Watkins Heritage Remedies

Remember when you were a kid, when you were thirsty did your mother tell you to have a glass of water? Well your Mother was right, she knew water is good for you! We have such a wide variety of beverages to chose from these days; flavored sodas, fruit juices, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other drinks. With so much readily available, it's not easy to make the right decision and choose plain, ordinary water. Here are 7 great reasons why you should drink more water.

Do you think you can't get through the day without your morning cup of coffee and caffeine boost? Well water can give you energy as well. Your body is made up mostly of water and it loses it throughout the day. You need to replace it for your body to work efficiently; particularly your heart and digestive tract.

Why not drink diet soda or coffee all day? These drinks contain caffeine, since caffeine is a diuretic it actually causes you to lose water throughout the day. You retain some of the water content of these beverages, but not as much as when you drink pure water. You can try decaffeinated beverages, but the best way to use the water you drink is to get it pure and clean, with no chemicals added.

Water keeps your skin looking great, when your skin looks tired and unhealthy, so do you. Staying properly hydrated removes all the toxins that build up in you skin, and helps prevent it from drying out. If you have the opposite problem; puffy bloated skin, lack of water is likely your problem too. When your skin doesn't get enough water, it retains what it already has, leaving your skin cells full, puffy, and not too attractive. If you want to look beautiful, you need to keep yourself well hydrated.

When you are properly hydrated, your blood is thinner and it's easier for your heart to pump. This means your heart has to do less work and ultimately lasts longer. The good news is, studies have shown that people who drink plenty of water have fewer heart problems.

You have toxins in your cells, some come from the environment and others you produce yourself. Either way, they are in your body and you need to get rid of them. Your body uses water to flush out toxins so, getting rid of this waste helps you function more effectively and feel better.

Fruit juices may contain many nutrients, but they also contain a whole lot of sugar. This is especially true for many bottled juices from the grocery store. This sudden burst of sugar triggers your insulin response and makes you feel tired and sluggish. It also helps to convert that sugar to fats faster. Sugary sodas will produce the same reaction and they usually contain no nutrients at all.

Water is cheap, unless you buy bottled water, which is almost as expensive as soda and juice. However, studies have shown that tap water is usually as clean and safe as bottled water, and costs a whole lot less. If you don't like the taste of your tap water, buy a filter pitcher or one that attaches to the faucet. It will still costs a lot less in the long run.

As mentioned above, water helps your body work better by getting rid of excess waste. The more efficiently your whole body is works, the better you'll feel and the more energy you'll have. Maybe even enough energy to skip that cup of coffee. The next time you get thirsty forget the sugary caffeine drinks, go to the faucet, and help yourself to a nice, cold, refreshing glass of water.

You may have heard that antioxidants are essential to your diet. They not only keep you healthy and functioning properly, they may also help prevent cancer, diseases and help slow down the aging process. So, you have decided that you need more of these wonderful nutrients, and are probably wondering where you can find them? Here is a list of foods and dietary supplements that will help you get all the antioxidants you need to live a happy, healthy life.

A recent study determined that the following foods were amoung the highest in antioxidants:

Apples. We all know apples are good for us, they are an excellent source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Fresh apples are also a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects your body's cells from damage and helps form the connective tissue collagen. Choose red delicious, granny smith, and gala apples as they have more antioxidants than other varieties.

Red Beans. You've probably heard that beans are good for you, but you may not know that they are one of the best food sources around for antioxidants. Beans that provide the most antioxidants are small red beans, red kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Beans are a good, low fat source of protein, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, thiamin and dietary fiber. Red beans also contain phytonutrients that may help prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Berries. Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, grapes, raspberries, and strawberries are a great source of antioxidants. These super foods are low in calories and fat-free, so you can eat as many as you like without worrying about your weight. Berries are not only a good source of antioxidants, but they are also high in vitamin C.

Nuts. Walnuts and almonds are a tasty ways to get your antioxidants. They are packed with nutrients; protein, fiber, vitamin E, riboflavin, magnesium, iron and calcium. And they're good for your heart. Most of the fat in these nuts is monounsaturated fat — a healthier type of fat that may help lower blood cholesterol levels.

