Limiting Stress In The New Year

November 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Wow – I cannot believe this year is almost over! It has definitely gone by in the blink of an eye, but it has been a pretty stressful year. I am not one to make a ton of New Years Resolutions, but this year, I really want to focus on limiting stress in the New Year. I believe that our lives are too short to live in stress and to do the things that we do not want to be doing. If you are in a job that you dislike, if you are consumed with stress, and if you are ready for change, follow me on this journey of limiting stress in 2019. I am very excited to focus on my family and be able to soak in all of the precious moments and memories that we create over the next 12+ months (and hopefully longer). Here are a few ways that I am limiting stress in the New Year:

new year new you

Wrap Up 2018 To Do’s

Before you get started, you need to make sure that you wrap up the to-do list that you have in 2018. Is there anything you need to get done? Make sure you do not carry over unwanted stress and tasks from 2018 to 2019 because the point of this is to limit stress, not increase it. Look around you and figure out what will cause you stress. Do you have a garage that needs to be painted or a fireplace that needs to be repaired? Maybe you have something that has been on your to-do list for years and you have not gotten around to it. This is a great time to finally get it done because whether you know it or not, what you do not have wrapped up is consistently hanging over your head, especially if it has been on your to-do list for a while.

 

Create A Game Plan

Create a game plan for the year. What goals do you have? What are you focusing on? Do you want to build up your business, focus on family, or do both at the same time? Whatever your game plan is, write it down, in order to keep yourself on track throughout the New Year.

 

Huffington Post says, “Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at the Dominican University in California, recently studied the art and science of goal setting. She gathered two hundred and sixty-seven people together — men and women from all over the world, and from all walks of life, including entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, artists, lawyers and bankers. She divided the participants into groups, according to who wrote down their goals and dreams, and who didn’t… And she discovered that those who wrote down their goals and dreams on a regular basis achieved those desires at a significantly higher level than those who did not.

In fact, she found that you become 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams, simply by writing them down on a regular basis. The likelihood that you’ll transform your desires into reality goes up even further if you share your written goals with a friend who believes in your ability to succeed (what I call a “partner in believing”).”

stress less

Outsource Tasks To Focus On Family

In order to focus on family, you need to make sure that your business and your income is in order. That is why I think it is so important to outsource tasks. First of all – create an income goal. Then, figure out how to get there. One of the most popular ways to increase your sales and income is to hire a full-service marketing agency such as SEO NJ. Brothers Matt and Dan Anton created NJ SEO in order to “offer professional SEO services that help websites increase their organic search score drastically in order to compete for the highest rankings — even when it comes to highly competitive keywords.” Dan Anton is a retired Infantry Airborne Army Ranger Major, who served two tours in Iraq, receiving two bronze stars for valor in combat while Matt Anton is the former online marketing manager of Liberty Travel, a billion dollar travel agency, where he was responsible for digital marketing strategy and execution, managing a 250k budget each month. Together with their team, they offer web development, online marketing, and sales optimization services, with proven results. If you are looking to increase sales and improve your online business, NJ SEO is the company to help you out because they walk the walk and beat out every agency in the area. Just look at their results and success stories on their website and you can see for yourself!

 

Add Self-Care To Your Routine

No matter who you are, you need to add self-care to your daily routine, in order to limit stress. There are many ways that you can do this, so do not think that you have to take a bubble bath if you hate them. Think about the things that you love and/or the things that relax you and make them happen.

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American Brain Tumor Association Will Match Donations on #GivingTuesday

November 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

On Tuesday, November 27th, brain tumors will meet their match. All donations made through The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) will be matched dollar for dollar.

#GivingTuesday is a global event fueled by social media and other forms of collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, it kicks off the charitable season of holiday and end-of-year giving.

“This day will definitely be a highlight in our 45th anniversary fundraising effort,” says ABTA President & CEO Ralph DeVitto. “We’ve been pulling out all the stops to make this year’s day of giving bigger and better than ever.”

