Health Programs Have Played an Important Role Human Life

Health programs are designed for all the individuals to improve their living conditions, to combine health education, health care, health promotion, prevention of disease and social services. The Health programs play a significant role in every human's life. With respect to Health programs that appointment system is also designed so that the medicine, veterinary medicine, other clinical credential would be practiced easily. But this is allowed to only those individuals who have a valid license to practice medicines. This faculty appointment system is also designed for those individuals, so that the individual get the most adequate and appropriate treatment.

A school health insurance program is an included set of sequential, planned, activities, school affiliated strategies and all other services which are designed so that the optimal emotional, educational development, social and physical is promoted. The program is decided by the local community which is based on the needs of community, requirements, standards and resources. This program is organized by the team of a experts and is also responsible for the quality of program and effectiveness to the community. In more than 60 countries, health programs work. Other local partners and responsive projects of fund are collaborated by this program. Some of the countries which public health programs work in are Africa, China, Central Asia and the Middle East. To make sure that the civil society has the skills, information and capacity to hold government, these public health insurance programs works. Where stigma leaves citizens socially excluded, there public health problems are intensified. Today the health crisis's global nature requires a good commitment at international and national levels. The responses which are innovative such as malaria, tuberculosis and the global fund to fight aids have been laid concrete on the way for solutions which include the civil society participation. It is significant to assure so that they benefit the public, as resources and commitments has been increased. In assuring the government, independent and strong citizens play a great role for which all the health programs, health care institutions are held responsible to the groups for which they all are designed to serve.

When Health Is Not Enough: How To Engage Your Emotions!

In everyday conversing about Health, we clearly understand Health to mean Physical Health, because only Physical Health is measured and expressed by scientific consensus. Nevertheless Physical Health is not only just a fractional aspect of the Well-being of an Individual, symptoms of Illness are commonly the final exposition of a an earlier event that caused a disturbance in the body's Energy Field. This is an essential consideration in the realm of Preventive-care, or Sustainable Health where effectiveness is proportional to its earlier detection. Consequently, what is now called "Preventive-care" does not mean forestalling Illness per se, as it is limited to analyzing Physical Health and therefore should be more aptly termed "early Symptoms detection". In order to preempt disease and keep the Individual healthy, we need to extend our Health Analysis to all its 6 elements:

• Physical Health


• Mental Health


• Emotional Health


• Spiritual Health


• Social Health


• Intellectual Health

We have already analyzed the first 2 elements: Physical Health (When Healthy Is Not Enough: Discover The 6 Elements You Can't Be Missing!), and Mental Health (When Healthy Is Not Enough: How To Engage Your Emotions!) Now the question is: How is Emotional Health different from Mental Health, are they not both the same? At least many dictionaries define Emotional and Mental Health as the same thing, and in everyday parlance both terms are - wrongly - used interchangeably.

Emotional versus Mental Health Even though the dictionaries are missing the distinction in definition, the significant difference evolves when we define the terms emotions and mind.. Emotion roots in the French word for move or excite, implying that emotions are spontaneous and ever-changing. Emotions are the person-specific non-conscious reactions to a situation that may result in feelings, such as anger, joy, sadness, love or hate. Expressed emotions typically include crying, yelling, laughing, shouting, trembling, stumbling or even fainting. In contrast, Mind can be defined as: that which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings; the seat of the faculty of reason; The terms are also distinctive in our daily lives and how we are perceived in society. We can say: I changed my mind, while saying: I changed my emotions, doesn't make sense, because emotions happen, they are not made. Many definitions purport that Emotions are part of Mental Health while the opposite does not apply. However, in the context of assessment of the Whole Health of a person, the Holistic Health, we have to analyze Emotions as a separate element. It is well known that Emotions may have a profound effect on the Individual's Mental Health and eventually manifest in Physical Illness.

For example, my own father was, what people call a very emotional person. He showed frequent outbursts of extreme anger to a degree that it threatened his job. Aware and afraid of the situation, he stifled his emotions. But stifling didn't change his choleric nature and he eventually came down with a massive heart attack from which he never recovered. He was never diagnosed with a Mental Health problem, but he clearly had an Emotional problem with Anger Management. It follows that Emotions can also have a positive effect on the Individual's Well-being. A Lady Doctor friend of mine contracted a very aggressive form of Leukemia and her chances of survival were very low. But she has a personality characterized by very positive emotions, always laughing and charming with great charisma. During a lecture she fainted and was brought to the ICU, but before her colleges could rush to the site, she had disappeared. This happened many times for many years and today she is still alive - as a medical miracle. But she had such positive Emotions that beckoned to everyone: I absolutely refuse to give up!

This example portrays that one can change mood simply by changing the thinking. The brain controls both mood and thoughts so it makes sense that what one thinks about can change emotions. Nevertheless, this is not the whole picture, for that we have to consider the other elements that play a role, such as Spiritual Health which will be analyzed in the article: When Healthy Is Not Enough: Unleash The Power Of Belief!

Heinz R Gisel has built start-up laser and medical devices companies, spearheaded novel medical therapies and created global markets where non existed While being fascinated by challenges to turn technology into Health solutions, he realized that the current paradigm of "Symptoms fixing' is flawed, and Health-care needs to start at the cellular level long before symptoms occur. His unrelenting innovator spirit is now at work in creating awareness for his patent pending VitalityXress®: a Predictive Health Information System, which "measures" how Healthy you are and shows how you can boost and sustain Vitality at Peak level for life - naturally. He is an author, radio host and public speaker on many health technology, business and quality of life topics. His recent Book: "In Foodture We Trust", unveils how America has become the sickest Nation on Earth - and the way it can escape out of it.

Proficiency of Health Care Informatics Faculty

Health care informatics faculty or faculty for medical informatics is a key-person in courses such as Post Graduate (PG) Diploma in Healthcare Informatics, Certificate in Medical Informatics or Degree in Health care Informatics. How the faculty of medical informatics differs from rest of the lecturers is because of having two extensive domains' knowledge -medical or healthcare and information technology. There are several courses as offered by institutes, universities and colleges about computers in medical field that require medical domain expert with knowledge of computers as lecturer or faculty.

The purpose of these courses is to teach various computer applications those are used in medical field. Also, the learners are taught with computer languages such as HTML, C#, JAVA, XML in order to develop software for health care or medical purpose. Examples for such software include HIS (Hospital Information System), NIS (Nursing Information System), LIS (Laboratory Information System), and RIS (Radiology Information System) etc. Qualified healthcare informatics diploma graduate, known as medical informatics functional consultant, would play a crucial role in developing medical software.

The faculty for medical information technology (MIT) possesses sound knowledge of hospital workflow as he is experienced in the field of health care. Knowing the workflow of the hospital or health care center (such as OPD, IPD, Operation Theatre etc.) is one of the modules taught in medical informatics course. This is to introduce the hospital or health care environment to non-medical persons attending the course. Unless the enthusiast does not know about how patient is tackled, it is difficult to build any health care system. The faculty is expected to have knowledge about computer languages such as C#, JAVA, HTML, and XML etc. in addition to medical standards such as HL7, DICOM and SNOMED-CT and ICD.

The faculty of health care information system has experience in teaching people from all walks of life without any difficulties. The medium of instruction is English and the lecturer is well versed with MS PowerPoint and other computer applications used as effective teaching tools. Such faculties are available on contract basis or many computer institutes or colleges may prefer to employ them on a full time basis.

Medical informatics course faculty is also expected to assist in laboratory where the students are exposed to various computer applications used in medical field. Electronic Health Records (EHR), Personal Health Record (PHR) and Hospital Information System (HIS) are few of the examples generally practiced in MIT lab.

Debates in advantages of having car

There have been so many debates in the importance of having a car. Some people who are pro about having car say that having car is important especially for those people who need to be mobile for their work. People who do not agree about this, such as SEO Specialist, or any other people who spend most of their time in the office or even home office, say that having car is not important for people’s life because it is something that will cost you a lot of money to buy gas and to maintain the car. If I am about to put a side about those two matters, I will have some kind of difficulties in choosing which one should I choose. However, by looking at the advantages of having a car, I come into my conclusion that I should choose side with the people who believe that having car is an essential for their life. My reason is that by having a car, it is not only the matter of our job, but it is also for the sake of our family. It is true that when we have a car, we will be able to go anywhere we want to go, which means that it will allow us to get as many costumers as possible. By having many customers, we will get so much profit.

For some people who think that having a car is an expensive thing to do and money wasting, I am sure that they have not known about the term Roadloans. The term road loan refers to a kind of loan that is designed to help people who want to get their own car by using loan method. This kind of loan will lend you some money for you if you want to buy your own car. Many people, who did not have their own car, use this kind of method, now have their own car and use their car not only for the sake of their work and job but also for the sake of their family needs. If you are interested in knowing more about roadloans, you can just check the information that is given in the internet. There, in the internet, you will be able to find a lot of information about how to apply for a road loan and you might also find some applications for your iPhone which let you monitor the amount of money that you need to spend every month for the road loan payment.

Health: Mental Fitness

To avoid being ourselves a part of the general social problem of mental health, we each must follow a personal mental fitness programme just as we follow our physical health programme. In this way we can anticipate a comfortable future for ourselves and contribute to a healthier society in general.

