Top 10 valentine fitness gifts for loved ones

Valentine's Day…the day for love and romance. The day that is full of romantic gifts and expressions of love. Do you have to buy a gift for someone special? Do you want to give a gift to someone this Valentine's Day that "keeps on giving"? Are you into "health & fitness"? Would you like to join the "Gym For Every Body"? If you answered "YES" to any of these questions.

Check out this article...

1.Give your kids a great valentine — take a walk with them every evening. You'll start them early on a lifetime pattern of good heart health. Plus you'll have a little more time to tell them you love them.

Since February is "Heart Month", join and ask your loved ones to join you for "cardio workouts". Heart Disease is your Number One Killer.
Most women think it is breast cancer, but Heart Disease kills more women than all the cancers combined, plus diabetes and HIV! But here is the good news: up to one third of deaths due to heart disease are preventable through diet and exercise.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, studies show that regular running and walking can substantially reduce your risk.
As little as 30 minutes, three times a week achieve significant health benefits, and more is better.

2.Chocolates – The rush to buy chocolate for valentine is even stronger this year, thanks to the continued reporting of chocolate's remarkable health benefits. Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables.

These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease.

Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries). Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body.

Moderation is always the key - having a decadent piece of chocolate once in a while is not going to harm your health, either. If you have a choice, choose dark chocolate for its higher flavonoid content!

3.Magazines & Books - Magazine subscriptions and books always make wonderful gifts, and can save you the hassle of fighting with some pop-collared douche bag for a parking spot at the mall. Take a peak around your loved one's room or car, and see what kind magazines and books he/she reads. Click here to buy Magazines and Books.

4.Weight-loss program - If you and your partner want to lose weight together, give him/her a health club membership or enroll in a sensible weight-loss program.

A study in the International Journal of Obesity shows that participating in an intensive behaviorally based weight-loss program has a significant “ripple effect” among spouses.

A couple can lose weight together even if only one person enters a weight-loss program because one can influence the other in terms of behavioral changes like regular weigh-ins, awareness in calories and healthier food choices.

5.Fruit Basket - Fruit is a delicious, healthy option that everyone seems to enjoy. Nothing compares in taste to a juicy, fresh piece of seasonal fruit. A basket filled with delicious selections of juicy pineapple, sweet pears, crisp apples, fragrant oranges, and tangy grapefruit offer a wholesome treat which pleases every palate and satisfies sweet-tooth cravings, as well.

Just picture the strategically placed pineapple located in the center of the basket surrounded by the vividly colorful assortment of green pears, red apples, bright oranges, and yellow grapefruits. Add other fruits with more muted hues like kiwi and peaches to create an even more eye-popping color combination.

This tasteful arrangement of the fruits makes the fruit basket very appetizing as well as beautiful. Let your Valentine know you truly care by giving him/her a beautiful, delicious, healthy basket of fruit...the unique Valentine's Day gift.

6.Healthy organic skin products - Organic face packs, lip balm, massage bar for a smooth and well-toned complexion are an excellent gift idea. They are chemical, synthetic, pesticide, herbicide, fungicide and toxin free. Click here to buy beauty products.

7.Fitness clothing that is equal parts practical and sensuous makes a good choice for valentine gift. This could range from designer jackets, yoga apparels, fitness pants to inner wear.

A good example of a fitness reward for your partner is a pair of running shoes or a heart rate monitor for finishing a 10-km run. Another reward you can give your wife/husband is a set of workout clothes (smallerl sizes) for eating healthy and losing weight.

8.Heart - Healthy Red Wine: They say a glass of red wine a day is good for the heart, so toast your love this Valentine's Day with a good-tasting glass of red wine.

Recent studies show that drinking one glass of red wine every day may have certain health benefits. Research indicates that moderate red wine consumption may help protect against certain cancers and heart disease, and can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Despite the alcohol content, it has helpful properties, like resveratrol and other polyphenols. Polyphenols are chemical compounds found in the skin of grapes and other plants.

These compounds act as "antioxidants" -- the vitamins, minerals and enzymes in foods that protect the cells in your body from damage caused by the normal process of metabolism and ward off chronic disease. Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol found in red wine.

A pivotal study published several years ago in journal Nature found that red wine inhibited the synthesis of a protein called endothelin-1 that can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, a build-up of fatty material along the artery walls.

9.Green Tea Essential gift basket- Regarded as one of the most beneficial to wellness as its leaves are dried rapidly and not allowed to oxidize. This process retains many of the natural polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids (antioxidant properties) that are associated with the health benefits of drinking Green Tea.

