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Life: Fate or Divine Providence? A Recap and Review for the End of August!

8/30/2019

1 Comment

 
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Fate or Divine Providence? The purpose the August 3rd post was to get our minds thinking about our lives and our control over them.

Sometimes we think we have no control, sometimes we are right. Sometimes, when we allow him, God is in control and there's nothing better than that.

But more often than not, we are in control or we are trying to be in control.

We have to make the decisions, the calls, the choices. Sometimes God takes over after we decide or choose, sometimes not. There are times after fate has handed us a "bad" deal, that God turns it around, if we choose to let him.


“It is what a man thinks of himself that really determines his fate.”
- Henry David Thoreau -

As we age, we will encounter many times where fate is the ruler. We will also encounter many times when (Divine) providence (God) is the ruler. We must learn to accept and work with what we are given in life and live with the consequences of our own choices.

But this is true at any age, not only as we get older.

For example, if we choose to sit and watch the TV for 10 hours a day and eat the other hours when we are not sleeping, then we must suffer the consequences of becoming overweight, immobile, and at an increased risk of disease or illness. Our immune system will be weak.

If we choose, however, to change that by starting to walk everyday and eating healthier food, we suffer with those consequences, too...increased good health, mobility, and a strong immune system not to mention a stronger brain. So, it seems, we are in control.

Whether you believe in fate, (Divine) providence, or personal choice or a combination of all three, you must be an active player in your own life.

Nothing will happen if you are not engaged in your own choices. Don't let others determine your choices, be the master of your own life.

“One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it.
But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief,
that is a fate more terrible than dying.”

- Joan of Arc -

So what do you believe? Fate? Divine providence? Combination of both?
Or neither one?
​ 

XOXO

1 Comment

Health and Wellness: Women's Wear in the Gym - What are we doing to ourselves, ladies?

8/23/2019

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Recently, I read an article about "Why Yoga Pants Are Bad for Women" (published by the New York Times, February 17, 2018). The article addressed the tight fitting yoga pants women wear to the gym and asks "What happened to sweat pants?"

The author writes:

"We aren't wearing these workout clothes
because they're cooler
or more comfortable

....because they're sexy."



I agree that some women wear them to attract attention....but some wear them to stimulate circulation, hold in muscle heat, and support veins in the legs. The difference is some wear them everywhere, others only to the gym. The pants with the fancy cutouts kind of defeat those purposes - so why wear them? To look sexy.

Are they necessary in order to get a good workout? No. If you don't believe me, look at the men in gyms. They wear loose shorts, sweatpants, and loose jogging pants. Very few wear anything that could be considered tight.

Personally, I find the following true for me (before you criticize me, remember these are only MY preferences, what works for me. It may be different for you and that's fine. 🙂):
  • In actual yoga classes, I wear the "classic" yoga pants. They are form fitting at the waist to the knee then looser from the knee down. I have ease of movement and they are cooler.
  • In Zumba, elipticals, treadmills, bootcamps, etc., the same "classic" yoga pants work, but the long legged tight pants support my muscles and veins better with all the jumping around and stress to the leg.
  • In the weight room, my "classic" yoga pants work great, even the capri length that have a looser thigh. I am actually more comfortable in the weight room wearing these. However the tighter ones have been worn by me on occasion, also.

Regarding the health benefits and issues of tight yoga pants (not the "classic"), if you are serious about your workout, whether it be weights or other activity, you will sweat in certain places - not just under your arms. You will also sweat in your crotch, breast folds, between the thighs, in the butt area, etc. This is where the tighter pants have a tendency towards creating health issues, especially for women.

Reader's Digest published an article (no date available) titled "How leggings can make these 7 health problems worse".

Here are the 7 issues
they wrote about,
but there are
many more issues:


1. Chafing: this is pretty much self explanatory.
2. Ringworm and other fungal infections (red, scaly, itchy patches of skin)
3. Folliculitis: all body hair, and I mean ALL body hair is susceptible. Here is an excellent article on it: https://www.aocd.org/page/PityrosporumFollicu
4. Jock Itch: not just a male issue. A fungal infection caused by tight pants combined with sweat.
5. Bacterial Vaginosis: I hear females in the locker rooms talking about this sometimes. I think it occurs more often than is discussed. Most women don't make the connection between tight leggings and sweat together with this one.
6. Yeast infections: tight leggings, heat, and sweat create the perfect environment for this common problem that creates itching and/or a white curd-like discharge. (other related infections caused by this environment includes Bacterial Vaginosis). More information can be found here:
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/sexual-health-vaginal-infections#1
7. Skin Dryness - Dermatitis is a common condition that has many causes and occurs in many forms. It usually involves itchy, dry skin or a rash on swollen, reddened skin. Or it may cause the skin to blister, ooze, crust or flake off.

