Finances: The Importance of Staying on the Same Page with Your Family

Are you a married or do you currently reside with your romantic partner?  If you do, there is a good chance that money is always a concern of yours.  When two individuals are in a relationship, there are often issues that arise concerning money.  For some families, it is hard to get and stay on the same page, concerning finances. If at all possible, you will want to try avoid doing this, as it may not only harm your wallet, but your relationship as well.



One of the many problems associated with men and women, namely those who are in relationships is associated with checking accounts. In the United States, many checking accounts now come equipment with standard debit cards. While debit cards are a nice tool to have, they can cause many problems for some individuals.  Debit card purchases are not as easy to remember or record as traditional check writing purchases are. This is where many couples start to see discrepancies with their finances.

To prevent the above mentioned situation from occurring, it is important to make sure that you and your partner are on the same page. In fact, you may even want to take the time to establish some ground rules. These grounds rules may include not having a debit card at all or leaving it home at all times. If the debit card is used or a check is written for the joint account that you and your partner share, it is important that the person who used the account informs the other.  Communication is key to keeping your finances in check when having a joint checking account with your husband.

In addition to the improper use of debit cards or check writing, when using a joint checking account, there are many couples who have problems with one or both individuals just spending more money than they have.  This is often a problem with credit cards.  Credit cards, as you likely already know, are considered financial death traps, as they can cause so many problems.  For that reason, if you or your husband or your partner have any credit cards, it is advised that you sit down and discuss usage with them.  The best way to stay out of credit card debt is by limiting your use of them or at least your spending.  If spending is occurring, it is important that your partner knows about that spending and visa versa.

Since unnecessary spending is a problem for many couples in America, you may want to take the time to create a budget for your household. When doing this budget, it is important that you and your partner create the budget together.  This is how you two can both stay on the same page, with your finances.  A budget can account for all of the money that you and your partner have coming in, as well as all of the money that needs to be spent, like on rent, gasoline, or car insurance. This can give you an idea of exactly how much extra you and your partner have to spend each month or even how much you don’t have to spend.  As a reminder, be sure to create your budget with your husband or your partner.

If you are married, you may find yourself having a little bit more trouble with the money issues between you and your husband. What many individuals do not realize is that when they are married their financial mistakes also become the financial mistakes of their spouse.  This is what leaves many women, and sometimes even men, having a difficult time getting back on their feet after a divorce.  It is not uncommon for many divorced couples to declare bankruptcy after terminating their relationship.

To help prevent your marriage or your partnership from this trouble, you will want to keep all of the above mentioned points in mind.  Learning how to budget together, as a family, as well as properly use all bank accounts and credit cards is the best way to stay all on the same page.  Staying on the same page, when it comes to your finances, is the key to financial reassurance and possibly a happy healthy relationship with your husband or partner.

Finances: The Importance of Creating a Budget for Yourself

Are you a debt-ridden woman?  Even if debt may not be an issue for you now, there is a good chance that it will become one in the future. Whether you are in debt now or if you are looking to prevent yourself from falling victim to it, you may want to examine budgets. Creating a budget for yourself is a simple process, but it is one that can help to keep you out of debt or even get you out of debt.


Before examining how you can go about creating a budget for yourself, it is important to understand the importance of budgets.  As previously stated, budgets are a tool that can be used to make sure that debt isn’t any longer an issue for you.  By creating yourself a budget you are able to track your spending, as well as ensure that all needed expenses, like your car instance or your mortgage, get paid.  This also gives you the opportunity to examine how much extra money you have each month, money that you could put towards repaying your debt or put in a savings account, if you aren’t in debt right now.

When it comes to creating a budget for yourself, you should be able to find a number of budget templates online for you to use. While these free resources are nice, you may only want to use them as starting points.  You can get great ideas from them, but you may want to create your own budget. This is important because not all individuals lead the same lives or have the same expenses to take care of.  For instance, a budget template for those in New York City may not necessarily call for car payments or auto insurance, but if you had a vehicle, you will need these sections displayed on your budget.

It is also advised that you take the time to create a budget for each month of the year.  As previously stated, a budget allows you to account for your spend in advance.  If you have a birthday party in July that you need to attend, you may need to account for buying a gift.  However, this is something that will likely not occur each month.  Creating individual budgets for each month of the year may seem like a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be.  It may take a few extra minutes, but those few minutes are more than worth it.

To get you started with saving your money, to help relieve the stress and other issues often associated with debt, you will want to start by outlining all expenses that you must pay for on a monthly basis.  These expenses are ones in which you cannot go without paying, like rent, mortgage, renters insurance, homeowners insurance, auto insurance, auto loan payments, groceries, and your utility bills. These are the expenses that must be paid, no matter what.

Once you have a detailed list of important expenses, like those that you are unable to go with out, you can focus on the next level of importance.  These are items such as internet access or cable television.  If you are just looking to save money, possibly to put into a savings account, you should be able to continue paying these expenses without any problems.  On the other hand, if you are looking to dig yourself out of all of the unpaid debt that you have accumulated, it may be a good idea to go without internet access or cable television, if at all possible, even if it is just for a short period of time.

You can also use your budget to determine how much extra money you will have each month.  You can do this if you regularly work the same hours or if your pay is salary based.  Once you have totaled up all of the aforementioned expenses, you can subtract that from the amount of the money that you bring home from work each week.  Any extra is money that you may want to consider putting towards your debt or saving, just in case.

7 Diet Secrets to Loss Weight Easy 2013

The Food Pyramid
A major wellspring of healthful lack is the singular not making the correct decision of the mixture of nourishments needed for his/her optimal health. The point when settling on these decisions, the weight watcher might as well dismissal the administration's sustenance pyramid.

The four essential nourishment assemblies were settled on by a board that was made out of the different sustenance industry
lobbyists, none of which had any dietary experience. The vast majority of today's educated masters feel the pyramid is beguiling if not completely not right.

The nourishment pyramid says to consume fats quite sparingly, when actually the insufficiency in Omega3 greasy harsh corrosive is the most obvious infection creating dietary issue. Omega3 fattening acids ought to be at the top of the pyramid. Truth be told, the synthesis of Omega3 and assimilated calcium are an intense weight reduction medication in their own particular right.

The point when joined, they turn off the fat space gene and in the meantime they turn on the fat smoldering gene. This is the sort of wholesome lack that is mostly at the underlying driver of our overweight issue. The pyramid ought to be suggesting the incorporation of value fats not fat shirking.

