Beat Stress and Boredom Without Resorting to Food

It's another crazy day at home with the kids. The phone is ringing off the hook, the kids are fighting, and each one of them is asking for different entrees for breakfast. So how do you cope? You do what so many other moms would do in this situation―you grab some chocolate or a bag of chips to help alleviate the stress.

If we only ate when we were hungry, most of us would never have weight problems. Unfortunately, emotions often drive us to eat when we have no physical appetite. Whether it's stress, boredom, anger or sadness we feel, we often turn to food to temporarily feel better.

But instead of feeling better afterwards, we just feel guilty. While food may temporarily be soothing, those high-calorie, high-fat goodies usually make us feel worse in the end, both emotionally and physically. What's important to recognize, however, is that we are our children's role models. If they see us using food for comfort, they will likely mirror our behavior. So instead of reaching for food the next time your emotions are running high, try some of these coping techniques when you're:

All Stressed Out
Teach your children to exercise to reduce their stress levels (and yours!) Instead of reaching for a rich sugary snack when you're about to explode, take a quick walk outside with your kids. Put on some of their favorite dance music and get them dancing with you. Have a jump rope contest with them, or do an exercise video together. And to prevent stress from building up, exercise regularly.

Bored Out of Your Mind
Many times we eat out of habit without even thinking about what we're doing. Mindless munching can happen while we're watching TV, playing video games, sitting in front of the computer, or talking on the phone. The bottom line is that unconscious eating is what happens when we don't pay attention to what or how much we are eating, or how hungry we actually are. In these cases we often find ourselves overeating without ever feeling satisfied. If you or your child fits this profile, here are some things you can do to prevent this:

• Tune out distractions while eating. Make it a rule that all food is eaten in a designated area like the kitchen, while sitting down, and that the TV must be turned off while eating.
• Set limits on electronics. Limit screen time to no more than two hours a day.
• Keep plenty of nutritious snacks on hand like whole grain crackers, string cheese, individual bags of apples (found in produce section), low-fat yogurt, and unsweetened applesauce cups.
• Prevent boredom by trying something new. Bat a balloon back and forth with your kids while trying not to hit the floor. If you have a big box handy, have the kids get in, hold onto a rope and drag them around the floor or carpet. Mix up your routine as much as possible. You can't eat if your hands are busy, so get some clay or Play-Doh and make fun figures or models.

The next time you feel like eating your way through your emotions, think about the example you're setting for your children. Instead try some of the coping techniques above, and show your children by example that there are healthier ways to work through stress, anger, sadness and boredom.  

Laughter, Laugh, Laughing, Giggle

Hey, everybody--Belly Laugh Day is on January 24th. Why is that important? Because researchers are finding more and more evidence that laughter contains some pretty awesome benefits for our bodies and minds.

There's a lot of research to prove the claims. But really now, haven't you always known that laughing makes you feel good? Giggling is at the top of my list of things that overwhelm me with happiness. Making other people laugh and giggle comes in as a close second. Two people laughing is better than one. Three people laughing is a virtual party.

But if you're intent on knowing "scientifically" why laughter is good for you, here are a few good sources.
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Using laughter-provoking movies to gauge the effect of emotions on cardiovascular health, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore have shown for the first time that laughter is linked to healthy function of blood vessels. Laughter appears to cause the tissue that forms the inner lining of blood vessels, the endothelium, to dilate or expand in order to increase blood flow.

And just the anticipation of laughter is good for you.
National Post

The simple anticipation of "mirthful laughter" such as watching a comedy on television is enough to increase levels of health-protecting hormones in the body and decrease levels of potentially harmful stress-related hormones, research shows.

So the bottom line�laughter is a good thing. It's a great stress reliever, even Abraham Lincoln recognized that.

Declare a personal two-day holiday...It's good for your health.

It's a new year and everyone is going on a diet. Forget it!

If you're interested in getting healthy, don't stop eating�stop working. Now that I look back on that sentence, I guess if you stop working, you'll automatically stop eating�no money. But I wasn't talking about quitting your job.

In order to get healthy and stay healthy, it's time to stop lying in bed worrying about what you need to do tomorrow. It's time to slooooow doooown. Give your mind a rest.

Have you ever read the Desiderata? You should. That says it all and the funny thing is�it was written by Max Ehrmann in 1927. The advice is still pertinent today. Just reading it brings a sense of peace and warmth to your mind and body.

But getting back to the work thing�you need to know when to work and when to stop.

Take next weekend off. You're the boss of "you." Declare a two-day holiday. Grab a friend, or a member of your family, and make time for some personal enjoyment activities.

