MyHealthFinder Widget

In my opinion, your health is your greatest asset. You can guage your health and health risks by visiting the following health widget. The myhealthfinder widget provides personalized recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce based on age and sex. 

Let me know if you've taken steps to improve your health in the comments below. Well wishes! :)

Easy To Implement Weight Loss Tips/Tricks

I would like to include a small caveat before jumping into this post. I understand that some women, and men, have hormonal imbalances or medical issues that contributes to weight gain or complicates weight loss. This advice may not suit all people. After all, we're all different. We have different medical issues, life circumstances, etc.

I thought I'd jot down a couple of tips that have helped me maintain my high school weight after having two children. Please feel free to comment on what works for you. Wishing you all the best health! :-)

Keep your house clean. - A 150lb woman can burn 100 calories during 30 minutes of house cleaning. It is easier said than done, especially when you're a working mom like me, but you place priority on what is important...right?! Well your health is important. Besides, you'll be killing two birds with one stone...NICE!

Park far away from the store entrance. - It is so tempting to grab the nearest available parking spot near the entrance but why not make a couple extra steps and shed a few pounds? Burn 12 calories every time you park in the back of the parking lot. Now imagine you do this every time you park at work, church, the mall, etc.

Do not eat your child's leftovers. - Those small calories will slowly (but surely) enlarge your waist line. If you've already eaten, and are full, there is no need to go back to your child's plate and finish it off to avoid being wasteful. Here's a plan...put it in a tupperware for your little darling to devour at a later time or make him/her a smaller plate to reduce food waste.

Plan meals ahead of time. - Ever look up at the clock and it is 6pm but dinner is no where in sight? Most of us resort to fast food or prepackaged dinners which are loaded with sodium and fat. On Sunday, plan your meals, cook some soup and freeze it, make a casserole and place it in the fridge to be reheated at a later time. If your appetite changes and what you thought you wanted on Thursday doesn't sound appealing, switch it for your Friday or Saturday meals.

Buy smaller plates. - #PortionControl. If you see food left on your plate even though you are full, chances are you will be tempted to 'finish it'. I always seem to hear my mom or grandma's voice telling me, "Finish your food. There are kids starving in Africa!" However, we need to listen to our stomach telling us, we're full and that food can be eaten tomorrow for lunch. The average plate size in an American cabinet is 10-12 inches. On the other hand, the average plate size in other countries, like France for example, is 6-8 inches. It may not seem like a big difference but those added inches leads to added caloric consumption.

Food Documentaries

I absolutely loooooove to watch documentaries. They can be informative while being entertaining. While I don't place all my trust in what documentaries portray, they do offer some insight on the dangers of what we consume or the way we live. Pick and choose what you will implement on your life. For example, going vegan is not the only way to become healthy. We're all adults here, do what's best for you! Pop some non-GMO popcorn and enjoy! :)

• Forks Over Knives
• Food Inc.
• Food Matters
• Tapped
• FrankenSteer
• Back to Eden

These films may be found on YouTube or Netflix. Any other documentaries that you found to be informative?

Anti-Viral Immune Boosting Tea - Part Two

I absolutely love anything 'garlicky'. So it is no surprised that I researched the health benefits of eating this wonderful allium (member of the onion family).

Although mainstream science doesn't support its antiviral/antibacterial benefits, I know firsthand that garlic has helped myself and my children get rid of some nasty colds. Garlic by itself is a good but pair it with honey (anti-viral and anti-bacterial) and lemon (antioxidant rich) and you've got a surprisingly tasty cold remedy. Try this tea when you feel yourself coming down with a 'bug'. 

• Boil 5 organic garlic coves in 3 cups of distilled water for 10 minutes.
• Reduce heat and let it steep for 20 minutes.
• Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 1 tablespoon of organic lemon juice. 
• Let the concoction cool to a comfortable temperature, drink and enjoy!

What does the bible say about long life?

It is my desire to live a long, happy, healthy life so that I may fulfill the work of the Kingdom. Many people believe that long life (80+ years) isn't for everyone. I firmly believe that a long life is God's best for all Christians. I do recognize that there are cases of untimely death but I do not believe that it is God's doing.