The pyramid prescribes six to eleven servings of carbohydrates for every day. This will cause cholesterol issues and is hazardous for those having grain hypersensitivities. Grains hold phytates which will piece mineral assimilation of calcium, iron and zinc. We awhile ago specified the allure of assimilated calcium in mix with Omeg3 to help control weight pick up.

After the approach of agribusiness, our progenitors consumed no grain. Positively a proposal of five servings for every day might be more than satisfactory. General Mills and the grain campaign absolutely had their information on this suggestion.

The "Food Pyramid" might as well alert to maintain a strategic distance from refined sugars, for example white flour and sugar.

Obviously the dairy cattle makers were not too spoke to when the advisory group put the pyramid together, for the protein suggestions ought to be much higher and may as well explicitly require that meat items be from grass bolstered cows.

Dairy items are not prescribed for every living soul. Some individuals can't endure dairy items whatsoever. Dairy items are rich in calcium, however the calcium is accessible from less dangerous sources.

Consuming an expansive mixture of value natural sustenances for your eating methodology will outfits the form sufficient vitamins, minerals and nourishment. This will minimize a major wellspring of desires which befuddle your common longing and help indulging.

Finances: How Your Debt Doesn’t Have to Be the End of You

Are you a woman who is in debt?  Whether you have debt solely from attending college, from credit cards, old medical bills, or a combination of them all, you may be scared, unsure, and frustrated.  In today’s society, with regularly rude calls from debt collectors, you may be feeling as if your debt is causing you to become insane.  Yes, it may seem like the end of the world, especially at first, but it is important to remember that your debt doesn’t have to the be the end of you.



As previously stated, a large number of debt-ridden women in the United States have problems with debt collectors calling at just about all hours, as well as having rude attitudes. The last thing that you will want to do is allow a debt collector to get you all worked up, no matter how they act or treat you.  If you feel that you cannot take it anymore, you do not have to.  At any point in time, when speaking to a debt collector, you can simply hang up the telephone.  More drastic approaches have been used by women including screening all telephone calls with the use of caller id or an answering machine.

Although you may not be interested in speaking with a debt collector, you may want to think about doing so.  Often times, you will find that debt collectors stop calling or at least reduce the number of calls that they place to you once they are able to at least speak with you. So, if you are feeling up to it, go ahead and answer that phone. Just be sure not to make any payment arrangements that you cannot keep. Also, be sure to check the statue of limitations in your state.  In some states, such as New York, the statue of limitations on when debt can be collected is six years.

Another one of the many reasons why debt is so stressful and such an issue for many women is because they feel helpless and hopeless when they are unable to pay their debt.  What you need to remember though is that there are always ways that you can go about working to pay off your debt, even if it is just a little bit at a time. It may seem silly, but paying off your debt, even if it is only twenty dollars here and there, is likely lessen the burden and stress that you currently feel.

If you would like to get out of debt, but you don’t know how, you may want to consider making an appointment with a debt reduction specialist or an accountant. While this professional assistance will cost you a little bit of money, upfront, it is well worth it for many women; women just like you.  That is because the professional assistance of debt reduction specialists and accountants may be able to help you get your life back on track.

Although the cost of seeking professional assistance is more than worth it, you may not necessarily have the money to spend. If that is the case, you can still work to get yourself out of debt and settle this stressful issue once and for all. What you are urged to do is examine your spending habits.  You may even want to record all of the purchases that you make during one weeks time. How many of those purchases can you live without, even just temporarily? As previously stated, paying off your debt, even in little increments, may be able to help reduce the stress often associated with unpaid debts.  So, even if you are only able to save two dollars on a soda each day, that should provide you with twenty dollars a week to put towards your debt.

In short, debt is an issue that many women must face and deal with each day. Although it may seem like it, debt doesn’t have to be the end of you, as outlined above.

Finances: How to Pay Off Your Old College Debt ASAP

Are you a woman who has recently finished college?  If you have, your focus may be placed on entering the workforce, unless you are already employed.  While it is important to focus on work and improving your work performance, it is also important that you place a focus on the repaying of your college loans.  Unfortunately, many women who attend college later end up in debt due to the cost of it.  That why you are urged to start paying off your college loans as soon as possible.



When it comes to paying off student loans, many individuals wonder why they should get started with doing so right away.  Whether you just graduated one month ago or three years ago, there is a good chance that you have already received a bill requesting you to make a payment on your loan.  For many college lenders, this is common practice.  It seems as if you are expected to repay your college loan as soon as you graduate.  Unfortunately, many women, possibly just like you, are financially unable to do so.

While a large college loan bill may seem like an issue that can’t be solved at the moment, it is important that you do not just push it aside.  It is important to remember that loans, including college loans, have an impact on your credit.  Even if you are unable to make your full college loan payments as expected, you are advised to at least put a little bit towards your loan repayment each month.  In fact, even if you have yet to receive a bill requesting payment, it may be a good idea to start making payments anyways.  You can easily do this by contacting your loan lender for additional information.

One of the many reasons why so many recent college graduates have a difficult time making their college loan payments is because their life changes.  Many female college graduates need to not only find a job, but get their own apartment, condo, or home.  This is an expense that is costly all on its own, not to mention the added costs of furnishings, food, and utilities.  If this is a change that you recently had to make, you may want to sit down and make a budget for yourself.  The starting point of your budget should include all of the bills that you need to pay, like your rent or mortgage, auto insurance, food, utility bills, and gasoline to and from work.  These are expenses that you simply cannot avoid paying.

Once you have an idea of how much money you must spend each month, you can then calculate your monthly income by adding your weekly paychecks. What you will then want to do is determine the difference.  If you have any additional money left over, it is advised that you put as much of that money as possible towards the repayment of your college loan. Despite what you may believe, you don’t necessarily have to pay your monthly loan payment all at once. There are many financial lenders that will accept twenty dollars from you one week and fifty dollars from you another.  Often times, you will find that lenders just want their money, no matter how it arrives to them.

Although it is advised that you start making payments on your college loan as soon as possible, that time may have already come and gone.  If you have been out of college for at least five years, it may be time to consider alternative approaches.  If your loan lender is requesting payment in full, a payment that you cannot make, it may be an idea to consider applying for a debt consolidation loan. Although the last thing that you want to do is get another loan, your loan payments will be smaller to pay and this should be much easier for you.

If you are a female who has college debt that you need to repay, it is advised that you work towards doing so at every step in your life.  You should always think about the impact of dining out, when you have a debt to repay.  By letting your college loans go unpaid, they can reach the point where they are an issue that you can no longer run from.

