Honey, Nature's Health Elixir (c) By Polly Guerin

Thanks to the cunning little yellow and black critters, the bee turns nectar from flowers and plants into honey and stores it as a food source in the extraordinary wax honeycombs inside the beehive. Such architects of honeycomb construction are nature’s builders, and as humans we depend on this elixir of health not only as a sweetener, but as a food, drink and even medicine. Honey application to the skin is a good tonic to soothe burns, chapped lips, skin problems and it even helps to cure a sore throat. When humans harvest honey they typically either process it for resale in grocery stores and other outlets. As such these are good products but, I prefer raw honey which is typically found in health food stores, holistic and farmers’ markets.

A SWEET ELIXIR

When the great American prophet Edgar Cayce was asked, “What type of sweets may be eaten by the body?” He replied, “Honey, especially in the honeycomb; or preserves made with beet rather than cane sugar. Not too great a quantity of any of these, of course, but the forces in sweets to make for the proper activity through the action of the gastric flows are as necessary as body-building elements. Hence two or three times a week the honey upon the bread or the food values would furnish that necessary in the whole system.” How could I forget this sound advice? I remember my father’s favorite treat was spreading honey on toast.

HONEY THROUGHOUT THE AGES

The benefits of honey were discovered since the dawning of civilization. The frequent Biblical references to milk and honey provide a clue to the importance of these two oldest nutrients. Further evidence, provided in the archives of ancient cultures, include documents from, India, Egypt, Persia, Babylon and Assyria that attest to the fact that bees were already domesticated and extensively used for a variety of nutrient purposes and medicine. Honey in the ancient world was a valued commodity. Taxes and tributes were imposed in the form of payments of honey and wax. It was the equivalent to currency. Honey played a vital role in domestic life throughout the age and continues to do so today.

“HONEY” AND BEAUTY

It may have been by accident that a beekeeper’s wife discovered that working with honey during the collecting season her hands became soft and smooth. So she gave herself a honey facial. Honey in cosmetics is as popular today as it was for the ancients. Poppea, the comely wife of Nero, who employed a hundred slaves to attend her beauty, used honey and tepid asses’ milk as a face lotion. Roman women knew a thing or two about this cosmetic tonic and even Louis XV’s mistresses, Madame du Barry and other royals used honey in their toilet preparations. Honey packs, honey masks honey facials and hand creams are easily available today so that modern women can soften her skin and soothe facial wrinkles. For an at-home remedy simply pull your hair back and apply raw liquid honey to your face and neck and let it stand 15 minutes then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Voila!!! There my dear is all you need do as a regular beauty regimen.

A WORLD WITHOUT HONEY

Bee colonies have been threatened quite recently and honey bee colonies have been disappearing at an alarming rate. The good news is that the Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Md. (a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) is studying this dilemma and reports that honey bee colony loses are down from previous reports. The cause they cite is a parasite and some say it’s caused by inbreeding. Nonetheless, measures are being taken to address the problem and to restore the bee colonies.

HONEY FOREVER

The beauty regime of Italian and Spanish women gives us cause to consider the benefits of honey. Their beautiful complexions are due not solely to olive oil but also to honey, which will greatly improve not only the color but the texture of the skin. No need to restrict its use to external application do as the Creole women of Louisiana suggest and rub your entire body with a lotion consisting of honey and water, to which add spices of your choice. Nature’s greatest gift is honey the golden elixir to good health that helps to stimulate and support the body’s own healing process.

