Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos - the trees, the clouds, everything. - Thich Nhat Hanh

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The Health Benefits Of Dancing -- Including Specific Benefits Of Different Dances

By B. SixWise

If you secretly sashay across your living room when you're home alone or long to cha-cha with your significant other, you're in luck. Not only is dancing an exceptional way to let loose and have fun, but it also provides some terrific benefits for your health. In fact, Mayo Clinic researchers reported that social dancing helps to: Reduce stress Increase energy Improve strength Increase muscle tone and coordination And whether you like to kick up your heals to hip hop, classical or country, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says that dancing can: Lower your risk of coronary heart disease Decrease blood pressure Help you manage your weight Strengthen the bones of your legs and hips Dancing is a unique form of exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of an aerobic exercise while also allowing you to engage in a social activity. This is especially stimulating to the mind, and one 21-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine even found dancing can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in the elderly. In the study, participants over the age of 75 who engaged in reading, dancing and playing musical instruments and board games once a week had a 7 percent lower risk of dementia compared to those who did not. Those who engaged in these activities at least 11 days a month had a 63 percent lower risk! Interestingly, dancing was the only physical activity out of 11 in the study that was associated with a lower risk of dementia. Said Joe Verghese, a neurologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a lead researcher of the study, "This is perhaps because dance music engages the dancer's mind." Verghese says dancing may be a triple benefit for the brain. Not only does the physical aspect of dancing increase blood flow to the brain, but also the social aspect of the activity leads to less stress, depression and loneliness. Further, dancing requires memorizing steps and working with a partner, both of which provide mental challenges that are crucial for brain health. How Good of a Workout is Dancing, Really? The amount of benefit you get from dancing depends on, like most exercises, the type of dancing you're doing, how strenuous it is, the duration and your skill level. Says exercise physiologist Catherine Cram, MS, of Comprehensive Fitness Consulting in Middleton, Wisconsin, "Once someone gets to the point where they're getting their heart rate up, they're actually getting a terrific workout. Dance is a weight-bearing activity, which builds bones. It's also "wonderful" for your upper body and strength." Plus, dancing requires using muscles that you may not even know you had. "If you're dancing the foxtrot, you're taking long, sweeping steps backwards. That's very different than walking forward on a treadmill or taking a jog around the neighborhood ... Ballroom dancing works the backs of the thighs and buttock muscles differently from many other types of exercise," says Ken Richards, professional dancer and spokesman for USA Dance, the national governing body of DanceSport (competitive ballroom dancing). Specific Benefits of Different Dances If you're looking for specific health results, here's a breakdown of the benefits of some popular dances. Just remember that any type of dancing is better than no dancing at all! Belly Dancing Improved posture and muscle toning Maintains flexibility Helps prevent lower back problems Tones and firms arms and shoulders Helps with weight loss Helps prepare women for childbirth Reduces stress Dancing Off Those Calories How many calories will you burn while dancing? That depends on the type of dancing. Here's a range of some of the most popular varieties, based on a 150-pound person, per hour: Swing dancing: 235 calories/hour Ballroom dancing: 265 Square dancing: 280 Ballet: 300 Belly dancing: 380 Salsa dancing: 420+ Aerobic dancing: 540+ Ballroom Dancing Conditions the body Helps keep the heart in shape Builds and increases stamina Develops the circulatory system Strengthens and tones legs and body Increases flexibility and balance Helps with weight loss Relieves stress Salsa Dancing Builds endurance and stamina Helps with weight loss Relieves stress Helps you release toxins via sweating May help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels Can lead to a reduced heart rate over time Square Dancing Provides cardiovascular conditioning May lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and an improved cholesterol profile Strengthens bones Helps you develop strong social ties Loosens and tones muscles Physical benefits aside, dancing has a way of brightening up a person's day, says ballroom owner and operator Karen Tebeau. "A lot of times, when people come into the studio, it's because there's been a change in their life: a divorce or they've been through a period of depression. They (continue) coming in, and you see a big change. After a while, they're walking in with a sunny expression. You know it's the dancing that's doing that," she says. About the Author: This article was provided by the world's #1 most popular and trusted holistic living e-newsletter -- FREE to you right now at http://www.SixWise.com!

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Prison is a cruel and selfish place filled with people who have failed in life.... But prision can also be educational. If one learns how to do their time, instead of letting time do them, one can become strong---in a good way.... In the past, I had added nothing but confusion, judgement and a horrible act of violence to the world.

Now, I try to add compassion, kindness and understanding to it, along with selfless service." - Lupe Rodriguez

Please help the Prison Dharma Project at the Zen Center of Denver.You can make a 100% tax-deductible donation to assist in this effort to aid in Lupe's release. Note cards, a set of five different "Wandering Monk images, designed by Lupe Rodriguez are available at the Zen Center of Denver for a minimum donation of $10.

Internet orders are available now by check or credit card.