Health: The Importance of Healthy Eating and Regular Exercise

Are you a woman who is interested in losing weight?  If you are, you are not alone.  In the United States, a large number of women are concerned with health and beauty related issues, including those pertaining to weight.  While it is often a lot easier said than done, it is more than possible for you to lose weight and to lose weight “naturally.”  If you are interested in losing weight “naturally,” without the assistance of weight loss pills, you will want to continue reading on.



What you need to know about losing weight naturally is that it requires quite a bit of hard work and restraint on your part.  The two most important components of losing weight are exercise and healthy eating.  Without these two components of weight loss, there is a good chance that you will not lose any weight, in fact, you may keep on gaining more.

When it comes to eating healthy, there are many women who don’t know where to start.  One of the first things that you will want to do is start researching healthy foods and healthy recipes.  You can do this by either using the internet, which should be free, or by buying a collection of healthy eating cookbooks. These healthy eating cookbooks are typically available for sale in health stores, department stores, and book stores, both on and offline. Once you know what to cook, you can then start eating healthy.

Speaking eating healthy, it is important that you do not keep on eating the same foods over and over again, no matter how good they taste.  Unfortunately, many women end up getting bored with eating the same foods again and again. This is often what leads many women off of the healthy eating path. This is a mistake that you do not want to make. Perhaps, that is why you should buy a collection of healthy eating cookbooks or take the time to research healthy eating recipes online, as it gives you a larger selection of foods to choose from.

As previously stated, exercise is the other important component of losing weight.  If you are interested in seriously losing weight, it is important that you start exercising.  When it comes to exercising and working out, you will find that you have a number of different options.  For many individuals, exercising means hitting their local fitness center, but it can also mean going for a morning walk or run. Whether you put in an exercise DVD at your home or decide to lift weight at your local fitness center, this exercise is important to you, your health, and your weight loss goals.

As with eating healthy foods, you may want to think about spicing up your exercises and workouts as well. This will help you stay excited about losing weight and exercising. To help keep the excitement alive, as well as give you a little bit of motivation, you may want to think about contacting some of your friends or family members to see if they would like to become your workout partner or workout buddy.

In short, the combination of healthy eating and exercise is sure to spell success. While it does take a lot of hard work and determination to lose weight, you will likely be more than pleased with the results.

Health: Do You Need to Lose Weight?

Are you a woman?  If you are and if you are like many other women, there is a good chance that you are concerned with your appearance.  When it comes to appearance, there are many women who are concerned with their weight, namely the weight that they would like to shed or need to shed.



 Unfortunately, many women believe that they need to lose weight when they really don’t.  To determine if you should seriously think about losing weight, as it is an important issue, you may want to continue reading on.

When it comes to determining if you should lose weight, there are a number of important factors that you should consider. Since many women are concerned with their appearance and the way that they look, you may want to examine your appearance.  Do you think that could benefit from a weight loss?  If you are currently unhappy with the way that you look, it may be something to consider.  Of course, it is also important to make sure that you don’t lose too much weight, as it can be harmful to your health. For that reason, you may want to consult with your doctor to determine if weight loss is an issue that you should work on.

Speaking of consulting with your doctor, your doctor may have recommended that you lose weight, with their own fee will.  If your doctor has suggested that you lose weight, it is advised that you take his or her suggestion into consideration.  What many women fail to realize is that their healthcare professional isn’t as concerned with their appearance as they are their health.  So, if your doctor recommends that you lose weight, even just a little bit of weight, he or she may be concerned with your health and the possibility of you developing any weight related health complications.

The two above mentioned signs are two the most common signs that you may want to think about losing weight.  Of course, it is important to remember that the decision to lose weight is yours to make, as it is an issue that you have to deal with.  With that in mind, it is important to also remember that carrying around excess weight is more than just carrying around excess weight.  There are many women who are constantly stressed out about or concerned with their appearance. If you would no longer like to spend every day in front of the mirror ashamed of your body or hiding your body from those and you know and love, it may be time to take action.

If you would like to lose weight, you may be pleased to know that you have a number of different options. Many women are able to develop their own weight loss plans, which often include a regular exercise plan, as well as eating healthy.  You also have the option of joining a local weight loss program or an online weight loss program. These types of programs are nice, as you often get professional advice as well as support from group leaders and other weight loss program members.

As a reminder, it is advised that you take the time to speak with your physician, regarding your weight loss plans or goals.  This is especially important if you plan on creating your own at-home weight loss plan. In addition to giving you the go-ahead, your physician may also offer you a few weight loss tips, tricks, and techniques, ones that you may find helpful.

Health: Weight Loss: How and Why You Shouldn’t Have to Go Though It Alone

Are you a woman who is looking to lose weight?  Whether you are interested in losing weight to improve your physical appearance, your health, or both, you may be feeling a little bit hopeless. While many women are able to lose weight when they want to do so, others have a little bit harder time.  If you are finding it difficult to lose weight, it may be because you are trying to go about losing weight all on your own.



When it comes to weight loss, there are many women who find it easier, as well as less embarrassing, to doing their own weight loss program from home. While it is more than possible to exercise and workout by yourself, do you know that you don’t have to?  In fact, many women who have a workout partner or a workout buddy find it easier to lose weight than going at it along. Two popular reasons as to why those who have a workout partner or a workout buddy see success is because of support and motivation.

As nice as it is to hear that you should think about getting a workout buddy or a workout partner, to help you exercise and to help you lose weight, you may be wondering where that person may come from. Unfortunately, many women do not realize that they don’t actually have to look very far.  If you are married or if you have a romantic partner, you may want to think about asking them to join you.  Even if your partner isn’t a fan of exercising and working out, you can place a “quality time,” spin on it.  In fact, if your partner is a little bit overweight or out of shape themselves, they may even want to join you in your weight loss adventures.  This is the ultimate show of support.

In addition to a romantic partner, you may want to think about asking any of your friends or family members if they would like to be your workout buddy or workout partner. When approaching your friends or family members, it is important to not focus on their weight or their physical appearance.  Unfortunately, many women make the mistake of assuming that those that they know who are already in perfect shape wouldn’t have any reason to exercise, but you may be surprised. For that reason, you are advised to ask any friends or family members that you know to join you when you workout.

If you have asked those that you know to join you as a workout buddy or a workout partner and you have still come up empty handed, you may want to consider joining a weight loss program.  Locally operated weight loss programs are ideal, as you often get membership perks, like access to proven exercises, as well as healthy meals. Another benefit to joining a locally operated weight loss program is the support from other members.  There is a good chance that one or more of your other weight loss program members would love to join you when you exercise.

