Even with the best intentions, many of us who resolve to live a healthier lifestyle in 2013 will fall back into old, familiar habits much sooner than we would like. To maintain motivation and create a routine that is both sustainable and effective, it's important to invest in the right tools for every room in your house.

Kitchen
Diet is key to overall wellness, and proper nutrition will help you remain energized and motivated to make other healthy strides. Unfortunately, some think making healthy meals is too time consuming and often make less nutritious decisions in the name of convenience. But with the right tools, creating a wide variety of tasty, wholesome options is quick and simple. With a high-performance blender like the Vitamix 7500, you can make nutrient-packed green smoothies, steaming hot soups and healthy frozen treats in minutes. Simply toss whole fruits or vegetables into the Vitamix, choose the settings, and in a matter of seconds the machine's unmatched power and versatility will create dishes that taste great and are good for you. The new 7500 model also features easy controls and a compact design that will fit into most kitchen spaces - as well as your new healthy lifestyle.

Remember when you were a child and the world was big-- full of adventure and possibility? You ate your favorite cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner and at the end of every day, your mom would make you take those little multi-flavored vitamins usually shaped like a popular cartoon character. You didn't necessarily understand why you had to take these, but you always did what your mom told you-- because mother knows best.
Now you're older, a little wiser, and you still take your vitamins every day-- at least you should. But how do you know if the vitamins you're buying are right for you? You know you're different. You know your nutritional needs aren't the same as your friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
You are keenly aware of how much sleep you need to feel vital, which snacks get you through the slowly ticking minutes of the afternoon, and how much exercise is required to stay on target. But do you understand the crucial role vitamins play in your individual health? Dr. Brian Dixon does.
As executive director of scientific and clinical affairs at USANA Health Sciences, Dr. Dixon extensively studies the body's evolving need for vitamins and understands the important functions they play in an individual's health. His primary focus is on the aging process, antioxidants and detoxification.
Since you're not like anyone else, why would you require the exact same nutrition as everyone else? You don't. Your lifestyle has an enormous impact on your nutritional needs, but generally speaking, your body requires different nutrients during the distinctive phases of your life.

If you have dental insurance coverage, like most people, you want to know how much of the treatment will be covered and how much out-of-pocket expense you will have.
Most dental benefit plans arise from an agreement between an insurance company and a plan sponsor [employer or union]. There are literally hundreds of plans with endless variables concerning limitations, exclusions, deductibles, annual or lifetime maximum benefits, co-payments and fee schedules. If you have changed jobs, your new plan may not have any resemblance to your old one.
If you are being offered a plan, ask if there are several plans from which to choose. Beside yourself, who in the family will be covered? See if the plan you choose covers pre-existing conditions. If the plan is provided by your union or employer, is there any direct cost to you? And if so, how much? Compare this with what you understand the benefits of the program to be.
Many companies will offer you the option to change your dental insurance plan in October (the open-enrollment period). When you do so just remember that the PPO's are the only plans that are billable. The dental insurance company will pay a percentage of your dental cost. The others function as a discount plan to you. Your dental team offers a wealth of information in your selection of a dental plan that will fit your dental needs. Don't forget to call them for help!!
To be continued next week.........
Dr. Sharon Robinson, DDS may be reached at 954-792-1857. The Dental Place is located at 6738 W. Sunrise Blvd, #105, Plantation, Fl. 33313. You may also visit her website at www.dentalplace4u.com

Simple tips to reduce stress and feel your best

Few Americans are more time-strapped than parents. From the moment the alarm chimes, it can feel like a race to get through the day. From prepping for school or day care, to finalizing school projects and running to after-school activities, there's hardly a moment to spare. And with career demands, the stress of being a busy parent can really set in and negatively affect the body in many ways.
Luckily, some simple tips can help you reduce stress and feel your very best while being a good mom or dad to your family. Dr. Keri Marshall, a licensed naturopathic doctor who specializes in pediatrics, women's medicine and chronic disease management, understands the high demands of modern parenting. She offers some important tips that all parents should consider to help reduce stress and improve overall health and well-being.