Recent research has shown that a compound called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in Green Tea prevents cancer cells from growing by binding to a specific enzyme. Previous studies have also indicated these properties may reduce the incidence of gastric, throat and skin cancer.

Gargling with Green Tea or drinking a cup each day may even help stave of colds and flu. You can combine green tea with products like green tea bubble bath, lotion, linen bag of bath salts, wooden massager, a back scrubber, and hand towel packaged in a basket for a "green" Valentine's Day.

10.Healthy dinner- If both of you love to celebrate the occasion at home, cook the healthiest and most delicious recipes your partner will never forget. Avoid deep-fried foods, sweets and too much alcohol.

After dinner, present your gift/s to him/her plus of course a romantic greeting card with an old picture of you when you were still young. Include statements which will remind him/her of staying well and healthy.

•"I admire you for being a great role model to our kids."
•"I enjoy your company, especially when you walk early mornings with me so we can stay healthy and live longer."
•"Thank you for reminding me always to take care of my body and health."
Nowadays, people are becoming more conscious of their health and weight. So this is the perfect time to show your special someone how to take care of one's health.

Stress and Your Skin

dermatologists are still debating whether stress actually causes skin disorders, they seem to agree that stress definitely triggers or aggravates skin conditions such as acne, hives, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, warts, cold sores and blisters.

And even if stress does not actually show up on your skin as one of these conditions, it is one of the chief contributors to an increased population of free radicals in the body, which, in turn, has been discovered to be a major cause of premature aging. Emotional or mental trauma can cause you to spoil your face or frown or pout, and constant muscular contractions can eventually become permanent fine lines and wrinkles.

The "fight-or-flight" mechanism is the body's built-in way of responding to stress. In times of "fight-or-flight," the flow of blood (and nutrients) is directed to the areas of the body considered vital for responding to the stress and withdrawn from areas considered non-essential, such as the skin. So is the flow of oxygen, making it difficult for the skin to "breathe."

When "fight-or-flight" situations become frequent, the skin is consistently starved of both blood and oxygen, making it dull and lifeless, less supple, less hydrated and more prone to clogged pores and breakouts.
Dermatologists have found that when you're stressed out, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. When cortisol levels increase, oil production increases and sometimes that will cause acne in patients that has never even had acne before.

Stress does not only impact the immune system, it also undermines digestion. And imperfect digestion adversely affects skin health, and, indeed your overall health, in two ways -- first, your body does not absorb all the nutrients from the foods you eat and second, undigested impurities tend to accumulate in the body faster than the body can get rid of them.

How to figure out when a flare-up is on its way? Yes, check out these warning signs:
•Your skin is oilier than usual. The German researchers found that stress causes the skin's sebaceous glands to secrete more oil.
•Tiny blackheads and whiteheads are developing.
•Your skin looks pale or flushed. Stress causes the blood vessels to constrict or dilate abnormally, so there's either too little or too much blood flow to the skin.
•Your skin may be more sensitive than normal. Under stress, inflammatory neuropeptides are released in the skin, causing sensitivity.
Tips to stay ahead of stress by taking better care of your skin.
•Address the source of your stress and take good care of your body. Eat better, sleep more, exercise and set aside time each day for reflection and relaxation. Exercising is a wonderful way to deal with stress. It releases endorphins ? it helps people relax.
•Stick to your skin-care routine. Under stress, we tend to skimp on self-care.
•Use a toner. It will help clear up excess oil.
•Avoid hot showers- stress has a negative effect on the barrier function of the skin, resulting in water loss that inhibits the skin's ability to repair itself after an injury.
•A daily warm oil self-massage is recommended as a luxurious way to balance the body, mind and emotions as well as lubricate the skin, making it supple and lustrous. Use fragrant aroma massage oil for the dual benefits of massage and aromatherapy, or use specially blended herbal massage oil for personal balance.
•Apply moisturizer after bathing
•Use sunscreen
•Use detergent-free soap.
•Apply treatment products before a acne breakout occurs. Look for products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
STRESS-REDUCING TIPS:

There are some easy, practical things you can do to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
•Be realistic and don't try to be perfect, or expect others to be so.
•Don't over-schedule; cut out an activity or two when you start to feel overwhelmed.
•Get a good night's sleep.
•Get regular exercise to manage stress -- just not excessive or compulsive exercise -- and follow a healthy diet.
•Learn to relax by building time into your schedule for reading or a nice long bath.

Pay attention to keeping your mind, body and emotions balanced, and the results will show up as a clear, glowing complexion.