Herbs That Make You Feel Better (c) By Polly Guerin

Cultivating herbs for health is so easy that you can grow them in your window box or garden and reap the “feel good” benefits without even leaving home. Right at your fingertips for so little effort herbs’ have an innate ability to lift one’s spirits, produce calm, boost memory and mood, and even lower anxiety. You don’t need to be a gardener to plant herbs that contain the seeds of health-promoting antioxidants and anti-inflammatory seeds of renewal. Fresh herbs’ potency is higher than the dried variety. All the reason to grow your own.
PLANTER’S ADVICE
To plant an herb garden all you need are some earthenware flower pots, a window box or a sunny spot in your backyard or front lawn. The good news for amateur gardeners is that in general, herbs tend not to be very fussy about soil, don’t require optimal fertilization, and are seldom bothered to any extent by bugs. If your local nursery doesn’t have herbs find them on the Internet at horizonherbs.com. During the growing season, keep the plants moist and cut them back frequently to encourage growth. Imagine the convenience and the pleasure of plucking herbs to enhance any meal.
ROSEMARY PLEASURES
With its green earthiness and fragrant essence, Rosemary can help to reduce joint pain and is effective for weakness in the limbs. Both tension and depression are said to respond to the charms of rosemary. Greek students must have known that rosemary improves memory. Why else would they have worn garlands of rosemary around their heads? Chefs know a thing or two about rosemary in the kitchen. It can perk up the simplest meal. Toss it into salads, tie it into bunches for the stock pot, give a roast a boost and add jazz up dressing oil, stir it into softened butter for topping baked potatoes, whisk it into eggs for omelets, stir it into mayonnaise or mustard---are all delicious ways to get the goodness.
PEPPY PEPPERMINT
Peppermint’s brisk aroma and stimulating taste make it a fine beverage anytime to perk up a lackluster feeling, and it has the wonderful ability to make the stomach happy, settles and upset stomach and is an excellent remedy when you feel nauseous. Peppermint tea soothes headaches so drink a few strong cups and lie down and let nature over pills takes its course of recovery. The source of menthol, peppermint is one of the oldest household remedies and grows easily in almost any garden. A word of caution!!! Peppermint is such a vigorous grower that you must watch your peppermint patch carefully or it will completely take over your garden, lawn or window box. This is one plant that grows best in a separate bed. Put zest into any salad with fresh peppermint tossed in with the greens; add it to cream cheese for a tangy flavor. Sprigs of peppermint enhance summer coolers and other libations.
SAGE STIMULANTS
There’s no need to purchase expensive mouth washes, sage is highly valued, primarily as a gargle and mouthwash and for relieving sore throat pain or inflamed gums. However, you don’t have to have a problem to enjoy the bracing effect of sage. For a soothing beverage add half an ounce of fresh sage leaves to the juice of one lemon or lime. Sweeten with honey and infuse in a quart of boiling water. Remove from the heat, strain and serve hot or cold. My grandmother had an excellent winter tonic. Put a cup of fresh sage in an electric blender, mix and pulverize at high speed then pour into a bottle of claret or burgundy. To reap the benefits, during the winter months, sip small amounts, perhaps diluted in a small amount of water. Oh, so good to ease sore throats!!! Sage is a hardy perennial and likes a sunny area without strong wind and plenty of water, especially when it is young.
RED HOT CAYENNE
Don’t limit your enjoyment of cayenne to putting it on hoagies and steak sandwiches. Cayenne is one of the most effective herb medicines to treat fevers and when digested it is a harmless internal disinfectant. It’s best to take a capsule or two followed by two heaping glasses of water. Other authorities recommend cayenne as a powerful stimulant and a hangover remedy. If you can stomach the heat, mature red peppers are bursting not only with heat, but nutrition. They have more vitamin C than anything else that you grow in your garden. Cultures that eat goodly amounts of hot peppers every day are also getting important amounts of iron, potassium, and niacin from these spicy foods. Cayenne plants should do as well as tomatoes or eggplant in the garden and when perfectly dry, the peppers can be ground into a fine powder and stored for later use.
BIBLICAL REFERENCES
Wild herbs have been long known from almost all historical writings to possess “curative” or healing qualities. Its beginnings have been traced back thousands of years. In the Bible, for example, over 100 plants are mentioned which have uses beyond their edible properties. Native American Indians used herbs on the American plains to cure a variety of ills and legions of ancient military doctors schooled in folk medicine have saved lives with the use of herb poultices. Mothers of yesteryear, schooled in the use of herbs, were the first nurses in a family, but few, if any young mother’s today, continue that tradition of herbal care. However, it is comforting to know that modern medicine is beginning to realize that many herbs, used wisely, are the gateway to maintaining or restoring health. If you want to learn more: Read Mark Bricklin’s book “Natural Healing,” (Rodale Press), a practical encyclopedia of natural healing.