• Dine out
• Go see a movie
• Have a DVD marathon (I recently enjoyed an entire Saturday watching NCIS episodes with my granddaughter)
• Go to the park, take some deep breaths. Inhale positive energy; exhale all of the negative energies, and then go enjoy an ice cream sundae. (Gosh, the total opposite of what the rest of the world is doing�Heaven forbid!)
• If you are spending your downtime alone, relax and read a book (the entire book, from cover to cover, without feeling guilty because you should be running the vacuum)
• Take a bubble bath
• If you're crafty, spread all your supplies out on the table and create

Right about now, you should be starting to feel the stress fall away from your body as you think about your "work-less weekend."

Oh, and if you still feel it's necessary to start a diet. That's okay, too. But remember, it's not enough to whip your body into shape, your brain needs attention, too. Give it a breather.

Words About Beauty

基本香熏护理 - 适合任何皮肤
Basic Aroma Facial - For all skin types
选择适合你皮肤需要的香熏精华油，再为你选配个别的特效面膜，护理后皮肤会感到清新柔软。
包括：清洁面部去死皮，蒸气喷雾，针清鼻黑头，修眉，颈及面部按摩，面膜。
All ingredients of the plant extracts. They are suitable for all skin types ans make the skin soft and fresh.
Includes : cleansing, peeling, steaming, eyebrow shaping, pore cleansing, neck and facial massage, mask.

暗疮皮肤护理　　Purifying Treatment for Acne Skin
采用特别针对性的精华素令皮肤有消炎杀菌，净化及平衡皮脂分泌，回复幼嫩肌肤。
包括：清洁面部去死皮，蒸气喷雾，针清鼻黑头暗疮，高频率电疗，消炎面膜，特效净化精华素，面部淋巴排毒按摩，消炎去印软膜。
Use the pruifying ampoule, antiseptic, calms sebaceous secretions, soothes irritations and purifies the skins.
Includes : cleansing, peeling, steaming, eyebrow shaping, pore cleansing, high frequency, antiseptic mask, pruifying ampoule, lymphatic drainage facial massage, mask

抗敏感皮肤护理　　Hypersensitive Skin Treatment
采用特别增强皮肤感抵抗力的精华素，抒缓及修补敏感后对皮肤不适的感觉，有增强皮肤免疫及补水功能。
包括：清洁面部，植物性去死皮，针清，修眉，抗敏感精华素，肩颈及面部按摩，抗敏面膜及软膜。
Use the desenitzing ampoule to soothes irritated, all epic skins and restores a healthy complexion.
Includes : cleansing, vegetal peeling, eyebrow shaping, pore cleansing, neck and facial massage, mask.

背部磨砂　Back Scrub
背部深层净白护理　Snow White Back Treatment
全身磨砂　Body Scrub
全身瘦身排毒红海藻泥护理　Slimming / Detoxifying Body Treatment
胸部提升结实护理　Breast Firm Up Treatment
电离子胸部提升收紧护理　Ultratone Breast Firm Up Treatment
纤体瘦身护理　　Finiteness Treatment

人手穴位推脂局部减肥 - 手／大腿／小腿／肚／臀部
Pressure point slim - arm / upperthighs / half legs / stomach / hip
人手穴位推脂背部／脚部　Pressure point slim - back / full leg
人手穴位推脂全身减肥　Pressure point whole body slim
机理全身淋巴排毒去水减肥　Ultratone Body Lymphatic Drainage Treatment
超动波机理减肥　Ultratone Body Slimming
电离子热毯肥／收紧疗程　Ionithermie Slimming / Firming Treatment
草本热疗程　Aromatic Sauna Blanket
香熏蒸气浴　Aromatic Steam Bath
远红外线桑拿　Infrared Sauna
太空舱红外线减肥仪　Infrared Slim Ship
Sothys 专业面部护理疗程


氧份抗斑疗程 Oxygenating Facial Treatment
此疗程可使淡偏黄有斑印没有光泽的肌肤得到氧气令肌肤颜色增白均匀更有光泽。
The skin appears more supple more heal their and radiant, brown spots are lightened.


最新细胞增氧疗程 Oxygenating I.T. Facial Treatment
空气污染也会使细胞污染而使到肌肤变黄疲倦失去活力。一种最新发明的增氧元素可以把细胞废物排出增加细胞氧份，细胞打氧后很快会重现生气光泽的肌肤。
Illumiinates the complexion. The observe of oxygen result in the retention of waite, which speeds up the aging process. Thanks to this treatment the complexion will look more luminous.


高水份护理疗程 Hydroptimate Facial Treatment
利用微生物技术和天然成份，实验证明一个月内做四次疗程有效增加皮肤水份达183%时变得柔软滑如丝。
With active biotechnological ingredients, the ultimate hydration spectacular results (+183% hydration after four treatment). The epidermis visibly regains long term comfort and suppleness.