On #GivingTuesday, ABTA donors can choose to have their gifts matched in one of three ways:

Donate to Research

The Bradley Benton Davis Memorial Foundation is generously matching all research-restricted donations up to $25,000.

Donate to Patient Services

The Pat McDonald Scholarship Fund and Abbvie are generously matching all patient services donations up $26,000 to provide financial assistance to patients and their loved ones to attend the annual Patient and Family Conference.

Donate to Area of Most Need

Novocure and an anonymous donor are generously matching up to $55,000 in unrestricted donations.

Also, any brand new donations will be matched up to $200,000.

“I continue to financially support the ABTA because I see the value of the research and patient care that are the pillars of the association,” says Fern Bomchill, who created the Bradley Benton Davis Memorial Foundation in honor of her son. “Every gift helps.”

To donate, visit abta.org/give.

Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, health Tagged With: ,

Earth Mama Organics NEW Mineral Sunscreen

October 24, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Just what you have been looking for – a new mineral sunscreen family from Earth Mama Organics – 6 products – thoughtfully created for adults, kids, and babies. These are made with the most premium and safest ingredients available – they are reef-friendly and non-nano as well, which means that they won’t be harmful when worn into fragile ecosystems. (So much better for the environment, I can’t imagine why all brands aren’t doing it at this point.)

organic sunscreen

What’s IN these sunscreens is just as important as what’s NOT. If an ingredient is available organic, that is what gets used.

Each ingredient is purposefully sourced with great consideration — to boost the sunscreen’s SPF value, moisturize, or ensure it’s safely gentle on uber-sensitive skin.

What’s not in them? Chemicals that are potentially harmful to people, coral reefs or the planet like:Oxybenzone, octinoxate (or other chemical sunscreens), artificial fragrance, nano particles, or parabens. These are better for you, the fish, other animals, and the environment as a whole- there is no good reason NOT to use these.

The first thing you think when you hear “mineral sunscreen” is pasty white, right? Not these.  Earth Mama sunscreens – just visible enough to see the spots you missed during application, which is always helpful with kids who won’t stay still, or to make sure that you actually remembered to do your arms.

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Walk to End Alzheimer’s #EndAlz

October 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

This past weekend, we participated in our second Walk to End Alzheimer’s, both as walkers and as volunteers. As many of you might know. while we are very “active activists” as we joke, this is one cause that is near and dear to my heart, personally.

If you have been touched by this disease, or know someone who has, please consider giving your time or a donation. This is the only of the top 10 causes of death in America that can not be slowed, cured, or prevented. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, and more then 5 million people live with the disease in the USA alone. 16 million people identify as caregivers to someone with Alzheimer’s.

This is not a small problem we are facing.

The first walk we participated in was 1,000 people strong – we stepped forward together, raising funds and each others spirits. This walk more than doubled in size this year.  The association is confident that it will continue to grow.

While I don’t have the numbers for this past weekend, I can tell you that as we handed out shirts, everyone was happy to be there and share in each other’s lives, no matter what stage of the game we were in. It’s very much a community feeling, were you can ask questions, get answers, make connections, and friends.

It’s important to me to find Alzheimer’s first survivor. No one should have to live or die in this manner. Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.

Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease. Please make a donation to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

end alzheimers

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease!

When you participate in Walk, your fundraising dollars fuel our mission, and your participation in the event helps to change the level of Alzheimer’s awareness in your community. The Alzheimer’s Association provides free, easy-to-use tools and staff support to help participants reach their fundraising goal. While there is no fee to register, we encourage participants to fundraise in order to contribute to the cause and raise awareness.

Take the first step by finding a Walk near you or making a donation. Once you register, you will have access to a wide range of tools and support through your customized Participant Center. Join us and lead the way to Alzheimer’s first survivor. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease!

