The Stress Busting Therapist

Powered by Gratitude

2011-06-30T16:13:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that I made the move to Nashville a few months ago. I took a risk by packing my car and making the 9-hour trip alone. I wanted to see what it is like to live in the city. There have been some trying times. There have been some great times. I had to hit the ground running with my job search because let me tell you I came here on faith. I didn't have a job or a permanent place to live but I was faithful that things would work out and so they did.

I found a beautiful apartment to live in (mind you without guaranteed employment...now that is faith and favor) within a week and I found a job within a month.

These past few months have taught me to be even more grateful. Grateful even when I'm down to my last $20 and haven't went grocery shopping. Grateful when the picture on my Goodwill television klonked out on me. Grateful when only a few people showed up to my business open house. Grateful when the brakes on my car are screeching and I don't know how I will pay to fix them.

You must be powered by gratitude.
You have to say "thank you" even when things are so dark.
You have to remain optimistic when it appears things are falling apart.

I can say that I am powered by gratitude. Last week I decided to not just think about the things I'm grateful for....I would record them in my gratitude journal. This has been a great practice! I'm finding all kinds of cool stuff to be grateful for.

Power your life with gratitude!

Elmira Loftin
Stress Busting Therapist
Another Touch Massage

New in Nashville: Summer Massage Special

2011-05-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

Another Touch Massage has recently relocated to Nashville, Tennessee.

We have a summer massage special just for you.
Get your 60-minute Stress-Buster Massage for only $75.
The regular price is $100.
This special is good through June 30, 2011.

To schedule your appointment, call Another Touch Massage
at (804) 240-3070. Ask for the "SUMMER SPECIAL"

Another Touch Massage
Massage and More at Your Door

Top 5 Things You Don't Know About Your Massage Therapist

2011-03-10T11:06:00.000-08:00

For this post, I thought I would inject a little David Letterman flair with his top 10 list. Hey, in case you didn't know I can be funny too.

People always ask me questions about massage therapy, so here goes. These are the top 5 things you don't know about your massage therapist.

1. Your stinky feet are fine. As a massage therapist, we don't really care how your feet look or if they smell. We see your body as a set of muscles, tissues, and bones. Believe me, we've seen some ugly feet and we've smelled some awful feet as well. This statement does not give you clearance to come to your massage session with raunchy feet though. We do appreciate when you keep them neat and groomed.

2. We can see your pain before you do. Yes, we might be looking at you funny at the grocery store. Or we're paying attention to the way you sit. Don't forget that we're watching the way you walk as well. We notice that your hips are out of alignment and your right shoulder is elevated. Massage therapists can assess your posture and possible areas of pain in just a quick glance. It's second nature so don't look at us strange the next time you see a massage therapist observing you. It's not stalking, it's healing.

3. Massage therapists are not sex therapists. Massage therapy is not a fly by night profession. Certified therapists are required to complete at least 500 hours of training in most states. Nationally certified therapists are also required to sit for a grueling exam administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. Training includes knowing anatomy and physiology, pathology, Asian theory and practice, treatment contraindications, numerous modalities, draping, and ethics. Massage is a medical profession and massage therapists are highly trained.

4. Part-time is Full-time. For most massage therapists, working 20 hours per week (which translates to 20 one-hour sessions) is considered full-time. It is not necessary or is it physically and mentally feasible for most therapists to work a typical 40-hour work week. Massage therapists make up the additional 20 hours with completing client paperwork, marketing, administrative tasks, accounting tasks, travel, and more.

5. We Must Detox Daily. When dealing with so many clients with different body ailments and issues, it is necessary for massage therapists to practice detoxification on a daily basis. Otherwise, we can take on the pain or discomfort from our clients without even thinking about it. Staying grounded is so necessary. Massage therapists could easily take on other people's problem, but they stay grounded by tossing the negative energy away. This detoxification is done through meditation, exercise, prayer and other techniques.

