we don't yet completely understand the causes of breast cancer in men, researchers have found several factors that may increase the risk of getting it. As with female breast cancer, many of these factors are related to sex hormone levels in the body. Some of the factors include aging, family history of breast cancer, inherited gene mutations, Klinfelter syndrome, radiation exposure, alcohol, liver disease, estrogen treatment, obesity, conditions affecting the testicles, and certain occupations, though research is still being done to understand why.  For now, the best strategies for reducing the number of deaths caused by this disease are early detection and prompt treatment. Early detection has been a problem for men, who tend to ignore breast lumps and see their doctor only when they have gotten very large. In general, men are diagnosed with larger cancers and at more advanced stages than are women.  This is very interesting and very serious and should not be taken lightly. 

Source: www.cancer.org

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 01:57 PM | Permalink

Back in August, I wrote an entry about the benefits of antioxidants.  Many of us have heard that blueberries and blackberries are high in antioxidants, but there are some other fruits, vegetables, nuts and even spices that have high levels of antioxidants too.  According to a new USDA study, which researchers say is the largest, most comprehensive analysis to date of the antioxidant content of commonly consumed foods, they analyzed antioxidant levels in over 100 different foods, including fruits and vegetables. In addition, the new study includes data on spices and nuts for the first time.

Among the fruits, vegetables and nuts analyzed, each food was measured for antioxidant concentration as well as antioxidant capacity per serving size. Cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries ranked highest among the fruits studied. Beans, artichokes and Russet potatoes were tops among the vegetables. Pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts ranked highest in the nut category.

Although spices are generally consumed in small amounts, many are high in antioxidants. On the basis of antioxidant concentration, ground cloves, ground cinnamon and oregano were the highest among the spices studied.

So, consider adding these foods to your diet, if you are trying to increase your antioxidants, or use an antioxidant or fruit and vegetable formula to supplement.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:59 AM | Permalink

FOS is a Prebiotic, which is a unique nutritional supplement that provides an all-natural, safe and effective way to promote your optimal digestive state – and help maintain your health and well-being.

FOS passes through your stomach without being digested. As FOS enters the lower digestive tract, “friendly bacteria” that naturally live there use it as a food source. These bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacillus, are considered "“friendly” because they help digest food, and boost your body’s resistance to infection and disease. And as the friendly bacteria use FOS and multiply, they help create an unfavorable environment in the digestive system for some harmful bacteria to survive. These harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Clostridia, have been known to produce toxins that can have negative health consequences. Helping your body fight these harmful bacteria is one key way that FOS/Acidophilus helps you stay healthy.

A lot of fruit and vegetable blends include FOS on their list of ingredients because it can help prevent potential gas and ease digestion of the product.  That is exactly why we've included it among the ingredients in the Phytofood Fruit and Vegetable Blend. 

So, there you have it!  You can use the acronym or try saying the eight syllables so you sound even more intelligent!  But, now you know what it is!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:52 AM | Permalink

They say that as you age, your memory may start to fade.  Well, I don't know how you define "age", but at 35, I could swear my memory is already not as sharp as it once was.  So, how can you boost your brain power and improve your memory?  One trick that I use is word association.  If you can associate something that you need to remember with another word or a picture in your mind, it will be easier to recall that word.  For example, if I meet a man named Bob this month, I may think of "bobbing for apples" and associate that with his face, so I will have an easier time remembering his name when I see him.  I just used this technique for a test I took recently, employing tactics I used in school.  I had to memorize several items, so I put them in silly sentences so that I would remember.  And it worked!  There are other things you can do to improve memory.  They say "use it or lose it" and this is somewhat true with memory.  Completing crossword puzzles and other brain games like word searches, Sudoku, and the like stimulate brain function.  I also like to do brain games such as those found on Prevention.com.  These games are scientifically developed to strengthen the five major cognitive brain functions -- attention, language, memory, visual-spatial, and executive function. Similar to how lifting weights builds muscle, stimulating the brain by challenging yourself to these types of games helps build cognitive reserve which helps slow the natural effects of aging and defers the onset of diseases like Alzheimer's.   Maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular sleep, and exercising have also been shown to improve memory.  Keeping stress levels in check can also help memory function.   Stress causes the body to release cortisol, which plays an important role in memory preservation. Cortisol has been found to shrink the memory centers in the brain, which results in impaired memory.   So, stretching or meditating before stressful events can relax the brain and keep cortisol levels lower.  So, try incorporating some of these things in your life for overall health of your body and your mind.  And try one of the games on Prevention's website.  You're never too young or too old to start!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 07:45 AM | Permalink