Many people have to learn to adjust to physical disabilities and physical disease and often can still lead relatively comfortable lives but mental diseases are even more difficult. They have a powerful negative effect upon our total well-being as well as upon everybody around us and frequently one patient will require several helpers. Without mental health life can become unbearable.

We know that there are certain habits and practices which will give us good physical health but how do we know what to do to keep ourselves mentally healthy? Where can we learn to follow a mental health programme?

Mental Health Rules

If the rules and requirements for physical health and fitness are well known to be associated with hygiene, posture, nutrition, pure water, exercise, relaxation, sleep and rest, sunshine, fresh air and the need for a clean, natural environment, it seems reasonable that we can follow the same principles regarding our minds. And if we apply these rules with the same enthusiasm we give to physical fitness, we can surely expect good results to follow.

So to maintain mental health we need a clear, uncluttered mind, positive attitudes, nourishing or enriching thoughts and ideas, ample exercise to keep our minds strong and flexible, sufficient rest and sleep for restoration of our mental energies and a wholesome mental environment.

Our mental environment is as important for our minds as the physical environment is for our bodies. Our minds can only thrive in surroundings which are congenial and free of disturbing and negative thoughts and influences.

Basically then, the rules when defined, are seen to be simple, requiring only a degree of self discipline in order to put them into effect. The key to success is in the application of the principles. Then we can expect to retain our intelligent grasp on life, keep our full mental faculties unimpaired and retain a joy in living to the end of our days.

We may see others exercising for physical health and admire what they are doing but we will never know the benefits they feel until we follow suit and do the same. We each must make our own effort and this is just the same regarding mental fitness. Those who are getting good results are already following the mental health rules.

Concept Of Mental Health

To motivate us we have to have a concept to inspire us. So, just as we know how we feel when our body is in a healthy state, we need to consider what constitutes an ideal healthy mental state. These signs of good mental function and expression are recognized in a person who has balance and stability, mental strength, rationality, self-confidence, will power, vitality, mental creativity, compassion, developed talents, generosity, fearlessness, love and kindness. We refer to the ideal when we are assessing our own qualities.

Our general concept also anticipates that such a person would be cheerful rather than morose, calm instead of confused, ethical and law abiding, truthful, fair minded and self controlled. Perhaps, we would also naturally anticipate that such an individual would have a good sense of humour as well as a capacity for logical thought and common sense. They would also possess a degree of self confidence which would allow them to feel secure and therefore kindly disposed towards others rather than expressing defensive behaviour and negative traits of personality.

Any healthy minded person is intelligent and creative with a keen intellect, capable of generating new thoughts and expressing a wholesome enthusiasm for life. This latter quality is perhaps of most importance. But we need to build up a clear picture of our own as to what we are aiming for in our efforts to achieve and maintain mental health.

Above all, we wish to live untroubled and at peace within the inner world of our own mind.

Thoughts And Feelings Are Entwined

The human psyche however, is a blend of both thinking and feeling. Our nature comprises a partnership or co-operation between emotions and thought. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish the difference between thought and feeling when they are blended, or even confused. But they are certainly aspects of our nature which function on different planes. Sometimes thought and feeling run parallel, sometimes not. For instance we can have happy thoughts and entertain similar joyful feelings or can have pleasant thoughts yet can experience a feeling of foreboding. Our happiest moments however, come from a positive and harmonious blending of both aspects of our psyche. So we must be sure that our thoughts and our feelings work together.

We require discipline and self-control to establish physical health and we require application of the same when we are ensuring the health of our emotional state. As our emotions have a strong influence upon our thinking we must remain positive to ensure that negative emotions have no chance to endanger the plans our mind sets for our life goals. Rather, we depend upon our strong and happy emotions to give impetus to those goals.

There is no point in spending mental energy for a cause only to have its success undermined wayward emotions. And equally it is not satisfactory to have strong positive emotions seeking expression but that are denied by our own fear or negative thinking.

Mind Must Master The Emotions

Following the natural fluctuations and difficulties between thoughts and emotions experienced in adolescence, it is fundamental to our character and well being that in maturity, our thoughts assume the responsibility of leadership over our emotions. So when conflicts arise, as can often occur, the mind can be responsible for employing the emotions in such a way as to result in happy, positive outcomes.

The mind must assume the powerful role of benign Director of our lives, encouraging our best emotions and subduing the negative. This is the starting point for mental fitness. Good teamwork between a positive mind and balanced emotions results in an ideal state to undertake mental fitness disciplines, just as a physical fitness exercise programme is a pleasant experience when the body is willing. Conflict between mind and emotions generally results in indecision, depression or in emotional storms which temporarily damage any determined intent of the mind.

Most psychological tensions are based on this disparity between what our mind aims for and what our emotions desire. They must become co-operatively harnessed to a single purpose or at least oriented in the same direction.

Get to know your emotional moods and energy and learn to be happy and to expand your capacity to experience positive emotions, the greatest of which is love. But let your emotional nature be directed under the leadership of your thought.

Just Follow The Rules

Once we know the role of the mind and its natural duty is to direct our emotions, we can accept the responsibility and feel confident that we can cope with any of our own rebellious moods and emotions. We are then free to follow the mental health rules: We need to keep a clear, uncluttered mind; maintain positive optimistic attitudes; entertain enriching thoughts and ideas; give exercise to our minds to keep them both strong and flexible; ensure we have sufficient rest and sleep for restoration of our mental energies; and provide ourselves with a wholesome mental environment.

Become Free Of Stress

Stress is said to be the most common symptom of mental disease. It is difficult to avoid exaggerated responses and to remain un-phased by extremes in others and remain calm and rational at all times. A person who can do so earns our admiration and we should try to follow instead of reacting quickly according to our old habits.

Negative moods and conditions of stress and tension in others cause us to react quickly as stress is infectious unless we keep a hold on our responses just as we have to learn to handle our own stress to avoid affecting others in a negative way.

We all experience minor symptoms of mental disturbance or anxiety on occasion and it is best that we learn to deal with stressful situations as they arise.

There are many ways to deal with stress - from learning the art of relaxation and meditation, yoga, tai-chi , taking up a hobby or a sport, deep breathing, herbal tonics and supplements, therapeutic massage and so on. But remember to be kind to yourself and be sure that you are caring for yourself as you should, enjoying a natural lifestyle of your choice, developing your inherent talents and creating a life which is according to your own plan. Then you will be so happy that there is no room for inner stress.

If you should suffer anxiety which is not due to obvious factors, it may be advisable to seek the counsel of a professional psychologist who can help you to regain perspective or advise you appropriately.

Stress is just another way of saying something is wrong in our lives, whether it is within ourselves, our circumstances or in regard to wrong decisions and choices. Each of us inwardly holds the key to what is causing our unhappiness. Each of us has the capacity to correct what is wrong if we are honest with ourselves and are prepared to make changes.

The simplest way of relieving nervous tension is by practising relaxation and meditation, But there are many simple and natural ways of relieving stress through self-help methods.

It is important that you avoid taking drugs or medication for stress unless you are under the care of a psychiatrist.

Getting A Degree In Health Administration

With the fast growth of the health industry, there has been an increasing demand for health administration and health care professionals to manage it. Compared to previous years, the need for qualified, developed and distinguished health professionals have been on the rise exponentially during present time.

To this end, the number of students entering the health administration courses has also grown to a large extent. This course is meant to prepare students to be able to manage and handle the different aspects of the health care industry. This field has seen meaningful strides in almost every aspect because of the growing demand in the industry.

A few years back, only data management was highlighted in the technological make-up of the course in handling health concerns and health-related activities. Today, health care is witnessing the advent of health administration with its fast-rising pace of development and growth.

In the coming years, it is projected that the course would further grow exponentially, creating the urgent need for more health professionals concentrating and focusing on this field. There are reputable schools which can offer you this course and be able to finish it in just two years.

This would abbreviate the demand for such specialists and fill in the void in the health industry at a faster rate. It is worthy to note that schools and colleges offering health administration are also increasing in number and they have been proliferating in many areas across the globe.

Rehabilitation clinics, government health centers, medical institutions, and hospitals always find ways to accommodate graduates of this course, whether in the form of a bachelor's or a master's degree. Because of the high demand, it is not difficult for these graduates to earn handsomely from this specialization. There are also great opportunities for these people to grow and advance into managerial and supervisory positions in their health care careers.

A gratifying focus in getting this degree is that it combines health care and business into a meaningful fusion and there are different accreditation bodies around the world which recognize this fusion. This makes the course all the more credible and recognized in many situations. After you get to finish the degree, you will gather enough skills and knowledge on the different health care matters and even have the opportunity to check and evaluate the system in its entirety.

When you have finished a course in health administration degrees, you could be qualified into a high position such as a health administrator, where you would be a supporter of quality services rendered in the field, aside from heading the analysis and interpretation of the health care service.

As a full-pledged professional, you would be equipped with the faculties to recommend improvements in the system of health organizations such as medical centers, hospitals, and clinics, so that patients are assured of high level service.