Spa Spring Rejuvenation Fundraiser

2011-02-28T16:18:00.001-08:00

Kick Old Man Winter to the Curb

Get Ready for Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K

Renew Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

Say Goodbye to the Stressful Work Week

Kiss Stress Goodbye at the Spring Spa Rejuvenation Fundraiser
Another Touch Massage is sponsoring the Spring Spa Rejuvenation Fundraiser
to raise funds for the Magical Journey to Nashville. The event takes place on Friday, March 25, 2011 and Saturday, March 26, 2011.

Event Details
Friday, March 25, 2011 from 6pm-10pm AND
Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 10am-5pm

Jade Beauty Salon
19 W. Main Street
Richmond, VA 23220

Appointment Required
R.S.V.P. by March 22, 2011 by calling or texting (804) 240-3070
Only $50 person (Cash or PayPal)

Why Now?
-Prepare and Rejuvenate Yourself for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K
-Kick Old Man Winter to the Curb
-Say Farewell to the Stressful Work Week
-To Renew Your Mind, Body, and Spirit to Welcome Spring

The cost is only $50 per person and all proceeds go to
the foundation. Additional information can be found at www.journeytonashville.com
Can't Make the Event?

You can still donate to Magical Journey to Nashville by visiting www.journeytonashville.com

Brad Jones: Dizzy, Me, and Vitamin D

2011-02-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month,Another Touch Massage sat down with Brad Jones to get his personal story on Vitamin D deficiency. He tells a candid story and shares his advice for anyone who may be in the same situation.

Q: Recently, you had some strange symptoms. Explain those. When did they start? How often? How long did they last?
A: It started off months previously where I would just stay tired all the time. I would even get ten to twelve hours of sleep. When I went to sleep, it would take me like three hours to wake up and then I would deal with constant fatigue throughout the day. For a month and a half, I didn't think too much about it. So, about a month ago I started getting lightheaded. It felt like I was losing control of my body for a few seconds. It was happening pretty infrequently, which was about once every three to four days. It started happening more regularly and when I was driving or just sitting at my desk at work. That's when it hit me that this might be a problem. At one point, it hit me and I had a really bad episode while I was driving to work where I felt like I was going to pass out. That's when my symptoms started happening once a day and escalated to three times a day. From that point forward, I went to my doctor and got treatment.

Q: Did you have any idea what you were experiencing?
A: At first, I just thought it was nothing. Or maybe I was just stressing myself out or eating the wrong food. Once the lightheadedness kicked in, I was like something is wrong. So, I monitored it for a couple weeks before I went to a physician. I wanted to be able to explain how frequently my episodes were happening. At the point where I was thinking about going to the doctor, I was thinking that I could be anemic. But to me that didn't make sense because I get a ton of iron in my system. My biggest fear at the time was a blood pressure or cholesterol problem. That runs in my family. I drink quite a lot of soft drinks too, so I thought I could be diabetic. It turns out thankfully that none of these were the accurate diagnosis.

Q: What led you to visit your primary care doctor? Were you afraid to get the results?
A: The last straw, even though it lasted only three to four seconds, was that bad lightheaded spell I had while driving to work one morning. I was at a stop light and I literally thought I was going to pass out. I was even getting ready to pull over. Thankfully it passed and I said this is it. If this hit me this bad, I can't take any more chances.

Q: Were you afraid to get the results?
A: Actually, I was pretty eager to get the results. When I went in to my doctor, we ran through all the questions and my habits and such. We did the blood work as well. I wanted the results immediately.

Q: What was the testing like? What did you discover? Is there a history of Vitamin D deficiency in your family?
A: Based on dietary habits, height, weight, and family background my doctor initially checked for blood pressure issues which he ruled out. So, he did a series of blood tests. He wanted to see thyroid function, diabetes, anemia, cholesterol, and possibly any other vitamin deficiencies. It turned out it was a Vitamin D deficiency. He told me your healthy blood levels for Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy level should be between 32 and 100 ng/ml. I was actually down to 3.5 ng/ml. Up until recently; there was not a history of Vitamin D deficiency in my family. But about a couple months ago, my grandmother on my mother's side of the family and my father have been diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency. I am not too sure what their levels were. One of the things I have read is that it is typically not a hereditary thing. It is a problem that is widespread.

