It’s beginning of a New Year (per say) and few dietary changes will be made.

Since the weather has been very cooperative I started on my “spring cleaning,” and decided to go through my closet.

I swop out my “fall/winter” clothes to my “spring/summer” clothes every year because not only this makes my closet organized, but makes finding clothes more efficiently.

Anyhow, while I was looking through my spring/summer clothes I came across my favorite pair of summer jeans!  Yeah!  Then the reality hit me!  I couldn’t button it!  I tried to suck in my guts, but there was absolutely no HOPE!

Being frantic, at this point, I went to the bathroom to weigh my self!  WHAT???  165 lb?  What the heck happened?

I usually will gain 5-8 lbs during winter months, but not 15 lbs!!!

I know I will never go back to my “before” kids weight (135 lbs) and I honestly was happy being 150 lbs (I made peace with it), but gaining 15 lbs and having possibilty of buying whole new wardrobe set is unacceptable!  Well … that’s a thought!  This might not sound too bad!  LOL

Silly me decided to download an Weight-App on my iPhone to track my weight.  However, this particular APP had other functions so I decided to play with it little bit.

It asked me how tall I was, my age was, and etc.  At the end of the questionnaire it stated that I should be 137 lb … that was my ideal weight for my age and my height curve!  Also, on the bottom of the screen it said I was very close to reaching obesity!  Are you serious?

Are you kidding me?  At my skinniest I was 135 lb … that was LONG before having kids with accelerated young metabolism!

As you can expect … I deleted such crazy APP, and decided to make few changes.

I am type of a person that if you tell me “NO” or “can’t do it” then I will want to do it more … I know it’s really juvenile!

I have tried Jenny Craig in the past, and after 2 (TWO) days of eating their food I gave up!  Why?  Because I couldn’t have anything else!  I have also tried Sensa, and that gave me the “runs…”  Wow .. that wasn’t pretty at all!

So … in order to avoid feeling of “deprived of food,” I decided to eat everything and anything … BUT, in small portions.

I have been doing this routine for past 7 days and have already lost 5 lbs.  My hubby said it was “water weight,” but I have been drinking water like a crazy lady, so I am going with my theory.

Anyhoot … this is what I have been doing.

1.  Drink at least 5 bottles of water … through out the day.  I have noticed that I have to go to the bathroom alot, but it had many skin look better!

2.  Do NOT drink diet drinks because I don’t want my body to feel it is not getting real sugar.  I have read somewhere, while back, that people who drink diet drinks to avoid extra calories wind up tricking their bodies; so when they eat sugar the body stores them like crazy … which in turn, turns into fat!

3.  Graze … Graze.  Eat throughout the day!  Eating 5 (five) times a day if possible!

4.  Eat 1/2 of what you were eating: i.e. if you eat a whole cheeseburger in the past then cut it in half and eat that much only!

5.  I have a jar of Special K cereal out so when I feel little hungry I just grab a small hand full and eat it.  This way your stomach has something to work with, and keeps the food craving down.

6.  Before dinner time I grab a cookie … well, it’s Who’nu cookie because of product’s claim (serving of veg, and etc).  Why do I do this?  Well … unfortunatley, if I am on a diet or not I have to make food for the family.  This is one of the main reasons why “mommies” can’t keep weight down because they are making food for their family and wound up eating eating and tasting everything.  So .. this way I am not tempted to grab a spoon full of pasta or potato or whatever it is I am cooking for the fam.

7.  If I am eating a dessert … I use my 5 bite/spoon rule (of course this is small bites and not using serving spoon to consider it a “spoon.”  I have tried it for fun!)

8.  Have a huge container of carrots!  In between meals when I feel hungry I grab a bowl and chomp on it.  I would prefer dunking it in a ranch dressing, but it defeats the purpose so I have been using regular Italian dressing.  Not only this dressing will not stick to the carrot, like ranch dressing, but gives it the naughty goodness taste … I don’t feel like I am on a diet feel too!

9.  Avoid alcohol as much as possible.  Thankfully I am not a heavy drinker, and will drink glass of wine once a month or so.  So, this doesn’t really affect me too much.

10.  I have been using Tracy Anderson video to firm up my abs as well.  This is not for a real weight loss reason, but for swim season!  It’s fast approaching ladies and gentlemen!

I think that is about it!  I am eating and cooking whatever my family wants, which really helps out financially and psychologically, and I don’t feel like I am on a diet per say.  I have to tell you, honestly, that it was little bit tough in the beginning because I was hungry and had stomach aches in the beginning (I used to eat two bowls of spaghetti so my stomach has been stretched out to house this much amount of food), but now it is getting much better and easier!