Health, Exercise And A Good Memory

We all worry about losing our memory and mental faculties. Some of us want to improve our memory so that we work more efficiently or can pass our exams more easily. So where does our health come into the equation?

The brain is dependent upon a good blood flow. It is also a massively complicated organ that even it does not understand! Over many years and much research it has been established that the brain works better with a combination of a good blood flow and plenty of exercise in the form of mental challenges.

So first of all exercise your body as thing brings more oxygen into your blood stream which in turn enhances the effects of the chemicals in your that protect the brain cells from dying.

Regular sleep allows the brain to process all the information that it has gathered during the day. It also gives it some to relax from the bombardment of information that modern life provides it with to review and understand. It has also been proven to increase the ability to concentrate and assimilate information - two good aids to a good memory.

Smoking produces carcinogens which increase the risk of vascular diseases which lead to problems with arteries, strokes and oxygen deficiency in the brain. All of which damage valuable brain cells and cause the remaining cells to work less efficiently.

A good diet, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and essential fats is always a good idea. These provide numerous benefits, including assisting the brain's ability to recall the required information. There are several nutrients that are vital to good brain health. Chief amongst these is the omega 3 fatty acids, which are focussed in the brain and attributed with memory function. You can get omega 3 fatty acids from walnuts, flax seeds and cold-water fish such as tuna and halibut.

The vitamin B complexes such as B12 and folic acid, protect neurons by destroying homocysteine, a toxic amino acid. They can be found in legumes, citrus fruits and strawberries. They are also credited with creating red blood cells, which transport oxygen through the body. Something that greatly improved brain function.

Decreased blood circulation to the brain causes many memory problems so as well as the vitamin B complexes you should also take vitamin C and E which are antioxidants that destroy toxins and free radicals in the body.

Free radicals are formed on the interaction of oxygen and certain molecules in the body and they can damage cells. Like vitamin B, vitamin C can also improve the flow of oxygen through the brain. Foods that are good for this purpose are tomatoes, citrus fruits, nuts, green tea and broccoli.

So if you want a good memory, that old adage of exercise and a good diet seems to be true.

Brain Health - I'm a Big Baby, Why Aren't You?

When it comes to keeping your brain fit and healthy you need to become a big baby. Now I don't mean you become a sook... what I mean is that you can rewire your brain using the some of the techniques that babies use to build their brain. I don't want to get into a 'chicken or the egg' type argument. It is recognised that in late-pregnancy there are already many billions of neurons in the baby's brain and that baby can move and respond to sounds and bright lights.

Obviously, such attributes could not have come about without the existence of the neurons so the 'egg' wins out. What I am more concerned with is: how does baby develop its brain once it has been born. What sorts of actions does baby do to ensure its brain cells are kept healthy, organised and encouraged to develop new faculties and/or strengthen existing abilities.

The actions in which I'm interested are innate or pre-programmed - baby just knows they are important to its development - part of its genetic code, if you will.

So what does a baby do?

Well. They breathe using their abdomen - contrast we adults who have lapsed into shallow chest breathing, occasioned at least in part by stress. Abdominal breathing encourages the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain to nourish the brain cells.

Bottom-line: Practice abdominal breathing.

What else do they do?

They circulate sexual energy around their body. They know intuitively the healing and nurturing power it provides to the organs and glands (specialised organs). Babies often play with their genitals and I suspect they also know to put their tongue to the roof of their mouth to complete a circuit up their spine and down their front. Of course, we adults stop them touching their genitals as though it's a dirty habit. Ironically, we later discover the joys of sex but because we have lost the ability to circulate our sexual energy to keep our organs healthy we simply squander it! So much for gaining wisdom with age.

Bottom-line: Relearn how to generate and circulate sexual energy.

What else do they do?

Babies are curious. They are fascinated by the unknown. They are fearless explorers. They are the quintessential "if all else fails read the instructions" beings. They 'know' that exploration will result in the development of new neural pathways in their brain. So they have an 'unstoppable' desire for challenge, novelty and to find out things for themselves... if only we'd let them!

But we don't! Why? Because we adults have accumulated all that valuable(??) experience that enables us to filter our actions on the basis 'we know this works (because it did last time)" which we use to curb baby's enthusiasm often simply out of convenience. Sadly, we have become adept at saying don't!

Bottom-line: Get back your curiosity through tackling the novel and the challenging and subjecting yourself to change.

What else do they do?

They love movement. In the first 3 months of pregnancy, babies start to move their fingers and limbs and even suck their thumbs. It's not surprising then that babies soon learn to crawl and walk with great enthusiasm - they probably feel been waiting long enough! Have you noticed the sense of great achievement on their face when they make this breakthrough.

Bottom-line: Establish an exercise program that you enjoy doing and stick to it. Babies strive to walk - so should you.

Well, there you have it. When it comes to brain development babies know it all. So why not eat humble pie and BECOME A BIG BABY TOO?

How Sleep Deprivation Can Lead to Health Problems

The recession, plenty of problems in your personal life, seemingly endless battles you need to fight each day at work, uncertainty, the sudden nature of problems that crop up unexpectedly will all add up to cause extremely high levels of stress on our minds and bodies. If you can't sleep at all or even if you have disturbed incidences of sleep almost every night, it's not looking good. The price you pay for such a prevailing condition can be quite high. As nights pass by without sleep, your body takes a tremendous blow, your health gets severely affected, it isn't safe and it could turn out to be really pricey. The worst part is that sleep deprivation or Insomnia is not painful leading too many people leaving these conditions unattended. Here are things that can happen to you when you are deprived of sleep:

Body shattering clinical problems: Lack of sleep leads you to suffer from an inordinately high blood-pressure; high chances of invoking a heart attack, stroke or heart failure; obesity; and psychiatric conditions such as extreme mood swings, irritability, and even depression. Patients reporting sleep deprivation also have contracted Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD), lower sexual competency, and impairment of mental faculties.

Slow responses and lack of alertness: According to webmd.com, lack of sleep or sleep deprivation leads to a decreasing level of performance at work and tends to pull down your alertness levels during the normal functioning of the day by a whopping 32%. Talking about work, sleep deprivation is also touted as the culprit at many occupational hazards leading to fatal accidents at work place.

Lack of sleep causes road accidents: Over 100,000 automobile crashes, 80,000 injuries and upwards of 2000 deaths occur on roads due to drowsy driving on roads and highways, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S. Simple, but deep. A lack of sleep causes you to sleep at the wheel or at least feel drowsy which enough to cause accidents on roads.

Poor quality of memory, loss of cognitive abilities and a less than perfect life: When you are deprived of sleep, you will be unable to focus your attention on anything for too long. You'll sleep through movies or unable to sustain interest for that long. On a similar vein, you will miss your child's game this weekend and also not be able to watch any of your TV shows. Apart from that, sleep deprivation also causes memory loss while your cognitive abilities take a drastic hit there by slowing you down wherever thinking and processing information is important.

Telling yourself that "it happens" or that "it's nothing to be worried about" could only do you more harm than good - you have seen some ways exactly how that happens. Most people do just that and for years on, they don't take simple steps that could solve this problem for you. Radiant health and a positive, up-beat life is your right. Relationships can be ruined, life can turn ugly and seemingly nothing could stop you from self-destruction if you don't do something about it today.

Senator Kennedy's Health Should Disqualify Him From Holding Office

Doctors assumed Senator Kennedy had a stroke and this would unfortunately mean he could not possible maintain his full faculties. It would therefore in the best interest of the American People that he respectfully resigned now with dignity and honors immediately, as there is no sense in allowing him to make a critical error in judgment and looking really bad after his many years of service. Therefore it's in everyone's best interest for Senator Kennedy to retire. Turns out the Senator has brain cancer, a much worse situation.

The Kennedy family has served the public for many decades, but it's time for Senator Ted Kennedy to pass the torch and check out of the public domain. When people have such health problems sometimes they can go on for a little while longer, but we must realize the importance of a US Senator and understand that the risk of mistake is too great. Being a Senator is a very demanding job, thus Ted Kennedy needs to do what's right for the people he proclaims to serve.

This is no time for ego, or to hold out until the next election. If he leaves the Senate now he can still leave during a time when the Democrats for which he represents, on the furthest possible left side of the scale, are still in control. Allowing Senator Kennedy to continue, have another serious seizure, stroke or even die on the job, is completely inhumane. It will also disrupt our nation at a crucial time, term limits aside, it's time for Senator Ted Kennedy to retire and get some rest, he has done enough. Let's help Ted Kennedy leave office as soon as possible.

Principles Behind Great Health #5 - Exercise Regularly

"I don't have enough time," is the most common reason for sales people not exercising. This is not surprising given the nature of the work: long hours, travel, hotel stays, pressure from targets, social engagements etc. Other reasons of course can include: family commitments, a late finish, a sunny evening, a few beers after work or simply something good on television.

It's well known we should exercise or play some form of sport to get fit. However, there is a big difference between fitness and health; fitness is the ability to do certain types of exercise or activity and improve on performance each time; health is when all parts of the body are working optimally and in sync: nervous, muscular, skeletal, circulatory, digestive, lymphatic, hormonal etc. There is also a big difference between different types of exercise, some are anaerobic i.e. 'without oxygen,' where the body burns glycogen (sugar) as its primary fuel and builds muscle mass, others are aerobic i.e. 'with oxygen,' where the body builds endurance.