Learning more about Facials

Generally speaking, a facial is a popular spa cosmetic treatment. Though there are numerous types of facials, the common thread is that all involve some form of steaming, exfoliation, extraction and purification. On average, facial sessions last either a half hour or an hour.

Do facials work? If you enjoy them they do. Taking an hour out for yourself is one of life's luxuries and a professional facial is so relaxing your face is bound to look better afterward. A facial is a great way to treat your skin.

The Benefits of a Facial
A facial can offer many benefits. The face is always subject to the elements such as the sun, maybe smoke or an improper at home regime. Facials offer you the opportunity to work with a professional skin care specialist who will analyze your skin, help you improve your complexion and show you how to take proper care of your skin.

A facial can give you a deep cleansing, deeper than the cleansing you will get at home. A facial includes cleansing as well as exfoliation which can help to unclog your pores. Extracting open comedones will also help rid the skin of acne. Your skin care specialist will help soften the skin with steam, hot moist towels, and enzymes or other exfoliants.

Massage helps the lymphatic glands to clear off swelling and puffiness However, the afterglow is short term as it is due to a temporary blood circulation boost. The effects of a firming facial, which uses electrical currents to stimulate the skin, last only a matter of hours – days at most. And if you have very greasy, acne-prone skin, try avoiding stimulating facials completely as they can aggravate sebaceous glands.
Professional beauty therapists argue that treating yourself to a facial is extremely worthwhile as it is usually the beginning of a better relationship with your skin.
What Happens during a Facial?
A classic facial includes cleansing, exfoliation, massage, mask, toning and moisturizing. Usually, a treatment lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, including time to relax while the mask takes effect – say, 10 to15 minutes. Some treatments are entirely manual, others use electronic massage equipment to stimulate facial muscles.
Purists hold that fingers are most sensitive and therefore efficient; modernist assert that machines have a deeper stimulating action. Before you select a particular type of facial the beauty therapists must conduct a detailed consultation concerning your health, diet and lifestyle.
Types of Facial
Basic Facial. These involve manual massage with a variety of skin-care products. Some may also include mini hand, shoulder or foot massages.

Aromatherapy Facials. These involve essential oils or products manufactured from them. Essential oils are said to have an affinity with the skin’s natural oils and can be used to supplement or regulate sebaceous output. Therapists often use pressure point massage to encourage their efficacy. Oils are also used to stimulate and relax.

Electronic Facials. Electrotherapy is said to enhance the action of skin-care products. The best-known electrotherapy method is called Cathiodermie and was established in the 1960s. It involves two types of low-voltage current being applied with tiny fork-like electrodes.
Galvanic current ionizes both skin and gels, improving absorption. High-frequency faradic current massages the skin's surface, boosting circulation and producing anti-bacterial ozone.

Non-surgical face lift. Controversial – and hugely popular – these high-tech treatments use electronic massage techniques to boost both muscle and tissue tone. Electric micro currents compatible with the body's own stimulate the 30 muscles of the face.
They also ease fine lines, and boost the circulation and lymph. However, to keep muscles "exercised", treatments, which are expensive, must be regular.
Steps for a weekly facial treatment
For a basic home facial you can do yourself, simply follow these simple steps:
•Cleanse with cream or foam, massaging the face with circular movements. Rinse with tepid water and a soft sponge. Blot the skin damp, not dry.
•Exfoliate using a gentle granular or latex-based "gommage", concentrating on problem zones. Rinse and pat dry.
•Massage with a nourishing oil or cream.
•Apply a mask directly over your moisturized skin, to encourage the cream to penetrate further. Soak cotton pads in eye make-up remover, or use cold camomile tea bags, and place over the eyelids. Relax for 10 minutes.
•Remove mask and apply toner.
•Moisturize with your regular day or night formula.

The following elements seem to be universal regarding a facial: use of Earth-friendly, healthy ingredients; emphasis on hydration and oxidation; and commitment to provide clients' with relaxed, glowing skin.

Training with Strength band

As a complete workout on their own or a supplement to free weights and machines, strength bands are the ultimate tool for customizing workouts and isolating muscles. And the portable bands and tubing make the perfect travel workout. They're easier on the joints. In fact, they're so effective and safe that physical therapists often use them with their patients.

For busy moms, it is so simple to carry around these bands in one's car or purse.

A little band exercise can be conducted in the car (perhaps, while one is sitting in a school parking lot waiting for the kids). It is so simple to tie the band into a loop and perform quick arm or leg thrusts. Done on a daily basis for as little as fifteen minutes, one can see serious improvements in strength, flexibility, and range of movement.

