Every day is a day of thanksgiving

A very important key to living healthy and wealthy is to be thankful and grateful to see another day.  Do you know how blessed you are to experience the breath of life?  Did you wake up this morning with a roof over your head?  In a nice, comfy bed?  Were you able to get up without assistance from anyone or anything?  You had running water?  Something to eat?  Money in your pocket?  Money in the bank?  A negative balance?  (A positive is on the way) Clothes?  Most importantly, you had your faculities and your health (no matter what state - you can always get better). 

To me, these things we take for granted each day is our true source of wealth.  We didn't earn the right to life - but have it.  We don't deserve the grace and favor that is bestowed upon us 24-7, but you know what -- God loves us so much, he wants us to have a life abundant of the best of the best - and to live extraordinary - beyond any man's measure.  So be thankful my friends.  Today is an awesome day.  And guess what?  Your best days are still ahead of you.  Tell someone you love them.  Be nice and treat everyone justly.  Remember, we aren't always living up to God's highest expectations, but he forgives us and continues to bless of all of the time.

Keep walking by faith.  It's the only way to ensure we live healthy and wealthy for an eternity.


http://btdistributors.coffeemillions.com/tour/  

Business or Hobby?

It's been a while since we've last chatted. I must say I've missed you. There has not been a day that has gone by and I haven't said - "Man, I need to get back to my blog spot!" Well, today is the day - and the time could not have come sooner. Besides missing our chats - I really needed to get something off my chest.  I keep running into the same issue while attempting to complete transactions with other entrepreneurs. I am finding out that most people are running their businesses like a hobby, instead of a actual business!  ANNOYING!




Here is a question for those of you running your own business.  Are you actively working your business  -whether it's home-based or brick-and-motar, at least seven to ten hours a week?  That amounts to about an hour to an hour-and-a-half daily.  If you can't answer yes - or if you are a customer and you can't reach a business because there's never anyone around to assist you - THEN YOU / OR THAT BUSINESS IS NOT IN BUSINESS!!  It's as simple at that!

No one should have to hire bounty hunter or put out an A.P.B to find you.  Unless your name is "Waldo" or "Carmen San Diego" (two popular PBS kids shows)  Catch my drift? 

THE FORTUNE IS IN THE FOLLOW-UP!!!

This leads me to the other issue that irks me with most businesses.  It's the lack of customer service. I'm just going to cut to the chase. Respect people and their time, respect their requests, respect their complaints - even if they are as wrong as wearing two left shoes. Unfortunately, we have to grin and bear it. Be a person of your word. If you tell someone you're going to do something -- be like the folks at Nike - and just do it! Reward your customers for referrals.  Show them you appreciate them bringing business to your doorstep.  Word of mouth advertising is priceless.   Don't act like they didn't send you some business.   How dare you cash-in and not share the fruits of their labor? They did most of the work -- they got the customer to your doorstep. And  last but not least, for goodness sake - BE ON TIME!  I know things happen - but every time you set an appointment with someone, don't blow it off and be an hour late! Even if it's 5 minutes. Let your customer know it is an honor to serve them -- not the other way around.  You know the old saying...

TIME IS MONEY!!

But what you don't know is what's on your customer's calendar.  Trust me, if you keep disrespecting their time - they will find someone who doesn't.  And try to be accommodating.  I'm not saying bending over backwards all of the time.  But don't try to persuade someone to do what you want them to just to benefit you.  It's not about you.  That script gets old real fast.  And if you're like me, the 3 strike rule applies.  I'm not saying I will never do business with that person again, but I will give them something to think about during my hiatus from their services. 





These are just a few broad strokes for those of us in customer-service fields.  I don't care what your product or service is - if you have to deal with people in any form or fashion - try raising the bar and set the standard for the two issues raised here - and it's off to the races for the health and wealth of your business.  Just another key to add to your ring of success.

CLICK THE LINK FOR ANOTHER KEY TO SUCCESS http://btdistributors.coffeemillions.com/movie_player2/

A Sticky Situation: Is Gum Really Healthy?

Since I was a kid, chewing gum has been part of the daily norm.  I chewed gum when I was bored.  I chewed it when I couldn't find or get the candy I wanted.  Mom my gave it to me to chew to shut me up.  I chewed it to have bubble-blowing contests.  And I chomped and chewed on it in class  -- because I knew I wasn't supposed to.  Yes, an unruly and wild child, huh? LOL!  

