Heart Rate Monitors are a must when doing cardiovascular exercise. It is imperative for your health to check your heart rate and keep an eye on it. What is your heart rate supposed to be? The calculation for maximum heart rate is as follows: bpm = beats per minute

220bpm – your age = maximum heart rate

Technically your heart rate should never get over this number. But if it gets close and/or over you should not just stop your exercise. You should slow down, take a couple of deep breaths amongst those shallow breaths. Your heart rate will come down. The key here is NOT TO STOP! You can have a serious condition if you just stop exercise at this time.

For great articles and more information about heart rate please read the following blog posts. Also be sure to shop the links below for your own heart rate monitor. I even found one under $15.  A heart rate monitor is a great thing to have handy for healthy exercise!!

5 Heart Rate Zones

Determine Optimum Cardio Exercise

Interval Training, The Cardio You Must Do

I have found a product that is excellent for many health benefits. It is called Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE). The main ingredient in Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a mineral called Silicon Dioxide (SILICA). Silica is used for weak bones  (osteoporosis), heart disease and stroke (cardiovascular disease), Alzheimer’s disease, hair loss, and improving hair, nail quality, and much more. It is also used for improving skin healing; and for treating sprains and strains, as well as digestive system disorders.

1 or 2 Heaping Tablespoons Per Day Will Improve Your Life! Mix with your favorite liquid and stir occasionally. There is no unpleasant aftertaste.

Health Grade Benefits of Silica – Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Osteoporosis, Weight Loss, Cosmetics, Hair, Nails, Teeth & Gums, Energy, Bacteria, Mucus, Anti-Aging, Urinary Infections, Headache.

Lower High Blood Pressure:
Just as Diatomaceous Earth has been lowering blood pressure–it has also been lowering cholesterol!!. The website Earthworks Health reports that they have not talked with one person that has high cholesterol that has not had lower numbers after taking Diatomaceous Earth.  Most are reporting 40-60 points lower after only 2 weeks on DE.  I know it sounds too good to be true, but it works!

Lower High Cholesterol: Of the thousands of people that are using Diatomaceous Earth, most that have high blood pressure have reported that it has gone down. This is from the website Earthworks Health.  It has been so thrilling to talk to people all over the United States and have them tell their stories. We are not just talking a few points—we are talking about LIFE-CHANGING numbers.  Doctors are amazed–customers are amazed—You will be too.

Osteoporosis & Joints: Osteoporosis is a symptom of the aging process. As calcium in our body system depletes, our bones become brittle and weak. Taking only a calcium supplement can not correct or stop this threatening and crippling disease because the body cannot assimilate and make use of the calcium without the presence of silica. Evidence suggests that, instead of affecting healing, supplemental mineral calcium, on the contrary, accelerates the leaching away of bone calcium and thus hastens the degenerates process of osteoporosis and similar diseases that affect the supportive and connective tissues in the human body.

For Osteoporosis, silica can stop the pain and even restore the body’s self repair process. Osteoporosis symptoms attack women primarily after menopause but the degenerative process starts much earlier in their younger days. More women are dying of fractures caused by osteoporosis than of cancer of the breast, cervix, and uterus combined.

Silica is responsible for the depositing of minerals into the bones, especially calcium. It speeds up the healing of fractures and also reduces scarring at the site of a fracture. More and more research evidence shows that through a transmutation process, silica is turned into calcium when it is needed. That is why some scientists refer to silica as a precursor of calcium. Even when calcium is insufficient, the body can turn silica into calcium that the bones need.

Natural Weight Loss:
Earthworks Health website reports that they have been getting hundreds of reports from all over the United States that DE is helping people lose weight.  Everyone is saying that DE taken in the morning helps curb their appetite throughout the day.  Just one more reason to take it everyday!!

Nature’s Internal Cosmetic:
In Europe and Asia Diatomaceous Earth is used extensively as a health and beauty product for hair, skin, nails, bones, and joints. They have no FDA.

Tissue degeneration accelerates due to aging when connective tissue develops an increasing inability to retain moisture when left unassisted. Silica can help slow the degenerative process of connective tissue. With silica, vitality and life, which are often lost as the years accumulate, can be naturally maintained or even restored to your skin. Collagen, largely made up of silica, is the glue that holds us together. If our body has enough silica glucosaminoglycane, the collagen will make us look younger. Silica helps with skin problems and injuries including itching, rashes, abscesses, boils, acne, callouses, warts, eczema, burns, frostbite, benign skin sores, insect bites and bed sores.

If you regularly follow a silica regimen, your skin will keep its young look. A good silica supplementation program works far better than other products for maintaining healthier and longer lasting collagen.

