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Smart Ways to Spring Back into Action

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Cold weather impacts more than the environment. Just as the landscape seems weary and brittle when covered in snow and ice, and animals have been sequestered in hibernation, cold weather can also take its toll on the human body. 
Individuals who experience arthritis or joint aches and pains from jobs and past injuries, may have their symptoms exacerbated when the temperature is brisk. Rebounding once the weather warms up may require gradual changes and a smart strategy, including natural pain-relief products that don't carry the side effects or stigma of prescription meds.
"A few years ago I slipped and broke my ankle that required two surgeries and repair with several pins and a metal rod," says Jeanette S. "The stiffness that still occurs in my ankle can be uncomfortable, particularly when I've been inactive for a while. The pain also deters me from participating in many activities even when Ifeel like getting outdoors."
More than 40 million people in the U.S. have arthritis, according to reports from the organization, Caring 4 Arthritis. Osteoarthritis, or the gradual degeneration of cartilage between the joints that results in pain and stiffness, is the most common form of arthritis. While arthritis can be hereditary, many cases of osteoarthritis are due to repetitive motions or injuries to specific joints from work-related tasks or sporting activities.
Many other people experience joint pain as a side effect of aging or a past injury. Becoming active again come spring or summer, or directly after recovering from an injury, may not be as simple as getting back on the figurative horse. Arthri-Zen Relief, the all-natural solution that helps men and women fight pain and muscle discomfort, offers these tips.
* Talk to a doctor first. Before beginning an exercise regimen or joining a sports team, it's important for people to mention their plans to a doctor, whether a general doctor or a specialist, such as an orthopedist. He or she can advise which activities may prove beneficial and which may complicate injuries or pain issues.
* Begin gradually. After spending time cooped up indoors as a relative couch potato, one might be inclined to hit the ground running. But muscles and joints that haven't been worked out in a while could be more sensitive to injury. People can start with several minutes of stretching and work up to their former activity levels over the course of a several weeks. An avid runner may want to begin by walking briskly or shaving his or her 5-mile run down to 2 miles and working up.
* Pay attention to pain. While any activity that pushes the body can result in some soreness, particularly if a person is out of shape or has been out of the game for a while, these aches and pains should be minor and alleviate after a few days. Any pain that is sharp or debilitating could be the sign of an injury and should be brought to the attention of an expert. 
Other aches can be treated with Arthri-Zen Relief Cream and Capsules. The analgesic cream is made from a clinically tested proprietary herbal blend of juniper, goldenrod, dandelion, willow bark, and meadowsweet, all of which are delivered with a low level of menthol and wintergreen in a base with aloe, shea butter, avocado, and grape seed oil. It can be used to provide fast relief to hot spots.
The capsules contain the same herbal extracts, which help interfere with the transmission of pain signals. For example, juniper blocks the production of compounds that make pain receptors more sensitive. Meadowsweet and Willow Bark contain a variety of salicin compounds that have a pain-relieving effect without side effects or allergic reactions. The capsules were carefully tested on people suffering from severe arthritis pain and are clinically shown to relieve joint and muscle discomfort.
* Remember, many activities constitute physical exercise. Just because a person is going to mow the lawn or do some gardening now that the weather is warmer doesn't mean he or she should start out at a break-neck speed. Like jogging or heading to the gym, mundane activities such as tilling soil or scrubbing winter grime off of decks can get the heart pumping and push the body. Go slowly and build up gradually just as with any other exercise.
* Try low-impact activities. When the weather gets warmer it is a great time to head to the water to get daily exercise. The buoyancy offered by the water takes the strain off of muscles and joints and provides subtle resistance. Swimming and water aerobics are a great way to stay in shape in a low-impact way.
"As an avid runner, I know what it's like to want to get outdoors and be active when the weather warms. But when past injuries are likely to cause pain, I need something to keep it at bay or risk compromising my workout," offers Gillian C. "I turn to Arthri-Zen Relief  cream to reduce discomfort after my runs and workouts. ArthriZen Cream is the only product I trust."