If and when you get a workout buddy, it may be a good idea to “spice up,” your exercises a bit. For instance, you may want to let your workout buddy or partner choose your exercises or activities for one day and then you choose for the next.  This may help to keep your exercises fun and exciting.

Health: Three Reasons Why You Should Lose Weight

Are you a woman who is struggling with your weight?  If you are, you are definitely not alone. Today, many women are faced with many issues, including weight.  If you are unhappy with your current weight, you may be interested in changing it, but, for many, that is often easier said than done.



When it comes to losing weight, many women are able to come up with an unlimited number of excuses as to why they can’t lose weight or excuses as to why this important issue should be pushed off to the side for now.  Many women are lacking the motivation needed to lose weight.  If you are one of those women, you will want to continue reading on. Below, three reasons as to why you should lose weight are outlined and these reasons may serve as the motivation that you have been looking for

#1 – Appearance

Although many women are satisfied with the way that they look, many are not.  If you are currently unhappy with the way that you look and feel, you will want to consider losing weight.  Weight loss, even a small one, can significantly improve the way that you see yourself, as well as the way that others see you.  If you hate looking at yourself in the mirror every morning, it may be time to think about losing weight.


#2 – Health

For many women, being overweight or obese isn’t just about carrying around a few extra pounds.  Obesity has been linked to a number of health complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as the early onset of death.  If you do not take steps to lose weight now, especially if you are seriously overweight, your health may have other plans for you.  It is important to mention that those plans may not necessarily be good ones.


#3 Wellbeing

In addition to benefiting your health and your physical appearance, weight loss can also make you feel good about yourself.  Many women notice an instant improvement in their self-confidence and self-esteem when they lose weight. This means that even if you are suffering from other issues, aside from weight related issues, weight loss may be able to assist you with overcoming those issues or at least the stress that is associated with them.


The three above mentioned reasons are just a few of the many reasons why you may want to think about losing weight, if you have weight to lose. Should you decide that losing weight is in your best interest, you may want to think about making an appointment with a healthcare professional.  These types of appointments are important, as well as insightful. Your healthcare professional may be able to instruct you on safe ways that you can go about losing weight and they may also be able to help you set reasonable weight loss goals for yourself.

Although it is advised that you speak with a healthcare professional about your intent to lose weight, you don’t have to just rely on their expertise or their input. A large number of women, just like you, lose weight by joining locally operated weight loss programs, as well as online weight loss programs. What is nice about weight loss programs, both those operated locally and online, is that you often walk away with professional advice, as well as support from others just like you.

Pregnancy: After Birth: Should You Return to Work?

Are you a woman who has just recently had a baby?  If you are, congratulations!  The birth of a new child is a fun, adventurous, and memorable experience.  Although work may be the farthest thing from your mind right now, it is something that you may want to take the time to think about.  After having a baby, a large number of women wonder whether or not they should return to work.



When it comes to determining if you should return to work after having a baby, there are a number of important factors that you will want to take into consideration. For many women, money is an issue.  How is your current financial situation?  Before your baby was born, were you relying on one or two incomes?  This simple question may play an important role in your decision.  Many women are able to stay at home with their children if they have another source of income, like a regular paycheck from their spouse or live in partner.

Although money may be an issue for you, when determining if you should return to work after the birth of your child, it is also important to examine the money that you may save. As a parent, you likely wouldn’t send your child to just any daycare center.  Unfortunately, daycare providers that come highly rated and recommend often have high fees.  It is not uncommon for parents to pay one hundred dollars or more a week in childcare expenses, just for one child.  It is also important to examine the reduction in work purchased snacks and drinks, as well as gasoline to and from work.  After this comparison, you may find that staying home with your child, after their birth, is actually a cost effective solution.

When determining if you should return to work after the birth of your child, you are also urged to examine the benefits of staying home.  From birth to the toddler age, children are at an important stage in their life.  Many experts have stated that close contact between parents and their children can help improve their relationship, as well as improve their developmental skills, as someone is working with them at all times. These are just important factors to take into consideration.

Of course, it is also important to remember that you don’t just have to be a stay-at-home mom.  There are a large number of mothers in the United States who are considered work-at-home moms. With a computer and internet access, there are a number of work-at-home jobs or home-based business opportunities that can allow you to stay at home with your new baby, as well as bring in a source of income.  If you have yet to return to work, working from home is something that you may at least want to take into consideration.

The above mentioned points are mostly centered on the benefits of staying at home with your child, after their birth.  While there are a number of benefits to doing so, you should also know that there are a number of benefits to sending your child to daycare, as long as that daycare comes highly rated and recommended. Perhaps, the greatest benefit is the social interaction that your child will likely receive by being around other children.  It is also important to mention your own needs. Working from home or staying at home with kids is a large task, one that can occasionally be stressful.  That is why many mothers make the decision to return to the workforce after having a child, for their own sanity.

As you likely already know, the decision as to whether or not you want to return to work after the birth of your baby is your decision to make, but the above mentioned points are ones that you may want to keep in mind.  Regardless of whether you decide to return to work or stay at home with your child, your and your child will likely have a long and healthy relationship with each other for years and years to come.

Health: Weight Loss Products You May Want to Try

Are you interested in losing weight? If you are a woman who is concerned with your appearance, there is a good chance that you may be.  Weight loss is an issue that many women have to deal with.  While many women are able to lose weight “naturally,” there are others who need a little bit of assistance. The good news is that there are a number of weight loss products, available for sale, which can offer you that assistance.



One of the many weight loss products that you may want to consider investing in is that of weight loss pills. Weight loss pills, also commonly referred to as diet pills, have been used by many women, for years now, to lose weight.  Although not all diet pills are the same, you will find that most work by suppressing your appetite.  This is what makes you feel the need not to eat, thus reducing your calorie intake and, in turn, you weight.

If you would like to use weight loss pills or diet pills to help you lose weight, you will find that you have a number of different options. Weight loss pills come in a number of different formats and they sell for a wide range of prices. There are a large number of weight loss pills that can be sold over-the-counter and then there are ones that are available by prescription only.  If you are interested in seeking a prescription for your weight loss pills, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible.