Also, since I have kids I have to make sure that the word “DIET” is not used in the house (or kids don’t hear me say it) because I don’t want to negatively affect how my kids see themselves.  It’s really sad that girls and boy, today, are on diet or have eating disorders as young as 8 years old because they don’t look like the other kids or kids on TV … really sad, but true.

With that said … wish me luck!  I am planning on losing another 15 lbs (my ultimate goal)!

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Generally, the types of wood used in today’s saunas are cedar, hemlock, basswood, spruce, and Aspen; however, the most common woods are cedar and hemlock for infrared saunas.

We all know what cedar woods are.  People use cedar woods for many different purposes and uses; such as decks, plant boxes, play houses, roofs, sidings, fences and etc.

Not only cedar woods are durable, in rough environmental conditions, but it is also fragrant and great for repelling insects.

Many people prefer cedar wood vs hemlock because of its characteristics, durability, and traditional mindset.  First, smell of cedar wood during sauna session gives the users the feel of “real sauna” experience, it is virtually maintenance free, and many consider only true saunas are made out of cedar.

For instance, in Finland, where sauna was first created for health and wellness purpose, cedar saunas are standard and the norm rather than exception.

So … it’s down to hemlock wood.  What is hemlock wood and is it better than cedar wood?

Hemlock wood is a straight grained wood that many builders and manufacturers uses to build saunas (and other projects) because of its price point.

Hemlock is a cheaper alternative to cedar wood and it comes from Canadian hemlock tree.  Similar to cedar wood it is non-toxic to humans and has slight natural wood aroma.

Unlike cedar wood, hemlock wood is much lighter in color … it reminds me of plywood or pine wood look to it; but still very beautiful in sauna.

We have had our hemlock infrared sauna for two years (or so) now and it still looks beautiful!  It does still look new and still have “woodsy” smell to it every time I run it.

If you want a sauna, but do not want to hash out thousands and thousands of dollars then hemlock infrared sauna is a great alternative.

If you price search online cedar vs hemlock wood saunas you have already realized the price difference.  For instance, cedar wood saunas (new and unused saunas) run as low as $2,200 to whopping $11,000.  Of course, this does not include manpower to construct together and shipping/handling fees.

Many times the sellers/manufacturers/stores will eliminate the shipping/handling fees, but I consider this the least of the problem.

Many companies have stated that saunas may increase the value of property; however, I could not find the exact value percentage, and do warn the home owners do not break the bank to install saunas.

According Amy Nutt, ” … invest does indeed add to thevalue of the home.  OF course, the more elaborate the sauna, the more value it adds.  But … no reason to break the bank … Installing a sauna that is too large results in wasted money …”

In addition to Nutt, you can never recover everything you spent on the house; especially in today’s market.  Also, where you live factors into your investment: i.e. sauna in tropical areas (Florida or Arizona) will not be wise.  Sauna is like a swiming pool in the backyard concept; so bewise.

With that said … my husband and I love your hemlock infrared sauna especially now when it is so cold outside!

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If you are one of the fortunate people with great health insurance, or any kind of health insurance, than you are lucky.

Between companies decreasing health benefits to their employees, being unemployed, and tough economic times today are creating increasing number of adults and children to be uninsured!

It is really unfortunate because we are living in an industrialized country, and NOT living in a third world country!

In 2007, a 12 year old homeless child died from an infection that started with an abscessed tooth; which later spread to his brain.  Why did this happen?  Well … Driver’s family Medicaid coverage lapsed!

How shameful is that?  A boy died from an infected tooth!

Of course this is a extreme case, but how about people today unable to pay for their hospital bills?

There are many insurance companies who will not coverage pregnancies or will cover after being with the company for 18 months – 2 years.  Of course, planing pregnancies are well advised, but how about when you don’t have control over this gift?

I think many people will try their best to pay for their hospital bills (I don’t think they are out there to rob hospitals … I believe that people are good!), but when you don’t have money to pay then what do you do?

Ignoring them will not make them go away … it will ONLY get worse because they will put it in collections; which in turn ruin your credit scores.

Making $25 a month to a $10,000 hospital bill will entertain the hospital for so long, but eventually will grow tire of your “attempt” and take drastic measures.

Companies keep on saying “good faith” action is better than nothing, but I don’t believe it’s the case.  Their perception of good faith is totally different than your perception of good faith.

For instance, they will make a $100/month payment plan for you (and they make sure that you know how GREAT they are to make such payment arrangement), and you agree because $100/mth is easier swallow than trying to pay $200/mth payment.

Soon … it will overwhelm you and you stop making payments completely.  What do they do?  Calls and collections.

Here are great tips on paying off your medical/hospital bills, and future savings on your health/doctor bills.