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Plantar Fasciitis And Heel Bone Spurs Causes

By David Buster

Plantar faschitis and heel bone spurs causes are related to several common reasons. Plantar faschitis occurs when the connective tissue on the bottom of your foot that attaches to your heel becomes inflammed. When repeated stress and strain occur on the heel bone and surrounding soft tissue, the body attempts to protect itself by forming heel bone spurs. This kind of pain is usually felt at the bottom of your heel. Quite often, the heel pain is worse in the morning because of tightness and stiffening that happens during the night. The heel bone spurs causes can be related to: 1. Injury to the Foot, Arch or Heel - physical injury can occur while running, jogging or even walking and inflammation results. 2. Repetitive Pounding of the Foot - jogging and running, especially running downhill or on uneven surfaces, can result in tearing and plantar faschitis inflammation. And being on your feet more can lead to additional tearing in the fascia which results in more inflammation and pain. 3. Poor Fitting, Hard-Soled Shoes - shoes not providing adequate support can be one of the heel bone spurs causes. Supportive rubber-soled shoes that fit well cushion the impact of the heel striking the surface and can help reduce heel pain. 4. Tight Muscles in the Calf - tight muscles in the calves place additional stress on the foot muscles and tendons, and tight muscles are more prone to injury and/or inflammation. 5. Being Overweight - excess weight transmits more stress to the plantar fascia area, which can lead to plantar faschitis inflammation and pain. Plantar faschitis pain can become serious enough to be disabling. There are natural ways to treat heel and foot pain without resorting to foot surgery, which should be considered the very last option for foot pain and heel bone spurs. Learn about the things you can do to treat plantar faschitis and reduce heel pain. Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing About the Author: Read more about plantar faschitis treatment at http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/plantar-fascitis.html and ways to reduce heel pain. David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of natural health articles and resources.

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Find information and support at Exercise Your Willpower

Exercise Your Willpower Support Group Mailing List

If you need more motivation and some group support, feel free to subscribe to the Exercise Your Willpower mailing list. There is a great group of people who help motivate each other. To get more information, visit the website at: http://www.exerciseyourwillpower.com

Online Fitness and Health Tools

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Building Bridges, Not Walls!

By Willie Jones

Only twenty years ago, people would casually stroll the neibourhood, stop and chat with each other or walk down the street and greet you cordially. Nowadays people walk at a very fast pace and for the most part just walk past you looking at the ground lost in their own thoughts. It seems less people will say hello to a stranger. So it seems to a lesser degree with family and friends. Have we in this society lost some of our ability to communicate? Are we so involved in our own problems that we just don’t really see people anymore? There is a misconception that if you are talking to someone that you are communicating. This is not necessarily so. There is a difference between talking at someone and actually communicating. Talking at someone and not allowing an exchange of ideas does not promote a harmonious situation or solutions to a situation. For real communication to occur, an exchange of ideas needs to occur for understanding and possible resolutions. Our society today its all about anything that makes things quick and easy. Unfortunately this does not always work, especially if you are trying to resolve something. Take for example a married couple. Communication is so important for long-term relations. Without it, love just goes away. If a couple has not had real communication for a very long time, this can happen. One thing I have noticed is that people tend to put all their attention on the things we don’t like in our spouse, friend or co-worker. If this is all you can put your attention on then you are doomed to a separation and ill feelings to that individual. Here is something that I would suggest you try, no matter how bad your relationship is. We of course all have baggage no matter who you are. There is no such thing as a perfect person. So that said, knowing that we all have something that will annoy people, I suggest that you find something to admire about that individual. Everyone has good or strong points so if you start to focus on that instead of all things bad you may be amazed to find, oh my god, there is good there too. This is what you saw in the first place that drew you to that person. If you do this enough, your feelings will revert to the original way you felt about that person. This is what I mean about building bridges, not walls. It is very easy to build walls but if you learn to find what is good in people, you will build bridges instead. How fine is that! About the Author: Willie Jones, http://www.artinspires.com Willie is a freelance writer, researcher, floral designer, and artist. “When Art Inspires, Dreams Become Reality”. Make sure you enroll in the free motivational poster drawing. All winners receive a free framed print.”

Back to Table Of Contents *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Your public library has a wealth of information waiting for you - free - what are you waiting for? Read for your good health . *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Articles and Web Sites Worth a Look Finding Justice in Charity - Bill Moyers Daily Zen Gaiam - a lifestyle company The Power of Intention The Dangers of Splenda Biofeedback Helps Type-2 Diabetes Back to Table Of Contents *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "Great is the matter of birth and death, Time passes quickly. Wake-up! Wake-up! Don't waste a minute." -on the wall outside of the Zendo at the Zen Center of Denver *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace.-Albert Schweitzer *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Take advantage of the 10% discount at our Holiday website. In addition to holiday greeting cards, you will also find assorted boxed sets of greeting cards, suitable for business or personal use, and much more. This discount is for a limited time—take 10% off anything at this site.. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* If you would like to submit an article, or place an advertisement in this newsletter, or if you have any questions or comments, send them to the Editor. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Subscription Information To subscribe or unsubscribe, please click here and give instructions in subject of the e-mail. Attention AOL Members Due to the way AOL is handling e-mails, our newsletters are being returned undeliverable. Please use an alternate e-mail address such as gmail, hotmail, Yahoo, Juno, etc. You can sign up for these free. Sorry for this inconvenience. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Disclaimer The information in this newsletter is not intended in any way to be a substitute for medical advice. Always see your doctor before you begin any exercise routine or make drastic changes in your diet. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Go to Two Compassionate Hands Website

November 2005

Volume 1, Issue 3

The Health Benefits Of Dancing -- Including Specific Benefits Of Different Dances

Plantar Fasciitis And Heel Bone Spurs Causes

Building Bridges, Not Walls!

Articles and Web Sites Worth a Look

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