Perhaps one of the most fantastic benefits of this band exercise is its simplicity. As it does not require very strenuous activity, the handicapped or obese can participate and gain the phenomenal benefits of a bit of resistance training.

Those suffering from movement-impairing diseases (such as Multiple Sclerosis), can increase circulation and movement through strength band exercise.

For people suffering with nerve conditions and other disorders, any kind of movement can be painful, let alone exercise. Band resistance training empowers the user to be in total control of the level of difficulty. There is no need to stand or be uncomfortable when using a Theraband, so one can get in movement without the risk of falling or becoming exhausted.
TheraBands are the only resistive exercise bands endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). These 6" wide latex bands come in different, color-coded resistance levels, distinguished by the thickness of the band:

Top 10 Best Budget Beauty Tips

Browsing through any fashion magazine or the television, one always wonders why it is not possible to achieve the 'glamorous' look like most of the celebrities.

Tomatoes are Anti-Oxidant hence including tomatoes in your daily diet will make your skin Wrinkle Free.

And using the paste of one day old curd with a tomato and applying it to your skin soft. Also, if you skin is oily then applying the its pulp on your face for 15 min. then rinse your face with warm water. This will absorb extra oil from your skin and improve your complexion.

Check out ten best budget tips indicated below:

1.Stand dried-up mascara in a glass of warm water to bring it back to life.

2.A cheap way to boost the shine of dark hair is to rinse it with diluted vinegar. Blonde hair benefits from lemon juice. Both acts by sealing down the outer cuticles of the hair, helping your hair reflect the light more effectively.

3.Swap commercial face scrubs for a handful of oatmeal massaged directly onto your skin – it works really well.

4.Turn lipstick into lip gloss with a coat of lip balm after applying color.

5.Eye shadow doubles up as eyeliner, if applied with a cotton bud (swab). Dampen the end of the bud (swab) first for a more dramatic effect.

6.A drop of live oil rubbed nightly into your nails will help them grow long and strong and is cheaper than shop-bought manicure oils.

7.Make powder eye shadows last longer and stay crease-free by dusting eyelids with translucent powder first. It’ll absorb the oils from your skin, and keep your make-up looking fresh.

8.To dry nail polish in a hurry, spray nails with PAM Oil Spray. (note: this really does work).

9.Toner/Astringent—Use witch hazel instead. No need to dilute—use full strength. You can also rinse with a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar after cleansing—it balances out the ph of your skin.

10.Add a few drops of your favorite eaude toilette to some olive oil, and use as scented bath oil as a cheap treats. Olive oil can also be added to bath water for a skin softener.