Nowadays, for me, gum has jumped from the confectionery to the well being category. For years, we've heard a certain brand was "recommended by 4 out of 5 dentists" for cavity prevention.  A number of health agencies including the American Dental Association also agree that gum is good for you.   Chewing gum has also been touted as a great way to clean your teeth, reduce plaque, strengthen tooth enamel and reduce gingivitis and gum bleeding.

Surprising health benefits of chewing gum

Upon further research, I also stumbled across a few other surprising health benefits of chewing gum.  I had no idea of the following finds - you probably didn't either.  Seriously, none of this probably ever crossed your mind.  Did you know that gum...

 Boosts Mental Power

Chewing gum boosts brain activity in several ways. For instance, psychologists have discovered that chewing gum can help you enhance your memory. An experiment was conducted where two groups of people took the same examination. One group was given gum to chew while the other was not. Results showed that the gum-chewing group got higher test scores. This boost in memory might be linked to the chewing motion of the jaw. When you chew gum, your hippocampus becomes stimulated. The hippocampus is the part of the brain which plays a major role in memory. Aside from boosting your memory, chewing gum also encourages more blood flow to the brain. When you chew gum, your heart rate increases and more oxygen is delivered to your brain area.

 Reduces Stress and Tension

Chewing gum can help you fight stress and anxiety. Research has shown that students who chew gum during exams tend to be more alert and focused. This is because gum helps you cope with the stress that is often associated with tests. Stress is not the only negative emotion that chewing gum can help you through. Whenever you feel irritated or frustrated, you might find that chewing gum can help you relax.

 Contributes to Weight Loss

If you’re currently trying to lose weight, chewing gum can also prove to be beneficial for you. The next time you crave a snack or a second helping of dessert, pop a stick of gum into your mouth instead. Since gum contains very few calories per serving, it makes an ideal snack that will not ruin your diet. The act of chewing and the flavor of the gum will help you fight your cravings for other snacks that are high in calories and fats.

Improves Digestion

You might not be aware of it but chewing gum can also improve your digestion, as long as you chew your gum after meals. Notice how you frequently swallow while chewing your gum, because of excess saliva production? This helps keep digestive acids down in your stomach.

Here's where the situation gets sticky for me

While I still like to chew gum, I've only chewed it 2 times in the last three-and-a-half months.  Why?  Because I've been trying to lose weight.  And even though some people say it helps you lose weight, here's what I have learned and experienced.  When you chew gum, you salivate. When you salivate, a signal gets sent from your brain to your stomach that food is on its way, and you begin to produce gastrointestinal juices...then, the food never comes, leaving you feeling hungry - because you told your brain that food was on the way, yet it wasn't.   That's when hazard signs and lights start flashing in my mind -- telling me -- to get rid of the gum - drink some water or eat a piece of fruit - otherwise you are heading for a feeding frenzy. 

Chewing gum can also lead to stomach ulcers, because you are swallowing saliva with no food in it, and the stomach acids can begin to eat away at the lining of the stomach.

In no way or fashion am I anti-gum.  I still love it.  I have my favorites -- mostly all all calorie-free and sugar-free.  I'm just suggesting if you really need to chew a piece, do it after you've eaten.  After about 10 to 15 minutes - get rid of it.. or else, you'll set yourself up for a return of the hunger monster.  This is especially true if you're trying to lose weight or are conscious about what and how you eat.

  

Sources:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-0124-gum-kraft-20100122,0,1826830.story
http://www.betteroralhealth.info/orbit_us/general-public-area/inside-the-mouth/saliva/index.htm

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/saliva.asp

http://www.3fatchicks.com/

 

An apple a day... keeps the pounds away!

I absolutely, positively love apples.  For as long as I can remember, I have always known the old proverb "an apple a day keeps the doctor away."  I just thought it was a cute little saying adults used to trick kids to eat more fruit.  As I continue my journey into learning about and living a healthier lifestyle, I wanted to know what exactly are the health benefits of apples...since they are supposed to keep us out of the doctor's office.  Here are ten reasons I found that should make us all heed the advice of that old proverb.

Bone Protection
French researchers found that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.

Asthma Help
One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than children whose mothers ate few apples.

Alzheimer's Prevention
A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer's disease.

Lower Cholesterol
The pectin in apples lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent.

Lung Cancer Prevention
According to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50 percent lower risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers believe this is due to the high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin in apples.

Breast Cancer Prevention
A Cornell University study found that rats who ate one apple per day reduced their risk of breast cancer by 17 percent. Rats fed three apples per day reduced their risk by 39 percent and those fed six apples per day reduced their risk by 44 percent.