Hair That Grows:
Hair is nature’s greatest beauty enhancer. Hair deserves to be pampered. Hair at 90 micrograms per gram is almost as rich in silica as are healthy bones, which contain 100 micrograms per gram. Silica is a major component of hair. Using a good silica supplement should be part of your ongoing hair care program for revitalizing hair. Silica helps to prevent baldness, stimulates healthier hair growth and assures beautiful shine, luster and strength.

Teeth and Gums:
By hardening the enamel, silica prevents cavities and preserves teeth. Silica also prevents bleeding gums, gum atrophy, and recession that causes the loosening of teeth, which could ultimately lead to tooth loss. Silica effectively fights ulceration and the decay of bones, teeth and also lessens inflammation.

Tough As Nails:
Your nail plates are complex protein structures that grow four to five millimeters per month on average. With silica supplementation, fragile nails become normal within a short period of time. Silica will beautify the appearance of your nails and improve their hardness, making them shinier and less prone to breaking.

The restorative effects of silica will be most noticeable on your hair, skin, nails and teeth. Our skin and hair require silica essentially for the same purpose as do other tissues. As we know, the supporting collagen underneath the skin enhances elasticity and beauty. Collagen owes that quality to silica, which provides a beautiful complexion that is more than skin deep.

MORE BENEFITS:

*Silica lowers bad cholesterol and raises good

*Silica fades age spots – Wash your face with the DE powder and use it as a facial mask. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.

*Silica stimulates metabolism for higher energy levels

* Silica can harden your tooth enamel. Brush your teeth with it, dip your tooth brush with tooth paste on it in the DE powder and brush on your teeth.

*Diatomaceous earth has a negative charge and bacteria has a positive charge. It is believed that diatomaceous earth sweeps bacteria out of the body by trapping it in its honeycomb shaped skeletal form.

*Silica supplementation helps repair and maintain vital lung tissues and protects them from pollution. By maintaining or restoring the elasticity of lung tissues, silica reduces inflammation in bronchitis.

*It acts as a cough decreasing agent. Silica tones the upper respiratory tract (nose, pharynx, larynx) and reduces swelling because of its positive action on the lymphatic system.

*Silica supplementation keeps menopause free of stress and helps to prevent many unwanted side-effects of menopause

*Silica works with other antioxidants to prevent premature aging and to preserve youthfulness.

*Silica can help prevent kidney stones and heal infections of the urinary tract. It is a natural diuretic which can increase excretion of urine by 30 percent, thus flushing the water-excreting system and restoring normal function to these vital organs.

*The presence of sufficient silica in the intestines will reduce inflammation of the intestinal tract. It can cause disinfection in the case of stomach and intestinal mucus and ulcers. Silica can prevent or clear up diarrhea and its opposite, constipation.

*Silica will help normalize hemorrhoid tissues.

*In regulating and normalizing the bowels, silica has a pleasant side effect; it can alleviate lower back pain, which often troubles the elderly.

*Silica proves effective with female discharge, abscesses and ulcers in the genital area and cervix, as well as mastitis (especially for breast feeding mothers).

*The intake of silica acts as a supportive treatment for inflammation of the middle ear. Because of the beneficial effectiveness on the lymphatic system, silica can be used for swelling of the lymph nodes in the throat.

*Has anti-inflammatory disinfecting, absorbing and odor binding effects.

*Silica can normalize circulation and regulate high blood pressure (hypertension).

*Silica can decrease vertigo, headache, tinnitus (buzzing of the ears) and insomnia.

*Silica can help diabetes by promoting synthesis of elastase inhibitor by the pancreas.

*Silica can help arterial disease by strengthening the blood vessels. Studies confirm that with age, silica disappears from the aorta, the heart’s key blood vessel, thus weakening its critical connective tissue and resulting in a greater cardiac risk.

*Silica can help prevent Tuberculosis.

*By improving the elasticity of the joints, silica helps rheumatism.

*Silica has inhibitory effects on coronary diseases.

*Silica can help avoiding or alleviating Alzheimer’s disease by preventing the body from absorbing aluminum and may flush out aluminum from the tissues. Silica can stimulate the immune system.

DOSAGE:
Daily silica needs of humans are 20-30 mg. In years past, our bodies would get enough silica from our diet. Unfortunately, many of the foods we now eat have lost their nutritional value due to soil nutrient depletion, food processing, and chemicals. Supplemental use of Perma-Guard Diatomaceous Earth is essential to total body health.

You just take 1 or 2 heaping Tablespoons per day with your favorite liquid. Stir occasionally. There is no unpleasant taste.