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Exploring Innovative Residential Options for Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease

October 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The Founder and Director of the Dementia Village in Weesp, Netherlands, Eloy van Hal, will provide an operational overview of the renowned facility created in 2009 as an alternative to traditional institutionalized care provided in nursing homes. This village, for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments, groups residents with shared interests and backgrounds in family-like settings in carefully designed environments emphasizing open, outdoor spaces and amenities like parks, a restaurant, grocery store and auditorium. It’s a new twist on assisted living, enabling residents to stay active with trained staff helping to maintain their freedom and abilities. Following the presentation, a panel discussion will focus on how to bring these innovations to senior and dementia-related facilities in New York.

 

Who:  Welcome and Introductions:
Hon. Donna Corrado, New York City Commissioner, Department of Aging (DFTA)
Judith D. Grimaldi, Grimaldi & Yeung LLP

Featured Speaker:
Eloy van Hal, Founder and Senior Managing Consultant, De Hogeweyk, Weesp, the Netherlands.

Panelists:
Rosemary Bakker, MS, Certified Interior Designer, Gerontologist, Author; President, Age-Friendly Design, Inc.; Author of AARP Guide to Revitalizing Your Home
Maria Alvarez, Executive Director, NY State Wide Senior Action Council
Timothy McManus, Vice President, Catholic Charities Progress of Peoples (POP) Development Corporation
Kenza Sijelmassi, Project Manager, Catholic Charities Progress of Peoples (POP) Development Corporation

Moderators:
Judith D. Grimaldi, Grimaldi & Yeung LLP
Britt Burner, Burner Law Group PC

 

When: Monday, October 22, 2018, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

 

Where: New York City Bar Association, 42 W 44th Street, New York, NY

 

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How to Best Cope with IBD While on Vacation – Tips That Will Help Ensure Your Vacation is Enjoyable

October 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment

According to statistics, there are roughly 1.6 million Americans who have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with approximately 70,000 new cases each and every year. IBD can be difficult to cope with on a daily basis, but when you have plans to travel, it can really put a kink in things. Obviously, you want to spend your vacation enjoying yourself, exploring the destination, and getting that break from home, but with IBD it isn’t always so simple.

If you’ve been holding off booking that dream vacation because you are worried about how your IBD will affect your travels, it’s time to let go of that fear. Here we’ll take a look at various ways you can cope with IBD while on holidays, allowing you to still enjoy yourself and be glad you took the chance and went away.

What You Need to Know About IBD

Now, before we take a look at the tips to coping, it’s important to understand what IBD is. IBD isn’t one thing, rather it is an umbrella term used for a variety of disorders that causes chronic inflammation in a person’s digestive tract. These include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis among others.

Typical symptoms can include reduced appetite, cramping and pain in the abdominal region, fatigue, diarrhea, and more. Obviously, these are all symptoms that can greatly impact just how enjoyable a vacation may be.

Make Sure You Pack All Your Medications

The first tip is easily the most important one and that is to pack any and all medications that you have been prescribed for your IBD. You want to also be sure you have enough to last the duration of the trip so you don’t have to deal with filling a prescription while you’re away.

When packing your medication, you also want to be sure it stays with you on the plane in your purse or carry-on bag rather than checking it with your luggage. Should your luggage be lost in transit, at least you will have your medication with you.

Pack Supplements that Support Your Gut Health

Besides medication, you can also bring along supplements and items that actually support and promote gut health. A great example of just such a product is the UltraInflamX Plus 360 from blueskyvitamin.com. This particular product helps to relieve inflammation and pain associated with IBD, helps to promote a healthy digestive system, and it also gives nutritional support. It comes in a convenient powder formula that you can easily mix in with juice or water and take with you while on the go.

Be Mindful with What You Eat and Drink

While many people love to sample the local cuisine when they are away, for those with IBD it can spell disaster. The last thing you want is to end up with a case of traveler’s diarrhea, which is unfortunately very common.

To avoid this, you’ll want to stick to bottled water (even when you brush your teeth), stay away from vendor carts, make sure you aren’t eating raw dairy products, don’t eat food that has been sitting out for long periods of time, and avoid raw foods such as vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, and shellfish.