Tips to Make Your Start-Up a Success

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Becoming a business owner is a goal for many women. Starting a business is seldom easy, but the process can be streamlined when a person knows the steps to take.

The Center for Women's Business Research indicates that on average, women own over 10 million businesses in the United States and employ around 20 million workers. Female-owned businesses account for over $2 trillion in sales. Female entrepreneurs are collectively known as "Janes," and they are a big part of the country's financial landscape.

For women who want to become Janes, there are certain steps to take to develop and launch a business. There are many resources that can help women and men start a company. The Small Business Administration is one of them. Here is some of their guidance in doing so.

* Find a mentor. There are organizations like SCORE and Women'sBusiness Centers that provide free resources online and locally for the prospective small business owner. Individuals also can connect with current business owners in the neighborhood and pick their brains about the best way to begin.

* Write a business plan. This may seem like an intimidating part of starting a business, but getting thoughts written out in black and white can be a good organizational step. However, there's no specific formula for a business plan. Listing the type of business, marketing ideas, competition, and financial data is a good place to start. Also, having abusiness plan in place may make it easier to secure a loan.

* Secure funding. Businesses require start-up capital. Some smallbusiness owners have their own savings they'll be devoting to thebusiness, while others solicit investors. The majority of businessdevelopers apply for a business loan. This is where a business plan can be an asset. Also, grants may be an option. According to the SBA, some business grants are available through state and local programs, nonprofit organizations and other groups. For example, some states provide grants for expanding child care centers, creating energy efficient technology and developing marketing campaigns for tourism.

* Secure legal representation. There are certain business laws and employee laws that an individual will need to know to avoid fines and other legal recourse. Securing legal representation ahead of time can help prospective business owners navigate the legal system.

* Budget and plan for marketing and advertising. It's important to get the word out about the new business. While this can start with family and friends, eventually the efforts will have to go beyond. Think about community-based activities that can advertise the new business. Work with schools and community organizations if yours is a niche businessfor children or seniors. A Web site and newspaper advertising, both in print and online, can be a good starting point.

Keep in mind that it can be a few years before small business owners start to realize a profit on their efforts. So don't give up too easily and soon another successful "Jane" will be part of the economy.



Balancing Act: How to Juggle Commitments to Work and Family

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The two-income family has grown so much in recent years that it has almost become the norm. It's often not a question of "Does Mom work?"but rather, "What does Mom do for a living?" Still, having both parents contributing to the household income means changes to the family dynamic are inevitable. This begs the question of how to balance it all.

Proponents of dual-income families say that in an economy where everything seems to cost more, it's a smart idea for both parents to work. This scenario may offer greater financial security, and protect against financial disaster should the "primary"earner lose his or her job. It has also been said that when both parents work, there are opportunities to split up responsibilities at home and lay to rest any lingering stereotypes about what's man's work and what's woman's work around the house.

Others say that it's actually a financial trap. There are arguments that the abundance of two-income families has driven up prices so that it is more difficult for individuals with one income to live comfortably. Plus, there's no guarantee that two incomes will provide financial security, especially when every penny is accounted for, as is often the case in two-income environments.

Whether one is for or against two-income families, in a world where it has become so prevalent, families are learning to adapt. There are certain areas of life where it can be stressful or difficult to do it all, especially from the woman's perspective. However, there are many strategies for staying sane while working and caring for a family. Here are a few tips.

* Stay involved in school.Working parents may be at a loss as to how they can get involved with school or daycare happenings without compromising work. While not everyone can be "Class Mom," ask the teacher what you can do to contribute on your own time. Perhaps you can use business savvy to create a class Web site or weekly newsletter. Talk with your boss to see if one day a month can be taken so that you can volunteer time at school, with work hours made up on a weekend or with a flex time program. Find out if party planning can be done after work hours.