The problem with not doing any exercise (or activity) at all, is that much like a car or computer sat around for a long time without maintenance or updates, things just start to go wrong. Our heart needs charging to stay strong and distribute blood and nutrients effectively around the body for the regeneration and repair of cells, our lungs need challenging to draw in lots of oxygen for regeneration and repair of cells, and our metabolism needs building so it can keep our digestive and elimination processes running smoothly to prevent the build up of toxins (which can ultimately lead to cells becoming cancerous). At the other extreme, excessive exercise, carried-out incorrectly, can cause a tremendous amount of stress on joints and ligaments and puts us at risk from injury.

Fortunately, our bodies are incredibly good at maintaining themselves so it doesn't require hours and hours of activity at the gym. By exercising aerobically or doing activities that get us slightly sweaty for at least 30 minutes continuously per day (running, cycling, swimming, mountaineering, tennis, rowing, roller-blading, ice skating, shadow boxing, skipping, dancing, sex - the list goes on and on), we can achieve a great level of health. Other benefits from exercising regularly include: strengthening of the heart, increased metabolism (and ability to burn fat), improved digestion / transit time, increased lung capacity, increased energy and alertness, improved mental faculties, and improved sleep. On top of all this, exercise produces a natural high (which is completely legal) by releasing endorphins that make us feel great!

Qigong and Total Health

Qigong is a holistic approach to well being and is a powerful tool for overcoming illness if you have it. It brings physical, emotional, mental and spiritual benefits. I'll take each one in turn and explain just a few of the improvements you can expect to experience in your life when you practice qigong.

PHYSICAL - your resistance to coughs and colds increases, I've lost count of the number of students who pre-qigong only had to be looked at by someone with a cold and by the next day they'd have it. Practicing qigong they hardly, if ever get caught out by some 'bug'.

There's a really good reason for this, as you practice qigong your energy starts to flow harmoniously through the energy pathways (meridians) of your body and this enhances your bodies NATURAL power to deal with all 'dis-ease- causing agents BEFORE you even know there is a problem.

Your ability to handle the natural stresses and stains of modern life will increase. You know those things in your life that currently 'press your buttons'? Gradually their ability to get to you will decrease as you take it all in your stride.

You'll find yourself waking earlier in the morning (naturally), feeling clear headed and ready to start the day. Though when this first starts to happen, you'll convince yourself you need more sleep and wake up at your usual time feeling groggy and thick headed - I did it and so have many of my students.

EMOTIONAL - Every time you practice qigong you are learning how to 'open your heart' more and more. And I don't mean the 4 chambered muscle in your chest. I'm making reference to Chinese 'version' of the heart. In TCM the heart is considered to be the 'The Emperor' it is the supreme controller - it houses the Shen (mind/spirit) - i.e. it's very important!

As a result your emotions will become more balanced, you'll no longer feel like you're on a roller coaster with dizzying highs and crushing lows. You will experience more tranquility and joy.

The longer you continue to practice qigong on a daily basis the more familiar and substantial these states will become.

MENTAL - If you're like 99.99% of the population, your mind will normally be filled with lots of pointless chatter, most of it unconscious. If you stop reading this for a minute you can check that statement out for yourself.

How often does a song (that you probably don't even like very much) get stuck in your mind on endless loop? How often do you go into a room and forget what it was you went in there for? Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and completely forgotten that really important point you wanted to make?

Qigong students regularly comment on significant improvements in their mental clarity. This should not come as a surprise when your realise that qigong practice actively develops mental clarity.

But what is mental clarity? Mental clarity is a mind that is clear, but clear of what?

Clear of all thoughts.

So if you have improved mental clarity does this mean you'll no longer be able to think? That you'll become a moron? No, quite the opposite.

What it means is that when you need to focus on something be it a problem in need of a solution, or just deciding what to have for lunch, you have no distracting thoughts that rob your mind of its immense power.

For example - normal thinking is like the suns rays, warm. Thinking with the benefit of mental clarity is like holding a magnifying glass and focusing the suns rays to a fine point. Now you have the power to burn holes in things!

SPIRITUAL - Your Spirit/Shen is responsible for your ability to create, it directly effects your intelligence, memory and ability to articulate thought clearly.

You'll notice that there is an overlap between the emotional, mental and spiritual benefits of practicing qigong and there's a really good reason for that.

You see from the western perspective, holistic health is viewed from the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects. But from the qigong perspective there is only the physical and the heart. With the 'heart' relating to the emotional, mental and spiritual. So emotional and mental illness is considered to be an illness of the heart.

Depression is perhaps the most common illness of the heart effecting not only your 'spirit' but also having a negative effect on your emotions, mental faculties and physical well being. But I am happy to say that there are numerous examples of qigong practitioners who through their qigong practice have released their hearts/spirit from the tyranny of depression. Myself included. Discover the best qigong exercises for overcoming depression.

Unfortunately too many people neglect the spiritual aspect of their lives and the spirit is so important for health, happiness and well being.

Conclusion

Qigong has the potential to overcome pain and illness, promote health, vitality, longevity, mental clarity and spiritual cultivation. It is a powerful tool for Total Health.

The 5 Health Problems Of Obesity

Obesity and overweight are more than just an issue of physical appearance. Although in itself it is not classified as a medical condition, its impact on an individual's well-being is magnanimous. Both the physical body and mental faculty of obese people are greatly affected. They often and easily get tired and uncomfortable. Having had to carry the extra weight, the body becomes more stressed, including their joints, bones and legs.

Five of the common health problems that stem from obesity and or overweight include Asthma, Sleep Apnea, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and Fatty liver disease.

Asthma
A lung condition that causes the patients to have difficulty in breathing, asthma can affect all types of individuals. Although being afflicted of asthma does not have to be overweight, it is also common among people who are obese because they are easily get tired, and it is difficult for them to keep up with friends when they engage in sports or simply, when they walk. Exerting too much effort would put their body-particularly their lungs-to work overtime, causing them to grasp for more air.

Sleep Apnea
Just as obesity and or overweight exposes an individual to asthma, sleep apnea is another condition associated with obese people. Sleep apnea, a condition in which one temporarily stops breathing during sleep, is a serious health problem of obese adults and kids. In such condition, individuals have an interrupted sleep. In daytime, they are restless and tired. Even their ability to concentrate and learn is obstructed. In some cases, sleep apnea can lead to heart problems.

High Blood Pressure
The Human blood pressure is affected by activity, rest, diet, temperature, posture, medications, and emotional state. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure may affect even children especially if they are obese. Obese adults are commonly at high risk of developing high blood pressure. Obesity stimulates high production of insulin in an attempt to mitigate the excessive glucose concentration in the blood. The production of insulin is remarkably high in obese people in contrast to those who have a normal weight.

High Cholesterol.
High level of bad cholesterol-known as LDL-is associated with obesity. Obesity can be caused by consuming foods that have bad cholesterol, which enters the blood stream. Having high cholesterol further exposes the health to heart problems and stroke.

Fatty Liver
Besides from penetrating the bloodstream, the LDL is accumulated in the liver when an excess of it is not metabolized entirely. Over time, when an individual develops a fatty liver, the liver becomes inflamed, scarred, and contracts permanent liver damage. True, fatty liver is also caused by non-overweight individuals. However, statistics show that non-obese individuals who also have fatty liver are the alcoholics.

Caffeine Hurts Male Sexual Health

People all over the world wake up to the smell of fresh coffee enticing them to get up and get on their way. This is due largely to the fact that caffeine is one of the main active ingredients in coffee that can increase your energy. What most people may not realize is that coffee, tea, soda, and other caffeinated products my damage sexual health. Lets examine some of the ways that caffeinated drinks might be affecting your sexuality.

First of all, lets take a look at the way that caffeine affects the body. Upon consumption, caffeinated beverages constrict blood vessels and cause a momentary rise in blood pressure. If you are healthy, this rise in blood pressure will soon wear off and you will be back to normal. Regular coffee and tea drinkers may not experience this as they have built up a tolerance. Caffeinated drinks can also stimulate the central nervous system causing a sudden spike in energy and alertness.

None of this sounds that bad at all, but with heavy use, caffeine users can experience gastrointestinal upset, loss or disruption of sleep, and anxiety. All of these factors will cause an increase in the risks for sexual disorder. If you can't sleep, then your body will be tired and sluggish making it extremely difficult for you to get an erection and keep it long enough to have a positive sexual interaction.

The anxiety caused by heavy caffeinated consumption can also lead to a psychological form of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. When you do not have full control of your faculties like your emotions, it makes it very difficult to attain a level of satisfactory sexual performance.

The constriction of blood vessels mentioned above also makes it difficult for the heart to get blood to the penis; a necessary action for erectile function and control. Drinking caffeinated beverages might be making it hard to get an erection.

There have been some scientific studies with diabetic rats who were given caffeine and monitored for erectile dysfunction. The rats that were caffeinated showed a positive correlation to erectile dysfunction. There are no studies to date that prove that caffeinated products cause sexual problems, but the fact that the blood vessels are restricted upon consumption tells us that caffeine can impair your sexual performance.