Just a reminder … I am not a financial advise or a collection educator.  I am a mere consumer who have saved (and saving) money on hospital and doctor bills.

1.  If you don’t have an insurance than make sure the office knows about it … tell them you are self-pay.  Many times doctors will give you significant discount if you pay at the time of a visit.  For instance, we are self-pay patients and our family doctors/pediatrician gives us 40% discounts on office visits — tests, special instructions and shots are not included in the discount.

I, and my family, receive additional discounts from a lab when blood work and lab tests are ordered by our doctors; I get 60% – 75% discount from the lab company when I pay them at the time of visit.

I was told by our physician and office staffs that it make sense for them to give self-pay patients discounts because they are not waiting to get their money from the insurance companies and health system.  Apparently, insurance companies and health organizations really drag out the reimbursement process to the doctors … in one case, the office had to wait 9 months to receive $69 in office visit fee!

This might not sound too impressing, but makes a huge difference in our hospital/heath bills.

2.  Negotiate your hospital bills with appropriate personnel!  Make sure to talk with the Account Manager and they can direct you to a right individual or department!

3.  Make payment plans that works for you!  Don’t let them come up with the amount!!!!  Do your house and personal finances and see what kind of payment plan you can make.  For instance, if you have $200 left at the end of the month than make a payment plan for $100 rather than $200 because you never know what kind of emergencies might happen.  Make sure the payment plan is comfortable and don’t over extend yourself!

4.  Most hospitals will have some sort of charity programs that will cover your hospital bill!  They will not advertise such program so YOU are responsible to ask!

5.  Make sure all the charges are accurate.

6.  Call on their BS!  Let me clarify this.  Just because they “said” does not mean that’s how it’s going to be.  Doctors are just like any other services you use … they provide services to YOU!

Of course, there are many circumstances where it’s out of your control, but do your homework and find out if other doctors and offices will provide you with better services for your money!

Remember … doctors it may be … are providing YOU with a service that YOU are paying.  Of course this will be all different if they were going to do it for FREE, but they are not; so you have the upper hand.

All-in-all, you have to do your homework and ultimately it’s your responsibility.

It’s getting really tough out there, but resources are out there …. you just have to ask.

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If you guys are thinking about buying a sauna than you NEED to check into infrared saunas.

Infrared Sauna

When my husband was talking about a saunas I was under the impression he was talking about one of those old fashion steam/water saunas or those ones that have heating rocks in them and/or ones with steam coming out of the units and etc.

What the heck do I know about a saunas?  Honestly, owning a sauna was the last thing on my mind.

I used to join Gold’s Gym when I was in college and I did use their sauna facility all the time.  I am not a work out person, and I really don’t like group exercise classes because I was always surrounded by skins young kids with skimpy workout outfits – they just made me look “bad.”

Anyhow … my brilliant husband said we (and yes, he said “we”) need to get a sauna for our health.  Health?  Are you serious?  What the heck is that sauna going to do for our health?

When he told me that I told him to take the dogs for a walk! Or taking the kids to the park!  Or go outside and cut the grass!  Or clean out the garage!  And etc.  Boy, I gave him so many options to get those sweating going.

Sadly … that was not the “fitness exercise” he was looking for.

Okay … back to these infrared saunas.  These saunas use infrared heaters and emit infrared radiant heat.  Apparently, these saunas are better for people because this type of heat is directly absorbed into the human body; unlike traditional saunas where the heat heats the body indirectly through air or steam.

Wiki described the infrared saunas:

“An infrared sauna is usually a small portable room containing several infrared heaters.  In an infrared sauna, the infrared heater produces

Infrared vs. Traditional

radiant energy, which is the same as the heat from the sun, only without the harmful ultraviolet rays.  Most of these heaters draw on technology developed in 1965 by Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa, a member of the Research and Development Department of Fuji Medical (Wiki).”

Moreover, infrared sauna’s benefits include, but are not limited to …

1)     Heat penetrates more than 1.5 inches into the body
2)     Increase circulation in the body
3)     Benefits to patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondlitis – decrease pain and stiffness, decrease fatigue, and etc
4)     Some websites claim that these saunas will help you with weight loss; but I think it’s a BS
5)     Helps out with acne
6)     Detoxifies your body
7)     Helps treat bronchitis

Also … it’s relatively cheap to run these saunas — according to our sauna’s manufacturer it uses same amount of energy as a household toaster.

It’s important to mention that there are so many “benefits” to the infrared saunaS, but I am little bit skeptical about “ALL” the benefits that some websites promises and claimes.

Well it’s been couple of months now since we bought the sauna, and we have used it every other day.  I have noticed that my face skin seems to be cleared out – the blackheads on my nose seems lighter.