* Avoid busy mornings. With everyone getting dressed and ready for work and school at the same time, mornings can be chaotic. The best idea is to do as much as possible the night before. Everyone in the household should lay his or her clothes out for the following day. Briefcases and backpacks should be stocked and ready to grab. Lunches can be pre-made and stored in the refrigerator. You can have the children do as much as they can to free up your time to ready yourself. This will help them feel important as well as give you a break. Make arrangements with neighbors to get kids on the school bus or participate in a car pool scenario.

* Making the most of evenings. Set aside at least one night a week where the family comes together. This means no late work projects, sports practices, etc. Turn off the television and spend time together. On other nights, take the time to touch base with everyone in the house. Aim for family dinners together, even if it's a quick meal of heat-and-eat convenience foods.

* Establish a routine. Kids (and often adults) feel most comfortable with a routine, especially when they know what to expect. Create a routine that works for you -- don't worry if it's not the perceived "right"way to do things. For example, maybe the kids can eat a toaster cake on the way to school if breakfast time is rushed. It's alright to let the kids watch a few minutes of cartoons in the morning if it frees up a moment for you to hop in the shower.

* Get some help. You don't have to be Superwoman to get it all done. Sometimes it takes a little help. If the laundry is overflowing and you'd rather play with the kids on the weekend instead of spending the day folding clothes, drop it off at the laundromat to be washed and folded. Set up a kid swap with other working moms so that one day they take and entertain the kids and the next day you do, especially if work commitments call. Perhaps a grandparent or a neighbor can pitch in. Order groceries online and have them delivered so it frees up more time for the family.

* Make time for you. It's alright to set aside some time for yourself and your spouse. It doesn't always have to be about the kids. In fact, if your relationship is strong, it will carry over into the way you handle yourself with the children and promote a stronger dynamic and could help you focus more at work. Whenever possible, take moments to talk with your spouse or go to bed at the same time and enjoy private moments.

Balancing work and family is something more and more families are having to do as of late. Learning strategies for making the most of time at work and at home will enable working parents to reduce some stress and enjoy their days as much as possible. 


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Working After Retirement

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There's no longer a magic number for retirement. Some people find that they want to work past the traditional retirement age, while others discover they need to. In addition, some retirees discover that they actually liked working and want to return to work rather than settle into retirement.
Sixty-five is no longer the required age to stop working. In fact, many people are foregoing retirement and staying with the workforce. Why? No single reason applies to everyone, but finances often come into play.
Thanks to a troubled economy that has carried over into the workplace, pensions and severance packages are no longer the norm for retiring workers. When faced with the prospect of reduced funds and dwindling Social Security benefits, many choose to simply keep on working. Furthermore, individuals who retire before 65 are often faced with finding their own health insurance plans because Medicare doesn't start until age 65. Even still, high prescription costs for chronic conditions can exceed the allowance of Medicare. Employee insurance plans tend to have better options, and that often factors into an employee's retirement decision.
There are many people who continue working because they actually enjoy it, and not because of some financial necessity.
Working tends to keep the mind sharp and helps seniors feel like contributing members of society. According to a study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, retirees who continued to work in a bridge job (meaning part time or temporary employment) experienced fewer major diseases and fewer functional limitations than those who fully retired. Researchers considered only physician-diagnosed health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, heart disease, stroke and psychiatric problems.
Those thinking of remaining in the work force can check with employers to see if retirement is mandatory or voluntary. Seniors re-entering the work force may want to brush up on some skills and reconnect with former employers or colleagues to make the transition easier. Here are some other strategies to consider.
* Refurbish your resume. Focus on what things you can do rather than what you did in the past. You may be up against younger applicants and will have to make a case for your hire.
* Be flexible. You may need health benefits more so than a high salary. You can work with an employer to develop a compensation package that is mutually beneficial.
* Develop computer skills. Today's work environment relies heavily on computer skills. It is unwise for you to think you'll get by on experience alone. Obtain a rudimentary education in computer usage and common office programs, which can set you apart from other older applicants.
* Know there's nothing to prove. Retirees have the benefit of taking their time and finding the right fit in a post-retirement job. Unless money is an issue, shop around until you find the job that appeals to you, even if it's part-time or lower salary.  TF113608

CAPTION: Brushing up on computer skills and drafting a new resume can help older adults successfully re-enter the work force after retirement.