Ask your doctor about your caffeine intake. Maybe your sex health is depending on our coffee consumption, and if it is, you should try limiting your intake and watch for results.

Make Yourself Outstandingly Healthy With Herbal Highs

Herbal highs are natural herbal supplement, which stimulate brain and body to produce ecstasy hormones. These supplements are also known as "herbal party pills" and "natural party pills". These herbal supplements are preferred to use to turn on the party mood. The plus point of these supplements is that most of ingredients used are medically approved. Also, these supplements are legally used to induce metabolic activities of body to produce energy and hormone. Furthermore, the ingredients of Herbal highs are used in many medical conditions such as, depression, extreme muscle fatigue, etc. Specifically, these ingredients are effectively used to improve the energy level in patient and induce the brain hormones to overcome from depression.

Common ingredients of herbal supplements are NADH, Green Coffee Bean Extract, Yerba Mate Leaf, L-Phenylalanine, EGCG Green Tea, Cayenne, and Theobromine (Cocoa Bromine). NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) works at the cellular level and stimulates the hormone production. Also, NADH plays a major role in splitting amino acid into tyrosine, which is essential chemical of brain. This chemical stimulates brain to produce hormones, which cause mood change, muscle movement, memory, energy and sexual desire. Green coffee bean extract, commonly known as caffeine is another ingredient that is extensively used to reduce fat by increasing metabolism activities of body. Also, this ingredient increases the energy level in a body, which increases mental faculty and muscle strength.

Other herbal ingredient is Yerba Mate leaf, which stimulates and induces the alertness of mine and boost energy level. Surprisingly, the leaf contains almost 24 minerals and vitamins, 15 amino acids, and 11 polyphenols. Experts believe that this ingredient is the nature's most balanced stimulant. Caffeine is also one of the ingredients of herbal natural highs. Caffeine is considered for better efficiency to stimulate brain and body to produce hormones. These hormones effectively induce metabolic activities of body and increase the energy level. This ingredient can be found in various energy drink, energy bar and chocolates. Other natural herbal ingredients also have same effects and they rarely affect the health of a human.

Understanding What It Is and How To Maintain A Strong and Healthy Reservoir of Energy

The Wikipedia defines Qi (also Ki, chi or ch'i) as an active principle forming part of any living thing. Qi is frequently translated as "life force" or "energy flow"... Qi is the central underlying principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine... The literal translation of "Qi" is air, breath, or gas.

From time to time, I lament the Qi or Ki, etc. I make reference to this universal energy or constitution as it relates to a person (e.g. the kidney (constitution) or spleen (blood) Qi is low or something like that). There are many reasons why someone's "universal energy" or constitution may be low or deficient. It is the general belief that your kidney Qi, your constitution, has much to do with your foundation... how you began. Your parents, the date, season and circumstances of conception, the health of both parents, culture, circumstances through gestation and birth and then the nurturing/nutrition through the first stages of childhood have much to do with the "strength of your constitution". In other words, all of these things must be factored in to determine how strong you are throughout life and where or whether there are possibilities for adjustments to be made in your health and spirit.

For a woman, especially one in the bodywork and/or other service-like business, the constant "giving of energy" coupled with the body's preparation for each new menstrual cycle, could be reasons for Qi depletion. This is usually relative to the spleen Qi which nourishes the body. You may feel tired, unmotivated, empty, sometimes a little emotional (not angry, maybe depressed, irritable, or very, very quiet, serious and/or tearful i.e. PMS... LOL), can't eat enough, can't sleep enough, pensive, and because you have slept all day, you are up all night. Maybe your Qi is low because you are anemic or because you have some other "dis-ease" which limits your energy source. Your body will "speak"' as it attempts to readjust and compensate where necessary. Some people get migraines or facial tension all of which are stress related, but the way your body responds has much to do with your "constitution". The way you respond to your body's demands has much to do with your education, understanding of your body, your culture, and belief systems.

You must determine what the body needs, whether it's rest, massages, increase of pungent/green food intake, vitamins, et al supplements (doubling up if necessary to boost your body during this stressful time or in general until you feel better), exercise, sex, dance, detox, meditation, etc. These are all habits that work to bring you back to your normal balance. If you are anemic, you might even get a little nervous, irritable, jumpy (scare easily), clumsy (I drop things. Seriously, not by accident... just my hands decide not to hold the thing anymore! LOL), dizzy, etc. You may need to see a doctor, but especially pump up your spirulina, chlorella, arugula, spinach, dandelion, onions, kale, and whatever other "pungent" and green foods, even if you don't like them, and put in lots of healthy fluids, like water. Protein drinks, algae, Kombucha, juice blends, etc., are accessible on the shelves of your local health food stores and will increase your B and K vitamins and calcium/magnesium intake. Some are said to detox your liver and kidneys all while nourishing them so read the labels and do what you can to treat your body with all-natural means.

If you are exercising, you need to double your fluid intake, especially if your cycle is about to start or is in progress. Remember that you are losing a great percentage of electrolytes and nutrition in general, but especially when you exercise and when your cycle is on. Check in with your body and ask whether you are putting in enough of what's needed to feel and look your best. It will answer you and you need to be aware and listen. Maybe you are simply doing too much, as in the case where the menstrual cycle has nothing to do with how you are feeling. Your over-indulgence in any activity will deplete your Qi. We usually know what it is we are over doing and that which needs work so "man up" and address these issues. It probably means your sanity to do so. An insane person has lost all control of Qi and sometimes will need stronger resources to regain balance. Work so as to stay sane and exercise control over your consciousness.

Take time outs. Not the ones where you put yourself on punishment, but the ones where you stop tending to everyone and everything else and tend to yourself. Give yourself permission to be selfish occasionally... well regularly. You could sit or stand in front a mirror and observe yourself and get to know the person looking back. It could also mean sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing, becoming aware of how much oxygen you take in and how much is needed to slow down your racing heart and mind. This is meditation. If you don't know how to do it, go to the library or any book store and read up on it. Grab a couple videos and watch them to get educated about this need that the body has.

This, in itself, the ability to focus on just one thing, is meditative. If you are lacking time for that, just sit quietly for 3 to 15 minutes and literally focus on your breathing. Force your mind to hear yourself breathe, watch for fluctuations in your breathing, listen to the sound, feel the air through your nostrils, lips, down your respiratory tract and feel your abdomen expand and contract to facilitate this amazing act. Realize all that's necessary to keep you alive and feel grateful for this ability. Take the time to be and feel grateful for that ability and for the sustenance brought to your body, deep to your cells. Value every inhale and every exhale, knowing what each does for you. Focus on the pace with which you do it and how that affects your mind and heart.

Close your eyes and focus on these things, noticing how at peace you feel half way through. If it's a struggle to focus because of all the thoughts flowing in to your mind and maybe the activity around you, just close your eyes. Each time a new thought, a different and unrelated thought gets in, acknowledge it; say thank you for that, then go back to your focus. Maybe your focus was not on your breath, but it was on the wind on your skin, that favorite place, or the sun on your skin; playfully chasing a bird on a trail, or the loving hands of your therapist as they smooth away your stress... Wherever you started to go, following your breath in your mind, go back to it. If the intruding thoughts persist, address them promptly again and simply ask, do I need to know something about this now? Please show me how to use this to calm myself. If not, please go away until I can use you positively. Yes, this is a conversation with self, but you are not crazy. You are just being connected with your own consciousness and exercising a measure of control over such.

The point is to slow your mind down and teach yourself to align your body with your breathing. With each acknowledgement of each breath, your heart slows down and anxiety begins to leave. Hence the idea of inhaling while counting to three and exhaling while counting to six and so on. The longer you can extend your exhale, the more used energy you exit and the more room you have for oxygen, the good stuff. This exercises the lymphatic and circulatory system, balances the nervous system and gets you "on even keel with the universe".

After your 3-15 minute "escape", you will feel rejuvenated and are able to return with a clearer head to whatever it is you were doing, having a stronger Chi/Qi/Ki to give you support. This is a great exercise to get you to go to sleep when you can't or to wake up with peace to start your day. Reconnecting yourself to your own energy and realizing your place in the movement of gravity and universal energy is not spiritism. It is actually spiritually healthy to stay grounded in thoughts actions and life and with things moving as fast as they are around us in these testy times, you need to breathe and have a strong personal resilience (Chi/Qi/Ki) in order to get through with all your faculties.

Writing this was very meditative for me. Maybe addressing the woman's need for Qi/renewed energy is one way you too can get your Ki on! Write, play music, whatever brings your heart peace and/or keep you connected with your consciousness and your positive world. Do that. Do not neglect your life force and the nutrition your body needs to function optimally in this habitat called earth. Namaste.

How to Retire Healthy, Wealthy and Wise

Retirement - A New Beginning

Going back about fifty years, retirement was considered to be the short gap between receiving a gold watch and the last rights!

Happily today retirement is accepted as the start of a whole new life adventure.

With the likelihood that we will retire with all our faculties intact and fully functioning and with a good number of years in front of us, we now need to take a little more time to plan our retirement years to make sure we get the absolute most out of them.