However, it has interfered with my overall skin textures – I keep on getting little bumps/zits on back of my arms and side of my legs.

I have not called my doctor about the conditions, yet, but it’s not so bad that I have to stop using it.

I am going to use it couple of more weeks to see if there are some correlation between my general skin texture and the sauna.

I will keep you guys up-to-date about the sauna.

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Reference:

Infrared sauna.  Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia.  Retrieved 7/6/2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_sauna

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I don’t like to exercise, and I love to eat – lots and lots of food that’s not good for my body: i.e. chips, desserts (especially cheesecake), pop, French fries, and etc – I think you know where I am going with here.

After three beautiful kids, I still have over 35 pounds of “baby fat” to shed.  At one point I did get it down to 25 pounds, but I guess I am not that disciplined.

I guess my luck changed when I came across an article about Tracy Anderson, and some hope came to me.
I really want to tone my body; honestly, I don’t have to lose 35 pounds, but I want to look toned rather than “floppy.”

Tracy Anderson

If you guys are not familiar with her here is some information about her –

1.     Tracy Anderson is a dancer
2.    At age 18 she moved from her Midwest hometown to New York
3.    After gaining considerable weight she created her own workout methods
4.    She developed a “computer software program for training to guide her and allow her to keep the balance between weight loss and a healthy body (tracyandersonmethod.com).”
5.    She has been covered in numerous articles/magazines and e-zines – Cookie, Health, Marie Claire, Bazzar, Self, Elle, Allure, Parade, People, US, and etc
6.    Anderson’s clients, for personal training, includes Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow

I have read many reviews online, and it seems like most are happy with Anderson’s workout DVDs; especially “The Tracy Anderson Method presents Post Pregnancy Workout DVD.”

So, after reading reviews after reviews I decided to buy one for myself – I think I deserve it!

I don’t want to diet and I don’t want my children to grow up in an environment where mommy has to count points or calories, eat prepared meals, and etc – I DON’T WANT TO DEVELOP COMPLEX FOR THEM.

Today, there are so many young girls dieting or having eating disorders, and their self images of themselves are horrifying – how did we come to this where kids young as eight years old says they are overweight or they are fat or they don’t look like the models, and etc!!!

Well, I guess it’s another discussion forum right there.

Back to the point, I bought it on Amazon.com for $29.95 (I thought I could buy it cheaper on ebay, but the cheapest one was selling for $39.95; so that’s no go) plus $3.95 overnight shipping.

Yes, I said $3.95 overnight shipping – Amazon offer Amazon Prime for free for a month so I took advantage of it.

It is supposed to come by Tuesday, and I can’t wait to try it out.

Alright ladies (and gents maybe) I will try it out and let you know ASAP.

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I have been sick for past three days, and I feel like I am going to die!

I had the basic “severe” cold symptoms: i.e. headaches, body aches, stiff neck, sore throat, sinus pressure, congestion, vomiting, and etc.

Sick in Bed

I don’t know about you guys, but I can be a hypocondriate – So, I told my husband I feel like I had meningitis.

The symptoms of meningitis are so similar to severe cold – so I always expect the worst.

Alright, I shouldn’t flatter myself – I am not a college student or in my late teens or in twenties, I don’t randomly kiss strangers I meet at parties, or are exposed to young people.

So as a “drama queen,” I told my husband that I was dying, I gave him a blessing to marry another woman after I die (BUT he has to wait a year before remarrying – I want him to mourn me), make sure the “step mom” takes care of children, and etc.

Wow, right?  I did mention I was a “drama queen!”

Of course, my husband started to laugh at my statements, and gave me two Alka-Seltzer Plus capsules along with a bottle of water.

Within few minutes after taking my medicine I fell right asleep on the couch.  The next morning I gave my husband a great hug, thanked him for taking great care of me while I was sick, and took everything back about him getting remarrying.

Haha … what people say when they think they are dying!  Unfortunately, every single time I get sick I tell him that too, and the next morning I usually take it back – my husband is so adorable!!

Alright, back to meningitis.

Meningitis is an “infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain (Meningococcal Disease).”

Bacteria: meningitis

Unfortunately, this bacterial infection discriminate against toddlers, adolescent, and young adults – infection affect about 3,000 Americans and out of that number 10- 12% will die.

Moreover, 20% of meningococcal disease survivors will have permanent disabilities – i.e. brain damage, kidney disease, hearing loss or loss of limbs.

Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, stiff neck (anyone over 2 years of age), headaches, nausea, vomiting, can’t look at bright lights without discomfort, confusion, and sleepiness.

These symptoms can develop rather quickly (matter of hours) or develop quite slowly (1 – 2 days) – See, now you can understand why I was freaking out?