Broccoli. Besides being a good source of calcium, potassium, folate and fiber, broccoli contains phytonutrients, a group of compounds that may help prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Broccoli is also a good source of vitamins A and C, antioxidants that protect your body's cells from damage.

Sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoe's deep orange-yellow color means that they're high in the antioxidant beta carotene. Beta carotene may help slow the aging process and reduce the risk of some cancers. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of fiber, vitamins B-6, C, E, folate and potassium. They are fat-free and relatively low in calories.

Ground Cloves. Many of the spices we eat contain antioxidants and phytonutrients and the one at the top of the list is ground cloves. Who would have thought that cloves, a great addition to anything from chicken dishes to cookies, could have health-boosting properties? While it's more difficult to get your daily antioxidants from this spice because we generally use it in small quantities you should still try to incorporate it in your diet.

If you don't regulary eat enough of these foods, you can always get antioxidants from dietary supplements. Just remember to read the labels before you buy; supplements need to come from natural sources, so you'll get the best benefit for your money. The best supplements for antioxidant properties are: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, carotenes, copper, and zinc.

Instead of buying 6 different individual supplements, you should look for something that contains all these vitamins and minerals in one pill. Not only will you be saving money, some studies indicate that a combination pill is a safer and more effective delivery system for antioxidants.

That's why Watkins Superfood Multiple is a good choice. This nutritional powerhouse contains more than just vitamins and minerals. Watkins has added antioxidants, enzymes, bioflavonoids, greens and whole food concentrates along with optimum potencies of every important vitamin and mineral to keep you feeling and performing at your very best. Superfood Multiple is formulated as the hub of Watkins entire dietary supplement line, it is designed to enhance the benefits of all other Watkins dietary supplements, for your optimum health.

If you feel you need additional antioxidants and phytonutrients take Watkins Fruit/Veggie Complex. Getting your fruits and vegetables couldn't be easier. This supplement contains 41 varieties of fruits and vegetables, all-natural mixed carotenes, vitamin C and potent fruit enzymes equal to ten glasses of juice; all in one convenient bilayer caplet and without any added sugars or sodium.

By taking supplements and/or making diet changes, you can drastically increase your antioxidant intake to improve your health and quality of life.


*The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires the following statement: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Okay, maybe you won't hate yourself but it certainly is important to be prepared, so that something that requires minor first aid doesn't become a major medical problem. Whether it is a violent storm, or an unavoidable accident; having a first aid kit is essential to be able treat anyone in your family at a moment's notice. Does your family have a first aid kit? If not, you can either buy a ready made first aid kit or take the time to put one together yourself.

Here are some items you will need:

Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Sterile gauze pads of various sizes
Sterile rolls of self-adhesive gauze
Steri-strips
Triangular bandages
Tape, preferably adhesive
Rubbing Alcohol
Watkins Petro Carbo Salve
Antiseptic cleansing agent/soap
Disposable Ice Packs
Watkins Menthol Camphor Ointment
Latex gloves
Sharp Scissors
Tweezers
Safety Pins
Thermometer
Needles
Blanket, mylar or space
Pain reliever such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid
Ipecac
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
First Aid manual

While you may already have most of these supplies in your medicine cabinet, if there is an emergency it saves time and is a safety measure to be able to access these items all in one container. You can also add additional items to your family's kit that you feel are necessary. Are there items that you didn't have in the past when confronted with a home accident, sudden illness, or child injury?

See if your community offers any courses on first aid, including CPR training, and sign yourself up. No matter how careful you are accidents do happen; insects bite, people fall down, they get cuts, scrapes, burns, blisters and slivers. When faced with any life threatening situation, at least you will be prepared and have whatever you need to assist your precious loved ones.

The most immediate benefit you'll enjoy is the money you save! Since I quit I've saved almost $600, it's really incredible how quickly it adds up. I'm dreaming of all the things I can buy with my new found savings...

A car
New kitchen cabinets
A new wardrobe
A vacation

Actually I think I'm going to add it to my retirement fund because I'm planning on living for a long time!