Whatever your retirement dream - from a home in the sun, a boat on a river, or simply pottering about in the garden - all of these things are possible with careful planning.

But have you ever wondered why so many of us constantly push the practicalities of retirement planning to the back of our minds while rushing through our lives complaining about the pressures of work and dreaming of the day when we can finally put our feet up?

What is it that causes this dichotomy in us?

I think that most of us would agree the two main causes are lack of time and reluctance.

And yet each and every one of us knows how important it is to plan and save for our retirement!

After all we are quite literally bombarded by the media week in week out with facts about the pension time bomb and the fact that many of us will apparently struggle for the price of a cup of tea let alone a beautiful villa in the sun when we get to 65!

So, with all that information taken on board what can we do to make our retirement a happy one?

Whether you've got a full 40 years to save and plan, or if retirement is just a few years down the road and you're worried that it may be a little late to start any radical pension planning, this three part retirement planning roadmap should save you time, remove your reluctance and cover the three key aspects of retirement planning - namely our physical wellbeing, our financial wellbeing and our spiritual wellbeing in retirement.

In other words, read on for some practical tips to ensure that you retire healthy, wealthy and wise.

Healthy - Physical Wellbeing in Retirement

Every single day of our lives we grow, we mature, we develop...and we grow older.

And when we're very young we sometimes view retirement as something that equates to old age. We have images of old people in rocking chairs with blankets over withering legs rocking away the last days of their lives! No need to plan then - just throw me a blanket and I can do the rest myself!

But as we mature and grow older we soon come to appreciate that there can be a considerable amount of time between finishing our working lives and needing to settle into that rocking chair - and that that time is ours to enjoy to the full!

And while it is true that the body ages and that no man can turn back the tides of time, none of us has to get old unless we choose to do so!

Our bodies may age but we don't have to!

So, there are really two considerations when it comes to the ageing process and welfare in retirement - namely the physical aspect and the emotional aspect.

The Physical Aspect

As ill health can smite any one of us at any age, we should consider our physical wellbeing throughout our lives; both from the point of view of prevention and the point of view of cure.

Prevention

When we actively take steps to encourage good health we are far more likely to enjoy longevity; and in taking such action we could make the difference between a happy healthy retirement and an old age blighted by failing health.

Keep active. Many of us have sedentary lives; we drive to work, sit in an office, drive home and then sit down to watch the telly. But keeping active should really be seen as a mandatory part of our lives, right through and into retirement.

While busy lives may make it difficult to find time for set exercise, there are always things we can do to improve our overall fitness. Consider parking your car two streets away from the office and walking the last ½ mile, take the dog for long walk (he'll love you!), buy a bike, go on a walking weekend or weed the garden. Simply by adding a little physical activity into our working lives now, we will be pushing back the years and ensuring that we are able to fully enjoy the freedom that retirement will afford us when the time comes.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy nutritious food, adequate sleep, avoid nicotine and keep alcohol consumption within sensible limits.

Reduce stress. Everyone suffers from stress sometimes, and we are all well aware of the long term damage stress can do to our health. So, do everything within your power to reduce your stress levels. And if it is beyond your control to remove the stresses affecting your life, never feel embarrassed or afraid to seek help. If you can identify the primary reason for your stress maybe you can begin to see what you need to do to fix it. I know this is so often easier said that done - but please remember it is your health and your happiness at stake here and that has to be your priority.

Be Proactive. You know your own body better than any one else. Listen to it, and react accordingly when it is trying to tell you something. Don't ignore potential symptoms, recognise them and get them treated.

Cure

In recent years health care costs have risen between two and three times faster than inflation and naturally enough health insurance has become more costly at the same time making it seem altogether too unattractive an option for some people.

But while the vast majority of us would never dream of driving our car uninsured or living without household insurance, we do exactly that with our own bodies! We trust our health to luck and good fortune!

Consider, if you will, the following facts: -

- The British National Health Service is stretched to its limits with up to a million people on waiting lists at any one time.
- Few other countries in the world offer any form of 'free' medical treatment, if you are thinking of retiring abroad bear this in mind.
- In retirement most people live on a fixed income which does not allow for exorbitant and ever increasing health care costs.
- As we get older our bodies need more TLC and fine tuning, and age makes us more susceptible to ill health and increases average recovery and recuperation times.

These facts show why it is important to consider health care costs when it comes to retirement planning. And in considering health care costs and retirement, factor in increasing health insurance premiums if you have insurance. Factor in health care costs if you are relocating abroad without insurance. Factor in the potential need for private treatment 'back home' for serious conditions, and also consider the fact that you or your spouse may need long term, full time care later in life.

But don't panic!

At this point many people panic and decide to do nothing. (Guilty?)

They can only see a potentially huge cost that they simply can't afford. But health insurance comes in many forms. Find a reputable company to advise you, get a second opinion and shop around! And while you may not be able to afford the 'platinum 5 star package' you may still be able to afford a little peace of mind and an acceptable level of care should you need it.

The Emotional Aspect.

How come some people seem old at 40, while other people can exude youth, life and vitality that belies their age?

Presuming good health, I can only assume that mental attitude is at play here!

So how can we make sure we're the ones full of beans in our 80s rather than the ones on tranquillisers in our 40s?

Learn to love life! Life knocks us all about sometimes - and at times we've probably all felt like we've gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson. However take some time to consider the good things about your life. Make an effort to reflect upon the positive; enjoy life's simple pleasures and create a balance that always leans towards the positive and not the negative.

Keep your mind active! Keep learning and developing throughout life. Never feel that you're too old to learn new skills - it's simply not true that you can't teach old dogs new tricks!

Focus on positive emotions rather than negative ones! Negative emotions bring mental and physical disharmony and ill health. If you dwell on regrets, disappointments or resentment you will be weighed down with bitterness and miss out on life. People who can forgive and love will remain youthful simply because they will have anticipation and excitement in their lives. And if you don't love or feel loved you'll quickly start to age and feel lonely.

Don't stop dreaming and hoping and longing! Stay future focused. You will find that your motivation, desire and anticipation for the future and the realisation of your dreams will keep you positive and active and that your stamina will be boosted, your energy levels heightened and your mental attitude will stay young.

Wealthy - Financial Wellbeing in Retirement

Financially speaking, the 'cost of delay' in terms of retirement planning can be illustrated like this - if a 25 year old and a 35 year old were to start saving today for retirement at age 55 and the 25 year old invested £300 a month towards retirement, the 35 year old would have to increase his contributions to £803 a month to achieve the same potential returns!

I know, I know, talking about money - especially pensions - is the fastest way to send anyone to sleep. But seriously, it's never too soon to take charge of the financial aspects of retirement planning!

And if you're still not convinced, according to research out of 100 young people now aged 25, 1 will be rich in retirement, 4 will be financially independent, 5 will still be working, 12 will be completely broke, 29 will be dead, and 49 will be dependent on their friends, family and charity. That means that of those who live to retirement, 93% will be dependent on friends, relatives and charity!

Scary isn't it?
So now that you're ready to start your retirement financial planning (!) here are some important aspects that you need to consider.

Your own personal circumstances are unique: consider seeking professional and personalised independent financial advice before taking action - but do so as soon as possible.

Consider joining your employer's occupational pension scheme (if one exists!) or getting yourself a personal pension - and the sooner the better!

Be realistic about how much you should be contributing towards your retirement - based on your age now, the age at which you hope to retire, and the lifestyle you hope to achieve in retirement.

Increase your contributions as your income increases and pay in as much as you can afford while you're earning.

If you're on a lower income you may wish to consider alternative savings vehicles - ISAs, National Savings or mutual funds for example. These can all be accessed prior to retirement if needs be. However, consider the tax effectiveness of any savings vehicle and remember that pension contributions generally have a higher rate of tax relief.

If you have a pension plan already in place but are unhappy with it or wish to change it, know that pension surrender or early encashment are rarely the best options available to you.

As you get older, consider topping up your pension.

Find out about your State pension entitlements and plan when you want to start receiving your private pension income. You can access funds from the age of 50, but of course it goes without saying that the longer you save, the longer your fund has to mature and the more likely you are to get better returns on your investment.

Never forget that the value of an investment can go down as well as up!

Think about the long term practical and taxation issues relating to the receiving of pension income if you choose to retire abroad or if you have been investing offshore. If you choose to retire in a country not classed as being within the European Economic Area your State pension (such as it might be) will not necessarily increase in line with inflation. Seeking professional advice is the first step in the right direction to finding the right financial solution - it will save you time and money in the long run and reduce your cost of delay significantly!

Is it too late for me?

Some people reading this article will agree with what I've written so far and then say -
"Great, but I'm 55 years old already, is it too late for me?"

The simple answer is that it's never too late!

You just have to plan differently.

Being realistic is essential - if you don't have a private pension, if you have little in the bank and have had no great luck on the lottery recently then it may be wise to shelve the yacht plans.

But taking the popular retirement plan of a house in the sun for example, that dream may well still be possible.

Consider North Cyprus or France for example - the difference in property prices between UK and both countries often means that there is a good opportunity to sell a UK home and buy in North Cyprus or France and put some cash in the bank.