Early diagnosis is important, but many do not go see their doctors because it does have similar symptoms as the common cold; however, it is treatable with antibiotics if detected early.

It is important to understand that some form of meningitis bacteria are contagious, and spread through coughing or kissing.  Just check out the CDC website for full description and information on meningitis.

I recently saw a commercial about a new vaccinations against meningitis for teens between ages 11 to 18 called Menactra: Meningococcal (Groups A,C, Y and W-135) Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vacciine.

Menactra

According to Sanofi Pasteur Inc website the vaccine helps protect children against most common meningitis bacterial strains – A, C, Y and W-135, it is a single shot, and CDC recommends the shot.

Of course, it is all up to individual parents to give or not to give such vaccine to their children – as for me, I will give it to my children when they turn requirement age.

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Meningococcal Disease: Frequently Asked Questions.  CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial/faqs.htm (1/31/09).

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I recently came across an interesting article, The Cost of Successful Delivery with in Vitro Fertilization, and I can’t believe how expensive it is.

IVF

I am aware of IVF Click Here! procedures, but I didn’t realize how expensive it was.

Of course, most health insurance companies do not cover it, and it’s a real pity that they won’t even partially reimburse the couples. 

According to Dr. Greenfield, cost of In Vitro fertilization “On Average, each cycle of treatment can cost $4,000 to $10,000.  And many couples take more than one cycle to get pregnant (Greenfild, M.D.)”

Since it is such an expensive procedure only about “5% of couples with infertility seek it out.  However, … IVF and other similar techniques have resulted in more than 200,000 babies (Mathis).”

Prices will differ depending on the states you live, amount of medications you might need, the number of IVF cycles you need, and the “amount your insurance company will pay toward the procedure (Mathis).”

Mathis also suggested, “…thoroughly investigate your insurance company’s coverage of IVF and ask for a written statement of your benefits.  Although some states have enacted laws requiring insurance companies to cover at least some of the costs of infertility treatment, many states haven’t.”

Read about this study and you’ll be amazed, and also grateful for your kids (how blessed you are to experience motherhood)!

The below contents are taken from Direct Excer from the journal:

 ABSTRACT

Background The use of in vitro fertilization has engendered considerable debate about who should have the procedure, whether health insurance should cover the cost, and if so, to what extent. We investigated the cost of a successful delivery with in vitro fertilization.

Methods We calculated the cost per successful delivery with in vitro fertilization (defined as at least one live birth) for a general population of couples undergoing in vitro fertilization and for two subgroups: couples with a diagnosis of tubal disease (who have a better chance of success), and couples in which the woman is over the age of 40 years and the man has a low sperm count (who have a lower chance of success). Information on charges per cycle of in vitro fertilization was obtained from six facilities across the country; delivery rates with this procedure were estimated from the literature.

Results On average, the cost incurred per successful delivery with in vitro fertilization increases from $66,667 for the first cycle of in vitro fertilization to $114,286 by the sixth cycle. The cost increases because with each cycle in which fertilization fails, the probability that a subsequent effort will be successful declines. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the cost per delivery ranges from $44,000 to $211,940. For couples with a better chance of successful in vitro fertilization (i.e., those with a diagnosis of tubal disease), it costs $50,000 per delivery for the first cycle and $72,727 for the sixth. For couples in which the woman is older and there is a diagnosis of male-factor infertility, the cost rises from $160,000 for the first cycle to $800,000 for the sixth.

Conclusions The debate about insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization must take into account ethical judgments and social values. But analyses of costs and cost effectiveness help elucidate the economic implications of using in vitro fertilization and thus inform the policy discussion.

Interesting, huh?  I just can’t believe it!!  Tomorrow I am going to cover the cost of adoptions, and pros/cons of it as well.

Greenfield, M., M.D. The Cost of In Vitro Fertilization.  Drspock.com  Retrieved from http://www.drspock.com/faq/0,1511,10434,00.html (1/22/09).

Mathis, C. A Couple Guide: Trying to Conceive.  Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/in_vitro_fertilization (1/22/09).

Neumann, P.J., Gharib, S.D., and Weinstein, M.C.  The Cost a Successful Delivery with in Vitro Fertilization. The NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL of MEDICINE.  Vol 331:239-243 July 28, 1994 Number 4.

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A New Year – a new resolution (well, the same resolution as last year, and the year before that, and year before that)!

Scale

I need to shed 30 plus pounds of excess weight Click Here!, and like most of you I have little time and love food.  My doctor friend told me that “some eat to survive, and most live to eat!”

Wow, how true it that!  I love food (especially the junk foods), and food loves me – I have love handles, flabby arm wings, and Santa Claus belly.

