SUMMER FEATURE ARTICLE: ... HYDRATION A KEY TO PERFORMANCE -

Article Courtesy of Ken Stevens, Performance Coach, CCP,MBA
NewDayAfter.com Performance Coaching

When you stop to think of it, two thirds or more of our body is composed of water. Keeping healthy is highly dependent on drinking water throughout the day. It is vitally important , especially here in Florida, to listen to our bodies and do our best to carry water with us where ever we go. Water is an essential ingredient in clearing toxins in our body as the kidneys and liver process the toxins and excrete it through urination. I find that it is helpful to flavor water, if you are one of those people that absolutely does not enjoy the taste of tap or bottled water. You will find that water that has added vitamins and salts tha will help restore your body and allow your blood to form new cells. Here are 5 ways to stay hydrated:

1) Start your day with a glass or two of water to engergize your body!
2) Bring a water bottle with you, everywhere you go.
3) Have a water break regularly. Religiously schedule your breaks to the water cooler at the same time in the morning and afternoon.
4) Help others to stay hydrated. If you are always thinking and mentioning it to others, you will remember for yourself.
5) Keep a case of water in your drawer at work and drink one in the morning and afternoon
With these time tested tips, you will stay healthier and happier and live a long productive life.

WINTER FEATURE ARTICLE: Learn about LUTEIN... Eat with and for your eyes -

Article Courtesy of Dr. Lewis P. Rubin

Florida produces much of the nation's citrus, strawberries and tomatoes yet it ranks last in the consumption of locally-grown food, according to an index of government sources. This implies that Floridians are growing healthy foods, but not eating them. This makes it slightly less surprising that according to Trust for America's Health, 62 percent of Florida's adults are obese and 18 percent of children are obese. We need to think about how what we eat affects our waistlines -but diet also affects other important areas of health, such as vision.

Over 21 million Americans and counting suffer from vision trouble and one out of 20 preschool-aged children will have a vision problem that affects their ability to learn. Vision is ranked the most important sense in the Ocular Nutrition Society's Eye on the Boomer survey, and 55 percent of those surveyed worry about vision loss, nearly as much as heart disease and cancer.

As adults age, they begin to understand the importance of vision. Seventy eight percent of baby boomers rank vision as the most important of the five senses, according to a survey by the Ocular Nutrition Society. But, what many don't know is that by improving their diet and eating nutritious foods, they can improve their sight and help their families prevent vision problems in the future. In fact, 80 percent of visual impairment is avoidable according to the World Health Organization.



According to a recent landmark study in the Journal of Perinatology, from Florida-based researcher, Dr. Lewis P. Rubin, lutein may reduce the inflammation and cellular damage in premature infants and diminish vision complications associated with prematurity. Because the body cannot make this important nutrient, it must be obtained through diet. Adults can get lutein from many fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, as well as eggs. Babies get lutein from breast milk, so mom's intake should be adequate. If mom is unable or chooses not to breastfeed, she should ensure that her formula contains lutein.
The nutrient lutein is also an important antioxidant that is critical for eye health in people of all ages. In adults, lutein may help prevent macular degeneration. In infants, lutein promotes healthy eye development, which is important for visual learning and stimulation. You will see that incorporating lutein rich foods into your diet is easy, and will help you eat right for your sight.


Check out this list of foods containing lutein that are great adds for omelets, salads, snacks and side dishes.