Being careful is essential - let's just say that you discover you can trade your 3 bed semi in for a 5 bed villa with a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. Well, maybe a better deal for you would be to trade in a for a 2 bed bungalow, leaving a surplus of cash in the bank for further retirement enjoyment - the lower running costs of a 2 bed bungalow versus a 5 bed villa would also mean that your savings could go a lot further.

Never give up on your retirement aspirations - just massage them to fit your financial capabilities!

Wise - Spiritual Wellbeing in Retirement

According to current research around 74% of the British population dream about retiring abroad.

What with the lure of sunnier climes and the fact that the UK housing market has boomed in recent years enabling people to consider selling up, retiring to the sun AND putting some extra cash away in the bank, it is unsurprising really.

But if you decide to move away from your friends and family in retirement, or if your friends and family decide to leave you behind, how will you cope?

Loneliness and depression among the over 50 age group is an all too commonly reported problem nowadays. The death of a much loved partner, divorce, separation from friends and family or the departure of children from the family home can affect this age group particularly hard. And loneliness can often come to those people who do not prepare for their retirement when they suddenly feel the shock of leaving the day to day routine of a job behind, and miss the social contact they enjoyed in the work place.

While we can't plan to avoid loneliness and sadness caused by the death of a loved one, we can make sure we have a good network of friends and family who are there with us always. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy sharing your retirement and to help you avoid loneliness in retirement.

Try and build up strong friendships with lots of people while you're still in your 40's and 50's as it may be harder when you're in your 60's.

If you're planning a retirement abroad (whether overseas or simply in another part of your home country) know that it can be fun and exciting but also a little bewildering!

Think about the friends you'll be leaving behind and make sure that you part on good terms! Make sure your friends are aware that you're not ending your friendship by moving away, and insist that they visit you in your new home - I'm sure they won't object! Also, make provision and effort for regular contact via email or telephone.

If you move abroad you'll probably meet many like minded people who've decided that retirement to the sun is their dream too. As everyone will be experiencing similar emotions: from the joy of a beautiful home to the loss of familiarity and close friends: you will have a tremendous advantage in that everyone will be as keen and eager to meet and make new friends as you are.

Retirees abroad often reflect on how much more open the people are in their new country; the need to be a part of a new community far outweighs any shyness or reluctance to join in! If you retire abroad, jump in with both feet and make an effort to meet and enjoy the company of the people in your new community.

Try learning a little of the language of the country you would like to retire to- the joy of being able to communicate in a foreign language even on the simplest level can add a new dimension and fullness to life and one of the best ways to understand any new culture is through language.

Throughout life make sure you keep your family ties strong. Stay in touch with extended family, get back in touch with long lost relations and remain close to your immediate family if you possibly can. If a family rift has occurred consider being the peace maker - it takes a 'better person' and a very strong and mature person to be the first to apologise.

And finally - if you do find that you suffer from loneliness there is no point whatsoever sitting and brooding about it. If you do that you will never beat it. You have to be proactive, seek out new friends and relationships. Get out of your house. Join a club, a society, an organisation and meet new people - even if you are not the sort of person who likes to get involved or join in - take a chance, you never know it might just pay off! Surely anything is worth one try if the result could be the alleviation of your loneliness?

The start of a new adventure

Retirement isn't something to fear or dread - it's the start of a whole new life with levels of freedom that you've probably never experienced before! Hopefully this article has covered the key points of effective retirement planning for you, and you can follow the retirement planning roadmap and secure yourself a healthy, wealthy and wise future.

Essentials Of Highly Healthy People

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITION

Health is derived from the old English word "whole". The definition of Health is intended to include those things that "make a person whole" which means more than just physical well-being.

In 1948, World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as a state of complete physical, mental, social or relational well-being and not merely the absence or disease of infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.

In 1984, WHO added spirituality to its list of factors necessary for optimum health. If we are to be truly healthy, the physical, mental and spiritual elements must be functioning as God designed them to function. The physical may be the most unimportant of the three because with good mental and spiritual health, we can still be content even though our bodies may be unhealthy.

From ancient to modern times, authoritative sources indicates that health is continually defined in terms of the physical, emotional, mental, relational and spiritual well-being.
Health is a major topic in the Bible and it is viewed primarily as the restoration and strengthening of one's personal relationship with God. It is also viewed as a healthy lifestyle (physically and emotionally) that focuses on passing healthy relationships with your family and with other people.

Being highly healthy means being healthy in every area of your life during every stage of your life. It means being balanced in these areas: body, mind, spirit and community usually taken as the four "wheels" of Health. By balancing these aspects of health, you can become blessed and thus, highly healthy.

2.0 PRINCIPLES ESSENTIAL TO BEING HIGHLY HEALTHY

a. The essential of balance
b. The essential of self-care
c. The essential of forgiveness
d. The essential of reducing SADness (Stress, Anxiety and Depression)
e. The essential of relationships
f. The essential of spiritual well-being
g. The essential of positive self-image
h. The essential of discovering your destiny
i. The essential of personal responsibility and
j. The essential of empowerment
k. The essential of team work.

These are designed and programmed into the very core of our beings. It is important they are understood, learnt and applied in our daily living in order to become highly healthy.

3.0 FOUR WHEELS OF HEALTH

These wheels are likened to the four wheels of a stable car with strong spokes for each wheel all wheels in balance. They represent the:

a. physical health - the well-being of one's body

b. emotional health - the well-being of one's mental faculties and one's connection with his or her various emotions.

c. relational health - the well-being of one's association with family, colleagues and friends in the context of a community that is healthy and

d. spiritual health - the well-being of one's relationship with God

Further indepth into them shows:

(a) The physical wheel

Maximum physical health occurs when the body with all its chemicals, parts and systems is functioning as closely as possible to the way God designed it to function. For a person to be physically healthy, disease must be prevented whenever possible and treated as needed. When illness or disorder is incurable, physical health involves learning to cope with and adapt to physical disease.

With good emotional, relational and spiritual health, a person can still be highly healthy, even though his or her body may not be "whole".

The major determinants of physical health are the activities you engage in (exercises, walk), rest hours (sleep, relaxation, vacations, recreation). Intake into the body (water, good, and toxins) fruits and vegetables, mineral in-take of caffeine, tobacco, soft drinks, saturated fats, highly processed foods, fast food and sweets, illicit drugs, alcoholic drink, beverages); elimination (urine, stool, bowel movements).

(b) Emotional wheel

This is the state of maximum emotional and mental well-being. It is not the absence of emotional distress which is unavoidable for any imperfect human being. Being emotionally healthy requires learning to cope with and to embrace the full spectrum of human emotions each of us faces everyday throughout our lives. It requires healthy brain function. If the brain dyefunction is untreated, it becomes non-functional and throws his physical, emotional, relational and spiritual wheels out of balance. This has to do with stimulation (too hot, too cold or just right). If you experience too much or too little stimulation, if you are too busy or exceptionally bored, you are suffering from emotional health. Enough quiet is required in everyone's life. Another aspect which is quietness (peace, tranquility in one's soul), lack of self-worth, lack of intimacy with others, loneliness associated with accumulated grudges towards others or yourself, lack of intimacy with God are the major causes of emotional pain. Any of these lacks can lead to simmering, embittering anger towards others or yourself or God.

Life long learning is important to one's health. As the physical exercise helps the heart, muscles and bones, stay healthy, your brain benefits from mental actuality. Continuing to educate yourself and staying mentally active are ways to protect yourself from dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Regular reading, having a challenging job and participation in ongoing education is linked with sharper mind later in life. Teaching, crossword puzzles, class or church education all help the maintenance of emotional wheel.

(c) Relational Wheel

This is the state of maximum well-being in all our social relationships - those with family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, co-workers, broader community. Relational stress and discord are inevitable as we interact with fellow human beings. We have to do all we can to prevent and "treat" disordered relationships. Relational wheel involves trusting people and relations, parents, children, spouse, extended family, friends and support groups.

The relationship you have with your parents plays a critical role in determining your ability to have good relationships with others. If your parents balanced love with discipline, freedom with limits, and nurture with training, and if your relationship with them when you became adult was healthy, enjoyable and affectionate, then you have a good relational health. The same with children and spouses. Our relations - sisters, brothers aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews have profound impact on our mental, physical and spiritual health.

Friends also play important role in predicting premature death and disease. People who have nobody caring for them, who do not feel close to anyone, have no one in whom to confide are likely to suffer premature death or disease more. Having friends who love, care for us with unconditional support give us powerful positive health benefits.

(d) Spiritual wheel

This is defined as the state of maximum well-being in our personal relationship with our creator. To be spiritually healthy, any separation or disharmony on our relationship with God must be prevented or treated. This is the most crucial one of all the other aspects of health.

Healthy people make their spiritual well-being a consistent priority by actively seeking to understand Gods plans and design for them in terms of their physical, emotional, relational and spiritual condition, seeking and accepting their creator's personal instructions and direction in their lives. If the spiritual wheel is given less attention than the other three, we cannot be highly healthy while, we are not promised a perfectly healthy physical life, the Bible promises those who have a vital personal relationship with God an abundant life one that will be full and meaningful - infused with purpose, contentment and joy.

To have spiritual health, trust in God, pray and meditate and fellowship in a faith community and faith sharing.

