FOODS THAT WILL MAKE YOU LIVE LONGER

1. Avocados

Avocados lead my list of anti-aging foods because that are just so delicious. Of course, avocados are loaded with healthy fats to help improve your cholesterol, but the main reason to eat avocados is because they taste so good.

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2. Walnuts

I know I need to eat more omega-3s and that fish are a great source, but I have to admit that possible mercury contamination of fish has got me a bit scared off. That's where walnuts come in. Turns out that walnuts are a great (and mercury-free) source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Eat a handful or two a day for all your omega-3 needs.

3. Green Vegetables

I know, it's pretty boring to talk about the need to eat more vegetables -- but here's the thing, we all really need to do it. In fact, if the country could get 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day, we'd see a huge decrease in heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and more. So find some way to eat one more veggie or fruit this week, then add another next week until you get to 9 servings. Focus on leafy or deeply colored vegetables for the most benefit.

4. Water

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Water is good for you. This seems pretty basic. There is some disagreement in the medical world whether drinking TONS of water is really a good idea, but while they sort that out stay focused on water. Your goal should be to make water your primary drink. This way, you'll be drinking a no calorie, no chemical drink all day long instead of the many, many high-calorie, high chemical alternatives.

5. Berries

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Berries are packed full of antioxidants and other chemicals that your body can use to make repairs and prevent some of the damage caused by aging. Best of all, berries taste really, really good. Be sure to eat your berries without any sauces or sugars. Just enjoy them plain for their goodness.

6. Green Tea

Green tea has been a longevity supplement in Asia for thousands of years. It is a great thing to work into your daily life. Green tea contains high concentrations of just the chemicals your body needs. Green tea is also inexpensive, delicious and gives a mild (and gentle) energy boost from its caffeine.

7. Red Wine

Red wine is good for you -- it contains a substance called "resveratrol" that help your body fight off age-related illnesses. At the end of your day have a glass or two to relax and unwind. You'll get the benefits of a delicious drink along with the anti-aging properties of resveratrol.

8. Beans

Beans are a great source of healthy protein and antioxidants. Really, beans are a wonder food. Some researchers (like T. Colin Powell) believe that animal protein may cause many of the illnesses we face as we age. Switching to a (healthy) vegetarian diet certainly will help improve the health of your heart and arteries. Beans are a necessary part of any healthy vegetarian diet. If you don't want to go all the way to vegetarianism, then just start by substituting a few meals a week with bean-based entrees.

9. Melons

When I think of fruit, I don't always think of melons. That's a shame because melons have some of the best nutritional profiles of all the fruits. They are pulpy (so they fill you up) and contain lots of vitamins for your body. Work melons into your daily/weekly diet and you'll be reaping health benefits as you enjoy them.

10. Chocolate

I put chocolate last in this list only because it doesn't need to be higher up to get your attention. Chocolate (dark chocolate, that is) is good for you. It has a balance of fats that don't harm your body and tons of healthy chemicals that your body needs. The only draw-back is that chocolate also has calories. Have a little square every day, but don't overdue it.

WHAT ENTERPRISING CHRISTIANS HAVE IN COMMON

Here's the truth.

In Luke 4:1-13, Jesus was tempted by the devil several times. And for each temptation Jesus replied back with a memorized scripture. It's the best example for us how powerful it can be if we only keep God's word in our hearts AND mind.

In this modern day some of our Christian leaders put emphasis on scripture memorization.

Here are some of things they said:

"I am convinced that one of the greatest things we can do is to memorize Scripture." - Billy Graham

"I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture...No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified." - Chuck Swindoll

"Scripture memory is a habit that most Christians have never even tried, but getting your members to hide God's word in their hearts brings personal revival and renewal" - Rick Warren

There's no doubt that building the habit of memorizing God's word can change your life.

MEANING OF YOUR DREAMS

Why is it a constant struggle to get up from bed every morning?