Q: How do you feel now that you are being treated?
A: Now, I feel a lot better. The first two days of taking the Vitamin D-3 supplement were pretty rough. I was prescribed 10,000 IUs. Medically, that is about 500% of a normal person's daily Vitamin D intake. Those first couple of days I was getting the shakes. By the third day, I was back to normal. I am pretty sure my Vitamin D levels aren't back to where they should be. Health wise, I feel fine though. I can get seven or eight hours of sleep and wake up and not feel fatigued. I have plenty of energy and can think straight. Before I was treated, it felt like my brain was mush.

Q: Have you taken any extreme measures with your diet to get your body more balanced?
A: I guess I have made some drastic changes. I know beforehand I sparingly ate vegetables. Not to say that I am eating vegetables every day. I definitely make an effort and shoot for three to six servings of vegetables a week. I have cut back on some of my portions and that wasn't so much associated with the Vitamin D problem. I stepped up my fiber intake as well. I eat a cereal bar every morning. Before, I never ate breakfast. Now I eat four times a day. Before I only ate twice a day and I would kind of gorge myself. Also, I used to drink up to six Pepsis in a day. Now, I only have two or three. I am drinking more water now. This has definitely been a wakeup call. I am about to be thirty years old. You know, I am not eighteen anymore. For me, I probably wouldn't have taken this as seriously if I was eighteen, single and living the fun life. I had to look at the fact that I am married and I have people to support in my life.

Q: How does someone know if they are low on Vitamin D? What might they experience?A: Fatigue and lightheadedness are going to be the biggest symptoms. You can even start having bone weakness if your Vitamin D levels get extremely low. That would be a severe case. With men, one thing is Vitamin D regulates their testosterone levels. That will kill your sex drive and all that good stuff. If you're a guy, that is one key thing right there. So, men you may be tired for a reason.

Q: What advice can you share? When should someone check with their doctor?
A: Don't do what I did and wait around for almost a month to get checked. Everyone probably gets lightheaded from time to time. That alone is not an alarm to get checked for Vitamin D deficiency. After it happens three or four times in a short period, it might be time to visit the doctor. Going from a healthy level of Vitamin D to being too low can take a long time, but once you get too low your Vitamin D starts depleting more rapidly. It doesn't seem that serious, but it is something you don't want to take lightly either.

Q: We understand that the greatest source of Vitamin D is sunlight. Is Vitamin D deficiency a problem that can be repaired with increased exposure to sunlight?
A: Being outside in the sunlight will not fix the problem. It will help, but it won't repair anything. It is not really doing a whole lot even if you go and play outside for hours every day. This probably has something to do with my deficiency, but I did a long stretch where I wouldn't do any outside activities because when I was seventeen I got terrible sun poisoning. I was out in the sun too long without sunscreen and got really bad sun poisoning. My whole back was a blister. So, I wouldn't advise just going out in the sun to fix it. Some good food sources of Vitamin D are whole milk, fish, nuts, and leafy green vegetables. These things will give you more Vitamin D than going out in the sun.

Q: Are all supplements created equal? Should someone take over the counter Vitamin D supplements without consulting a physician?
A: No, not at all. Vitamin D can actually be toxic in your body, especially when you exceed the maximum level for your body. So you can't just take over the counter supplements. Get your blood work done, so that you know where your specific Vitamin D levels are.

Q: What is the most important lesson you have learned from this experience?
A: If something is wrong, don't let it lie and wait forever. I have a bad habit of doing that anyway. I'm not a person to go to the doctor at a moment's notice, but when it comes to something like the symptoms I had and I felt like I was about to lose consciousness you don't want to let it go. Don't wait.