Alright, it is not that bad, but bad enough to start worrying about it now.

My husband says to me all the time that I still look beautiful, and the extra weight does not bother him at all – “You look beautiful to me if you gain 100 pounds or lose 10 pounds!”

How sweet is that?  He is the best!

However, like most women in the world, I have some self-esteem issues – I never look pretty enough, or skinny enough, funny enough, and so on.  Honestly, it can be quite tiresome (even to me – this self pity party can be quite exhausting), and I don’t know how my husband puts up with it!

I should just come to terms with it – I love food, so I should both shut up (and eat whatever I want) or do something about it.  However, I think it’s easier to complain about it rather than disciplining my diet low fat cooking) and exercise.  

Junk Food

One of my friends works at a Jenny Craig’s store, and she has lost tons of weight eating their food – honestly, she looks GOOD!  

I know their system works (as long as you stick with their food), but it costs close to $500 a month for a single person.

So I did my math – I would need at least $1,500 to feed myself and my family – that’s quite expensive!

Did you know that according Sharyn Alfonsi, “Americans spend about $35 billion a year on weight-loss products (McNamara).”

I believe it … I am guilty of spending my hard earned money on weight loss programs, diet pills, that burn body fat – I just wanted to lose the weight without exercising or eating the right food.

Exercise

I am guilty of being lazy, but I am dedicated now.  I am going to make better decisions – eating healthy foods, avoid chips, minimize restaurant foods, join a fitness center and love myself.

There is no such a thing as a easy way out!  I am going to do it, and wish you lots of luck (if your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight).

McNamara, M. (2006).  Diet Industry Is Big Business.  CBS Evening News.  Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/01/eveningnews/main2222867.shtml  (1/20/2009).

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Panic Attack

Have you ever experienced tightness of the chest, upset stomach, hard time breathing, terror, and just feel you have to escape?

You probably experienced a PANIC ATTACK Click Here!.

If you didn’t know panic attacks are an anxiety disorder, and it affects about three million people in United States. 

As long as I could remember I experienced my chest tightening up, my stomach fluttered by butterflies, and I desperately looked for a way out.

I honestly don’t remember if my parents were aware of my problem, but I remember the ups and downs of my mental health – it was an emotional rollercoaster.

I am not blaming them what-so-ever (it was a taboo to give your child a “mental” pill in my days), but I wish I knew what was going on with me.

I couldn’t talk to my parents about it, and definitely couldn’t tell the doctor fearing that they would think I was a mental case – I didn’t want my parents to be ashamed of me.

I blamed myself, growing up, why I couldn’t function, and why I wasn’t normal – everything thoughts and actions led to more panic attacks; it was never ending.

My salvation came when I met my husband.

My husband never judged me, and he was the one who forced me to see a doctor of my problem – my panic attacks were interfering with our lives.

That poor man went through so much with me, and he always stuck by my side ensuring me it would all be okay.

After seeing my physician he and I came up with a solution to control my panic attacks.  It is not gone (I don’t think you can get rid of it completely), but I am in control of it – it is no longer controlling my life.

It is essential for you (or someone you know) to get help if you experience panic attacks/anxiety disorder before it controls your life.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Youth obesity Click Here! has more than doubled in 20 years among children between the ages of six to 11 (or from 6.5% in 1980 to 17.0% in year 2006)*. On the other hand, obesity in adolescents (12 – 19) increased from 5% to 17.6%.

So what is obesity?  Medical definition of obesity is defined as “… abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual’s ideal body weight**.”

Unlike what most of you might think of obesity (eating unhealthy foods and not exercising) there is no one clear factor leading to obesity, but many complex combination of factors.

For instance, there’s a genetics factor (genetic predisposition), eating habits, physical activity, type of lifestyle, and psychological factor.  However, it’s important to have good nutrition and plenty of fitness activities.

I remember growing up playing with my friends and other neighborhood kids riding the bicycle, running, walking, playing softball, and etc until the street light went on.

We even walked to home after school – if you miss the bus or don’t want to ride the bus home, you had no choice but to walk — there was no “let’s call mom or dad.”

I am one of the guilty moms driving the children around here and there because I worry and think of the worst – there are more crazies out there today.

Yes, you are right — there were crazies out there when we were growing up, but between the media, internet, and parent awareness we see and hear about everything and anything.

Yes, my generation (my fellow parents) has become wusses.  We drive them everywhere, put child safety gear on everything, helmets and knee pads, anti-bacteria wipes and pumps, and etc – don’t worry I am guilty as well.

Don’t you remember playing on the asphalt play ground?  Remember the monkey bars (now they don’t even put it in the play ground)?  Don’t you remember flying out of the swing? — I actually caught my older child doing that and I freaked out!