完美再生修护疗程 Lift Defense Facial Treatment
此疗程是针对每一组表情纹及皱纹改善达72%。
Ultra-precision treatment for outstanding anti-wrinkle and firming results. Treatment which protects and prevents the appearance of new wrinkles.

专业脱皮疗程 Profession Peeling Treatment
是一种拥有双重脱皮作用，能有效刺激细胞更生，减少面部一切瑕疵。
An exfoliationg double action treatmenr with apple & lemon glycol acid peel of the surface layer of skin that bears all imperfections.


特别护理　Special Treatment

耳烛疗法 Ear Candling
耳烛疗法应用于身体及脸部保养美容流行已久，适用于小孩及成人，改善耳，鼻，喉问题，又助失眠，头痛，耳水不平衡，脸部美容，更可瘦面，美白，收紧眼袋及黑眼圈。
It is popular on facial and body treatment in the cosmetics field, suitable for child and adult. Relieve the ear, nose, throat problem.
Instant face slimming whitening, lifting, dark circle and dropping eye bags.


古埃及收身法 Ancient Egyptian Slimming and Firming Method
以古埃及束身秘方手法，配合特效产品，一次修身排毒，适用于去橙皮脂肪，水肿，产后收身及修改线条。
To reshape and firm a beautiful figure by only one wrapping. Suitable for : eliminate cellulite, water retention, firm the body after giving birth, keep the shape of body.

颈部护理 Neck Care
香熏精华收紧颈部护理 Aromatheray Neck Treatment
采用配方精华油加上特别按摩手法，令颈部实时收紧颈纹。
包括：清洁，精华油颈部按摩，颈膜。
Using the special blend of pure essential oil, micro-neck therapy massage, improves skin tone and elasticity.
Includes : cleansing, peeling, essential oil massage neck mask.

身体护理 Body Massage
香熏背部淋巴按摩 Lmyphatic Drainage Back massage　
香熏全身淋巴按摩 Lmyphatic Drainage Whole Body massage　
功效：增强免疫功能，排除淋巴毒素，防此慢性病感染。

穴位全身按摩 Pressure Point Body massage
以中国正宗手法及配合秘方草木油，能达到舒筋活胳，行气活血，减少四肢疼痛，强身保健。
Using the Chinese method and special essential oil, relaxation increase energy flow and curve muscle ahing strength the whole body.

眼部护理　Eye Treatment
活性修补暖膜眼部护理
Activating Collagen Solution Warm Eye Mask Treatment
采用胶原活性修补精华为眼部因紫外线衰老及遇累而受损的眼部肌肤，补充水份及平伏细纹。
包括：清洁，眼部活性保湿精华液按摩，配方暖眼膜。
Hydrates restores elasticity and smoothes fine lines a hydration and anti-wrinkle treatment.
includes : cleansing, eye massage with activation collagen solution, warm eye mask.


Sothys 高级综合眼部治疗 Sothys Eye Treatment
针对眼部所有出现问题，能够平鱼尾纹及细纹，去眼肿，眼袋及黑眼圈，抒缓疲倦眼睛，使你眼睛回复神采。
包括：清洁，水份粒子去死皮，特效眼霜按摩，去黑眼圈眼膜，眼膜舒缓眼肿。
A comprehensive treatment for virtually all problems around the wuw zone area smoothes.


脚部护理　Foot Treatment


45分钟脚底松弛法 45 mins Reflexlogy Massage
提升身体免疫能力，可实时消除全身疲劳。
includes : Relaxtion hot Bath, whiting pelling, 45 mins, detox foot mask.

特效香熏足部反射健康疗法 Reflexology Massage
包括：香熏舒缓脚浴，香熏美白脚部�砂，香熏精华油足部按摩45分钟，香熏排毒油脚膜。
includes : Relaxtion hot Bath, whiting pelling, 45 mins, detox foot mask.

修脚 - 锉甲，修脚皮，涂甲油
Pedicure - Filing, cuticle removal and nail varnish
玫瑰油脚部治疗
Rose Essential Oil Foot Treatment

手部护理 Hand Treatment
修甲 - 锉甲，修脚皮，涂甲油
Manicure - Filing, cuticle removal and nail varnish

玫瑰油手部治疗
Rose Essential Oil Hand Treatment
美白更生手部护理
Hand Whitening Treatment

脱毛服务
脱毛护理 Waxing
上唇、下巴 Upper lip or chin
前臂 Half arms
全臂 Full arms
腋下 Under arms
比坚尼 Bilking lines
小腿 Half legs
大腿 Upper thighs
全腿 Full thighs
特别服务
电眼睫毛 Eye Lash Curling
染眼睫毛 Eye Lash Tinting
染眼眉毛 Eye Brow Tinting
修眉 Eye Sharping
脱墨、雀斑 Moles, Pigment Removal

The Best Ingredient for Skin Protection

By Leslie Baumann, M.D.