Pack a Variety of Safe Snacks and Drinks

If you plan on doing sightseeing and tours while on holidays, be sure to pack your own supply of “safe” snacks and drinks that you know are okay and don’t bother you. Often these organized tours will stop at restaurants and cafes along the way, and those establishments may not have much you can choose from. By thinking and planning ahead, you know you’ll be covered.

Plan Out Your Routes

It can also be quite helpful to plan your routes in advance making sure you map out where restrooms are along the way. You may even want to request a seat near the washroom when booking your flight, train, or coach bus ticket.

Make Sure You Purchase Travel Insurance

The final tip is to make sure you purchase travel insurance that will cover you should you have a medical emergency. You never know when your IBD may flare up and what kind of attention you’ll need, so travel insurance will act as that peace of mind. Without it you can spend an absolute fortune on medical expenses and prescriptions.

Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself

Finally, you want to make sure you don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Yes, you are on vacation and you want to make the most of it, but knowing when to hold back and take a little time to relax is imperative to your health.

No Need to Skip Vacationing

Just because you have been diagnosed with IBD, doesn’t mean that you have to skip vacationing. Instead, it’s all about planning and being organized so that you can avoid flare-ups as much as possible, and also knowing what to do should one occur.

Filed Under: health, traveling Tagged With: , ,

2018 Out of the Darkness Walk #MentalHealthAwareness #StopSuicide

October 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment
This past weekend, we participated in and volunteered for the AFSP New Jersey Chapter of the Out of The Darkness Walk. This walk helped raise awareness for mental health and to fight suicide. As of today it raised $122,000 and counting. There were over 1,100 participants walk in Verona Park alone – a great turnout.
walk to end suicide
Ever walker and donor is helping fund the research to help us better understand the complexities of suicide and how best to prevent it. You are making free education and resources possible for the community. You are the voice that advocates on behalf of those who can’t. And you support programs for those who have been touched by suicide. Most importantly, you are breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide by standing up for this important issue, and showing those affected that they are not alone.
Please note that you can donate to the cause.  Please feel free to donate here! Remember, 84 cents of every dollar donated will go to suicide prevention.
Thank you for all you do to fight suicide and raise awareness.
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Join in healing together #MarchOfDimes

October 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment

This is not a review or a sponsored in any way, shape, or form post. I am sharing this as it may be of interest and I myself walk and fundraise for the cause. Pay no attention to the auto script, it’s impossible to remove and just there so I don’t forget to add it to something I’m supposed to, LOL.

 

walk for babies

 

Please note, this email contains content about infant loss and may be difficult to read for anyone who has experienced or been personally affected by the loss of a child.

Today is an important day for me and for too many mothers, Samantha.

Today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It can be difficult for mothers and families experiencing loss to find a place to share their story and remember their little ones. There are few spaces where they can share their memories and grief in a community of others who understand what they’re going through.

That’s why I’m sharing my memory of my son Scott on the Wall of Remembrance.

In 2012, my husband and I became one of the thousands of families each year that is devastated by the loss of a child. After a healthy, “perfect” pregnancy, I stopped feeling my baby move at 37 weeks and my labor was induced. Scott was silent when he was born and did not respond to any treatment. After two weeks we made the devastating decision to remove him from life support.

In working through my grief and my own loss, I found an amazing community of other families through March of Dimes. Hearing their stories made me realize we don’t need to grieve in silence. We don’t need to face each day alone.

I’m adding my story to the March of Dimes Wall of Remembrance to pay tribute to Scott and to join the voices of those affected.

Read the stories and join in the fight to end infant loss.

March of Dimes is working to address pregnancy and infant loss in the U.S., which has significantly higher rates of loss than other developed nations. With your support, we can help prevent future families from dealing with unspeakable grief and save the lives of babies.

Donations help advance research, provide educational resources and support advocacy for policies to prioritize the health of all moms and babies. 

(Personal note from me here at Have Sippy Will Travel, I’m walking and would love to have you walk as well or help donate to the cause.)

Together we’ll heal and provide a brighter future for us all,

Nicole Miller (March of Dimes)

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