Even if you are interested in buying your weight loss pills over-the-counter, either locally or online, you may want to think about consulting with you primary care physician anyways.  What you need to know about weight loss pills is that they are not all created equally. In addition to some weight loss pills not working, some may even be harmful to your health.  If you are unable to speak with your primary care physician about diet pills, you may want to at least do a little bit of research online.  This research should involve visiting the online website of the pill manufacturer, as well as reading product reviews online.

Another weight loss product that you may want to look into using, is that of a colon cleanse, occasionally referred to as a weight loss cleanse. Colon cleanses come in pill formats and in liquid formats.  They are designed to detoxify your body by eliminating harmful or unwanted toxins from it. What is nice about colon cleanses is that they can be purchased from a number of different retailers, both on and offline, and you can even make your own cleanse formula at home.

As with weight loss pills, it is important that you research each colon cleanse or weight loss cleanse that you are interested in using.  Be sure to examine how long you will have to take the cleanse for and if you will be required to restrict your eating. If you are in doubt or find a colon cleanse that sounds a little too good to be true, it may be best to move on and continue your search.

As you likely already know, colon cleanses and weight loss pills are two of the many weight loss products that may be able to help you reach your goal of losing weight.  If you are unable to seek the assistance of a doctor, it is advised that you at least use your best judgment when buying and using weight loss products, like colon cleanses and diet pills.

Pregnancy: Should You Take Parenting Classes?

Have you recently learned that you are going to be a new mom?  If you have, congratulations!  Motherhood is something that most women live their lives for.  As nice as motherhood is, many issues arise that many first time parents do not know about. For that reason, many first time mothers make the decision to take parenting classes, but the question is should you?


When it comes to determining if you should take parenting classes, to prepare for the raising of your new baby, many parents are unsure.  If you are one of those soon-to-be parents, you may want to examine the advantages and disadvantages of parenting classes. These advantages and disadvantages, a few of which are outlined below, may help make making a decision a little bit easier for you.

As for the advantages of taking a parenting class, you will find that there are an unlimited number of them.  Although you may have babysat children in the past, parenting is much different.  When you are a parent, you are responsible the safety and the wellbeing of your child. While this task may seem like an overwhelming one, you do not have the option of backing out on this one.  For that reason, you should take any steps necessary, including parenting classes, to prepare for this venture.

Another one of the many benefits to taking a parenting class, before the birth of your first child, is the information that you will walk away with. Many parenting classes focus on a wide range of issues.  In a parenting class, you may learn how to properly change a diaper, lay your baby down for a nap, as well as feed them in a healthy way.  In addition to educating you in a classroom setting, you will also find that many parenting classes give you hands on learning. This is often done with the use of baby dolls.

Networking is another one of the many benefits to taking parenting classes before the birth of your child.  You may actually be surprised just how popular parenting classes are.  Whether you live in a large city or a small town, there is a good chance that your parenting classes will be filled to capacity with first time mothers. While you may not necessarily think about this at the time, this is a great opportunity to meet new people and develop new friendships.  If you do not have any friends or relatives who are parents, this may be a concern of yours.

The affordability of parenting classes is another one of the many advantages of or benefits to taking a parenting class.  As previously stated, parenting classes come in a number of different formats, as well as costs.  It is possible to find parenting classes where you are required to pay a small fee, often less than a hundred dollars.  With that in mind, it is also possible to find parenting classes that are free of charge. These free parenting classes are often made available through non-profit organizations.

While there are a number of benefits to taking a parenting class, to prepare for the birth and upbringing of your first child, there are also a number of disadvantages or downsides to doing so as well. One of those downsides is the meetings.  Parenting classes vary, but many have multiple classes in a short period of time, like a month or two.  You will want to attend each and every one of those classes to absorb as much information as possible.  Preparing for the birth of a new child, especially your first child, can be a busy and hectic time in your life. For that reason, you may not necessarily have the time to devote to parenting classes.

The above mentioned advantages and disadvantages are just a few of the many that exist, concerning parenting classes.  The upbringing of a child is an issue that you, as a soon-to-be mother have to deal with.  For assistance, you may want to turn to a locally offered parenting class.

Pregnancy: Are You Ready to Have a Baby?

Are you a woman?  If you are, have you been thinking about motherhood?  If you have, you may be wondering whether or not you are ready to be a parent. While parenthood is occasionally unexpected, a large number of women and their partners plan and prepare for it.  If that is the approach that you would like to take, there are a number of important factors or issues that you should first take into consideration.



Perhaps, the most important factor to take into consideration is healthcare. When pregnant, you will need to schedule regular prenatal exams. Towards the end of your pregnancy, these exams may be as common as once or twice a week. For that reason, healthcare should be taken into consideration.  Do you have health insurance?  If you do, does your health insurance cover pregnancy and prenatal care?  If it does not or if you are uninsured, you may end up paying for the cost of your pregnancy alone.

In keeping the cost of having a child, it is also important to examine the costs after your baby is born.  It is no secret that raising children is expensive.  How are you currently managing, financially, now?  If you are having difficultly making ends meet, you may be unable to afford the cost of a child. Of course, there are financial programs out there to assist, but you shouldn’t rely too heavily on them.  If you would like to have a child, it is advised that you take steps to financially prepare for doing so. These steps may involve increasing your work hours or eliminating unnecessary purchases.

Another factor that needs to be examined is your current living situation.  Do you own your own home or do you rent an apartment?  Regardless of whether you are a homeowner or a renter, do you have enough space for a child?  If you do not, it may be a good idea to rethink your current living situation. Although many mothers like to keep their newborns in the same room with them at night, there will come a point in time where your child will need their own room.  If you would like to buy a larger home or rent a larger apartment, you may want to think about doing so before you decide to become pregnant, as it may save you a considerable amount of stress.

Another issue that needs to be discussed is your partner or spouse’s feelings on having a new child.  Although it is more than possible for you to be a single mother, by way of a sperm donor, many women make the decision to have a child with a man that they love. Despite being more than possible to raise a child as a single parent, it is important that you seek assistance from the father. That is why the decision to have a child is one that you and your partner should make together.  If you are married or if you have been with your partner for a long period of time, there is a good chance that they will be just as excited with having a baby as you are.  If, at this point in time, you realize that you both have difficult goals and aspirations in life, the issue needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

When deciding if you are ready to become a mother, the above mentioned issues are all ones that should be taken into consideration. As a reminder, many women have children unexpectedly, but many take the time to plan and prepare for pregnancy and childbirth. If you would like to thoroughly examine your decision before getting pregnant, it is advised that you do so.  You can research pregnancy and raising a newborn baby by speaking with your healthcare professional and other parents or by buying a collecting of birthing and parenting books, as well as by using the internet to your advantage.