Should you worry? If your children are not eating a healthy diet and getting enough physical activity maybe you should. According to the American heart association:

"Almost 23 percent of children ages 9-13 don't get any free-time physical activity. Overweight children and adolescents have a 62 percent to 98 percent chance of being overweight at age 35, which increases their risk of heart disease."

While those statistics are scary you can make sure your children are not at risk for high cholesterol by the time they are teenagers. Provide your children with healthy meals and teach them how to make healthy food choices.

With today's busy lifestyles many families eat out or serve already prepared and instant foods for most meals. But here’s the danger; most types of restaraunt meals, take out and prepared meals you buy at the grocery store, are high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, added sugars and sodium. Not to mention portion sizes have increased dramatically over the last several years, which means consuming more calories too.

When eating out try to reduce foods high in dietary cholesterol:

To keep portion sizes smaller, split an entrée with a family member or dining partner.

Ask for sauces and dressing on the side to control the fats, sodium and calories you eat.

When ordering, choose foods that have been grilled, baked, steamed or poached instead of fried, sautéed, smothered or au gratin.

Don't forget the salad bar for lots of fresh vegtables and fruits.

When eating home cooked meals try to eliminate foods high in dietary cholesterol:

Serve lean meats, fish and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fats.

Serve fat-free, 1 percent fat, and low-fat dairy products.

Try not to serve foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your family's diet.

Use healthy oils for cooking and baking like olive oil and grapeseed oil.

Serve two or three cooked and/or fresh fruits and vegetables with each meal.

It's up to you to provide healthy food choices and a set a good example for your teens by eating healthy yourself. You can find more information about children's health at the American heart association's web site.

Taking good care of your skin such as avoiding the sun, using sunscreen, washing your skin gently and applying moisturizer regularly can help delay the natural aging process and prevent many skin problems. These simple skin-care habits will help you protect your skin to keep it healthy and glowing for years to come.

Did you know that smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles? Skin changes from smoking have been noticed in young adults who have been smoking for as few as 10 years. Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels including the vessels in the outermost layers of skin. This decreases blood flow, depleting the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health. All of these factors increase damage to the elastic fibers (elastin) and collagen which give your skin strength and elasticity.

The repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke may contribute to wrinkles as well. It's also possible that repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes may damage your facial skin over time. Sounds like a good idea to stop smoking for skin care, another good reason to quit!

After smoking two packs of cigarettes a day I think I'm doing pretty good, as I've only smoked about two packs in the last two weeks! The cravings are not as steady and intense and the habit is weakening. I can finally sit down, do some work and concentrate. My official quit day has come and gone so no more cigarettes for me.

The most embarrassing thing has been my behaviour! Being an addict makes a person do things that are strange and very out of character. Like sneaking around to have a smoke or even smoking old cigarette buts. Yuck! I feel like a criminal.

I'm reaching for a glass of water when I get the urge, water is a healthy replacement habit plus I have a few hard cardies handy and nicotine gum for the more intense cravings. First thing in the morning and after meals is the worst time for me right now. I know it will pass so I try to do something else to get my mind off wanting a cigarette. An interesting note; I'm not as cranky and irratable as I thought I'd be. Maybe it will come but in the mean time everyone around my house is lucky in that area.

My family has been very supportive and everyone says they are proud of me which is great. I also joined Quit Net and did a bit of exploring. It's free to join and they have a lot of resouces and support. It's easier to stop smoking if you have support. If you want to stop smoking cigarettes you might want to consider joining Quit Net too.

Another great information and resource site I'd like to share with today is How To Quit. Good luck in your journey to quitting for good!

Are you over stressed? Is everything piling up and weighing you down? Maybe you've tried pharmaceutical or herbal remedies, but weren't happy with the results for whatever reason. You might just want to try a proven natural therapy that has been used for generations to releive stress and make you feel better. So what is this miracle cure that makes us feel so great? It's laughter. Laughter is good medicine, it's nature's way of easing tension and helping us relax. So, take time to laugh every day and you'll be feeling better in no time.

