In the Yoga Sutras, the sage Patanjali tells us that, “The pains that are yet to come can be and are to be avoided.” This aphorism reminds us that the future may hold suffering, and that suffering can be reduced or averted through the way we live today. Yoga can create a foundation for a lifestyle that supports a long and healthy life.

When asked if there is any age limit for practicing yoga, yoga master BKS Iyengar replied: “No, there is no age limit for practicing Yoga. Is it the body or the mind that asks this question? It is not the body but the mind which tells you that you are old. It is the mind which is quick to say that the body is incapable of doing a thing, particularly, the thing which it dislikes or which it is afraid of. It is the mind that thinks that the body is stiff and it cannot bear any strain. It is the mind that instills fear and it is fear that impedes progress.” Keeping the mind fresh, active, and positive is a key to healthy aging, whatever challenges we may face.

Scientist Dan Buettner and his team have observed areas around the world called “Blue Zones” where people live uncommonly long and healthy lives. There are four main traits shared by people in Blue Zones: a healthy, plant-based diet, an active lifestyle, a clear sense of purpose, and strong social networks. The Blue Zone web site (www.bluezones.com) sums up its recommendations this way: 1) eat wisely, 2) move naturally, 3) right outlook and 4) right tribe. Yoga can help us in all four of these areas.

Eat wisely

Yoga is based on awareness, and eating well is part of a yogic lifestyle. As we become more sensitive to the body through asana (posture) practice, we start to observe the effects of particular foods on our energy, digestion and health. Some yoga practitioners make the choice to become vegetarians, as an expression of ahimsa, or non-violence. Many others continue to eat animal foods, but start to include more vegetables, nuts and grains in their diets. By eating lower on the food chain, we minimize our harm to other creatures and to the environment. Eating organic food protects our health and the earth, and buying seasonal and local food helps build community. (more…)

Making healthy lifestyle changes can affect more than just your longevity. Many changes, even small ones, can have a big impact on your wallet and the world around you. With so much to gain, why wait to make some key changes in your life and health care that can have you feeling better, richer and more environmentally friendly. The following are just a few ideas to help you get started on developing some beneficial healthy habits.

General

These habits are important to keep your overall health good, and have some other great benefits as well.

1. Get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep can shorten your life expectancy, make you cranky, make it harder to concentrate and even cause you to put on weight, so make sure to get enough every night to help you wake up feeling refreshed.
2. Keep your teeth squeaky clean. Many people may not realize what a role oral health can play in life expectancy. Scientists estimate that regular brushing and flossing can add up to six years to your life, keeping you healthier and saving you money on dental and health care.
3. Wear sunscreen. Protecting your skin won’t just prevent potentially fatal conditions like cancer but can also help keep you looking younger longer.
4. Stop smoking. Smoking not only hurts your health but can wreck havoc on your wallet as well, not to mention all the waste it creates through cigarette butts. Cut out the smoking and you’ll help yourself in a myriad of ways.
5. Stay a healthy weight. There is no magic number for a healthy weight, and only your health care provider can tell you what’s right for you, but working to keep yourself slim and trim can prevent a wide range of potentially costly healthy problems.
6. Get regular medical exams. Paying a little bit more up front to get some routine tests andprofessional medical advice done can pay off big time in the long run, especially if you catch a problem in the early stages.
7. Put yourself first. With busy lives it can be hard to make time to spend just on yourself, but staying healthy inside and out requires a little me-time now and again.
8. Keep it in moderation. Whether you love to indulge in cocktails or spending on expensive gadgets, moderation is key. Give yourself the occasional indulgence but make sure it doesn’t get out of hand. You’ll get better health out of it and a little extra money in your wallet.
9. Don’t ignore symptoms. Unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, severe headaches and fevers are just some of the symptoms that you should never ignore. Protect your health and head to your caregiver if you’re feeling less than normal.
10. Go outside. Even in the dead of winter, getting outside for a little bit each day can make you feel better. Take a walk, enjoy the fresh air, connect with nature and enjoy the simple (and free) pleasure of getting outside.
11. Take vitamins. Vitamins can be pricey, but they are a small investment in your health, as many can help prevent problems like osteoporosis that can affect you as you age.
12. Encourage healthy lifestyles in others. Getting healthy can be great for you but what about those who are close to you? Encourage your spouse, family members and children to get out there and get moving along with you. It’ll not only help them but will also encourage you to stay with your healthy habits as well.
13. Find a passion. Taking the time to figure out where your real passions lie in life, whether they’re in playing a sport, caring for your family, following a career or making the world a better place, will help keep you healthy and active long into old age.
14. Get physical. Whether you decide to run five miles every morning or enjoy a romp under the sheets with your spouse, getting your body moving is one of the best ways to stay healthy and one that benefits your mental and physical well-being.

Mental

Make sure you’re taking care of your mental health as well by following these healthy habits.