Pregnancy: Your Birth Control Options

Are you a woman who is currently unsure as to whether or not you are ready for parenthood?  If that is the case, are you currently sexually active?  If you are, are you using any form of birth control?  Parenting and pregnancy are all important issues, ones that are difficult to back down from. For that reason, if you are not looking to become a mother just yet, it is important that you take the time to familiarize yourself with all of your birth control options.


Perhaps, the most popular and most well-known birth control method is that of condoms. Condoms, in most cases, are highly effective against preventing pregnancy. On rare occasions, they can break or leak, but you are typically safe.  Just be sure to purchase a brand of condoms that is known for their strength and durability.  What is nice about this popular birth control method, is that you are often not only protected against pregnancy, but sexually transmitted diseases as well.

Although condoms are an effective birth control method used by many, there are many women and men who prefer not to use them.  If you are not interested in handling the issue of the birth and upbringing of a child, it is important that you take the time to familiarize yourself with the other options that you have for birth control. A few of those other options, outlined below, are ones that may not be as well-known or as popular as condoms, but they are typically just as effective.

Birth control pills are a hormonal form of birth control.  Birth control pills require the taking of a pill each and everyday of the month. Birth control pills are known as being effective, as long as they are taken as directed. As with many other medications, birth control pills are not ideal for smokers, as they may cause additional health complications.  With a large selection of birth control pills, including ones that eliminate your menstrual period, you are sure to find something that can offer you assistance.

Aside from condoms and birth control, the next most popular form of birth control is another hormonal method. This birth control method is commonly referred to as the Depo shot. The Depo shot has one main downfall and that is that it has been linked to a poor absorption of calcium. That is why many Depo users are urged to take calcium supplements each day. What is nice about the Depo shot is that it is not only effective at preventing pregnancy, but it is also administered on a three-month schedule and periods are often a thing of the past.

Although not as popular as condoms, the Depo shot, and birth control pills, IUDs are also effective forms of birth control.  IUDs are known as Intra-Uterine Devices.  Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs) come in a number of different formats, but they are still designed to protect you from pregnancy. This is either done with the use of a copper device, which is spermicidal, or ones that release progestin.

The above mentioned birth control methods are actually just a few of the many that exist, but these birth control methods are designed to prevent pregnancy right from the start.  Should you find yourself in an emergency situation, it is important to know that you have a number of different options, including emergency contraceptives.  These emergency contraceptives can be obtained through your doctor’s office or your local pharmacy. Despite being able to offer you assistance, it is important that you do not use abortion or even emergency contraceptives as a form of birth control. If that is what you have been doing, you have a whole other set of issues that need to be dealt with.

As a reminder, the above mentioned birth control methods can all help to prevent you from becoming pregnant.  With that in mind, the only method of birth control, at this moment, that can protect you from sexually transmitted disease is that of a condom.

Pregnancy: The Importance of Prenatal Care

Have you recently found out that you are pregnant?  Whether you took a home pregnancy test or your doctor confirmed your pregnancy for you, you may be experiencing a wide array of emotions.  Those emotions may include happiness, excitement, hope, as well as fear.


When it comes to the birth of a child, particularly a first child, there are many mothers who have a number of different issues or concerns that must be dealt with. Those issues and concerns may include money, additional living space, healthcare, and needed baby supplies, like baby formula and diapers.  Although these are all issues and concerns that must be dealt with, something should come first.  That is the health of you and your baby.  The moment that you learn that you are pregnant, you should start taking steps to receive prenatal care.

Although it is important to hear that prenatal care is something that you should seek right away, there are many mothers, especially first time mothers, who wonder what is so important about doing so.  If this is a question that you have asked yourself, you are not alone.  A few of the many reasons why you should actively seek prenatal care, when pregnant, are outlined below.

What you need to know is that prenatal care is important to your baby’s health, as well as your health. Although a large focus will be placed on your baby and its development, prenatal care is also used to ensure that you are healthy as well. This often involves monitoring your weight, your blood pressure, as well as the expanding size of your stomach.  That is one of the many reasons why you should attend all of your prenatal care appointments, as it is important to your health, as well as your baby’s.

Another reason why prenatal care appointments are important is because they can be used to determine if your baby will have any medical conditions or complications when they are born. While many parents do not want to know, ahead of time, there are many others who do.  Knowing if your baby will have any medical conditions is important, as it can help you financially prepare for those complications and any life adjustments that need to be made.

The above mentioned reasons are just a few of the many reasons why it is important that you seek prenatal care when pregnant.  In addition to monitoring your health and the healthy of your baby, you should also seek prenatal care as it is a fun, exciting, and an important experience.  When attending your prenatal care appointments, whether you be seeing a family practice doctor, an OBGYN, or a midwife, you should be able to see a sonogram of your baby, as well as hear his or her heartbeat.  These things are things that parents never forget.

Despite the importance of prenatal care, there are many pregnant women who do not seek it. This occurs for a number of different reasons; however, the most common reason is associated with money. If you are currently uninsured or if your health insurance doesn’t cover prenatal care, you may be concerned with the cost of it, as you should be. What you should know is that many healthcare professionals would be more than willing to work with, like with the creation of a payment plan. There are also health centers, which can be found all across the country, that are designed for low-income women or those without medical insurance.

As outlined above, prenatal care is extremely important to your health and the health of your baby, when you are pregnant. Whether you are having your first child or your third, it is important that you seek the recommended amount of prenatal care.  Pregnancy is one of the most important issues that you will have to deal with in your life and it is extremely important that it is dealt with in the proper matter.

5 Quick Tips to Get Successful Weight Loss

Those wanting to uncover a solid misfortune weight diet arrangement will be satisfied to find the mysteries to shedding pounds are not as intricate as some accept. It is safe to say that you are as of now unhappy with your present weight and physical manifestation? Provided that this is true, you are not alone as numerous individuals wish they could enhance their manifestation through a misfortune weight diet plan. Then again,
unlike such a variety of other individuals, you will do what they apparently are unable to do. You will take the steps essential for dropping the weight and keeping it off. Also, no, the procedure is no where close as challenging as a few proclaim it to be. Here are various supportive tips that can help you in your weight reduction objectives:

1. Decrease the measure of sugar in your eating regimen

The primary step - and a standout amongst the most significant - is to lessen the measure of sugar in your eating methodology. Really, the accurate lowlife here is refined (handled) sugar since it is stacked with void calories and can famously raise insulin levels. Accordingly, fat space gets elevated instead of decreased. Anybody looking for a simple misfortune weight diet arrange needs to instantaneous kill awful sugars from their menu. Sugar basically undermines weight reduction objectives and needs to be escaped.