RAINBOW RESULTS With Chakra Colors (c) by Polly Guerin

There’s more in a rainbow than meets the eye. It’s all the colors naturally found in sunlight split apart, enabling you to see each color separately but each rainbow color helps you to energize the Chakra centers in your body. A rainbow can send your spirits soaring, it can pump up your energy and even send stress beyond the rainbow. Waiting for a rainbow to appear to reap the benefits doesn’t happen with enough regularity to bring results. To quicken the pace just place a glass of water on a windowsill or better yet hang crystal beads in a window. As the sun’s rays pass through, rainbows will tweak your day in amazing ways.

HAVE A RAINBOW DAY

In my book, The Message is in the Rainbow © 2009 I discuss the powerful ‘feel good’ results that can be achieved merely by focusing on a particular color in the rainbow spectrum. Your root charka center is associated with the color red, your sacral center with the color orange, your solar plexus with the color yellow, your heart center with green, your throat center with blue, your brow center with indigo and your crown center with violet and white. Simply by visualizing the color can produce amazing results. How? Well to assist the process you could place a sheer chiffon scarf in a particular color over your head or purchase colored jells in an art store and hold them in your eye view.

JUMPSTART ENERGY WITH RED

Red is a passionate color and coloring your root chakra with red sends warmth and energy soaring through this center. The energy surge of Red has been known to stimulate circulation and give you that “Can Do” attitude. So don’t let cloudy days dim your outlook on life, carry a red umbrella. Wear red when you want to attract attention, but don’t wear a red suit to the job interview it might just get the interviewer flared up like a bull and your toreador skills won’t come in handy in this situation. Red is drama at the zenith of attention grabbing colors, no wonder sale signs blare their message in red. Put out the welcome mat and paint the entrance hall with touches of red. Its message puts an upbeat spin on entertaining.

TAKE AN ORANGE PLUNGE

Nothing invites happiness more than the color orange. Orange may lack the passion of red but its innate value as a happiness booster makes you feel more confident and energetic. Not everyone can wear orange but a splash of tangerine coaxes affection and perhaps a kiss. Perhaps now is the time to redecorate the family room. Paint a wall warm salmon and turn it into an inviting gathering space with plush orange plump pillows tossed on the sofa. Orange has a gentle flame of its own coloring warmth, enthusiasm and a joyful spirit. Think of a juicy orange and sink your teeth into the aroma that invites you to share the simple goodness of the fruit and happiness.

DIP INTO SUNNY YELLOW

Sunlight and sunflowers guarantee to boost optimism. I’ve often heard people say, “My, doesn’t she have a sunny disposition.” Such a person seems to have captured the sun inside their personality. They are always such a joy to be around. A bedroom decorated with sunny yellow sheets can bath you in a comfy warm glow and lull you to sleep in a bed of happy dreams. A bouquet of sunflowers plucked from the flower fields in Southern Europe has that homespun quality that seems to make the view come up with visions of a simpler, happy time. A dark hallway can be cheered up with yellow paint and lead the way to a warm reception.

HARMONIOUS GREEN

Who would ever think that green could have so many benefits? Every time you visual green or see it in décor you can feel the calm balancing quality of this color. Why? It encourages people to get along with each other and stifles argumentative confrontations in the home or office environment. It is Mother Nature’s color with the promise of rejuvenation, refreshing and rebirthing not only the spring season but with similar effects in home décor. Warm up your rooms with green grassy color and invited the outdoors in. It is associated with the heart chakra where compassion and love dwells.