For example, we live in a fallen world where demonic forces are at work which can contribute to an early demise (1 Peter 5:8). Is it God's fault when someone willingly yields to evil and commits a murder? Absolutely not!
We also live in a world of natural laws which God placed here on earth during creation. For example, someone can't jump out of an airplane with no parachute, fall to their death, and the family blame God because he didn't suspend the law of gravity.
We have a lot to do with how long we live and the quality of life in which we live. It is not God's fault if someone eats a slab of bacon and dozen eggs for breakfast everyday, gaines excessive amounts of weight, never exercises, and dies from a heart attack. We do have a responsibility to keep up with the precious temple God has given us.

And then there are cases where it seems we have no answers to why believers die early...especially in the case of young children. Still the Scriptures are full of texts that point to God wanting his children to live, not only a long life, but a full life.

We've compiled a list of scriptures that support the idea that longevity can be obtained by every believer.

“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days …” Deuteronomy 30:19
 
“For by Me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.” Proverbs 9:11

“You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.” Deuteronomy 5:33

“My son, do not forget My law, but let your heart keep My commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” Proverbs 3:1

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:21

Healing Ministries we follow...and so should you!

Spreading the word that "God wants you to prosper...mind and body" is a message that we aim to share with the world. TotalLifeProsperity.org is one small ministry which is why we support other ministries that have an establised global reach and possess a similar mission. The ministries that are listed below teach the Word as it relates to healing, salvation, and deliverance. We watch them on television, read their books, listen to their podcasts, and sow into their ministries. Our family has been extremely blessed because we constantly take in the Word of God. We pray that they'll have an impact on you and your family's lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (AMP)

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.

Andrew Wommack - www.awmi.net
Creflo Dollar - www.worldchangers.org
Bill Winston - www.billwinston.org
Marilyn Hickey - www.marilynandsarah.org
Kenneth & Gloria Copleand - www.kcm.org

Anti-Stress Confessions

It goes without saying that stress can affect you mentally and physically. With the hectic nature of most of our lives (kids, careers, etc.), controlling your stress level can become a daily battle. The Bible offers several scriptures to help you during these times. Confess these scriptures aloud whenever you are feeling overwhelmed.

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

You (God) will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You. Isaiah 26:3 emphasis mine

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7

Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear, for the battle is the Lord's and He will give unto your hand.  1 Samuel 17:47

Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His promise. Romans 8:28

But You, O Lord are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Psalm 3:3-4

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Pslam 55:22

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:10-12

Tips for beautiful and HEALTHY skin

We’ve all heard that our skin is our biggest organ. However, with society’s attention focused on maintaining popular organs (i.e., heart, brain, lungs, etc.) we tend to forget about our skin.  The emphasis of this article is on the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin.

Let’s first look at the reason we have skin. Quite obviously, it covers and protects everything within our body, keeps bacteria and disease out, maintains hydration, regulates our body temperature, provides us with sensation and many other functions. Shouldn’t an organ this important be nurtured?

To ensure our skin is at peak performance to properly function, we must eat the right foods, drink plenty of water, get enough exercise, and protect your skin. If you’re not too sure about this statement, give this experiment a try at your own risk…

Eat nothing but fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, and exercise three times a week for one week. Your skin will become noticeably clearer and healthier.

Obviously, most of us can’t abide by such a strict regiment for the sole purpose of gaining healthier skin. So what can the average person do to improve their skin?

Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Antioxidants combats free radicals which wreak havoc on your body including your skin. Some meats contain a healthy dose of Selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant. Chicken, red meat, shellfish and fish are rich in Selenium.

As stated in our recent article, drinking an adequate amount of water will ensure that the vitamins and antioxidants from the nutritious foods you’ve ingested will be carried to your skin.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise! Exercise increases circulation throughout the body which results in nutrients being effectively carried to the skin. The many benefits of working out (other than making you overall healthier) are reducing acne breakouts and fighting the signs of aging. Acne prone skin improves dramatically with exercise because  testosterone-related hormones such as DHEA and DHT are released. And exercise is a great stress reliever! Consult your physician for the amount and length of exercise necessary for you.
The sun can be your skin’s worst enemy. Overexposure to the sun can result in sun burns, skin cancer, pre-mature aging, and wrinkles. Everyone, no matter your skin color, should wear sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF level of at least 30. Be sure to wear sunscreen everyday! 