قصة الحوت الظالم للأطفال

يروى أنه في قديم الزمان كان هناك حوت كبير .. كبير جداً .. وكان يتغذى على الأسماك بكل أنواعها .. كان يفتح فمه الكبير ويبتلع كل ما يصادفه من أسماك .. صغير وكبير .. حي وميت .. وديع وشرس .. جميل وقبيح ..لم يكن يفرق بين أحد .. كان من الطبيعي أن يتغذى الحوت على الأسماك .. ولكن هذا الحوت كان يكره الأسماك ويقتلها متعمداً حتى لو كان غير جائع .. ويكون الحوت مسروراً كلما قتل أكبر عدد ممكن من الأسماك. وكانت الأسماك تتمنى دائما أن تتخلص منه .. وذات يوم جاءت سمكة ذكية صغيرة وجلست على أذن الحوت وقالت له: السلام عليك أيها الحوت الكبير فرد الحوت: ما هذا ؟ من أنت ؟ قالت السمكة: أنا سمكة صغيرة .. صغيرة جداً .. ولكن عندي لك فكرة قال الحوت: ما هذه الفكرة ..قوليها بسرعة وإلا أكلتك على الفور خافت السمكة .. ولكنها كانت مصممة على أن تمضي في خطتها قالت السمكة: أيها الحوت الكبير .. إنك دائماً تأكل الأسماك .. ولا بد أنك مللت طعمها وتريد شيئاً جديداً قال الحوت: وهل لديك طعام آخر لي ؟ فردت السمكة: هل جربت طعم الإنسان ؟ إنه شهي ولذيذ .. بل إنه أشهى طعام في الكون أحس الحوت بلعابه يسيل وقال للسمكة: الإنسان ؟ وأين أجد هذا الإنسان ؟ فأجابت السمكة: اصعد إلى سطح البحر وستجد جسماً بني اللون يسمونه القارب .. اقترب منه .. وافتح فمك عن آخره ، وابتلع القارب بما فيه .كان جاسم فتى صيّاداً من فتيان قرية السعادة التي تقع على شاطئ البحر .. وكل أهلها صيادون .. وكان ينوي الحصول عل صيد وفير هذا اليوم فابتعد بقاربه .. ولكنه وجد نفسه فجأة أمام حوت كبير .. فتح الحوت فمه وابتلعه مع القارب .
ووجد جاسم نفسه داخل الحوت مع قاربه .. وجد هناك أشياء كثيرة غريبة .. فكر جاسم في طريقة للخروج .. فما كان منه إلا أن قام وأخذ يضرب ويرفس أحشاء الحوت .. أحس الحوت بألم في بطنه ..فنادى الحوت: ماذا تفعل أيّها الإنسان ؟ فرد جاسم : إنني أتمرن قال الحوت بانزعاج : بالله عليك توقف عن ذلك .. إنك تؤلمنيقال جاسم: لن أتوقف إلا إذا سمحت لي بالخروج. غضب الحوت وقال : لن أدعك تخرج .. وسأتحمل ضرباتك .. قرر الحوت أن يتحمل ضربات جاسم .. وأحس جاسم بذلك .. فما كان منه إلا أن جمع بعض الأخشاب من قاربه .. وأشعل فيها النار وعندها أحس الحوت بالألم الشديد .. فنادى : أيها الإنسان .. ماذا تفعل ؟ قال جاسم : الجو بارد وأريد أن أتدفأ .. فأشعلت بعض الحطب فقال الحوت: أطفئها .. إنك تحرقني فأجاب جاسم : لن أطفئها إلا إذا سمحت لي بالخروج كانت السمكة الصغيرة لا تزال جالسة على أذن الحوت .. فقالت السمكة بسرعة : أيها الحوت .. يبدو أن هذا الإنسان غير عادي .. ولا بد أن تسمح له بالخروج. فكر الحوت قليلاً .. لكن ازدياد الألم جعله يحسم أمره .. فنادى : أيها الإنسان لقد سمحت لك بالخروج .. سأفتح فمي كله وعليك أن تهرب بسرعة.فرد عليه جاسم : لا أيها الحوت .. لقد تحطم قاربي في أحشائك .. وعليك أن تضعني على الشاطئ فقال الحوت بغضب: إن هذه فرصتك الأخيرة إما أن تخرج الآن وإلا فلن أسمح لك بعد ذلك قال جاسم ببرود وصبر: افعل ما تشاء .. أما أنا فسأستمر في تدفئة نفسي بالنار .. اشتد الألم على الحوت .. وأصبح لا يطاق .. وهنا سمع السمكة الصغيرة تهمس له في أذنه: عليك أن ترمي هذا الإنسان على الشاطئ وإلا سبب لك الأذى .. انطلق الحوت إلى الشاطئ حيث قرية الصيادين .. كان الصيادون مجتمعين على الشاطئ ينتظرون عودة جاسم الذي تأخر .. وبينما هم كذلك إذ رأوا حوتاً ضخماً يقترب منهم .. اقترب الحوت من الشاطئ .. لكنه توقف عندما رأى الصيادين عليه .. تردد قليلاً .. ثم قال : أيها الإنسان .. لقد اقتربنا من الشاطئ .. هيا أخرج فصاح جاسم : لن أخرج إلا على الشاطئ .. عليك أن تقترب أكثر.انطلق الحوت إلى الشاطئ .. ومن شدة الألم لم يهتم بالصيادين المجتمعين .. ولكنه ما إن وصل إلى الشاطئ حتى انطلقت الحراب من كل مكان وهجم عليه الصيادون .. اضطرب الحوت ولم يدر ماذا يفعل .. حاول أن يتراجع ويهرب .. ولكن جاسم سارع بأخذ صاري قاربه وأخذ يمزق أحشاء الحوت .. لم تمض لحظات إلا وكان الحوت جثة هامدة .. أخذ الصيادون يحتفلون بانتصارهم على الحوت .. واشتد فرحهم عندما رأوا جاسم يخرج سالماً من بطن الحوت .. ولكن الفرحة لم تكن على الشاطئ فحسب .. بل كانت أيضاً في البحر .. حيث الأسماك مع السمكة الصغيرة أخذوا يحتفلون بانتصارهم على الحوت الكبير ..وهذه عاقبة الظلم والطمع!

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