Wow, how time changes?  We are raising a generation of wimps; however, I rather have a wimpy child than a hurt child.

*Health Youth!  Health topics: Childhood Obesity.  Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion — CDC.  http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/obesity/index.htm

** Obesity.  The Free Dictionary.  http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/obesity

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Many of you women have experienced or are experiencing unpleasant and painful sensation when urinating.

If you didn’t know, UTI is the second most common infection in the body, and women are especially prone to it – key reason is the autonomy of women.  Women have shorter urethra so the bacteria have better chance reaching the bladder.

To make womanhood more difficult than it is half of all women population will experience at least one UTI during her lifetime. 

In addition, according to Ambulatory Care Visits to Physician Offices, Hospital Outpatient Departments and Emergency Departments: US, stated that UTI accounts for more than 8.3 million doctor visits every year.
The causes of UTI are simple – tiny organism clings to the urethra opening and multiply, and a common infection comes from Escherichia coli or E. Coli.

Symptoms include frequent urges of urination, burning sensation, only small amount of urine passes through, and sometimes there is blood in the urine (or hematuria).

So who’s at risk and what are the risk factors?  Well, being a woman is number one risk.  Second, being sexually active increases the chances of developing an UTI or increases reoccurrences of UTI. 

Other risk factors are being on certain type birth control methods (e.g. diaphragm users and spermicide agent users are at higher risks), aging, kidney stones, diabetes or other chronic illnesses, or prolong use of catheters.

As you might all know by now, when you experience UTI or feels UTI coming on, antibiotic treatment will be prescribed to you to eliminate UTI.

Yes, there are preventative methods Click Here! – drinking cranberry juice and drinking lots of fluid such as water, wiping from front to back, not holding on to your urine in your bladder for a long period of time, empting your bladder after sex (as soon as possible), and avoiding heavily scented or highly irritating feminine products.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

I thought going organic was the latest fad in our society, including myself, however it has stayed in our society for good.  I have never been really food conscious person before my children were born (drank and ate whatever I wanted when I was on my own).

Both of my parents were very strict with our consumption: i.e. no pop (sodas) at dinner time, no chips unless we had a company, no Sunny Delights, no donuts, and no McDonald (As matter of fact, I think I had my first McD. in high school field trip) — I think you know where I am going here. 

Even though my parents were very strict, they didn’t shop natural groceries (a.k.a. health food stores) or go to local farmers markets or specialty and gourmet stores.  They went to regular grocery stores, and shop for things that were on sale or things we just need.

So, by the time I had my children going organics had became very trendy.  I don’t think the word trendy justifies what I am trying to say here.  Actually between the media and other moms, I have dealt with, made it almost a prerequisite for all moms to feed their children natural cuisines.   

Of course, as a first time mom (some degree pretentious) I thought this was very important in our child’s daily diet.  For a while I really did try buy all natural produce, as much as possible, but it is just getting too expensive. 

According to official food agencies, around the world, they unanimously claimed that there is no evidence that organics have superior nutritional value than conventional sustenance.  However, it does reveal that consumers and the industry support and claim that their products are safer and higher in nutrition in comparison with its competitors’ products.

On the other hand, Grinning Planet’s website published a claimed that “ …data compiled by the US Department of Agriculture, reveal that since the 1940s the mineral levels in fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy have declined substantially in conventional foods. Combine this with earlier (pre-ripened) picking, longer storage, and more processing of crops, and it’s not surprising that we may be getting fewer nutrients in our food than we were 60 years ago.” (http://www.grinningplanet.com/2005/12-27/health-benefits-of-organic-food-article.htm)

With that said, I think it’s all about personal preference and family income to sustain such “healthy” appetite.  Also, these products have become more readily available for average consumers, but for my family, I only buy when it’s on sale.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

I came across an article after I ate a hefty portion of turkey stuffing cooked inside a bird – just my luck.  My mom always cooked the stuffing inside the turkey; so, that’s all I know.  I think most of the women learned how to cook from their mothers (yes, there are exceptions to the rule), and stuffing the turkey with stuffing is part of cooking turkey for the holiday.

Let me tell you first hand, I am not a chef and most of the times I can barely boil a pot of water.  But … I am getting better – it can only get better, right? 

Back to my point, food poisoning is caused by bacteria and it can make people very sick; especially the elderly, young children, and people with immune problems. 

Sad to say this, but cooking stuffing inside the turkey is a big no-no.  If you know how to do it properly (handling food in safe manner) and wants to continue on the tradition of cooking the stuffing inside a bird than it’s all on you.  However, stuffing cooked in a turkey may not get hot enough so you may not be killing all bacteria. 