Do not blame yourself for not being something special. We are all special. We all have something inside of us, and God put it there. YOU are special. You are God's most precious creation molded in His likeness, and you are standing where you are today for one purpose: to follow the dream that God has put in your heart.

According to 2 Timothy 1:6...you just have to "stir up the gift of God which is in you".

That gift which is mentioned in the Scriptures that God had given all of us is the gift of dreams. The desire to succeed, to achieve more, to reach out for a vision that is seen by no one other than yourself.

But sometimes things go haywire. In other words, things don't always go according to plan, no matter we pray to God for it to succeed. And this is because sometimes God needs to break you in order to make you whole once again.

Just because your dream didn't work out doesn't mean God does not have a second, much better dream for you out there waiting to be realized.

Do not let the failure of one dream keep you from dreaming. This is where many of us fall apart, and it is the reason why most of us never realize our dreams and, thus, our full potential.

So go on, stir up that gift which has been inside of you all along. Keep dreaming and memorize God`s word, and God will lay out His plans for you at the right time. We all get what we deserve at a time when we most deserve it.

A BETTER CHRISTIAN LIFE SECRET

When we prepare home made, broiled chicken or barbecued ribs! The secret is to allot time for your food to marinate, allowing the ingredients to penetrate the part of the meat. While being broiled, the very smell of the kitchen makes ones appetite crave for it all the more.

Our Christian life needs marinating as well.

We are to meditate and devote time to read the bible and prayer. Soaking in God's word prepares you for the days challenges. In Joshua 1:8 it say, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Allow God's word to seep in your heart and mind. Work on it until it becomes part of you and your lifestyle.

Time is one factor that you need. You may start with small steps. Perhaps 10 minutes of prayer and reading of the bible, then 15 to 20 minutes up until you get to enjoy doing it. Making it part of your system, part your daily habit. Say, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalms 119:105.

Being well 'marinated' in God's word helps you become grateful, enables you to understand God's ways, God's words and God's love. There is a certain peace that envelopes you. You discover so many things and one of which is God's purpose in your life, and the beautiful promises He has for you.

Here's the thing, when you do this, you feel confident that there is one who holds your future despite of what you hear or see. You no longer get easily side tracked, nor do you easily get conscious of what people will think or say about you, because you are well grounded in your faith.

Faith is developed and supported by the reading of the bible. Take this to heart. There is power in the living word of God.

Pursue God!

Being Depressed

What Is It?
It's natural to feel down sometimes, but if that low mood lingers day after day, it could signal depression. Major depression is an episode of sadness or apathy along with other symptoms that lasts at least two consecutive weeks and is severe enough to interrupt daily activities. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a negative personality. It is a major public health problem and a treatable medical condition.

Shown here is a PET scan revealing "hot spots" of increased activity in the brain of a non-depressed person

Depression Symptoms: Emotional
The primary symptoms of depression are a sad mood and/or loss of interest in life. Activities that were once pleasurable lose their appeal. Patients may also be haunted by a sense of guilt or worthlessness, lack of hope, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
The Role of Social Support
Because loneliness goes hand-in-hand with depression, developing a social support network can be an important part of treatment. This may include joining a support group, finding an online support community, or making a genuine effort to see friends and family more often. Even joining a book club or taking classes at your gym can help you connect with people on a regular basis.


Depression Symptoms: PhysicalVagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can help patients with treatment-resistant depression that do not improve with medication. VNS is like a pacemaker for the brain. The surgically implanted device sends electrical pulses to the brain through the vagus nerve in the neck. These pulses are believed to ease depression by affecting mood areas of the brain.


Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Another option for patients with treatment-resistant or severe melancholic depression is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT.) This treatment uses electric charges to create a controlled seizure. (Patients are not conscious for the procedure.) ECT helps 80% to 90% of patients who receive it, giving new hope to those who don't improve with medication


Depression is sometimes linked to physical symptoms. These include:

Fatigue and decreased energy
Insomnia, especially early-morning waking
Excessive sleep
Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
Depression can make other health problems feel worse, particularly chronic pain. Key brain chemicals influence both mood and pain. Treating depression has been shown to improve co-existing illnesses.