Some of these can be avoided by not wearing skin tight pants in the first place or at least only wearing them for short periods of time, showering soon after removing them (swimming, saunas don't count) and taking extra care not to let your female body parts stay in a hot, sweaty, tight pair of leggings for very long (over an hour).

"Tight pants. For women,
overly tight pants or jeans

can lead to fungal infections like Thrush."

https://bbc.in/1GEeDOz

Men and women have the choice of what to wear at the gym. However, women (especially) should consider the health of their bodies over the sexy appearance before making that choice. Women in child-bearing years and menstruating should be especially careful as should menopausal women. Hormones pay a part in these issues as well, both in the young and the older woman.

Ask yourself:

What's more important to me, the health of my body (which is the reason you are going to the gym, right?) or that I look cute (sexy, stylish, whatever your motivation) while I am trying to workout? Age doesn't matter in this situation, this applies to the young woman and the older woman the same.

Remember, tight yoga pants can be beneficial for certain activities in the gym, but not for everything.

They should be worn for short periods of time with a shower immediately after removing them. Put thought into what you wear and consider all the pros and cons of your workout attire. As women, of all ages, our bodies need to be cared for if we expect them to perform well for us and see us through our entire lives.

If you are interested in other articles on this subject the following links will be helpful:

www.elitedaily.com/p/are-yoga-pants-bad-for-you-6-things-that-could-happen-if-you-wear-them-all-the-time-7699357

www.nytimes.com/2018/02/17/opinion/sunday/yoga-pants-sweatpants-women.html

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/photo-stories/bad-things-that-can-happen-to-you-if-you-wear-yoga-pants-all-the-time/photostory/62295315.cms

www.today.com/health/7-reasons-your-yoga-pants-could-lead-health-issues-t100245

www.yourtango.com/2015284080/four-disgusting-diseases-you-might-get-if-wear-yoga-pants

Do you wear different workout gear according what you are doing or do you wear the same thing for everything? Do you workout in tight yoga pants and then go home without a shower first? Have you considered if the clothes you wear are healthy or unhealthy for your body before you wear just for the "appearance"? What are your thoughts on this blog?

XOXO
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Travel: Girl's Weekend Club! Another Way to Travel!

8/16/2019

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Last year I wrote a blog post about building your tribe and how important it is (especially as we get older) to build relationships with other women. If you have built your own tribe then the Girl's Weekend Club could be just the ticket for your travel dreams. If you don't have a tribe, then pull your friends together and find the ones (or the one) that has the same dream you do about traveling.


With your friend, friends, or tribe plan a weekend trip. Do something short and sweet for the first one until you get the feel for traveling with a non-family member. This will give you the opportunity to adjust and develop skills that will make you a better traveling companion with a non-family member. It will also five your friend, friends, or tribe an opportunity to do the same before you venture into a long trip.


The ground rules should be set from the beginning, so sit down with your traveling companion and discuss the following and any other issues you may think of:


Where will you go?


Each should have input. Perhaps you each will make a list of the top 5 places you want to travel to. List 2 short day trips, two overnight trips, and one extended (up to a week) trip. Discuss and make a list that meets and makes all travelers happy.


What will you do?
​


Each should have input. If there are four or more you can do somethings in separate groups. If there are only two or three of you, then you should stick together and try to do things that everyone can agree with. Sometimes you may do something you are not fond of, but you are doing it for your friend. This can also be a chance to do something you may not have ever thought of or you have never done. Be open to compromise and to new experiences.


What will you eat?


Eating local food is a treat. You experience the life of other cultures even if it is in the states. There are local differences in food from state to state and even within each state. For sure, you will find differences in other countries. Be open to foods you may have never eaten before or even heard of. Be aware of your own food allergies but also the food allergies of your fellow travelers. Compromise, but don't miss the opportunity to try something new and different.


Who pays for what?


Everyone should be responsible for their own expenses including travel. Everyone should pay up front and friends shouldn't have to be “begging” for another friend to pay their share.


This is extremely important:

ALWAYS GO WITH FRIENDS YOU TRUST, KNOW WELL, AND EVERYONE SHOULD AGREE TO PAY BEFORE YOU LEAVE.

Once you have that first trip under your belt, you are on your way. Make it a “club” and plan two or more every year. Whether it is just a weekend or a longer, start a tradition.


Traveling with your friends can be a real joy. (Even if they are not female, a friend is a friend). Give it try.... you may open yourself up to a whole new world.


