The "S" word...

Stress is a normal part of everyday life. Research has shown that a little bit of stress keeps us motivated, but sometimes stress can get to a stage where it feels all too much.

Stress can come in many forms – whether you’re studying full-time, working, as a parent, or a child. The human body can handle a lot but it will generally react to any stress the same way. Stress helps you to cope with life’s challenges but the more your stress system is activated, the harder it becomes to switch off…and that is when you start to do serious damage to your health.

It can raise your blood pressure, suppress your immune system, increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, decrease fertility and speed up the aging process. Long-term stress can lead to anxiety and depression. So take a look at your life and see if you’re showing symptoms of stress – if you are, maybe it’s time to make some drastic changes.

Some Symptoms of stress include:
- Memory problems
- Finding it hard to concentrate
- Constant worrying
- Moodiness
- Irritability or short temper
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Depression or general unhappiness
- Aches and pains
- Frequent colds
- Nausea, dizziness
- Eating more or less
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Using alcohol, cigarettes or drugs to relax

Work stress has increased due to economic downturn; people are afraid to leave work for fear of being fired, sometimes your workmate or boss upsets you – is it really worth it? If work is too much, maybe it’s time for a change.

Maybe it’s time to work for yourself and start that home-based business you’ve always wanted. Like many home-based businesses, USANA offers the perfect opportunity for de-stressing your life. Starting a USANA business gives you time freedom – you work when you want and where you want. You have time to look after your children and most importantly to take time for yourself and look after your own health.

Try to spend some time looking after you. Turn off the mobile and the laptop. Take a mini-break, do something that makes you happy and that gives your body time to recover from the stresses of life. Life can sometimes be hard to handle, it’s ok to admit that, so take a little time for yourself, so that you can face whatever comes your way tomorrow.

Men – don’t leave your health to chance.

Do you know a man or are you a man who sometimes ignores health issues that may come up? It is a well known fact that when it comes to health, men are less likely to seek advice or treatment. Often, prevention is the key and it’s much easier than treatment. But this requires a new attitude from men when it comes to facing their health issues.

What’s the old attitude? Man up, toughen up, ignore the problem. How many times have you heard a man go “It’s nothing, I don’t need to see a doctor.” Well it’s time for that attitude to change.

Prostate cancer is the prime example of an illness that is preventable. A change in attitude is all it needs, instead of toughening up – it’s time to ‘man up’ and get a check-up. Regular check-ups and a greater understanding of the symptoms of prostate cancer can prevent disease and can save lives.

Here are some facts: men are more likely to be injured in the workplace due to having more high risk jobs, men tend to suffer from stress related illnesses and overworking can often lead to inactivity, leading to poor lifestyle habits like diet and alcohol.

Men, it’s time to take control of your health. What can you do? Have a look at your diet, exercise and your lifestyle choices.

Swap a night on the couch with mates to a night on the field playing footy, swap that fatty fried food to some fruit and veg. Eat well, make sure you’re getting the right balance of essential vitamins and nutrients.
Eating well, getting the right balance of vitamins, nutrients, fats, sugars etc is the first step to good health. Your diet sets you up for everything else. Poor diet means low energy, motivation and mood. If you have trouble eating enough of the right stuff, kick start your diet with supplements. Not sure if you’re getting enough? USANA has a great range of vitamins and supplements that could be perfect for you.

Ladies, if you know a man who’s avoiding the doctor – it’s time to give them a gentle nudge in the right direction, if you see them binging on beer, offer them a better alternative. Gentleman, if you know you’re in need of a lifestyle change – make today the day. Change your diet, make sure your body has everything it needs, try to leave the office on time and remember the power of prevention.

Make that overdue visit to the doctor today and see whether your body is coping with everything you’re putting it through – you may be surprised. Do your research and look for more information on good quality nutrition and high quality supplements you can take on a daily basis.

Can you have it all?

Women are a driving force of the economy, making up 70% of the workforce globally. Did you know that a large percentage of women are now choosing home based businesses because of the flexibility and freedom it offers?

In Australia 3 out of 4 (74%) independent direct selling business operators in Australia are female while in the USA female share represents 87.1% of the total direct selling sales force.

Why you might wonder? Well, many women have to leave their ‘regular’ job after having children. Inflexible work hours and little parental leave means mothers are struggling to balance work and spend time with their children.

Job insecurity and economic concerns means people are no longer able to survive on one job for the rest of their lives. What’s the answer? Whether it’s a full-time job for mum or a part-time second income, a home based business seems to work.

Home based business, like USANA Health Sciences, is the preferred choice because of the lifestyle rewards, flexibility, and freedom it provides. Benefits include the time saved on commuting and work in the comfort and convenience of your home. The earning potential is directly proportional to your performance, which means no more waiting for your boss to give you a raise or promotion. Women (and men) who still want to retain their earning potential have huge opportunities in network marketing to earn more than what a regular job would have provided.

So if you are looking to start a home based business – do your research thoroughly, put in the number of hours you can and soon you will be well on your way to achieving financial freedom – but on your own terms.

The Sunshine Vitamin

Why is Vitamin D so important? It helps our bodies to absorb calcium which is used for developing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Lack of vitamin D can lead to bowed legs and knocked knees in children and increased bone turnover and osteoporosis in adults.

Studies have shown that 30% - 50% of people are vitamin D deficient - are you getting enough Vitamin D? Vitamin D is essential for everybody but it’s hard to get enough in our diets because very few foods contain enough vitamin D. With the arrival of winter, it’s getting harder and harder to get enough vitamin D from day-to-day exposure to the sun.

So what can you do about it?
We know that you want to rug up and stay warm this winter but it’s important that you still get enough of that sunshine vitamin. Have a chat to your medical professional to make sure your vitamin D levels are adequate and try to spend a little more time in the sun or consider supplementation to build up those Vitamin D resources. It’s something that will have long term benefits that you will want to enjoy.