Depression Symptom: Appetite
Changes in appetite or weight are another hallmark of depression. Some patients develop increased appetite, while others lose their appetite altogether. Depressed people may experience serious weight loss or weight gain.

Impact on Daily Life
Without treatment, the physical and emotional turmoil brought on by depression can derail careers, hobbies, and relationships. Depressed people often find it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. They turn away from previously enjoyable activities, including sex. In severe cases, depression can become life-threatening.

Suicide Warning Signs
People who are depressed are more likely to attempt suicide. Warning signs include talking about death or suicide, threatening to hurt people, or engaging in aggressive or risky behavior. Anyone who appears suicidal should be taken very seriously. If you have a plan to commit suicide, go to the emergency room for immediate treatment



Depression: Who's at Risk?
Anyone can become depressed, but many experts believe genetics play a role. Having a parent or sibling with depression increases your risk of developing the disorder. Women are twice as likely as men to become depressed

Doctors aren't sure what causes depression, but a prominent theory is altered brain structure and chemical function. Chemicals called neurotransmitters become unbalanced. What pushes these chemicals off course? One possibility is the stress of a traumatic event, such as losing a loved one or a job. Other triggers could include certain medications, alcohol or substance abuse, hormonal changes, or even the season.

Illustrated here are neurons (nerve cells) in the brain communicating via neurotransmitters.

Seasonal Depression
If your mood matches the season – sunny in the summer, gloomy in the winter – you may have a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The onset of SAD usually occurs in the late fall and early winter, as the daylight hours grow shorter. Experts say SAD affects up to 3% of the U.S. population, or about 9 million people, mainly in the northern part of the country.

Postpartum Depression
The "baby blues" strikes as many as three out of four new mothers. But nearly 12% develop a more intense dark mood that lingers even as their baby thrives. This is known as postpartum depression, and the symptoms are very similar to those of major depression. An important difference is that the baby's well-being is also at stake. A depressed mother may have trouble enjoying and bonding with her infant.

Depression in Children
Depression clouds the days of one in every 40 American kids. It interferes with the ability to play, make friends, and complete schoolwork. Symptoms are similar to depression in adults, but some children may appear angry or engage in risky behavior, called "acting out." Depression can be difficult to diagnose in children.


Diagnosing Depression
As of yet, there is no blood test for depression. To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors rely on a patient's description of the symptoms. You'll be asked about your medical history and medication use since these may contribute to your symptoms of depression. Discussing moods, behaviors, and daily activities can help reveal the severity and type of depression. This is a critical step in determining the most effective treatment.

Talk Therapy for Depression
Studies suggest different types of talk therapy can fight mild to moderate depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression. Interpersonal therapy identifies how your relationships impact your mood. Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps helps people understand how their behavior and mood are affected by unresolved issues and unconscious feelings. Some patients find a few months of therapy are all they need, while others continue long term.
Medications for Depression
Antidepressants affect the levels of brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. There are dozens of options. Give antidepressants a few weeks of use to take effect. Good follow-up with your doctor is important to evaluate their effectiveness and make dosage adjustments. If the first medication tried doesn't help, there's a good chance another will. The combination of talk therapy and medication appears particularly effective.

Exercise for Depression
Research suggests exercise is a potent weapon against mild to moderate depression. Physical activity releases endorphins that can help boost mood. Regular exercise is also linked to higher self-esteem, better sleep, less stress, and more energy. Any type of moderate activity, from swimming to housework, can help. Choose something you enjoy and aim for 20 to 30 minutes four or five times a week.

Light Therapy (Phototherapy)
Light therapy has shown promise as an effective treatment not only for SAD but for some other types of depression as well. It involves sitting in front of a specially designed light box that provides either a bright or dim light for a prescribed amount of time each day. Light therapy may be used in conjunction with other treatments. Talk to your doctor about getting a light box and the recommended length of time for its use.