With the holidays right around the corner, many of us will be traveling to family members' houses to celebrate. We have all fallen victim to sickness over the holidays which we usually blame on modes of transportation like airlines.  So, what precautions can we take to ensure healthier travels?  The first thing that I would recommend, both for sanitary reasons, and overall comfort is to bring your own pillow.  It doesn't necessarily have to be the one from your bed.  I have a really nice neck pillow that inflates with one blow, and it keeps everyone else's cooties off of me, and provides a great deal of comfort than traveling without it.  I used that thing all over Europe, on trains, buses and planes, and it helped TREMENDOUSLY!  You can also bring your own blanket if you're so inclined, or demand a blanket in a plastic wrap, for then you'll know it is new and clean.  Airline carriers are formidable carriers of the common cold; a recent study says you may be more than 100 times as likely to catch a cold on a plane as in your normal daily rounds, according to a study publishing in the Journal of Environmental Health Research.  I like to take Emergen-C or Airborne or something like that to boost my immune system before even boarding a plane.  I also am a freak about the air vents and like air flowing on me all the time.  It is a different environment on a plane.  When you are traveling at 30,000 feet do you feel more like you are in the desert? The air is very dry (and recycled) when you fly, and alcohol, which has its diuretic effects, can be much more potent. Either compensate with more water, or reduce alcoholic intake. Otherwise, headaches and bloating may become your unwelcome travel partners.  Stretching is very important. Not only will it help keep the blood flowing, but it will alleviate the cramping and pains that come from sitting for an extended period of time. Move around the cabin every once in a while and do exercises in your seat to keep the circulation in your legs optimized.  Bring hand sanitizer and use it regularly particularly if you've used the facilities or walked around the plane.  These things may seem paranoid, but if they can help prevent illness, it's worth it to me!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 06:07 AM | Permalink

I LOVE bubble baths!  There is nothing more relaxing at the end of a long day.  I own tons of bubble baths, but if you look at the ingredients on the bottles, most of the time, they contain things that are actually BAD for your skin, your urinary tract, and can, in fact, dry your skin.  So, now and again, I take a break from the commercial products and go back to nature.  When I want a softening, natural bath I turn to moo juice.  Milk is rich in proteins, vitamins, amino acids and minerals. The special property of milk protein has unique characteristics to soothe, hydrate and calm. The lactose in milk also helps promote cell turnover for smoother skin.  A few cups of milk, especially Goat Milk, can be used with a bath, or as a rinse for the hair.  Simply pour it under the running water.  Just be sure to rinse out your tub really well!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 06:07 AM | Permalink

It’s that time of year when every end cap at the market, and even the check stand is overflowing with bags of candy in fall colors.  Sure, having some autumn colored candy in a bowl on the coffee table would look spirited.  But, is that the real reason you are buying it?  I actually bought a bag of Hershey’s kisses yesterday, to put in my pumpkin candy bowl, using that “reason” for the purchase.  Within minutes of my husband getting home yesterday, we were tasting the Kisses to see how this year’s chocolate fared.  Well, I am NOT buying any more candy for the rest of October.  I read these statistics on mercola.com today, and realized that I don’t want to be a part of the Halloween Epidemic. 
Did you realize that Americans spend more than $1 BILLION on unhealthy sugary candy just for Halloween?
And if you're an average consumer, you spend nearly $15 on Halloween candy, much of which both you and your children eat -- even before Halloween arrives.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 07:47 AM | Permalink

The FDA just updated its regulations to help ensure that dietary supplements are labeled accurately and are free of contaminants such as lead and bacteria.  Concerns about supplement safety rose in January when watchdog group ConsumerLab issues a review of 21 multivitamins, and among its findings, discovered that one women's multivitamin formula contained 15.3mcg of lead, several times the normal daily exposure.  As "luck" would have it, I was one of the people taking that particular vitamin, which is odd, because I never take multivitamins.  I take all of my supplements individually.  So, imagine my surprise when I heard that that product was being recalled and removed from the shelves.  The new guidelines for label claims took effect on August 24, so hopefully supplement companies will be honest and products will actually contain what they say they do. 

 Source: Prevention Magazine November 2007

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 02:11 PM | Permalink

With all of the food recalls lately, you may be a bit uneasy about the items you are putting into your grocery cart.  Shoppers may be surprised about some sources of problematic food and how easily and quickly contamination can spread.  So, how can you avoid food contamination at the grocery store?  Here are some tips to consider the next time you are loading up your pantry:

• If the market is on a long list of errands, stop there last.  Food that needs refrigeration should not be exposed to warmer temperatures for more than two hours. 
• Wash all produce to remove surface residues and pathogens present in soil that may still be attached to the fruit or vegetable.
• Pick up dairy products and meats last when shopping. 
• Do not buy meats that are stacked above the load limit line found on the meat case.  Meats above that line are not being properly refrigerated.
• Store meat and dairy products toward the back and bottom of your fridge as those are the coldest places.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your food is thoroughly cooked.  Heating food to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F or above kills most parasites, viruses and bacteria.
• Use soap often when handling food products to reduce contaminants on your hands.
• Dry hands with a paper towel, rather than a dishtowel, which may already carry bacteria.
• Sanitize countertops with a mixture of a teaspoon of chlorine bleach and a gallon of water.  The same mixture can be used on cutting boards.  Be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Use a cutting board without cracks or nicks, and try to use a separate cutting board for meats.