How does laughter work exactly? Laughter works on several levels to make us feel better and less stressed. First, laughter works to relieve stress physically. When we laugh, stress hormones in our blood, like cortisol, are actually reduced. Laughter also gives us a mini workout, which improves out health and releases hormones that make us feel happier. Lastly, when we laugh, it helps boost our immune system. The stronger our immune system is, the better we feel and the more prepared we are to combat stress.

Laughter helps us emotionally release stress as well. Our bodies are designed to release excess emotions physically through acts such as laughing and crying. When we laugh, it releases some of our negative emotions as well. It can also change the thoughts that promote our emotions. Laughter helps us think more positively, worry less, and be less stressed. Even if laughter doesn't promote positive thinking, it can make you forget about your negative thoughts and feel better.

When you are laughing with friends or loved ones, you are also forming social bonds. When we are bonded with people, it promotes supportive relationships that can make us feel more supported and less burdened, so we feel less stressed out about our situation. Did you know that laughter is contagious? That's why it's easier to laugh with a group.

What can you do if life just isn't that funny? What if you can't find anything to laugh at? Fake it. Yes, that's right, fake laughing. A study done on forced laughter found that when participants were asked to watch a movie and either not laugh at anything or laugh at the jokes whether they thought they were funny or not. After the movie, participants filled out a survey on how much they liked the movie. Believe it or not the people who laughed rated the movie as significantly better and funnier. Laughing, forced or not, improves the way you view the world and helps to fight stress from your everyday life.

In addition to stress relief, laughing has also been shown to help you eat less, boost your immune system, increase your pain threshold, and even help you heal faster. Don't delay. Laughter is good medicine, go see a funny movie, share a joke or laugh for no good reason at all, and start laughing your way to a less stressful life today.

Focused deep breathing exercises can help you relax, and relieve tension and stress you've built up during the day. Many of our everyday lives tend to be too fast paced, causing us to be in a constant state of arousal, even if we have nothing to be excited about. This can cause emotional problems as well; including irritability, anger, and depression along with physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. Relaxation breathing can relieve these symptoms, help you deal with addictions, aid in weight loss and can also be used to calm yourself before you go to sleep. There are a number of techniques and methods, it's just a matter of finding the right one for you.

The first step is to find a good position to be in for your breathing exercise. Each technique may suggest a different position including: lying on your stomach, lying on your back, sitting cross legged, sitting on your feet with your knees facing forward, or standing. No matter what the method suggests, you need to be in a position that makes you comfortable. If you're not comfortable, you're not going to relax no matter how you breathe. So find something that works for you. You may also try periodically changing positions throughout your breathing exercises; in fact, some techniques recommend it.

The next step is to use the proper breathing technique. Normally, we tend to take short shallow breaths. Breathing exercises involve taking longer, deeper, fuller breaths. This type of deep breathing changes the percentage of carbon dioxide in our systems, putting us in a more relaxed state. To accomplish this type of breathing, you should be sure to breathe by pulling your stomach in and out (toward and away from your spine). You should also make sure your shoulders stay relaxed; if the shoulders are moving up and down, your breathing is too shallow. An appropriate deep breath should bring out the stomach, chest, and collar bone.

The appropriate deep breath is very slow. It's best to allow about 5 to 6 seconds for each inhale and the same for each exhale; however, it is more important for you to focus on your technique rather than your pace. Breathe in deeply through your nose, and exhale though your mouth. A common yoga technique is to tighten your throat when you exhale so it sounds as if you're whispering.

Do your best to focus your attention on the breathing. The whole point of doing breathing exercises is to clear your mind of stress, not give you a better opportunity to focus on it. You'll probably find your thoughts wandering; just try to bring your mind back to your breathing when you do. As you have more and more experience, you'll begin to find it easier to focus on your breathing and relaxation rather than the worries of everyday life.

You may also find it helpful to practice visualization exercises while you're breathing deeply. Picture each muscle in your body and focus on it feeling relaxed. Once that part of your body is relaxed, you can move on to another part. You may also choose to focus on the stress physically pouring out of your body through your fingers and toes.

Whatever method you use deep breathing is a great way to reduce stress, help you lose weight, quit smoking and get to sleep or simply unwind at the end of a long busy day. Isn't it time you started practicing deep breathing?