BLUE HEAVEN AND PEACE

There’s a touch of serenity in the color blue. No wonder it’s America’s favorite color. It has a sense of permanency associated with the color of the constant sky, the cool waters of a pristine lake and the azure beauty in a rainbow. Blue imbues one’s psyche with calm it lowers your blood pressure and stabilizes your heart rate. When it comes to stressful moments stay ‘cool and collected’ seeing yourself through with blue visualization. True blue is Navy the color of authority and trustworthiness. Pile on the blue, especially in the bedroom the private oasis of calm and rest.

INDIGO BLUE THE ALL-SEEING EYE

The Indigo energy center is located just between your eyebrows, which is commonly called the third eye chakra. This is the center of intuitive thinking and a search for enlightenment is at its core. Such individuals are likely to be highly spiritual thinkers, perhaps motivational speakers. They inspire and uplift thinking to its highest level of development. Think Indigo and find your own spiritual awakening or let creativity flow as it never has done before. Indigo invites you to expand and to explore the universe. Make your world more meaningful and capture Indigo from the rainbow.
Make your home, your life a rainbow of happy, positive possibilities.

TONIC IN A TEACUP HEALTH BENEFITS (c)

Mary Cassatt's FIVE O'CLOCK TEA

TONIC IN A TEACUP ©
By Polly Guerin

Tea in the afternoon, tea parties, tea anytime may be a popular pastime but besides the comfort factor lies the many health benefits that drinking tea can provide. Plucked from Mother Nature’s tea garden tea not only quenches thirst, but it encourages friendship and conversation. Most significantly tea can be health promoting. Folk medicine, for example, has long valued tea for sore throats and upset stomachs. However, most people are not aware of which teas are the most beneficial. However, all teas are not created equal.

GREEN TEA IS SUPREME

A host of ailments appear to benefit positively from drinking green tea. Some studies have proven results but many health benefits are attributed to ancient folk lore and common sense. According to modern day researchers antimicrobial molecules contained in green tea helps to preserve teeth, but here’s the catch, as long as you don’t add sugar. Green tea could protect against common eye diseases like glaucoma, but assuredly the brew adds sparkle not only to the day but to your eyes. Depression may need medical attention, but regular exercise and drinking green tea creates the serenity, an oasis of calm that deflects negativity.

INSOMNIA BUSTER

One of the best is chamomile tea which has long been recognized by traditional herbalists as a harmless sedative. In laboratory tests patients were relieved of anxiety and fell into a deep slumber short after drinking chamomile tea. If you have insomnia, drinking herbal tea is not a magic potion. You cannot count on tea alone to induce sleep. The right kind of exercise can also aid the sleep process. It doesn’t mean that you have to exercise before retiring, but a good walk after dinner will be beneficial as well exercise done earlier in the day. Peppermint tea's brisk aroma and stimulating taste make it a fine hot beverage to soothe the stomach and even counteract headaches.

SCENTED TEAS

It’s a pleasant sensory pleasure to smell the aroma of brewed tea laced with spices, but here’s the catch, is the spiced tea real or is the scent sprayed on? Look at the label and the ingredients on spiced tea. It should contain pieces of actual spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, orange or lemon peel. That would be a genuine brew to satisfy your olfactory senses and at the same time provide soothing health benefits. Tea tastes vary; one tea enthusiast squirts lemon in her cup but may cringe at the sight of another pouring milk or honey. Don’t make this issue be a ‘tempest in a teacup,’ over nothing but preference. Just drink your tea and be satisfied.

A BRIEF TEA HISTORY

The birth of tea was quite a serendipitous event. Legend has it that one day in 2737 B.C. the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung was boiling water and some leaves from a nearby Camellia sinensis plant floated into the pot. When the emperor drank the brew he declared the potion he unwitting had brewed that day as tea. The incarnation of the tea bag was equally serendipitous when a Boston tea merchant (1900-05) began sending samples of tea in small silk bags to customers to try. And you know what happened next, the convenient little sacks of tea came to dominate the tea market. Iced tea made its debut in 1904 at the Louisiana State Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, Mo when the Far East Tea House couldn’t attract fair goers. After some quick witted person poured the hot tea over ice cubes, iced tea saved the day and is one of summer’s popular beverages.