4.0 HOW TO BECOME A HIGHLY HEALTHY PERSON

The Essential of Balance: Set a wise balance in your life - the "health car" with its four "wheels of health" cannot run smoothly without all wheels running well i.e. being in balance. Neglecting one or more of your wheels of health will result in imbalanced health problems. You cannot become a highly healthy person without first diagnosing your unique areas of disease and maintenance.

b. The Essential of Self-care: Be proactive in preventing disease.. The secret to becoming and staying highly healthy is to prevent "disease" in body, mind, spirit and in relationships as much as is possible.

i. Exercise makes you feel healthier than eating does. Regular exercise help to control weight, improve overall health, reduce risk of such medical problems as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

ïi. Exercise for at least 30 minutes five days per week.

iii Exercise regularly and consistently to control your weight

iv. avoid highly processed foods.

v. eat nutritious diet and do not over eat. Eat foods with high fibre content, whole grains, nuts, sugar yogurt and low in calories, salt, saturated fats and refined sugars. Health enhancing fish is important too.

vi. drink lots of water and do not smoke.

vii. consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

viii. do not consume alcohol or tobacco products.

ix. Practice and enjoy regular sex with your legal spouse in mutually monogamous relationship.

c. The Essential of Forgiveness: Practice acceptance and letting go.

F = Forgiving is highly healthy
O = Organize your thoughts by writing
R = Review your experience
G = Give the Boot to anger and Regret
I = Invest in removing resentment
V = Victory comes in forgiving others
I = Increase your gratitude for the past pain
N = Navigate to inner place
G = Give comfort to others.

d. The Essential of Reducing SADness-stress, Anxiety and depression). Lighten your load.

1. STRESS is any change that required you to adapt or change the way you are doing something. Stress is virtually unavoidable in contemporary life. Stress can come from big things - retirement, job change, pregnancy, new baby, loss of loved one, new school, new job or from little things - change in weather, flat tyre or traffic jam, sudden deadline, misplaced house keys or an electrical outage. These events are technically called stressors. Some stress is good. We are made to withstand some amount of stress which can help us grow physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually. Too much stress at one single time or for too long a time usually called chronic stress can lead to weakness in all 4 of our health wheels. We are created to respond to stress in a variety of physical, emotional, and spiritual ways. When confronted with more stress than we are designed for - a large stress all at once or smaller amount of relentless.

Stress, our blood pressure and pulse increase. In the short run, this is healthy but in the long run, if the natural fight (stress) response becomes our way of life and can hurt in many ways:

ii. it can damage blood vessels and heart

iii. it can cause the body to release hormons that cause the liver to release sugar, store fat.

iv. it can cause adrenal glands to "poop out".

v. it can cause our muscles to tense up

vi. it can increase the release of stomach acid and affect the motility of the intestine and colon leading to a variety of gastrointestinal upsets and disturbances.

vii. it can suppress the immune system - possibly making us more susceptible to infections and to certain chronic illnesses.

viii. Too much stress can and will keep you from becoming a highly healthy person.

2. ANXIETY in its most basic form is healthy - designed by our Creator to arouse us to and get us ready for action. Anxiety can prepare you physically and emotionally for a threatening situation. Anxiety is designed both to help us cope and to assist us in performing at a high level. But an anxiety disorder occurs when normal anxiety does the opposite - instead of helping you cope, it prevents you from coping and dramatically disrupts your daily life.

General anxiety disorder comes on without any trigger. People with general anxiety disorder worry about health, money, job, family or work. They are unable to relax and often have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Their worries are almost accompanied by physical symptoms such as trembling, twitching, muscle tension, headaches, irritability, sweating or hot flashes; nauseated, go to bathroom frequently, have palpitations or atypical chest pains, feel tired, cannot concentrate and suffer depression. This is more common in women than in men.

3. DEPRESSION weakens the emotional wheel and prevents people from becoming highly healthy. It often accompanies anxiety disorder. Depression is commonly accompanied by feeling of sadness, apathy and hopelessness as well as changes in appetite or sleep. Depression can also make it difficult for some people to concentrate. Some types of depression can be treated using modern anti-depression medications, dietary supplements, nutritional therapies, exercise, light therapy, pastoral counseling or psychotherapy. Some researchers conclude that depression is caused by an imbalance in the hormones of the brain.

4. The Essential of Relationship: Avoid loneliness. Loneliness leads to evil plans. If your brain stays idle, it becomes sick and deteriorates into the devil's workshop and you become automatically the devils work tool. Always engage yourself in meaningful ventures.

i. live with and depend on the extended family who offer cradle to grave security and support.

ii. avoid loneliness, relationships with neighbours, family and friends are vital.

iii. respect the elders so that when they become elderly, they enjoy the admiration, honour, esteem and affection of their families and of society.

iv. Build family intimacy.

5. The Essential of spiritual well-being: Cultivate a time for spirituality.

The Bible promises that if we choose to trust God and live according to the purpose he designed for each of us or we can rely instead on our own finite plans and efforts. It promises also that if we choose God to fill and empower our very Souls, then we will develop spiritual fruit that endures, regardless of our circumstances or the state of our physical, emotional, or relational health. All the good things of life - right marriage, right job, right kids, right amount of money, right car or house or clothes can only be added to the most important element of wellness, namely, seeking, knowing, and pleasing God. If we believe in and trust God, if we make an intimate relationship with him a priority, if he controls and empowers our lives and we seek our purpose in his grand design, then we will experience wholeness at the deepest level of our being.

Spiritual healthiness ensures longer life, lower Blood pressure, improved surgical outcomes, shorter hospital stays, improved mental health, overall well-being:

i. Place your relationship with God at the centre of your life

ii. Read, memorize and meditate on Bible passages daily.

iii. Spend time on meditation and prayer daily.

6. The essential of a positive self-image: See yourself as your Creator sees you.

Our human nature is to compare ourselves to others. This results in feelings of inferiority. This is called compare and despair problem.

If your self-esteem is low, you need to do these:

i. Avoid negative self-talk

ii. Think positively

iii. Aim above the normal standard

iv. Do the things that bring joy and satisfaction

v. Serve others.

Other essentials necessary for healthy living are:

7. The Essential of Discovering Your Destiny (Nurture your hopes and dreams)
8. The Essential of Personal Responsibility (Be your own health care controller)
9. The Essential of Empowerment (Imitation is limitation as you can get to the level you wish in
your life setting your own goal for yourself).
10. The Essential of Team Work (Team up with winning health care providers)

5.0 CONCLUSION

You can decide today to live a highly healthy life having seen the methods, benefits and consequences of being healthy and not. Your destiny is in your own hands and the choice is yours. Spend time each week with highly healthy people and you will change for the better is yours. Spend time each week with highly healthy people and you will change for the better.

Healthy Faculty Culture Is Essential to Creating Excellent Schools

Faculty culture plays a major role in student achievement. Students in schools with a healthy faculty culture perform better than their peers in schools with an unhealthy faculty culture. Yet, most school improvement efforts do not focus on developing and maintaining a healthy faculty culture. School leaders are often reluctant to systematically assess faculty culture out of fear that the findings may be threatening. Yet, to the contrary, the perspectives of faculty are among the most valuable to a school leader interested in developing strong leadership skills. To create a learning environment in which students excel academically, socially and intellectually schools must be vigilant about assessing and improving faculty culture.

One way to assess faculty culture is to survey the faculty about perceptions, beliefs, ideas and assumptions that ultimately create the faculty's common perspectives and performance. Teachers complete it anonymously using a scale of one to five. The results indicate the areas in which faculty culture is healthy and those that need to be improved. Typically, a school consultant facilitates the process and uses the information to in the context of school improvement or faculty and staff development plan. Here are some examples of items that might be included in the survey.

1. Teachers in my school are committed to professional growth. They participate in in-service training at school, attend conferences and workshops, and clearly convey in their actions and words that professional development is vital.
2. Faculty members in my school establish high and realistic academic standards for students. One of our fundamental values is challenge our students academically while providing the support they need to be successful.
3. In my school, teachers establish high and achievable social standards for students. They believe that the social and behavioral success of students is as important as academic success and that students' social welfare is one of our basic values.
4. Teachers in my school believe that their primary responsibility is to help their students be successful. They are devoted to their students and go the second mile to help them whenever possible.
5. Faculty members in my school treat students respectfully at all times, including times when they need to address a student's unsatisfactory behavior. They consistently model the behavior they expect from their students.
6. Faculty members in my school value working together collaboratively, assisting one another, sharing resources and generally helping out whenever possible.
7. In the faculty room, hallways and wherever teachers get together to chat, conversations are typically productive, cheerful and professional.
8. I totally trust my teaching colleagues.
9. I totally trust my school administrators.
10. The administrators in my school actively support teachers and do their best to help them be successful.
11. Teachers and administrators in my school communicate professionally with parents and seek to keep them informed about the school and their child's progress.

Based on the results, schools can identify areas that must be addressed to improve faculty culture. Regardless of the instrument a school may choose to use, faculty culture assessment and improvement should be an ongoing part of school evaluation and goal-setting. Ensuring the health of the faculty is paramount to creating and maintaining an excellent school.