2. Strolling

Strolling can additionally be an extraordinary approach to help any misfortune weight diet plan. By strolling, one doesn't essentially need to get included in separation strolling in spite of the fact that that might be an astounding technique. At the same time, basically strolling to the store rather than driving can wind up blazing off a ton of overabundance calories. After some time, these blazed calories can expedite huge weight reduction accomplishments. Best of all, strolling does not require an incredible arrangement of exertion to perform and anybody can do it without the need for top cardio molding.

3. Drinking more water

Drinking more water is surely accommodating for those wishing to hold their weight under control. While drinking packaged water is unquestionably not a mystery pill as far as its capability to soften fat, it can help direct and accelerate the form's general metabolic capacity. Drinking 8 glasses of water for every day can enormously help support weight reduction potential. That is the reason it remains prescribed for anybody intrigued by a misfortune weight diet plan.

4. Quality preparing

Some manifestation of quality preparing can without a doubt be supportive for those looking to get in shape. Large groups are under the feeling that quality preparing is basically for muscle building. This is just halfway correct as quality preparing can help melt fat away. This is in light of the fact that the muscle developing process aides accelerate the form's metabolism. Obviously, the speedier the form's metabolism works the more viable a weight reduction arrange will be. It is likewise not essential to pack on a lot of muscle to realize this come about.

5. Consuming an eating methodology

Consuming an eating methodology that supplements a weight reduction arrange is likewise very accommodating. One of the best eating regimens to use for a misfortune weight diet arrangement is the Fat Loss 4 Idiots Diet. This is a fabulous and sensible eating methodology that can help you get in shape over the enduring instead of the transient picks up numerous eating methodologies are known to convey. Those looking to get in shape are likely suggested to look at this specific eating regimen.

Cure ur self of Cancer - Cancer Fighting Foods

Growth cells are dependably put forth in the figure and are typically held under wraps by our physique's own particular common protection framework. Do you know how the form's common safeguard framework works and where it gets the ordnance to do so? Do you know at what indicate the form succumbs the ailment named tumor?

How to choose a gym

Hear that noise? It’s the sound of your poor, confused brain groaning under the sheer weight of gyms, fitness centres and health clubs in your town.

Contract or pay-as-you-go? Indoor or outdoor?

Peaceful zen vibes or punish-me-'til-my-weeny-abs-squeal-for-mercy? The choice is so bewildering, 10 minutes with Mrs Google is enough to extinguish your exercise fire forever.

But at this point, don't give up and collapse in a heap. It's better to have too many choices than not enough, and luckily the bustling Australian fitness market has something for everyone, from gym L-platers eager to take the plunge to workout disciples eyeing a fresh challenge.

All you need is 30 minutes' research, the courage to walk in (deep breath, deep breath), and the mother of all sports bras. 

LIFESTYLE CHAINS
Welcome to a smiley corporate world with rows of plasma screens in the cardio room and company branding on the toilet paper. Trusted chains like Fitness First, Virgin Active and Genesis Fitness have more branches than Starbucks, and cover all exercise bases: free weights, machines, spin and body pump classes, saunas and personal trainers (for an extra fee). And after showering and drying off on a fluffy towel, why not grab a quick smoothie in the café. At any time, most offer membership deals or free trials, and, yes, you'll be expected to do an induction. Don't sweat it: the hardest bit will be keeping your eyes off the dreamy trainer.
Pros: With so many other faces around, don't be surprised if your social life gets a boost.
Cons: Assistants are on hand to offer advice, but by and large you're left to your own devices.

OUTDOOR ARENAS
Prefer fresh morning air to gale-force air-con? The great outdoors is calling. The word bootcamp may send ice through your veins, but they're not necessarily the shouty, nose-in-the mud experiences of yore (they're around if that's your thing, though). These days, the word is an umbrella term for any structured outdoor exercise. Expect tonnes of running, bodyweight moves, interval training and team camaraderie. Although practical reasons mean trainers can't provide heaps of equipment, don't be surprised if sessions involve lifting sandbags, hauling ropes or jabbing boxing pads.
Pros: That warm morning sun will do wonders for vitamin D levels.
Cons: Warm morning sun can turn into cold darts of rain. Did we mention the dawn dog-poo swerve?

HOLISTIC BOUTIQUES
There's a time and a place for free weights and kettlebells - and it's not here. The small, boutique fitness club offers what a few years ago would be considered 'alternative' exercise but is now firmly part of the mainstream: think Pilates and yoga. Therapists, nutritionists, acupuncturists and masseurs are also likely to be linked to these places, so trainers are as much concerned with your general well-being as the shape of your butt. Most sessions will be coached and small in size, meaning trainers can give you more personal attention, ensuring the Downward Dog doesn't turn into the Flatonyourface Dog.
Pros: Pilates and yoga are ace for flexibility and core strength. You'll be a name not a number in intimate surrounds.
Cons: Your bank manager will have to be flexible if you want to become a regular: they're not always cheap.

WOMEN-ONLY
Most gyms have made a real effort to be female-friendly but some of you may prefer a testosterone-free experience. At Fernwood and Contours, both nationwide, the equipment is easy to use and you won't be bamboozled with stacks of gnarly dumbbells. At first, exercise programs will be nice and steady - though Fernwood ramps it up with body pump and 'Miss Bootcamp' classes. At women-only havens, age is just a number, so there's no need to feel funny if you're the other side of the Big Four O, or a young mum trying to burn off the pregnancy belly. Some Fernwoods even have a crèche. And yes, boy bubs are allowed in.
Pros: Female-tailored workouts that won't leave you smashed every session.
Cons: Too much estrogen! It's like being back in the school change rooms again.

OPEN ALL HOURS
Gym owners have finally realised the average person has this thing called a L-I-F-E, which sometimes has the cheek to disrupt our daily exercise rhythms. So a new breed of venue has sprung up that bows to our busy schedules. Australia-wide chains like Anytime Fitness and Jetts are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week - suiting shift workers and the freelance army. Freaked out by the thought of lonely 2am exercise? Reputable places have CCTV cameras and coded key access. Pushed for time but not a night owl? Fit 'n' Fast has pioneered 30-minute workouts that are high on intensity, low on reading-a-gossip-mag-while-you're-on-the-cross-trainer.
Pros: The gyms are accommodating you, not the other way around.
Cons: Eerie, empty gym at 11pm. You'd better make sure every one of those 30 minutes counts.