Source: AOL Money and Finance

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:38 AM | Permalink

Have you ever considered the importance of having all of your medical/health records in order, should you need something to measure your current health by, or in the event that one of your loved ones should need it?  Here are some things to consider putting in a file, for both yourself and your family members.

 

• Current Medications List- create a list of all medications you are currently taking including over-the-counter medications, birth control, prescription medications and vitamins and supplements.  Keep the list updated, as this could prove invaluable to help prevent drug interactions, confusion from side effects and overdose.
• Current Doctors List- list all of your doctors with their names, office location, phone numbers and specialty.  If you have a medical condition, call each office and put a note in your file giving permission for your spouse, children or other trusted person (named) to access your information, ask questions, and schedule on your behalf.
• Medical Event Form- this is a good idea to have on hand for any incidences that occur including illness and injury.  Note dates, what happened, who you saw, any medications or treatments given and the result. 
• Family Medical History- list all immediate relatives including grandparents, parents and siblings and record any health problems they have ever had.  If you know the results or if the conditions are ongoing, list that as well.
• Symptom Log- if you are experiencing a new symptom, write down the date and time, description of your symptoms, what you are doing and what you’ve eaten.  This may help detect any connections between symptoms and what is going on in your life.

These simple steps can make a world of difference and can increase accuracy of diagnosis and speed up the medical processes as needed.  Keep the file in a place where all family members know its location and have easy access to it.  Be sure to keep it updated and as detailed as possible.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 11:28 AM | Permalink

Today is World Smile Day, a day created by Harvey Ball, the creator of the smiley face symbol.  As years passed, Harvey was concerned about the over-commercialization of his symbol, and how it’s original meaning and intent had become los in the constant repetition of the marketplace.  Out of that concern came his idea for World Smile Day.  He thought that we should devote one day each year to smiles and acts of kindness throughout the world.  The smiley face knows no politics, no geography and no religion.  Harvey’s idea was that for at least one day each year, neither should we.

So, today, I encourage you to spread smiles to everyone you meet.  It not only makes them feel better, but can have health benefits for you as well.  Smiling changes our mood and can thereby relieve stress.  Have you ever tried to be mad with a smile on your face?  When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure.  Smiling can help boost your immune system, as those who are smiling all the time, are typically more relaxed and in better moods to begin with.  Smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin all of which make us feel good.  Smiling helps you stay positive and makes you look more attractive. 

It’s amazing to me, the difference a smile can make to someone.  For myself, I know if I am out and about and someone flashes me a smile, it’s contagious, and I feel happy inside.
So, celebrate World Smile Day today, or better yet, make EVERY day World Smile Day!

Source: www.worldsmileday.com

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 06:38 AM | Permalink

Recently, someone close to me was diagnosed with depression, and it made me wonder how many others are having these feelings, without adequately diagnosing a more serious problem? So, I wanted to inform you about an opportunity for free screening and provide a test from the Mayo Clinic which can help identify symptoms of depression and evaluate your mood to determine if you need further consultation or treatment.
 
Today is National Depression Screening Day which is an annual event held each October on the Thursday of Mental Illness Awareness Week. During this event, local clinicians in all 50 states volunteer their time to offer free educational and screening programs at health facilities, shopping malls, libraries, colleges, workplaces and senior centers.  Screenings are free and completely confidential. The screening is an opportunity to learn more about anxiety and mood disorders, complete a brief screening questionnaire, and speak one-on-one with a mental health professional.  In addition to obtaining a screening, participants can find out where and how to access help, counseling and treatment
Those interested in attending a free screening can locate a site in their area by going online at http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/.
Mayoclinic.com Depression Information:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00103_D

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 12:12 PM | Permalink

According to Forbes, Cosmetic Surgeons collected fees of $1.3 billion for Botox injections last year.  It seems that Botox is all the rage, and I fear the day I get an Evite for a Botox party.  But, Botox parties are a reality in today’s world of desired perfection.  So, what exactly is Botox? 
 