TEA TIME TRIVIA

Our vocabulary is full of tea time trivia; a teacup full for one and how about ‘a tempest in a teacup’ an uproar about little or nothing. Drinking tea has also spurned a host of likely products from tea carts, to an elegant silver or chinaware tea service, the tea caddy, tea cozy, tea towels, tea cakes, tea biscuits, and social events like a tea party, a tea dance, a tea ball. But most of all let’s consider taking a ‘tea break,’ in the morning or afternoon to grant us an intermission from work and to savor tea’s delicious qualities and health benefits.

POETRY THERAPY A HEALTHY REMEDY (c)

April is National Poetry Month

POETRY THERAPY

A HEALTHY REMEDY ©
By Polly Guerin

Poetry is often neglected in today’s high tech society resulting most significantly by the preoccupation by individuals with text messaging, cell phone use, iPods and other mechanical devises. This causes a cold interaction with plastic and metal that does not enhance the human spirit. Constant use of high tech devices can cause an individual to feel out of sync with one of life’s greatest pleasures: the written or spoken word. The reading and reciting poetry has lingering and uplifting vibrations exciting pleasure by beautiful, imaginative, or elevated thoughts. Poetry can also be a health benefit that helps to create a feeling of serenity, an oasis of calm or an avenue of encouragement or enlightenment.

READING & RECITING POETRY

There’s a great deal of pleasure to be had when you are alone just by reading poetry, but reciting it out loud could also give you considerable satisfaction as the words replenish beautiful thoughts. When a few friends gather in a poetry circle and someone with a lovely voice recites the inspired words aloud the affect can have positive vibes on the listeners in the group. When deciding on poems to read, at first chose poems for their simplicity, mood and message. Just as they do in a book club, after the poem is read, engage the friendship circle in a lively discuss of shared responses to the poem. I remember how a delightful friend with an exquisite tone to her voice as well as her ability to articulate certain words with emphasis at a holiday party recited the poem, “T’was The Night Before Christmas.” (Clement Clarke Moore) Although many of us had read this poem many times before, as we heard it read out loud we were spellbound as if held my some magical force that elevated our holiday cheer.

A POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON LIFE

In my poem Broken Pieces, (by Polly guerin3/30/2010) for example, there is a message that each person can clearly define merely by reading it. As my dear friend Jan Cullinen said, “I really enjoyed it. Your positive outlook on life is so welcome in a world gone mad!” Yes, poetry can lift us out of the deluge of a computer driven and high tech society. If recited before retiring poetry can lull us to sleep, by day it can uplift our lackluster spirit, it can replenish our need to be centered and calm and it can have such a soothing effect that can make the workday seemingly pass with relative ease and efficiency.

BROOKEN PIECES ©

For your pleasure here is Broken Pieces: How am I to mend a broken heart? Each jagged piece is where I start; This tiny broken angle is a fragile part, of a treasured teacup bought on a lark; It began one Spring day, joy to savor, Something wonderful was in our favor; Life Unfolds with many twists ‘n turns, Like these broken pieces I learned; The glue of life reminds me anew, Of opportunities before we knew; Though rainy days will surely come, Keep courage up before you’re done; Amazing things are in God’s plan, Gluing the teacup pieces says ‘I can;’ Reap the rewards that are on their way, Be prepared mend the cup, don’t delay; Mold the teacup into a positive whole, Make solid affirmations your goal; Count your riches, family friends, Your joyful renewal should never end; Abundant life ‘n health your cup is full, Gluing teacup pieces is all you need do.”

REACTION TO THE POEM

I adore getting feedback from my friends and acquaintances and share a few with you. Patt Mihailoff, a celebrated author of mystery and romantic novels said, “Dear Polly, Only you can write though provoking prose about a broken tea cup and make it whole and beautiful once more. Thank you for sharing Broken Pieces.” Andrew Baseman of Andrew Baseman Design, an interior designer also mends antique broken pieces of china said, “Thanks so much for sharing your poem Broken Pieces. I forwarded your poem to the editor of Tea Time magazine.” Dear reader, won’t you please make a comment to this poem of your own or tell me about your favorite poem at the end of this blog in the comment section? If you do, thank you I will look forward to reading your response.