New Discovery: Instant Manicure

2011-02-21T11:58:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to try the Well Being SPA Instant Manicure by PartyLite last week. This stuff is amazing. It's perfect for those times when you are in between manicures or just want to keep your hands looking and feeling silky smooth.

The Well Being SPA Instant Manicure is scented with a variety of essential oils. Some of the ingredients are sugar, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, shea butter, mango butter, olive oil, and jojoba oil.

It's a quick and easy process. You dab a small amount onto wet hands and rub all over for about 2 minutes. Then rinse off to reveal your instant manicure. This product does exactly what it says.

It comes in a neat 4 oz. container and you can even purchase as a set with the lotion. Get the whole set! Why not.

Elmira Loftin
Stress Busting Therapist
Another Touch Massage

Kiss, Kiss, Kiss and Don't You Miss

2011-02-10T05:22:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Valentine's Day during the entire month of February
with Another Touch Massage.

You can choose a Reservation for One OR
a Reservation for Two

Special #1 Reservation for One ~
Buy For Yourself or Your Sweetie

60-minute Stress-Buster Massage
Aromatherapy
Sensuous Music
Signature Keepsake
Only $89

Special #2: Reservation for Two ~
Buy For You and Your Sweetie

60-minute Couples Retreat
Aromatherapy
Sensuous Music & Candles
Signature Keepsake
Only $189

Specials Available from February 1, 2011
through February 28, 2011
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

Call Another Touch Massage at (804) 240-3070 to schedule your appointment.

Toilet Blues? Natural Laxatives Get You Moving

2011-01-26T09:31:00.000-08:00

You've probably been there more times than you've wanted to.
You're on the toilet, but you just can't seem to get anything to come out.
Stop straining. Stop the constipation. Stop sitting on the toilet and waiting.

These natural laxatives will help cleanse your colon and get the bowels moving without all the side effects.

1. Drink Water
You must drink plenty of water to help eliminate waste. Warm water is better than anything. When you are feeling constipated, drink a huge glass of water. Add some lemon juice for added effects. It works because without water, the solid waste in your colon has no way of moving. It just gets stuck. Think of the water like ocean waves forcing movement through your colon. Water increases peristalsis, the pumping action of the colon, that makes your bowels move.

2. Get Some Exercise
Exercise is great because when you move your body, your bowels wants to move too. The action of any type of exercise will encourage peristalsis as well. Alot of times, right after excercising you will have the best bowel movement ever. Exercise also gives proper nutrition and blood circulation to the bowels.

3. Flaxseeds
Eating flaxseeds is a great treatment for constipation. You can take 1 to 2 tablespoons with plenty of water right after a meal. Flaxseeds also reduce blood pressure.

4. Salt Water Flush
This is economical and works really well. Here are the steps:
-Fill large glass with hot, steaming tap water.
-Add two teaspoons of table salt or sea salt to the hot water.
-Stir well until completely dissolved.
-Drink the salt mixture as quickly as possible.
-Wait about 15 minutes for a bowel movement.

You should do the salt water flush early in the morning or right before bed.
You must allow 1-2 hours for the bowel movements to stop. Don't plan on going anywhere for 1-2 hours, because the bowel movements will come on suddenly. You don't want to be stuck in traffic or at work.

5. Eat Some Ginger
Purchase some fresh ginger and grate, press in a garlic press, or simply slice it.
Ginger stimulates digestion, relieves gas and bloating, and helps stop diarrhea. You can even add some ginger to your favorite dish to increase bowel movement.

6. Down Some Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne peppers are super spicy, but they get the job done. Cayenne stimulates the peristaltic motion of the intestines. Not only does cayenne pepper help your colon, it improves heart health. Drink about 1/4 teaspoon in warm distilled water regularly to boost heart function and the structure of capillaries, veins, and arteries. It is the wonder herb.

7. Abdominal Massage
You can massage your abdominal area to help with your bowel movements. Start under the right ribcage and press gently in a clockwise direction. This must be done clockwise, because this is the way the colon runs. For better results, contact Another Touch Massage for a professional abdominal massage treatment.