St. John's Wort for Depression
St. John's wort is an herbal supplement that has been the subject of extensive debate. There is some evidence that it can fight mild depression, but two large studies have shown it is ineffective against moderately severe major depression. St. John's wort can interact with other medications you may be taking for medical conditions or birth control. Talk to you doctor before taking this or any other supplement.

Pets for Depression
A playful puppy or wise-mouthed parrot is no substitute for medication or talk therapy. But researchers say pets can ease the symptoms of mild to moderate depression in many people. Pets provide unconditional love, relieve loneliness, and give patients a sense of purpose. Studies have found pet owners to have less trouble sleeping and better overall health.

SECRETS TO LONG LIFE

Be Conscientious

An 80-year study found one of the best predictors of a long life is a conscientious personality. Researchers measured attributes like attention to detail and persistence. They found that conscientious people do more things to protect their health and make choices that lead to stronger relationships and better careers.

Protect Your DNA

As we age, the ends of our chromosomes -- called telomeres -- become shorter. This makes people more vulnerable to disease. You might think there's nothing you can do, but new research suggests otherwise. In a pilot study, lifestyle changes boosted an enzyme that increases telomere length. Other studies also find diet and exercise can protect telomeres. So healthy habits may slow aging at the cellular level.

Make Friends

Science has given you one more reason to be grateful for your friends – they might help you live longer. Australian researchers found elderly social butterflies were less likely to die over a 10-year period compared to people with the fewest friends. Another analysis of results from 148 studies supports the link between plentiful social connections and longevity.

Choose Your Friends Wisely

Your friends’ habits rub off on you, so look for companions with healthy lifestyles. Studies indicate obesity is socially “contagious" – your chance of becoming obese increases by 57% if you have a friend who becomes obese. Smoking is another habit that spreads through social ties, but the good news is that quitting is also contagious.

Quit Smoking

While it's no secret that giving up cigarettes can lengthen your days -- the amount of extra time may surprise you. According to a 50-year British study, quitting at age 30 could increase your lifespan by an entire decade. Kicking the habit at age 40, 50, or 60 boosts life expectancy by 9, 6, or 3 years, respectively.

Embrace the Siesta

A siesta is standard in many parts of the world, and now there's scientific evidence that napping may help you live longer. A recent study with 24,000 participants suggests that regular nappers are 37% less likely to die from heart disease than occasional nappers. Researchers think naps might help your heart by keeping stress hormones down.

Follow a Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fish. An analysis of 50 studies involving more than half a million people shows the impressive benefits of this diet. The findings show it significantly lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome – a combination of obesity, elevated blood sugar, increased blood pressure, and other factors that raise your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Eat Like an Okinawan

The people of Okinawa, Japan once had the longest life expectancy in the world. Researchers attribute this to the region's traditional diet, which is high in green and yellow vegetables and low in calories. Some Okinawans make a habit of eating only 80% of the food on their plate. As younger generations have veered from these traditions, life expectancy in Okinawa has fallen.

Get Married

Several studies show that married people tend to outlive their single counterparts. Many researchers attribute the difference to the social and economic support marriage provides. While a current marriage offers the greatest benefit, people who are divorced or widowed have lower mortality rates than those who have never been married.

Lose Weight

If you're overweight, slimming down can protect against diabetes, heart disease, and other life-shortening conditions. Belly fat appears to be particularly harmful, so focus on deflating that spare tire. A 5-year study of Hispanics and African-Americans suggests eating more fiber and exercising regularly are effective ways to reduce belly fat.

Keep Moving

The evidence is overwhelming – people who exercise live longer on average than those who don't. According to dozens of studies, regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some forms of cancer, and depression. Exercise may even help you stay mentally sharp in your old age. Ten-minute spurts of activity are fine, as long as they add up to about 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week.