These suggestions are not hard to incorporate into your daily life. Start with adding one more serving of fruit, drinking two more glasses of water or walking for 20 minutes every other day, buy an SPF 30 sunscreen. Your skin will thank you for it!

Get more sleep...starting this week!

This article was obtained from http://www.healthfinder.gov/. For more information on this topic and many others, please visit their website.

The Basics

Everyone needs to sleep. A good night’s sleep helps keep your mind and body healthy.

How much sleep do I need?
Most adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. If you are having trouble sleeping, make changes to your routine to get the sleep you need.
Kids need even more sleep than adults.

• Teens need at least 9 hours of sleep each night.
• School-aged and preschool children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep.
• Newborns sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day.

Why is getting enough sleep important?
Getting a good night’s sleep can have many benefits.

• You will be less likely to get sick.
• You will be more likely to stay at a healthy weight.
• You can lower your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
• You can boost your brainpower and your mood.
• You can think more clearly and do better in school and at work.
• You can make better decisions and avoid injuries. For example, sleepy drivers cause thousands of car crashes every year.

Does it matter when I sleep?
Yes. We have a natural cycle for when we feel tired and awake. Sunlight plays a big role in this cycle.
Our “biological clocks” are set to make us feel the most sleepy between midnight and 7 a.m. Our biological clocks also help us stay alert during the day, although many people have a sleepy period between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Our natural sleep cycle is very hard to break or change. When people have to work during the night, they can have trouble getting enough sleep during the day. People who travel to a different time zone can also have trouble sleeping.
Get sleep tips to help you:

• Work the night shift
• Deal with jet lag (trouble sleeping in a new time zone)

Why can’t I fall asleep?
Many things can make it harder for you to sleep, including:

• Stress
• Pain
• Some medicines
• Caffeine (in drinks like cola, tea, or coffee, and in some medicines)
• Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea or insomnia

If you are having trouble sleeping, make changes to your routine to get the sleep you need. For example, try to:

• Follow a regular sleep schedule
• Stay away from caffeine in the afternoon
• Take a hot bath before bed to relax

How can I tell if I have a sleep disorder?
Signs of a sleep disorder can include:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Trouble staying asleep
• Sleepiness that makes it difficult to do daily tasks like driving a car
• Frequent loud snoring, pauses in breathing, or gasping while sleeping

If you have any of these signs, talk to a doctor or nurse. You may need to be tested or treated for a sleep disorder.
To learn more about sleep disorders:

• Watch this short presentation about sleep disorders.
• Check out this Guide to Healthy Sleep [PDF - 451 KB].

Take Action!

Small changes to your daily routine can help you get the sleep you need.
Change what you do during the day.

• Exercise earlier in the day, not right before you go to bed.
• Stay away from drinks and foods with caffeine (such as coffee, tea, soda, or chocolate) late in the day.
• If you have trouble sleeping at night, limit daytime naps to less than 1 hour.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. This means no more than 1 drink a day for women or 2 drinks a day for men. Alcohol can keep you from sleeping soundly.
• Don’t eat a big meal close to bedtime.
• Quit smoking. The nicotine in cigarettes disturbs sleep.

Set a bedtime routine.

• Go to bed at the same time every night.
• Get the same amount of sleep each night.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet.
• Avoid eating, talking on the phone, or watching TV in bed.
• Try not to lie in bed worrying about things. Learn to manage stress.

If you are still awake after staying in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up. Do something relaxing until you feel sleepy.

Check out more tips for getting a good night’s sleep.