Sources:

Natural Laxatives

Natural Laxatives as a Cure for Relieving Constipation

Salt Water Laxative - Can Salt Water Clean Your Colon & Cure Constipation? by Amy Myers

Ginger: The Benefits of & How to Use by Stacie Naczelnik

Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Dwayne King: Resurrected Rhythm

2011-01-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

The following is the continuation of the interview that appeared in the December 2010edition of the "Stress Ease Massage Zine: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Stress Management Solutions"

Culture, music, dance, and a spiritual rebirth represent the core of Dwayne King. He has faced numerous internal and external challenges throughout life and is able to use dancing and songwriting as a form of expression in spite of these challenges. Adversity has propelled him to pursue learning on every level and undeniable joy exudes from Dwayne’s being, primarily due to a monumental experience last year.

Q: Your family is from Jamaica. How important is culture and heritage to you?
A: I grew up in Jamaica for four years, so culture and heritage are very important to me. When I think about Jamaica I think about culture, dancing, music, and a slower pace of life. Everyone, even in America, wants to have Jamaican food and their slower pace of life. There was a period where there was a lot of Jamaican music when Sean Paul and Beanie Man were popular. When I was in high school, some people even tried to be Jamaican. I appreciate my Jamaican culture. It influenced me in dancing, cooking, and family togetherness.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about Jamaica?
A: The biggest misconception is that Jamaicans are poor and do not really have much. Jamaica has resorts and expensive homes with cable access and other luxuries just like in America. Look at it this way, New York and Washington D.C. are similar. Everywhere is similar, because they have a good and a bad place. I don't like it when people place certain people in one category, because everyone in the world is different.

Q: I hear that you are an amazing cook. How did you learn to cook so well? What is your favorite dish to prepare?
A: I actually learned to cook on instinct. My mom did not teach me how to cook. What I make happens by accident a lot. For example, with the red velvet cake I make I wanted it to be moist. So, I would put it in the freezer to chill the frosting on the cake but I did not know that all that moisture was going into the cake. That was by accident. My favorite thing to make is the red velvet cake and ackee and salt fish. The dish is actually ackee, salt fish, and dumplings. Salt fish is a dried fish that is salted.

Q: Dancing seems to be in your blood and you have choreographed routines for various artists. What is your greatest challenge when developing a routine for a client?
A: The greatest challenge is when artists want a routine developed by the next day. For me, I am always prepared. Like I said, dancing comes naturally. Listening to music gives me a feel of the beat and gives me a feel in my body. I don't like when artists give me a short amount of time to do choreography. What is challenging is that people think it takes a short amount of time to come up with a dance, but they don't know that you really put a lot of time into it. This is my art, this is my craft, this is my baby. Dances are something that I birth. It is also a challenge when I show a dance to people and they don't appreciate it, because I birthed it. It is your baby.

Q: Are you a competitive person? Why or why not?
A: I am very competitive person. I like to be the best and am very hard on myself. I am very critical of myself and a perfectionist. I am a perfectionist when it comes to my work and my craft. When I am competing, I am competing with myself as well as other people. If it is a dance performance where other acts are there and it doesn't even have to be a competition, I want my dancers to be the best.

Q: How do you stay mentally, spiritually, and physically fit?
A: I stay mentally and spiritually fit by reading my Bible and praying to Jesus Christ. I don't get stuck on things and say woe is me. I allow God to guide my life and just roll with it. Physically, I exercise every day. I do strength training and a cardio routine every day. If I can't do it every day, I will take my rest and heal my body.

Q: I am looking forward to....A: Life. I am looking forward to what is coming up next. At first I lost everything. I lost my car, my job, my clothes, my place, my shoes, and all those material things. Through this journey I have learned what is important. I would always say I am going to college, but what happens if I can't go to school. What happens if I don't have the money to go to college. I do have goals, but now I have learned to live my life in the now. I say "God guide my life wherever you want me to go I will go." Now everything has started to come in place. I am looking forward to the next step.