HARDCORE GYMS
No pain, no gain. At some clubs, this isn't just a saying, but a commandment. One that must be tattooed into your brain, and obeyed at every session. CrossFit is as much a cult as an exercise, with its own slang, specially named workouts (after women and fallen war heroes) and yearly Games. And while its coached sessions are brutal, the focus is on total fitness and technique: you'll do everything from weights and rowing to gymnastics and rope-climbing. If that's not angry enough, or you keep having dreams about doing Liam Neeson moves on your boss, maybe it's time to channel that aggression at a boxing or mixed martial arts gym. Unless you're desperate to, you won't be fighting other people - it'll be sparring, bag work and taking out imaginary opponents.
Pros: Super-fast results. Put it this way, you'd stand a chance of beating Michelle Bridges in an arm-wrestle.
Cons: Constant muscle ache. But we reckon that's also one of the 'pros'.

By Vince Jackson.

source : http://womensfitnessmagazine.com.au/fitness/how-to/2013/7/how-to-choose-a-gym/

Japanese massage : The lowdown on shiatsu

Not to be confused with the fluffy pooch, this ancient Japanese massage therapy has a long history of healing and nurturing the body and mind.While shiatsu incorporates principles of ancient Chinese medicine, dating back as far as 2000BC, legend has it that modern shiatsu massage began when founder Tokujiro Namikoshi used this bare hands to cure his ailing mother at the tender age of seven. But shiatsu really hit the big time when Namikoshi treated Hollywood sweetheart Marilyn Munroe on her honeymoon. Namikoshi would say "The soul of shiatsu is just like that of a mother's soul." And it's this same wise touch that carries through to today's therapy.

SO WHAT IS IT?
Shiatsu literally means 'finger pressure', but it's not all needling fingers. The therapist can also incorporate palm, elbow or foot pressure, depending on the treatment you need. Similar to that of other traditional Chinese medicine, shiatsu stems from the idea that energy 'ki' flows through meridian channels of the body. Shiatsu therapist Linda McCall of healthyequilibrium.com.au likens meridians to rivers within our body.

"If a river in the body is blocked by toxins or stress it creates pain so the therapist's job is to break down the dam walls and create an energy flow that moves blood around the body and feeds the cells organs. A good therapist will tune into the body to find the areas out of balance and encourage the ki to flow into areas that are depleted. By encouraging the ki to shift through different stretches and the mobilisation of joints, this shifts any blockages they may have occurred in the body," says McCall.

IT'S ELEMENTARY
You might be surprised to know that, unlike traditional massage therapies, shiatsu actually works away from areas of tension. "If someone has a sore neck, I often work their ankles first as this usually helps to relieve tension in the neck. By the time I begin to work on the neck, the tension is usually already reduced," says therapist Juliet Murphy of julietmurphyshiatsu.com. 

This theory based upon the traditional five element theory shiatsu therapist's use. They believe each element of the universe - fire, water, earth, metal and wood represents an organ within the body, for example heart is a part of the fire element and kidneys are part of water. By following this map, they can identify which area needs working and which way the flow of the massage will go. 

But it's not all lying back and relaxing though. Shiatsu aims to push tender acupoints not give you a relaxing rub. So expect that you might feel sore during treatment and even leave with a headache or pain. But don't panic, this is actually a good sign. According to shiatsu therapist Ross Doherty, it's much like the ache you get after a massive workout. While it may cause soreness temporarily, a few days later you will be left with a really relaxed and energised body. It's also a very holistic treatment, so expect the therapist to diagnose your current physical condition and provide you with dietary and lifestyle advice to assist your overall healing and health.

WHAT DOES IT DO?
Shiatsu is a fairy godmother for pain and stress conditions. According to Murphy, most of her clients are young professionals who suffer from stress related symptoms and are trying to regain some balance in their lives. "Many have chronic conditions such as headaches, shoulder tension, lower back pain, digestive or menstrual issues." Then after a treatment, they often experience relief and for some this lasts weeks. The best side effect though? It works wonders for sleep. If you tend to toss and turn, have a shiatsu treatment and you will leave in a dreamy, spaced-out state, embracing sleep with open arms! And who doesn't love waking up fresh and revitalised!

WF ROAD TEST
Our ed coordinator, Sam Bailey, decided to give shiatsu massage a go. She saw Sydney based Ross Doherty from massageatbondijunction.com.au.

Why do it?
When I was little I used to think all massages were the same then I started at Women's Fitness and it opened my eyes to a whole new world of different therapies, so I am excited to try another one.

What was involved?
My treatment began with a run-down of the five elements and how it works both in shiatsu and kinesiology. Lying down I then had oil applied to my back and Ross was able to tell from my posture and tension that my kidneys were overworking. This was affecting my liver and causing too much blood flow through it. So Ross applied firm finger pressure to acupoints in different areas of my body, from foot to my thigh that correlated with my kidney and liver and shunted blood flow away from the liver through pressure, stretches and flowing movements.

What did it feel like?
Often the pressure was quite firm, sore but bearable. It left me realising how accurate the element map must actually be when a little spot on my left foot could pick up the same pain that was in the right side of my back where my kidneys were sore.

Most importantly, did it work?
I certainly think I felt the after effect. Two days later I had a fourteen hour sleep over the weekend - twice! I also have felt energised and noticed looseness in my muscles. Ross was very on the ball with my diagnosis too, he said tight deadlines and leaving things until the last minute (aah, mag life) is why my kidneys are overworking.

Would you do it again?
Yes, definitely! I truly think it's a very wise and accurate therapy that can teach you a lot about your body and ease you back into a relaxed state. But also what you don't expect is to have such a holistic session. Ross not only combined reflexology with shiatsu but he referred herbal remedies such as lemon balm and passionflower and dietary suggestions - apparently salty foods are great for kidney health, as well as yoga and pilates moves to help build my core strength.

Shiatsu massage is believed to help…
•Improve blood circulation
•Leave skin glowing
•Help migraines
•Ease menstrual cramps
•Induce labour in pregnant women
•Relieve constipation
•Leave you feeling calmer
•Relieves muscle ache
•Assists with fatigue and insomnia
•Ease mood swings and irritability
•Treat depression and anxiety
•Alleviate with back, neck and shoulder pain

By Sam Bailey.

Source : http://womensfitnessmagazine.com.au/wellbeing/health/2013/9/the-lowdown-on-shiatsu/