I went on the Allergen website and they describe three different reasons customers would use Botox.  These reasons include cosmetic reasons, neurologic conditions and underarm sweating. I am going to focus on the cosmetic reasons for now. 

According to www.botox.com, “BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  One 10-minute treatment—a few tiny injections—and within days there's a noticeable improvement in moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.
BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines between the brows to form over time.”
Upon reading further, they recommend a treatment schedule because results only last for four months, and then your face will look as it did before treatment. 

Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that produces the toxin botulin, the causative agent in botulism.  That doesn't sound good to me!

According to what_is_botox.com, here is a list of side effects which, by the way, are played down on almost every website I researched.  Hello?  Droopy eye?  Well, the justification is that it will only last 4-6 months and then you'll be normal again.  Great.

The side effects of Botox includes:

Pain and bruising after the injection

A temporary facial droop, if the toxin involves more muscle than is intended

Headaches

A flu like illness

Feeling of nausea

Other rarer side effects. Some of these rarer and more severe side effects include paralysis of the body, usually due to injection of non FDA approved Botox.

Anyway, I would never judge anyone who got Botox treatments, as I am a firm believer in doing whatever it takes to increase your self-esteem.  YOU are the one who has to live each day with the body, face, etc. you have, and your impression on yourself has a tremendous affect on every aspect of your life.  But, I wanted to research the topic and provide some information that I think is useful and interesting.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:18 AM | Permalink

Cell phones ringing, laundry spinning, dogs barking, children crying...it's just another day in your home, right?  Well, add to that, fax machines spewing out pages, emails piling up on your computer, business phones ringing and all of the sounds of business coming from your "home office".  Working at home can be tough on the nerves unless you employ some disciplines necessary for making it work!  With this being National Work from Home Week, I thought I'd share with you the following information that I've learned about working from home:

1) Time management is CRUCIAL!

I think management of time is the hardest thing about working from home.  I can always think about what ELSE I should be doing besides making my sales calls and catching up on emails.  How about taking some meat out to thaw for dinner?  Does the dog need to be fed?  Did I make my bed this morning?  Establishing a daily schedule with regard to your business and personal life and how you balance the two is critical to your success.  The same holds true for establishing a "close of business" time.  It is easy to get caught up in the day's activities when it is in the room next door, and an established quitting time will help you and your family recognize some boundaries.

2) Acting like a businessperson

When you get up in the morning, get dressed for work and put yourself together as you would in a regular workplace.  (I have to admit PJs are far more comfortable though....heehee)  Based on your schedule established in Rule 1, be at work, when you've determined you will be.  In a conventional workplace, you would not arrive whenever you felt like it.  Also, take breaks similar to those in a workplace.  Allow yourself time to have lunch and to rest throughout the day.  There are rules in place to promote efficiency and productivity and the same rules can help your success at home. 

 3)  Teaching the others in your home the limits of your business

If you are going to be a successful worker from home, you need to establish some groundrules with the others who occupy your home.  For example, if your office door is closed, there are to be no interruptions, without exception.  Perhaps you have a timeframe when you make phone calls, so that kids will know that that is to be quiet homework time or something.  You have to create rules that everyone understands and can follow to help you in your endeavors.

4)  Organization

Seeing a pile of work stuff is going to contribute to your overall cleaning frustrations within the home.  Cleaning your work area should be done every day.  It will not only help you keep your sanity, but will be one less thing that you have to worry about.  I would suggest getting a file cabinet, baskets, folders, whatever works for you to keep your area tidy and easy to use.  Try not to mix personal papers with work papers. 

5)  Creating a work space

You should have a primary location that is used for your business and solely for that purpose.  This space should be respected by other members of the household and it should be a semi-private quiet area in which you can work. 

Working from home gives you the luxury of time and in my opinion, more efficiency.  I no longer have to sit in traffic, listen to co-workers who would rather gab than work, and I can schedule my day to the benefit of myself and my family.  I wouldn't have it any other way!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:55 AM | Permalink

For the second year, the Susan G. Komen Foundation is promoting the fundraising and awareness program called Passionately Pink for the Cure.  The premise of the program is simple: change your clothes to change the world.  Your group or organization selects the day/days in October to wear pink and participants donate and collect donations of $5 or more for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 

Biosintos Nutraceutcials has chosen October 1, the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to participate.  In addition to the donations we collect on our team website, Biosintos is proud to donate 10% of all of today's sales to the Susan G. Komen Foundation as well.

This year nearly 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in our country.  All of the net proceeds from the Passionately Pink for the Cure event go directly to fighting breast cancer with 75% funding breast cancer research programs and 25% supporting community-based education, screening and treatment programs.

 If you would like to make a donation, please click here: Passionately Pink for the Cure Page

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:38 AM | Permalink