REQUIRED FDA DISCLAIMER: *
Content on this site is for reference purposes only, based on reviews from users of diatomaceous earth. It is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health care professional. User statements regarding this dietary supplement have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Those with health problems, pregnancy or who are nursing are specifically advised that they should consult their physician before taking any nutritional supplement.

There are hundreds of thousands of testimonials on this product. Click Here to read some for yourself.

Purchase your own bag of Diatomaceous Earth Click Below NOW:

I use the words Herbal Cleanse and Herbal Laxative synonymously. At Body Designer we used to sell a product called Herbal Cleanse. The company that made this for me went out of business this past summer. I went on the search for a similar product because I could not keep this product in stock! That is how I found Herbal Laxative. The main ingredient in Herbal Cleanse was Alexandrian Senna leaves 500 mg. Well Herbal Laxative has Alexandrian Senna 438 mg. This is the best you can find. I do not particularly care for the name “laxative” but it really is the same thing as cleanse.  The benefits of the product are listed below as well as a link to but it.  And the price is much better at less than $10USD (sometimes cheaper, please check the link) for a bottle that I used to pay $21USD.

Herbal cleanse/Herbal Laxative is taken to cleanse the body of toxins. The body’s response to Body Designer’s food program or any healthy change in lifestyle is to start the release of stored toxins from cells and this puts more stress on organs of elimination (colon, kidneys, lungs, liver, and skin) which are already malfunctioning from past intake of drugs, additives, and refined, processed and over cooked foods. People using Herbal Cleanse/Herbal Laxative for the first time might see results such as: larger bowel movements and diarrhea. This does not mean that Herbal Cleanse/Herbal Laxative is working too well and to stop taking it. Actually diarrhea is a severe form of constipation. The loosening of materials from the walls of the intestines gives the colon so much work to do that a “pile up” prevents the fecal matter from moving out. All that gets through is liquids. Herbal Cleanse is needed to soften the waste and plenty of fluids are needed to wash it out. So drink plenty of water and be sure to keep taking the Herbal Cleanse/Herbal Laxative as directed. Used after each meal, Herbal Cleanse/Herbal Laxative will work to cleanse the walls of the colon so that the system will be free of toxins. And when used before bedtime, it will work as a laxative.

Click on the BUY link below to see more options:

Tam Herbal Laxative 250 CapsTAM? herbal laxative capsules contain all-natural herbs for the relief of occasional constipation. Our forumla brings together the holistic properties of Cascara Sagrada and Senna, two popular herbals that help promote regularity. TAM? herbal laxative capsules contains no harsh synthetics, so you can be assured of gentle, yet efficient, relief.

“MemoryMinder Journals DietMinder, 224 Pages” A Deluxe Food Diary!

If you are on a mission to lose weight an excellent tool to have is a food journal. I have found the very best one! It is called a Diet Minder. I always say, “If you  have time to eat it you have time to write it down!” By the way, this will make a wellness gift!! Kathie

1. What is a DietMinder Food & Fitness Journal?
The DietMinder is simply the best food and exercise diary on the market! It’s the easy and organized way to keep track of the foods you eat including the quantities, calories, carbs, fat grams, and other nutritional counts.There’s space to record each day’s exercise, too!

2. Who can use the DietMinder?
Anyone with a desire to change eating habits and get in shape will love this book! It’s ideal for weight loss, health and nutrition classes, doctor recommended dietary changes, the latest diet fad, or any other situation where a monitored diet is required.

3. What are the benefits of using a DietMinder?

• You WILL see results… It’s been proven time and again that people who carefully write down the foods they eat are twice as likely to lose weight and keep it off than those who don’t.
• You’ll be more focused… Just like taking notes in school, writing reinforces our knowledge and awareness and signals our brains to respond. You’ll know what you are eating!
• You’ll stay on track… From the very first day, seeing what you are eating in black and white will keep you strong and committed to your goals.
• You’ll be motivated to succeed… Each night when you answer DietMinder’s daily question, “Did you meet your goals today?” you will be encouraged with a “yes” or realize you need to do better tomorrow. It really works!
• You’ll get moving… When your daily “physical activity” section is empty, a little healthy guilt will get you in motion!

4. What makes the DietMinder special?

• Roomy, fill-in-the-blank format… Gives you plenty of space for the details; no more tiny, cramped entries or floating scraps of paper.
• Organized and easy to use… The “Goals” section sets you on a clear and defined plan of action. The “Daily Record” pages guide you effortlessly through breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, supplements, and exercise. Adding up your food count data couldn’t be simpler. The time-saving “Favorite Foods Index” and “Progress Charts” are fun and easy to use, too!
• Food count information on over 100 common foods is included in the Favorite Foods Facts section.
• Quality construction and design… Durable leatherette covers, a sturdy spiral binding for writing ease, convenient size (8½” x 6″) for home or travel, and a special vinyl pocket for holding recipes, workout schedules, etc. make this a book you will be pleased to own! (224 pgs.)
• It’s guaranteed to work!… Use your DietMinder faithfully for just three days. If you don’t feel a greater awareness and personal motivation, return your journal and your money will be promptly refunded!