WRITE A POEM OF YOUR OWN

Why not write your own poem, you can do it and you do not need to be a wordsmith either. Keep it simple, rhyming two lines to start and before you know it you’ve created an inspiring work straight from your heart. Share it with your poetry circle; share it with family and friends. Read it out loud and savor the words as they flow gently from your imagination and inspired spirit. Wherever you live take the opportunity to attend poetry readings, be brave enough to ask if you might recite your own poem at another session. Get into the poetry grove and discover the great pleasure that poetry can bring to uplift your emotions, revitalize your appreciation and help you to recover the true meaning of a creative life.

RUBBING PEOPLE THE RIGHT WAY MASSAGE BENEFITS (C)

Relax, Rejuvenate, Revitalize, Revive Your Stamina, Massage Benefits (c)
By Polly Guerin

Demystifying the myth that massage is only a luxury pastime for individuals who frequent a tony Spa, it is evident that massage has come mainstream and is recognized today as a link to many health benefits. According to a recent study in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, massage therapy will not only tone up the body’s immune system, but also decrease pain and relieve other health symptoms. Edgar Cayce, the great American prophet who amazed the medical profession with his knowledge of health remedies also endorsed massage, “For the hydrotherapy and massage are preventive as well as curative measures. For the cleansing of the system allows the body-forces themselves to function normally, and thus eliminate poisons, congestions and conditions that would acute through the body.” (257-254)

THERAPEUTIC TOUCH

Massage or (manipulation) is the oldest and most instinctive healing method. In fact, studies have shown that by holding and cuddling premature babies they have a better survival rate. Babies and children, even teenagers and adults need to experience human touch because it plays an important role in mental and emotional development. In humans, quiet stroking of different parts of the body brings about a relaxing semi-hypnotic feeling that has a more favorable effect on the nervous system than tranquilizers or sleeping pills. The list goes on but the truth of the matter remains that after thousands of years of experience, it is easy to understand why massage administered by the human hand can never be supplanted by any machine or vibrator.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage is the active and passive movements of the joints, muscles, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments. Pressure and stretching may also be used in this therapy. Cayce recommended, “Take not just a few minutes, but set a period and make of it an occasion when the massage is given. Take from thirty minutes to an hour and a half to do it.” (l688-7).
A weekly massage can be both stimulating and relaxing. It affects every part of the body---nerves, organs, glands, circulation and muscular tone. It’s a ‘Feel Good’ therapy that is readily available at numerous, reasonably priced accredited venues. There are all types of massage available today. Whether it be Swedish massage or any other discipline the treatment is relatively the same. Caution: To address any medical concerns always consult your primary doctor first who can recommend a qualified and certified massage therapist. Edgar Cayce also said, “Those who would take a peanut oil rub each week need never fear arthritis. (1206-31).

HISTORICAL LORE

The curative powers of massage has been the foundation health remedies in many ancient cultures. There are records of massage being used in China as back as 3000 B.C. Although massage is usually given with the hands but among some cultures, such as Japan, the elbow or forearm is used. Folklore tells that in Russia at harvest fairs, “walking the bear” was a practice using a small honey bear that was trained to walk up and down the patient’s back. For the peasant farmer the treatment provided vast relief from bending and working the fields. The ancient Polynesians idea of massage had a similar effect. Massage was given by walking up and down on the patient while he was lying down. Asclepiades, who practiced in Greece and Rome (circa 140 B.C.), promoted the use of massage as part of a diet, water, and active and passive exercise practice.

RUBBING PEOPLE THE RIGHT WAY

May literally be a way to cure the world of its aggression, road rage, fatigue, depression and a host of other nasty ailments that make daily life less durable. So, next time you find yourself getting irritable consider massage as the life-giving antidote to all that ails you.