Make it a girl's weekend!
Have you ever had a girl's weekend? Have you ever gone somewhere and done something new with a good friend and decided to make it tradition? Do you have any good stories to share about your weekend excursions with friends? Share your thoughts in the comments so that we may all enjoy and also learn something.


XOXO
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Product Review: Zevia Zero Calorie Energy Drink vs. Bang Energy Drink – A MUST READ!

8/9/2019

3 Comments

 
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Recently, I have noticed a lot discussion about Bang Energy drinks. A lot of people love them, some find them overwhelming with caffeine, and others can take them or leave them.

I decided to find out for myself what they are and if they are something I would drink. In the process of purchasing a variety of bang flavors, I discovered Zevia Zero Calorie Energy drink. So, I purchased a variety of flavors to sample.

This blog is my opinion on these two drinks, pros and cons, and safety concerns.


First the flavors. Bang, by far, has the most unusual flavors; whereas, Zevia has more traditional flavors.

Flavors
​(a few, as I keep seeing new flavors in different stores):
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Ingredients:
​

NOTE: the main ingredients that make these energy drinks is caffeine. However, Bang also has other ingredients that may affect your energy level. The only ingredient that can the Zevia brand has that can affect energy levels is the caffeine.):
Picture
Nutrition Facts:
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SAFETY!

Bang carries a warning statement due to it's high caffeine content. Zevia does not. Bang is ranked as Extreme in the caffeine content and Zevia is ranked as High.


Bang also carries other warnings on the label: Not intended for individuals under the age of 18; Do not use this product if you are pregnant or nursing; Do not consume this product if you are taking any prescription drug and/or have a medical condition; This product intended for use by healthy individuals only; and This product contains caffeine and should not be used with any other caffeine containing products.


The Bang could affect someone who doesn't drink a lot of caffeine, but for me, it was like drinking 2 cups of coffee. Nothing spectacular, but I was awake and ready to work. If you have any heart conditions, liver or kidney issues, or just generally not in good health, these drinks are not for you.


They are extremely sweet. Bang is (in my opinion, about 10 X sweeter than Coca Cola). Zevia is really sweet also, but not unreasonably so. 

The FDA recommends no more than 400 milligrams per day. So Bang is under that at 300 milligrams.

However! If you consume a cup of morning coffee, a couple of cups or glasses of black tea, chocolate, etc., all that contain caffeine, then you “could” potentially overdose on caffeine. (Key word is “could”.)



Side effects from over dosing on caffeine?

Migraine headaches, insomnia, jitters, fast heart rate, upset stomach, nausea, a feeling of unhappiness (dysphoria), among others. Too much caffeine can also affect your health in that it can trigger seizures, damage kidneys, stress your heart, and many other issues.

It also takes your body around 4 hours to metabolize the caffeine from one cup of coffee. So if you have a cup of coffee for dinner or with an after dinner dessert, your body may still be stimulated at bedtime.

With this information in hand, if you drink Bang or Zevia Zero Calorie Energy drinks, will you continue? Will you change anything, like reduce caffeine intake from other sources during the day? How do you feel about Bang, Zevia, and other energy drinks on the market today?
​
XOXO


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SPECIAL: "Think Dirty" - How dirty are you?

8/2/2019

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As an over 50 or even as a under 50, this is something you need. We are all trying to live healthier lives and eliminate poisons, pollutants, chemicals, etc., from our personal and household products. Think Dirty is just the thing you need to accomplish this.

Think Dirty and
​Get Clean!


A few weeks ago, I was listening to the radio and this ad came on for a new app. We can all use a good app, right? The app is Think Dirty and it is the dirtiest app you will probably ever find.

What you do after you download this FREE little miracle of an app, is scan the barcode of a product that you want to know if it is safe or not.

For example, shampoo. Scan the barcode of the shampoo you use and it will show you every single ingredient used to create that shampoo and rank each ingredient as to toxicity.

It will tell you what the ingredient is, if it is on a banned list in any country, the dangers of this ingredient and what it is supposed to do.


Once you know the ingredients and their safety, you can make an informed decision on whether to buy or continue using it. I love this app!

It's so easy and it provides so much information on your product. If your product is not in their data bank, you can scan the barcode, take pictures of the front and back of the package, take a picture of the ingredients, and take a picture of it description. Submit it to Think Dirty and they will analyze it for you and load in their data base. Perfect!

If you are interested in knowing what is in your products, download the Think Dirty app and start getting clean!

Have you ever wondered what is in that bottle of conditioner, shampoo, toothpaste, moisturizer? Would you use this app to find out? Let us know if you download this app and what you think of it. Share your opinion of this app. Think Dirty and get clean!
​

XOXO
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    My mission​

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    On fire for your own life!
    ❤ Sheryl ❤

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