Lemon is a natural product that can help your system more than you know. I tell my clients to drink hot lemon water first thing in the morning. That would be a concoxtion of 2 oz. of hot water mixed with 2 wedges of fresh lemon or one to two tablespoons of lemon powder. Hot lemon water will clean the coating accumulated in the mouth and digestive system which allows the body a fresh start on the digestion of food eaten at breakfast. It has been proven that hot lemon water taken on awakening is an excellent liver corrective and is better than any anti-fat medicine ever invented.

Did you know that lemon makes an excellent appetite suppressant. Lemon is a natural diuretic and can help aid in the release of toxins.  Let’s say you have been eating a diet high in sodium, drinking lemon in your water all day long will help you eliminate that water your body is retaining. Click on the link below for your True Lemon today! Hot lemon is also good to help a cough or sore throat when a cold or flu is present. Get your lemon today!!

True Lemon 32ctEnjoy fresh-squeezed lemon taste – anytime, anywhere! Perfect for water, tea, beverages, recipes and seasoning! 100% all natural 0 calories, 0g carbs 0g sugars and no artificial sweeteners No preservatives, sodium or gluten 25% of an adults daily Vitamin C requirements 1 packet = 1 Tbsp. lemon juice = 1 wedge Please Note: When using a promo code during checkout, free offer items will appear in the order confirmation email you receive after finalizing your order.

photo/flickr.com/Piccolina Photography

Here are some great fitness gift recomendations from Kathie and best of all they are all under $25! 

Omron Pedometer: Track your steps with a great pedometer!  This pedometor has a unique dual sensor technology means the pedometer can be carried in your pocket or bag. It accurately measures your steps, as well as aerobic steps and minutes. You can also measure calorie consumption during your workout, as well as the distance you’ve traveled! It has an easy-to-read LCD display  It comes with a detachable belt holder and security strap. With the price under $18 and a savings of up to 40% you can’t beat this great offer!!

Stamina Yoga/Pilates Workout System.  Get everything you need for a complete mind/body yoga or Pilates workout that completely reshapes and rejuvenates your body. The system includes a 24- by 68-inch mat, two blocks, a cotton strap, and a 60-minute workout on DVD and VHS. The slip-resistant sticky mat helps you hold poses more easily and regular practice will help improve flexibility, balance, and core strength. Developing the core muscles is the key to improving posture, alignment, and ultimately lengthening and toning the entire body. Set Includes: *24- by 68-inch yoga / Pilates foam mat; *Two lightweight foam yoga blocks; *Cotton yoga strap; *60-minute Pilates Mat Workout on DVD and VHS .

Go Fit Ultimate Burst Resistant Core Stability Ball with Workout DVD (65cm): Everyone ought to have a good stability ball. This one has the Workout DVD to go with it.  GoFit’s Ultimate Burst Resistant Core Stability balls are a safe way to work your abs, back and full core. The slow-deflate quality and extra-thick wall construction of the GoFit Ultimate Burst Resistant Core Stability ball makes this ball suitable for weight training, stretching, rehabilitation and other heavy use since it is designed to slowly deflate if punctured. This health club quality ball is suitable for home and commercial use. Each kit includes the purple 65cm burst resistant ball, a 25-minute training session on DVD, a detailed exercise poster and an air pump. Suitable for those 5’7″ to 6’0″ tall.  

The Works – The gift Set with Sharon Mann: The perfect DVD set which includes a well rounded set of workouts!! Welcome to The Works with Sharon Mann, a revolutionary fitness DVD workout concept! This fully-interactive DVD will transform your fitness routines! It offers flexibility, originality, and most importantly, it offers you the ability to customize your workout from over 1000 different combinations! Why The Works with Sharon Mann is a fitness breakthrough: With all of the choices offered on this one disc, you can create over 1000 different workout combinations. Whether you want high-energy, cardio, or flexibility and strength, this boredom-busting program will become a regular part of your fitness routine – an ever-changing rotation of activities! And all on one DVD! How The Works with Sharon Mann operates Start by choosing a warm-up from 4 selections Choose two workout routines – one from each group of 8 activities End by choosing one of the 4 cool-downs offered Select PLAY and begin the tailor-made program designed for you, by you!