I went to check out the new Canyon Ranch spa in Miami Beach as soon as they opened since I always want to know what skincare lines the high end spas are carrying. As you know, if you routinely read my blog, I am always a skeptic about skincare products. I was stunned to see that Canyon Ranch's "Your Transformation" skincare line contains my favorite ingredient, Pro-NAD, which is a form of niacinamide that penetrates better than the type found in the Olay Regenerist products.

(As a disclaimer, I have always been a fan of Canyon Ranch. I have stayed at the one in the Berkshires and thought that it was a great experience. The new one that just opened in Miami Beach is gorgeous and has great food, but I have no financial relationship with them.),

A relative of niacin, and part of the vitamin B family, topical niacinamide is best known in the dermatological community as an anti-inflammatory and an excellent ingredient for fighting hyperpigmentation. Studies have shown that niacinamide prevents the DNA damage caused by sun exposure.

I think that the skin care professionals at Canyon Ranch realized that their location on the ocean on Miami Beach made it vital to include an ingredient to reverse some of the deleterious effects of the sun. Of course, do not forget to apply your sunscreen and wear a hat in addition to using the Pro-NAD containing products.

Why is Pro-NAD such a great ingredient for skin protection?

• Hyperpigmentation
  When it comes to reducing areas of excess pigmentation, Pro-NAD inhibits the transfer of melanosomes (vesicles filled with melanin, or skin pigment) to skin cells, which improves existing dark spots and helps prevent new ones from forming.
  
• Anti-Aging
  Pro-NAD is a powerful anti-aging ingredient. For starters, it helps decrease inflammation in the skin, which is thought to play a role in collagen-loss and, ultimately, aging. Moreover, Pro-NAD helps fuel the enzymes needed to repair damage to skin's DNA caused, for example, by sun exposure.
  
• Moisture
  Niacinamide is an excellent moisturizer -- it increases skin's ceramide levels, helping the skin barrier to naturally renew itself and retain moisture. Niacinamide is available in several easy-to-find skincare lines like Olay's Regenerist, Definity, and Total Effects products. However, only the Canyon Ranch line and Nia24 products contain niacinamide that has an important side group added to increase its penetration into deeper layers of the skin.

If you can't visit Canyon Ranch on Miami Beach, the new line is also available at the other Canyon Ranch locations as well as at Skinstore.com, Saks.com, Nordstrom.com and select locations of both department stores.

5 Easy Ways to Start a Diet

I just wrote the word "diet" in the title so you'd know what I was talking about, but honestly, that should be a swear word. How about, "5 easy ways to get food to serve you and your goals?" Or what about, "The joy of food", or "The great things food can do for your body and your goals."

So much of what we look like is impacted by what we put in our mouths. The tricky thing is that food is connected to us as emotional beings so much more then exercise. Yes, some people blow off stress by taking a run, but most of us would just rather reach for a donut, slice of pizza or scotch and soda.

I think the food puzzle needs to be unraveled simply and slowly so that our approach is simple but realistic to our lives.

1. Drink only water, with the exception of your beloved coffee in the morning. According to studies, this would eliminate 20% of our caloric intake and help all of our body functions run more smoothly.

2. Cut down your portions
I'm not even going to say what to eat and not eat. I'm just saying if you are having that sub at lunch cut it in half. We all overeat, so just eat until you are full. I'ts difficult to do, so halve the food and get it away from you. If it's sitting there you will want to eat it.

3. Don't skip breakfast
You will have a 70% chance of overeating throughout your day if you skip breakfast.

4. Keep a food journal
This will help you see exactly what you are eating and when. You will even be able to see patterns of grabbing food at stressful moments, etc. Journaling just makes you aware and in charge of your food--not the other way around.

5. If you can avoid it, don't eat after 7 p.m.
On business dinners or birthday gatherings don't worry about it. But when you can, try to finish eating earlier in the day.

See, that's not hard to do. Now as you progress in this area, I have some other rules to help you improve your relationship with food.

• Don't eat fast food (unless you have no other choice).
• Avoid microwaving your meals. Cook it yourself.
• Limit tons of sugar and wheat-based products (in anything).
• No diet, or fat-free, food. They contain a lot of ingredients that no one can pronounce.
• Fill your plate during the day with foods of all colors.
• Eat slowly and chew your food well.
• Eat when you are hungry and not because you are sad, mad, or stressed out.
• Limit your red meat intake.
• Foods that have a 10-year shelf life should not be eaten. Go for the real stuff.
• Don't snack yourself to weight gain. Eat real meals that are satisfying, not snacky foods that will kill your waistline and make you feel blah.