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SENIORS BUSINESS/CAREER LIVING50PLUSMICROSITE MEN WOMEN


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Successfully Transition To Your Second Career

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Many men and women reach their 50s and 60s and decide the adventure of a new challenge is simply too hard to resist. Oftentimes, this new challenge comes in the form of a second career.
Though the United States Department of Labor notes it's difficult to pinpoint how many career changes the average worker undergoes during his or lifetime, career coaches typically say men and women will undergo between three and seven career changes during their lifetime. Of course, such estimates no doubt include career changes at the onset of a one's professional life, when many people are not precisely sure what they want to do for a living.
For older workers, the uncertainty lies less in what they want to do and more in if they can pull it off. For those who have already decided what they want to do, consider the following tips to help ensure that dream becomes a reality.
* Be patient. Aside from being qualified, the most important thing a person changing careers can be is patient. A successful career change does not happen overnight. Some career changes might require returning to school. Others might not require a new degree, but might require an established professional start from the bottom up. Whatever the situation, it's best to remain patient. If your new career is worth pursuing, be patient enough to see it through.
* Network. Networking is often seen as an opportunity to advance within your own industry. However, networking can be just as valuable when changing careers. People within your network might be able to introduce you to new contacts outside of your industry. These contacts, even if they don't have a job to offer, can often provide valuable insight into the industry you're attempting to enter.
* Volunteer. If your second career is going to be a complete 180 from your current field, it might help to volunteer and gain some experience before beginning a job search. Volunteering can prove beneficial in many ways. First and foremost, it provides potentially valuable experience you likely don't have, and that experience may help down the road when you begin looking for a full-time position.
Another benefit to volunteering is it can provide a genuine look into the industry. This will either strengthen your desire to enter this new field or might encourage you to think more deeply about your pending career change if the field isn't quite what you thought it was going to be.
Finally, volunteering can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Should a position open up, a company is much more likely to consider the man or woman who has been volunteering at the firm than someone they don't know.
* Be flexible. In today's job market, the flexible candidates are more likely to be successful. When changing careers, be as flexible as possible. Determine if relocation is a viable option, and assess your financial situation to determine how much financial flexibility you have. Career changes often come at the expense of a smaller salary. If your financial situation does not allow for a reduction in salary, now might not be the right time to change careers.  TF113612

CAPTION: Changing careers is common for men and women over the age of 50.

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BUSINESS/CAREER MEN WOMEN LIVING50PLUSMICROSITE HOWTO HOW-TO HOW TO


Do's and Don'ts of Social Networking When Looking for Work

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Do's and Don'ts of Social Networking When Looking for Work Perhaps nothing in the last decade has more revolutionized how people interact than the advent of social networking media. Be it through Facebook or Twitter or their respective counterparts, nowadays more and more people are using the Internet to interact with friends, family and even strangers.
As convenient as such means of communication can be, they can also be risky, particularly for job seekers. In a June 2009 survey, online employment resource CareerBuilder found that 45 percent of employers reported using social media for screening job applicants. Those results came a year after a similar CareerBuilder survey of 31,000 employers found that one-third of applicants considered for jobs were rejected because of information discovered via social media.
While social networking can be valuable when seeking employment, it's best for users to carefully consider just what they're sharing with the world, and what they should probably be keeping to themselves.

