Weight Loss Community Blog

A program to help disadvantaged children has been brought to my attention over the past week and it's something I think deserves greater support and awareness throughout the community. 'Books in Homes' was initially started in New Zealand by Alan Duff (author of 'Once Were Warriors') and is now being promoted by Brett Kingston here in Australia.

So what is it?

Basically, these guys have seen that most inmates in jail have poor literacy skills, and usually came from a family with the same problems. So what they are trying to do is break this cycle and instill a love of learning into kids whilst they're still young. Book in Homes send a load of catalogues out to a school, then EVERY child in that school gets to choose 3 books. These books are then ordered and are returned to the school with a famous role model to hand them out (sports star, media personality, etc). Each book also has the name of the student printed inside (Yes, the kids now own the books!).

And it doesn't stop there.

The kids also recieve rewards for good behaviour throughout the year, in the form of books, donated by Books in Homes. They also get to choose another 3 books each year!

Since the inception of the program teachers have reported:

• increased reading ability
• better behaviour at school
• increased attendance

They are always looking for support as they are totally funded by donations. If you know any famous people who would be interested in helping out get them to contact Brett through this website: http://www.biha.com.au/ or if you're a business that wants to help out a wonderful program then I'm sure they'd love to hear from you as well.

Ray

Christmas and New Year doesn't have to mean non-stop partying and the excess weight that goes with it. It also doesn't mean you have to stay at home and have no fun. Instead, try to choose 2-3 events over that time and have a really good time at them. Then stay focused on your exercise and diet on all the other days.

The one thing you really need to commit to is exercise each and every day. Knowing that you HAVE TO exercise will reduce your desire to have too many big nights so you'll get through this period alot lighter and healthier!

When it comes to dealing with high blood pressure, stress can be an important variable. Reducing stress can be as simple as removing yourself from potentially stressful situations or even just sitting down, closing your eyes, and taking 10-20 deep breathes. Alternatively you could join a meditation group or purchase a CD or DVD as a relaxation guide.

Hypertension medications are great for getting things started but sooner or later you're going to have to make some lifestyle changes.

So get started!

A scientist in the US has provided doctors with a new tool in fighting heart disease. Patients tested and measured against the Omega-3 Index can have there risk determined, and then an appropriate course of action taken.

I guess the only problem is getting people to the doctors in the first place!

The federal government came up with a new initiative last year that provided benefits for those undergoing a health check at 45yrs. As a result many more people are being diagnosed early with potentially life-threatening illnesses. This gives them a much greater chance of overcoming it.

 So I guess, if you won't make the time to go to the doctor at least eat more Omega-3!!!

Scott Young has written an article that I think many readers will relate to. His 7 rules are very simple, yet very effective: 

Are you writing the story of your life, or are you letting other people and circumstances write it for you? You might not consider yourself a follower, but here are a few signs you aren’t in control:

You don’t like your job - Maybe you picked something because it was easier or safer than your ideal career. Worse, maybe you’re just doing what your family pressured you to do.

You’re living paycheck to paycheck - The problem usually isn’t money, but your priorities. It isn’t hard for the stuff you own to turn around and own you.

You feel obligated to do things you don’t want to do. Your first duty is to yourself. You can’t save the world while you’re miserable.

Leading your life isn’t easy. It means freeing yourself from many different assumptions. That freedom can be initially terrifying and painful, which is why so few people do it. It is far easier to just follow the assumptions of society, even if it leaves you unfulfilled.

Here are 7 rules that can help you start building a life worth living: The 7 Rules