Colon Cancer Prevention
One study found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 43 percent lower risk of colon cancer. Other research shows that the pectin in apples reduces the risk of colon cancer and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Liver Cancer Prevention
Research found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 57 percent lower risk of liver cancer.

Diabetes Management
The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes.

Weight Loss
A Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples or pears per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting.

 

So go out and get some apples today!  I suggest organic brands -- you will taste the difference and your body will thank you.  I've been eating apples on a regular basis for the last 3 months (3 to 6 a day) and I've lost 43 pounds.  No kidding!!  Of course, I also changed my diet -- but the apples keep me full.  I eat them raw, I even peel the green ones and put them in the oven for about 30 minutes -- sprinkle them with cinnamon and stevia (natural sweetener) and it's like having a good old-fashioned apple pie - without the crust. 

Keep living healthy and wealthy!

Remember, your health is your wealth!

http://www.ritechoicenutrition.com

When Money Is Not Enough

(Singing) ..."Money, Money, Money, Money, Money,Money, MONEY! - Some people got to have it, some people really need it. Do things, do things, do things, do bad things with it.  For the love of money!!!

Whew!  I really like that song!!  The O'Jays -- "For the Love of Money" is timeless and tugs at the fiber of nearly everyone's being.  (Personally, it's the funky beat that gets me going.)   

Having money is fine, but what happens when it runs out? 

Over the last eight weeks, we've been discussing how to live more healthy and wealthy.  During this time, we've seen the stock market literally crash at least two times in the last two weeks.  Every where I go -- especially at work - that's all people are talking about - MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!!  Investment this, retirement that, 401K, IRA, ARGH!!  No one seems happy unless they are stressing about money!  When will the madness stop?!!!

I know money is necessary to function in the world.  But it should not be your main concern.  Are you healthy?  Are you happy?  Are you doing what you can to help others be healthy and happy?  Most importantly, are you working on having the best relationship you can with God?

If you can't answer YES to all of these questions - then you must be like many of the people in your life - too focused on money and not on what really matters.

You'll never reach true wealth or optimal health until you get your life back on the right track.  Start today by asking God for help.  He cares for you - and so do I.

Have a blessed and prosperous day!

Caffeine Crazy: The Power of Your Brew

http://the-scientist.com/2011/08/15/how-caffeine-fights-cancer/

There's a new study out that says caffeinated drinks may help prevent skin cancer.  The drug apparently inhibits a DNA repair pathway that can kill potentially precancerous cells.

Great news for coffee lovers like myself.  Even better news for those who market caffeinated drinks.

But let's keep in mind - caffeine is a drug and moderation is key.  More importantly, are you drinking the best available, organic, healthy brew available?  If you are not drinking products from Organo Gold, probably not. 

You can check my earlier blogs for more information on the company and product if you like.  But I'll give you a simple, quick breakdown why you should be drinking my Organo Gold products.

• All of the products are 100% certified organic - this means you know you're getting a top of the line, quality product that has been manufactured/grown under strict - chemical free measures
• All of our products contain Ganoderma, also known as the King of Herbs. 
• Our products boast over 150 antioxidants and can help alleviate the affects of chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor circulation, edema, allergies,  poor vision, stress, obesity and so many more.  (it is not my intention to diagnose, treat or cure anyone with our products - strictly recommendations based on actual testimonies - including my own)
• Non-toxic and non-dehydrating like regular coffee
• You will not get the anxiety jitters
• Everything tastes great too

Please feel free to contact me directly for more information or log onto my website to get the entire scoop:  http://www.healthycoffeeandteas.com/

 

Have a coffeelicious day!

The Power of The Tongue

The Bible teaches us that death and life are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21).  Therefore, words have more control over a person's destiny than most people realize. Since this the case, I want to make sure I am  speaking "living words" everyday -- and all day long.

I heard a very interesting snippet from a sermon recently called "The Great I Am."  In a nutshell, the Pastor said, whatever you speak into the universe, it will align itself and produce whatever you command it to. For instance, if you say "I AM POOR" - Then guess what, you will be - until you change your words.  If you say "I AM WEAK" - get ready to be weak.  Your words control your destiny. 

Always be positive about your situation.  Speak life over it.  Don't spew doom and gloom.  Stand firm in your faith that every situation has a solution and that it will work out in your favor.  NO WAVERING ALLOWED!  You are strong, you are rich, your are victorious, you are beautiful, you are prosperous, you are successful, you are intelligent, you are a leader, you are the best at what you do.  It is so unhealthy to think otherwise.  Negative thinking will only produce negative results.  I want to live life abundantly.  How about you?