Some of the Do's
In many ways, social networking sites can help job seekers as they look for work.
* Do be active. Social networking sites like Facebook aren't just for individuals. In fact, member groups and even university alumni groups have their own Facebook pages. These groups provide valuable means for job seekers to be active, be it with professional groups in their field or among their fellow alumni, which can make for a valuable networking opportunity. What's more, prospective employers who visit an applicant's page are likely to be encouraged by their involvement in local professional groups.
* Do post pertinent information. Job seekers can show their interest in a desired field in other ways as well. Post links to stories about relevant industry topics, just be careful to avoid comments that appear too flippant or critical of the industry or any industry professionals. Posting links indicates to prospective employers that an applicant is up-to-date on current issues facing the industry.
* Do be careful. While job seekers can use social networking sites as a means to display their knowledge of their desired industry, it's important to be careful about how that knowledge is shared. When posting messages, post rational, carefully considered thoughts or opinions. Avoid remarks that might come off as overly critical, instead choosing remarks that provide concise insight and indicate an ability to provide opinion without criticism.

Some of the Don'ts
Ignoring the don'ts of social networking could greatly reduce an applicant's ability to land a job.
* Don't swear like a sailor. Many people avoid swearing in public and it's a good rule of thumb to consider all social networking sites, be it Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter, a public place. Regardless of where the foul language stems from, it's best to avoid it entirely on social networking sites. Most people would not swear in a job interview, and many of today's job interviews begin with prospective employers researching an applicant online.
* Don't share inappropriate photos. Many a famous person has been caught in scandals surrounding inappropriate photos posted online. While it's OK to horse around with friends, it's best to avoid documenting such times online for all the world, including potential employers, to see.
* Don't get things off your chest with regards to a former employer. Disparaging remarks about a former employer make for a very visible red flag with prospective employers. Such remarks only reflect poorly on the applicant and almost certainly guarantee an individual's resume will find the scrap heap and not the hiring manager's desk.
* Don't get too personal. Sharing too much personal information online is another way job seekers can reduce their chances of finding work. While some information, like family photos, is acceptable, getting overly personal could scare away prospective employers.  CB10A922

CAPTION: While it can be fun to use social networking sites, it's best for job seekers to be careful as well.

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business/career safety/security children/teens technology


Resume Tips for Baby Boomers

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Resume Tips for Baby Boomers
Be it directly or indirectly, no one has proven immune from the impact of the struggling economy. Children too young to work might have been forced to deal with financial cutbacks their parents made, while those who retired prior to the economic downturn might have seen the value of their investment portfolios dwindle.
Baby Boomers, a term generally used for the generation of people born between the years of 1946 and 1964, who are out of work have discovered a job market where their experience, once such a valuable asset, could actually be considered a disadvantage. Companies looking to cut financial corners might choose less experienced candidates who won't cost as much to compensate. In fact, according to a 2010 bulletin from AARP, more than half of unemployed people age 55-plus were out of work for at least six months. For Boomers still looking for work, the following resume-writing tips could help make you stand out among the masses of applicants.
* Be specific. In such a competitive job market, it can help applicants to be as specific as possible on their resumes. Forgo traditional buzzwords for accomplishments. Note specific quotas met and any specific projects worked on. Today's hiring managers are overwhelmed with applicants and are more likely to remember candidates who tout verifiable accomplishments than those who resort to the same old buzzwords.
* Abandon the rules of yesteryear. Simply put, in such a competitive job market the old rules of resume-writing no longer apply. Conventional wisdom has long recommended keeping resumes short and sweet, limiting them to one page and not going back more than 10 years. Baby Boomers should forget these rules, instead listing any past employment that's relevant to the job, regardless of how long it was. If it takes more than a page to list all relevant details, use as many pages as needed.
* Stay current. Most of today's resumes are submitted electronically. Once submitted, these resumes are included in a database that filters them based on certain terms and keywords. Be sure to include all the current technological terms necessary to perform the job for which you're applying. If you routinely come across job postings for which your technological experience comes up short, start learning and begin including this on your resume.
* Market yourself. Unemployed Baby Boomers need to market themselves effectively. Many will be writing their resumes for the first time in years. When doing so, ask yourself why a prospective company should hire you? Be sure your resume answers this question effectively.
* Include training along with education. Many Baby Boomers likely finished schooling many years ago. However, it can help to include additional professional training you have had over the years. In addition to an "Education" section, include a "Training" section that shows prospective employers that you have kept up-to-date in your field. Certain credentials, such as training in since-outdated computer programs, should be left off the resume, but include any additional training that's current and relevant to the position you're applying for.