If you are concerned about your sleep, see a doctor.
Talk with a doctor or nurse if you have any of the following signs of a sleep disorder:

• Frequent, loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Trouble waking up in the morning
• Pain or itchy feelings in your arms or legs that may happen more often at night
• Trouble staying awake during the day

Even if you aren’t aware of problems like these, talk with a doctor if you feel like you often have trouble sleeping.

Keep a sleep diary for a week and share it with your doctor. A doctor can suggest different sleep routines or medicines to treat sleep disorders. Talk with a doctor before trying over-the-counter sleep medicine.

Healing. You already have it!

Many Christians today accept sickness or even minor ailments as 'a part of life'. Have you heard believers say, 'If it is God's Will, He will heal me.'? Since when did we, as believers, become so comfortable with defeat (yes...physical illness is defeat) when the Word proclaims that Jesus already bore our infirmities? Matthew 8:17

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we profess that He died for not only our sins but our sicknesses too. Through His death burial and resurrection we obtain complete victory over every attack of the enemy.

Meditate on Ephesians 1:19-21 (KJV):

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

The Word you've just read says that we have the same power and authority within in us that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. That's a lot of power!

However, the enemy has snuck in and deceived many into believing that we are powerless to overcome ailments. However, if you take the attitude that sickness is the enemy trying to steal what the Lord has already given us, you become more aggressive to retain what is yours.

If someone gave you house free and clear and a complete stranger tried to take it, you wouldn't just give it up so easily, would you? That's an analogy for the healing that all believers have been given through Jesus Christ.

"Then where is it?", you say. It's in the spiritual realm waiting for you to receive it. Have faith in what God says is yours, verbally proclaim it, and receive it. The enemy will try to slip doubt in there but don't yield to it. Hold steadfast to what is yours...complete healing.

Healing isn't something that we're trying to obtain...WE HAVE IT! Despite your physical symptoms, what the doctor says, or what your family says...YOU HAVE HEALING!
Click on the 'Scriptures for Health and Healing' tab at the top of this page for reference scriptures and continued reading.

Increase Water Intake...Improve Your Skin.

Water Intake

Most physicians will agree...an adequate intake of water is essential to overall health and wellness. Water purifies the body in and out.  Want an undeniable glow? Increase your water intake! Want to improve the tone and texture of your skin? Increase your water intake! Okay...okay....you get the point. LOL!

Another reason why drinking enough water is so important is because water aids in the removal of waste from our body. Not only does water remove waste but it helps carry the vitamins and minerals we ingest (through food, drinks or supplements) throughout our body and ultimately your SKIN!!!

So how much is enough? It depends. What type of climate do you live in? Do you exercise regularly? Visit the following website for an estimate on the amount of water to drink:

http://www.espring.com/English/WAC/WaterCalculator.aspx?pgid=125

After determining how much water you should consume each day, divide the amount over 10-12 hours.

(Drinking too much water can lead to water intoxication. Also, be careful of drinking too much water. Especially if you have kidney or adrenal problems.)

*Information displayed on Total Life Prosperity is intended for informational purposes only. As always, consult your physician before implementing any new regimen.

Divine Health Confession

Heavenly Father, I thank you for blessing me with divine health. Your Word says in 3 John 1:2 that above all things you wish that I prosper and be in good Health even as my soul prospers. I declare today that I am prospering in every aspect of my life. I declare that I am in good health. I declare that my soul is prosperous. 

I resist anything that is contrary to what the Word says I am. I rebuke any plan of the enemy that seeks to destroy my mind and/or my body. Father I believe that Christ has bore my sins in His own body on the tree, that I, being dead to sin, should live unto righteousness, by who stripes I was healed (1 Peter 2:24).

I am not praying for healing in the future but I am emphatically stating right now that I AM HEALED! Father I pray that if there be any doubt within me, you would remove it now. Oh God help my unbelief. Even though I may physically feel pain, I remain steadfast that I am healed. I will not let the physical realm override what was already given to me in the spiritual realm...DIVINE HEALTH.

I do not just pray for my myself. I life my family and friends in prayer for divine health and long life. Your Word says that the prayers of the righteous availeth much. According to the rights given unto me through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I speak divine health right now! It is these things that I ask in your son, Jesus', name. Amen.