POSTURE PERFECT HEALTH BENEFITS (C)

POSTURE PERFECT HEALTH BENEFITS ©
By Polly Guerin
A perfect posture, to a large extent, mirrors your reaction to life. All the twists and turns of your destiny are reflected in your “carriage,” which is the manner of bearing your body to project a positive image to the admiring public. Those of us who feel we have the world on a string and everything’s coming up roses walk chin up, heads held high greeting each day with optimism and a happy outlook, and looking up as they do; they tend to have a heightened spirituality. Most likely they smile more and react to the slightest confrontation with a calm and peaceful conclusion. We envy such people, because they appear to be far better looking than they may deserve, but their good posture leads the onlooker to think they are more richly endowed, more likely a superman or superwoman with perfect posture.

EXERCISE, ENERGIZE

When I was a teenager, my mother used to place a book on head and taught me how to walk like a lady, but the concrete streets of New York City where I live now pose navigating problems. Uprooted concrete slabs become stumbling blogs so I can’t always look up and my good posture becomes compromised, because I must look down to avoid a spill. Instead, I must be careful to catch these faults before they make me, or anyone else for that matter, fall on their piazza. So to keep the body fit and upright and maintain a good posture I need to pump up my daily exercise regime.

AVOID PREMATURE AGING

Dr. Scott Keller, Caycean chiropractor at the A.R.E. Cayce New York Center, points out that bad posture can lead to a variety of health related heart and circulatory problems, arthritis and even aging. It further contributes to the aging process and causing you to look older than your time.” Gravity seems to be tugging at our body. It may cause rounded shoulders, and there is nothing more dangerous for the lungs for it makes it difficult for the lungs to expand and to take in air, which is essential to flush our stagnant air, and provide oxygen for the brain. As we grow older the body tends to take a downward sag dragging with it the chest, lowering the ribs and the abdomen, but attention to a daily exercise program can do wonders to avoid this condition. Exercise, Dr. Keller says, “Will not only strengthen the chest and abdominal muscles that hold the body firmly upright, it will add to a general toning of the entire body.” If exercise has been neglected, for quite some time, it might be a good idea to engage a ‘trainer,’ who can work along with you to address specific areas of concern.

POOR POSTURE SIGNALS

Droop, Stoop, Slump, Slouch, Sloop, Slide, Sink: this is the downward spiral bending the body towards the ground. Poor posture seemingly attacks the body’s fortitude to stand upright and clearly indicates that something is wrong, mentally or physically. Carrying the weight of disappointments on our shoulders can cause the body to lean forward, and in some cases even bend sideward. In more severe cases poor posture may be caused by a medical condition, perhaps the beginning of osteoporosis. Further abetting poor posture can also be caused when physical fitness has been neglected. You were born to stand proud and erect. It is not a privilege, it is your birthright. PLEASE TAKE A SEAT Take a seat, won’t you, but please sit in a proper position. In modern living we are often exposed to round-shoulder occupations. Many office workers or individuals working at home, where no one can observe them, are sitting in their chairs incorrectly. They are bent over slightly into their work or advancing over the keys towards the computer with no back support. Instead they should be sure to be sitting in computer chair configured to support the body, keeping the head held high and the shoulders back. If you’re tied to the chair with work hour after hour, that would also contribute to back pain, even headaches. Health professionals advise such individuals to take frequent breaks and walk around the office, walk to the rest room, or even go out for a 10 minute fresh air break to sap fatigue and restore good posture. DO’S AND DON’TS OF GOOD POSTURE Many back problems which cause poor posture can be avoided, just tap into your memory and remember that it’s best to never sit or stand in one place for a very long time which can cause curvature of the spin. Ladies and gentlemen: Why carry heavy books or groceries, when you can take them with you in a drag along case? When you need to pick something off the floor, bend the knees and drop down gracefully and never, ever lift heavy objects without help. The challenge to keep up a good first impression with perfect posture is a fight against the downward pull of gravity, but with physical fitness and a positive image, winners take all with a well conditioned body and brilliant mind energized, positive and healthy.