Busy Lifestyle Doesn't Have To Be Unhealthy, Too

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Enhance Overall Health the Easy Way
Busy Lifestyle Doesn't Have To Be Unhealthy, Too

(MS) -- Whether it's a byproduct of elevated stress or increasingly busy lifestyles that lead to poor dietary choices, more than 65 million Americans are currently battling digestive health issues. Such issues can make it difficult to break down food while robbing the body of valuable nutrients it needs to stay healthy and fight disease.
While it's easy to identify a digestive problem, many people find such problems far more difficult to address, especially for today's busy, "on the go" lifestyle. But as scientists learn more and more about the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, they're learning that a healthy GI tract is crucial to overall well being. And as hard as it might be for some to believe, improving digestive wellness isn't all that difficult.
"As a health and wellness practitioner, my job is to help people prevent disease and promote a healthy lifestyle," says Doug Holt, CSCS, MFS, founder of Conditioning Specialists (www.conditioningspecialists.com). "Prebiotics stimulate the growth and/or activity of bacteria in the digestive system which are beneficial to the health of the body and are one tool we use to help people restore their health. The introduction of prebiotics and probiotics into the diet helps fuel the healthy bacteria that aid in digestion and absorption."
Developed to conveniently deliver a healthy digestive boost at any time of the day, PRE Probiotic Enhancer fuses organic juice with a proprietary prebiotic blend developed by Jarrow Formulas. The result is a low-calorie beverage alternative that supports digestive health and a stronger immune system.
"The PRE prebiotic beverage was developed to conveniently deliver a healthy digestive boost for everyone from kids to boomers," says Scot De Lorme, Brand Creator. "PRE actively works with the body to promote healthy digestive balance by triggering the growth of beneficial bacteria called probiotics already present in the digestive tract. As the good bacteria increase, so does resistance to harmful bacteria, causing a boost to one's immune system."
Busy, always on-the-go professionals, athletes, and moms alike will also love the PRE Powder Synbiotic Drink mix. Each .25-ounce packet can fit easily into a pocket or pocketbook, and is conveniently designed to be added to water or a favorite cold beverage, making it an ideal way to improve digestive health no matter where you are, be it the office, the kids' soccer game, or on the way to an important meeting. What's more, because it's available in a host of delicious flavors, including Pomegranate Yumberry, Pomegranate Blueberry, Acai Acerola and Passion Orange Guava, it can make a refreshing, not to mention healthy, addition to your workday.
"Introducing prebiotics into the diet can feed good bacteria that protect the body from attack, thus allowing your system to recover quicker and enabling you to enhance your wellbeing," explains Holt. "PRE makes integrating prebiotics and probiotics an easy and delicious part of a lifestyle of wellness."
In addition to the great taste of PRE Regular's Pomegranate Blueberry, Passion Orange Guava or Acai Acerola flavors, PRE Regular is only 50 calories and sweetened with organic cane sugar making it a delectable low-calorie alternative to sugary sports drinks for those on their way to the gym or even for moms en route to a play date or soccer game.
In addition to PRE Regular, PRE 10 is only 10 calories per serving and sweetened with organic cane sugar and stevia, a blessing to those who find it difficult to get their healthy boost from pills.
"I'm vegan and I have a tough time taking pills," says Paulina of Phoenix, AZ. "I end up wasting bottles of supplements because I just can't do pill form. It's great to finally find a probiotic that's so delicious and easy to enjoy."
For more information on PRE products, visit www.preusa.com. 

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Valet Marketing
Minden Nevada
775-392-1289
charliepankey@1to1valet.com
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