1. Take time to relax. Stress can take a big toll on the health of anyone, both mentally and physically. Make sure you’re taking time out of your life to relax and unwind whether it’s by taking a long walk or enjoying a movie night with a friend or partner.
2. Laugh about it. Sometimes unexpected things happen in life. Learning to laugh about them, and not take everything as a serious setback can be a big part of staying healthy and keeping stress from dragging you down.
3. Get help. You don’t have to go through tough times alone. If you’re feeling depressed reach out to friends and loved ones. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to them talk to a counselor or psychiatric professional in your area.
4. Find new interests. Keep your brain in shape by seeking out new interests and knowledge. You may even find a new passion or a new group of friends.
5. Get involved. Getting involved in your community is a great way to connect emotionally, help the environment and get healthy by getting active.
6. Build your self esteem. When you’re healthy and in shape you feel good about yourself. Find ways in your every day life to build up self worth whether its through enjoying a hobby, playing a sport or any other activity that you love.
7. Embrace the spiritual. Being spiritual doesn’t have to mean being part of an organized religion. For some, it can simply mean connecting with a deeper, more meaningful part of life. why is this important? Taking quiet time to meditate or pray can help you relax, focus and find out what’s really important in your life, leading to a happier, healthier you.
8. Work out your brain. Just because your brain doesn’t have any muscles doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be working it out. Ensuring that your brain stays healthy will help you stay active, happy and sharp into old age.
9. Look on the bright side. Studies have shown that those with an optimistic outlook on life actually live longer, healthier lives so try to see the silver lining.
10. Find friends with common interests. Having a close group of friends who share your values is essential to maintaining mental health and will likely ensure you’re happier no matter your age.
11. Spend time with those you love. Making connections with others is key to staying balanced and happy. Spending time with a loved one promotes better health, shared interests and as an added bonus doesn’t have to cost you a thing.

At Work

Feel like your job is draining your health? You may want to make some adjustments with these suggestions.

1. Find an alternate mode of transport. Whether you bike to work or take a ride with some coworkers, you’ll be helping the environment and getting the benefits of working out or socializing with others.
2. Bring lunch. Bringing your lunch rather than going out ensures that you’ll know just what is going into every meal and will save you big bucks over the course of the year.
3. Allow yourself breaks. Working the whole day through without ever getting away from your desk may be great for your boss’ bottom line but it isn’t doing your health any favors. Make sure to take a few short breaks throughout the day to relax, stretch your legs and take your mind off stressful matters.
4. Take the stairs. If you work in a building where this is feasible, taking the stairs can be a great way to burn some extra calories throughout the work week.
5. Reduce your stress. Jobs can often be the most stressful part of a person’s life. Do your best to reduce the stress of your job by not taking on more than you can handle and not letting work dominate your life.
6. Connect with coworkers. Most people are happier and less stressed in a workplace where they feel connected to their coworkers. So make an effort to get to know the others working around you.
7. Get ergonomic. Don’t let your desk be a painful place to be. Instead, work on improving theergonomics of your working environment a stretching out when you can. (more…)

Calories can be defined as  potential energy for the body. In fact, anything we eat is considered to be potential energy for our body. This energy can take the form of fats, cholesterol, carbohydrates or proteins, and each of these has a respective number of calories. For example, four calories are found in one gram of protein, one gram of fat contains nine calories, and four calories are found in one gram of carbohydrates.

Everyone needs a different amount of calories, depending on factors such as age, weight, and activity level. For example, a small child needs a great deal less than a full grown adult. Likewise, a construction worker needs more than someone working a desk job, because the active labor demands more calories.

In today’s world, you can always find out how many calories any food source contains. If you purchase a prepackaged product, it is required by law that the manufacturer posts the complete nutritional facts somewhere on the package. Even restaurants are required to keep tabs on such information, and most franchises have printouts of this information upon request. (more…)

Niagara Falls is a world class attraction on the Niagara River between Ontario and New York State. It is 17 miles northwest of Buffalo New York and 75 miles southeast of Toronto. Over 20 million visitors are expected to visit Niagara Falls by 2009. Hotels near the falls offer exclusive honeymoon accommodations and packages. Couples can experience breathtaking views of the Niagara Falls on these comfortable and luxurious hotels.

Most tourists visit the falls during May to mid September. Hotels offer bridal suites and wedding/honeymoon packages for couples. Suites are commonly painted with white or paste colors with sturdy king size beds. There are canopies, loveseats, vases for roses and a bath for two. Below is the list of romantic honeymoon destinations in Niagara Falls.

Fallsview Plaza Hotel
It is formerly known as The Renaissance Fallsview Hotel. It is located one block from Niagara Falls in Fallsview Boulevard, directly across the streets from new Casino. The hotel offers a warm and stylish atmosphere. There are recreational options with plenty of gaming and entertainment.

This 18-storey hotel offers 266 guestrooms with large frame windows and blackout curtains. Rooms are equipped with cable TVs, video game consoles, clock radios, voice mails and electronic/magnetic keys.

Couples who want to stay for one or two nights can avail of the special romance package. This includes comfortable and spacious rooms and breakfast for 2. Fine dining is only at $45 value at the Keg Steakhouse & Bar or at T.G.I Fridays and East Side Mario. A gift basket includes a bottle of Premium Wine, 2 wine glasses, chocolates and a corkscrew. There are also the Casino Falls and shuttle passes in nearby attractions throughout the day.

Lovers can enjoy the many great amenities the hotel offers. The health club provides an indoor waterfall swimming pool, saunas and spa tub. Contemporary cuisines are also served at the hotels dining room. The business center offers concierge services, conference rooms, banquet facilities and a 24-hour front desk. The business center has audio-visual equipment with internet access.
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