Drink in Moderation

Heart disease is less common in moderate drinkers than in people who don't drink at all. But keep in mind that too much alcohol pads the belly, boosts blood pressure, and can cause a host of other health problems. The American Heart Association recommends that if you drink alcohol, the limit should be one drink a day for women and one or two for men. But if you don't drink, don't start. There are many other ways of protecting your heart.

Get Spiritual

Research suggests people who attend religious services tend to live longer than people who never attend. In a 12-year study of people over age 65, those who attended services more than once a week had higher levels of a key immune system protein than their peers who attended no services. They were also significantly less likely to die during the study period. The strong social network that develops among people who worship together

Forgive

Letting go of grudges has surprising physical health benefits. Chronic anger is linked to decreased lung function, heart disease, stroke, and other ailments. Forgiveness will reduce anxiety, lower your blood pressure, and help you to breathe more easily. These benefits tend to increase as you get old.

Use Safety Gear

Accidents are the fifth most common cause of death in the U.S., and the top cause of death for people ages 1 to 24. Wearing safety gear is a simple way to boost your odds of a long life. In the event of a motor vehicle crash, seatbelts reduce the risk of death or serious injury by 50%. In bike accidents, most deaths are caused by head injuries, so always wear your helmet.

Make Sleep a Priority

Getting enough good quality sleep can lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mood disorders. Sufficient sleep will also help you recover from illness faster. Burning the midnight oil, on the other hand, carries serious health risks. Sleeping less than 5 hours per night boosts the risk of premature death, so make sleep a priority.

Manage Stress

Dean Ornish, MD, has published research suggesting that lifestyle changes including stress management not only help prevent heart disease, but may actually reverse it. Although avoiding stress is not a viable option for most people, there are effective ways to control it. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference.

Maintain a Sense of Purpose

Finding hobbies and activities that have meaning for you may contribute to a long life. Japanese researchers found men with a strong sense of purpose were less likely to die from stroke, heart disease, or other causes over a 13-year period compared to those with a low sense of purpose. Another study at Rush University Medical Center indicates that having a greater sense of purpose is linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

SECRETS OF BEAUTY MAKE UP SAFETY
What does the quality of your makeup depend on? Your beauty makeup is founded on such important things as sort of cosmetics, skin condition, you personal skin treatment experience. But we often forget some details, at first sight inconspicuous. Get by rote, these "some details" can make a lot of problems with you beauty makeup. Following some rules will permit you to fence off the consequences. As usual, rules are onefold you need good personal hygiene - clean hands, clean face, and common sense. There are some risks, which can put a crimp in making a beauty makeup.

When did you check your cosmetics bag? How many of you favorite cosmetics are out of time? Contamination can prejudice your skin and cause serious injury. Every time you open a bottle of foundation or case of eye shadow, bacterium and microorganisms in the air can rush in. But if the product is adequately preserved, its special components can kill off the bacterium to keep the product safe.

Have you ever tried to apply your makeup being at the wheel? One of the riskiest things a woman can do is to put on mascara while she's driving. You hit a bump and you scratch your eyeball. It is not concerned a disease bacterium, but normal germs that are all over the air can search into the hurt eye. You can go blind without proper medical attention through such carelessness.

The other thing: don’t share, under any circumstances. Never share, not even with your best friend. You see now, sharing cosmetics means sharing germs, and the risk with any consequences. What about the testers commonly found at department store cosmetic counters? Are the preservation ingredients able to save the product? At home, the preservatives have time, usually a whole day, for clearance of bacteria injected after each use. There's no doubt about the cosmetic testers, witch are used half-hourly? If you really want to test a cosmetic before you buy, you should ask for and insist on a new, unused applicator. Healthy skin is a controlling factor of beauty makeup.

In increasing frequency we deal with allergic reactions to cosmetics. Highly allergic individuals know that hypoallergenic can mean almost anything to anybody. As far as it concerned with the cosmetics "hypo" means "less than", and hypoallergenic means the product causes an allergic reaction scarcer than other ones. As usual manufacturers do clinical tests, of ingredients. But there are still no regulatory standards for hypoallergenic.