People generally take the temperature of the turkey, not the stuffing, to make sure the turkey and the stuffing is done.  If the stuffing is tightly compacted inside the turkey, you are creating greater risk of creating (not killing off) bacteria.  According to Florida-Agriculture website “…center is even more insulated during cooking from the bacteria-killing heat.” 

On the other hand, if you are cooking the turkey longer, to kill of “all” bacteria, you will have a drier turkey – which really isn’t all that tasty.  So what are you supposed to do? 

First and foremost — cook the stuffing separately from the bird!! 

Second — To have a more flavorful stuffing use chicken broth rather than using water, and use extra onion, celery, and apples to keep the stuffing more moist. 

So next year, if your goal is to make sure all of your guests are still standing after the dinner party, cook the stuffing separately from the turkey.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

We protect our children from falling, peer pressures, broken hearts, burning their fingers, and etc.  We would rather have all these pains ourselves rather than seeing our children hurt. 

However, I think we sometimes overlook more serious safety issues – protecting our young ones from sexual predators.  We all have seem Dateline segments, “To Catch a Predator” or heard it in the local news about abducted children or sexually abused children by strangers or neighbors or even with family members.  I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED BY PEOPLE WHO HARM CHILDREN !! 

In Illinois, you can obtain the list of sex offenders and/or offenders who have committed certain crimes against children from Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification – it’s a public record. 

If you want immediate access, with maps and graphs, you can obtain similar records online as well.  You guys already probably know this, but you can pay around $10 online to get the map of these offenders – they show you where these offenders are living. 

I have never used these “pay” services myself, but I think they have more options and services.  For instance, one of the websites I have checked out, provides (when available) offenders name, offense details, conviction details, last known address, offender photo, and etc. 

On the other hand, if you are not willing to pay, you can also obtain similar information for free online – just go to http://www.familywatchdog.us/.  I just go to the “find offenders” section on the page and see in on the map where these individuals are living at. 

In additions to the locations of sex offenders you can also view product recalls (toys, candles, clothes, ovens, and etc.), and get access to FDA information on current food and drug recalls as well.  I think it’s worth check out. 

Oh, that reminds me, when we bought our place I used this website to select the house we are living in.  For those who are looking to buy a home or relocating or renting to a new location use this website – you’ll probably sleep better at night. 

Of course there are no 100% guarantees, but you can take precautionary measures for you and your family.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

This is a follow up on the existing article “People with Asthma.”

I just refilled my prescription, Advair Hfa, and it cost close to $180!  I had no choice but to fill it.  According to the pharmacist, at my local drug store, he didn’t know if there was a generic form of Advair Hfa, and he was right.  

There’s a generic name for Advair, which is Fluticasone/Salmeterol Inhaler (floo-TIK-a-sone/sal-ME-ter-ol), and the brand name is Advair HFA Inhaler.  Unfortunately, there’s no generic fluticasone and salmeterol licensed for sale in U.S.  

You can buy it online for about $106 (including shipping), and you have to have legitimate prescription from your doctor – it’s all up to you and your doctor. 

Keep in mind that I am not a doctor or a pharmacist or a distributor – I am here to offer options so please talk with your doctor and with your local pharmacist.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

There are roughly 22 million Americans suffering from asthma, and symptoms are commonly known: i.e. tightness of chest, wheezing, hard time catching your breath and breathing in general, and coughing. 

Basically people have asthma when their airways are inflamed — causing airways to tighten-up which in turn makes the air to flow into your lungs less efficiently. 

My asthma is mostly triggered by my allergy to our house pets: cat and a dog.  My doctor has advised me strongly to get rid of our house members, but I don’t have the heart to say “ciao.”
So, my doctor prescribed me a new inhaler, Advair, in addition to my fast acting Albuterol inhaler to control my asthma.  Unfortunately, my Advair costs over $185 a piece!!  Fortunately, I didn’t have insurance and I received my Advair for free – Yeah!! 

If you check out their website, www.advair.com, there’s a link to “eligibility” to receive such offer. All you have to do is fill out the paper, direct which pharmacy you are using, and make sure you are indeed eligible to receive free month supply of Advair.

Also, there are other special offers as well.  For instance, there a $10 off next refill (for new and existing patients) with more savings in the future, and information materials about managing asthma in the mail.  The link is http://www.advair.com/beyond/landing_popup.jsp. 

Ever since I have been using my Advair, my problems has been under full control, but am now looking for an generic version or a substitute of Advair – it’s just too expensive.  I have seen online stores offering generic Advair and Canadian online drug stores. 

However, I have encountered similar problems as most of you – still too expensive!  So the search will go on! 

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Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/