Q: Along with your choreography talent, you are also an avid songwriter. When do you plan to release some of your work to the public?
A: I do not know. I have no idea. Sometimes I feel like my songs are my baby. I have to make sure and prepare myself and also be okay with revealing myself. My songs are me. I have to be bold enough and okay to show a part of me. It is just putting my mind to it and really doing it. Instead of just talking about it, I have to do it.

Q: Adversity and challenges are a part of living. How do you manage the adversities in your life?
A: Going to church and being in Jesus Christ. Without him I would be insane. I am learning a lot of things from the Bible and being with people. Sometimes you have to take the time to shut up. I am being honest. A lot of times, we as people like to dictate. We have to listen to reasoning. We have to take in what people are saying. Not everybody is a hater, some people are really trying to tell you some good stuff. How I face my challenges are just reading the Bible and using the help of people like my pastor, deacons, and my counselor. Just being around positive energy and taking all the negativity out of your life. Sometimes it is tough to remove the negativity completely if it is coming from a loved one in the home like a parent. It is not that easy. Negativity is hard with family and loved ones. Sometimes you even have to be around negativity at work. You just have to know how to deal with it. It's hard to do it when you don't have much money. The best way to cope would be talking with a close friend, someone at church, or a school counselor. You can even research online and find a crisis counselor to talk to. People need somebody. It is hard to survive it alone, especially when you constantly have negativity in your life.

Q: If you could relive one day in your life, what day would that be?
A: I want to relive the day where I accepted Christ into my life. That was a glorious day and the beginning of healing. That was the beginning of me growing and actually knowing what it is to have a true relationship with Jesus Christ. A true relationship means talking to the Lord like he is your best friend. I can tell him my problems. I talk to the Lord about my temptations, like when I have a desire to have sex. This was the beginning of my spiritual growth. That part of my life is when I began my maturity. I am learning to take things in, even though my flesh is saying I don't feel like learning this or I don't need to learn this. For example, today I asked my next door neighbor to teach me how to change the oil in my car.

Q: Happiness is...
A: Happiness is Jesus Christ. I mean people may not understand it, but it just is. It is just living in a place where you are so in love with a person. I just think I did all these things and he still forgives me. Most humans say they forgive you, but with Jesus Christ he forgives you and it is just dropped like that.

Q: If money was not an issue, I would start________________________ tomorrow?
A: I want to travel. I want a house. I want to bring all my family from Jamaica to visit me in America. It is so many things I want to do. I would have a birthday party with my friends in Maryland, Canada, Jamaica, and from everywhere and bring them together. Even though he wasn't there all my life, I would help my biological father. I would help my friends, because I want to see them succeed. I would make it so my mom would never have to work a day in her life. I would give the church a big slice of it and I would help people on the street as well. Sometimes, when you have money it is dangerous because you don't know what to do with it. I don't want to be rich, but I do want to be well off.

Q: Part of my trademark is...
A: What makes me Dwayne King are the struggles that I go through. The hurt and the pain are why I am so mature today. My struggles are what make me who I am. I didn't understand things at first. I am always learning something new and receiving all of this information. I am starting to want to learn and want information. As opposed to when I was younger, I would refuse the information.

Q: What is the importance of pursuing knowledge?
A: Because it makes me who I am. It allows me to grow up. Not knowing things makes you very naive. Learning is wisdom. You are stronger. When you learn from your mistakes, you learn not to do it again. When you learn from other people, you learn from them that you don't have to do it again. Learning gives you better insight on life. Even when you are 80 or 90 years old, you are always going to learn. There is always some new information to be learned. Learning is a fact of life.

Q: What one thing do you wish you had known five years ago?
A: I wish I had known that sex is what it is. It is not what it is cracked up to be. Losing your virginity involves a lot. Many say women are so emotional. Men are emotional too. I didn't know there were bad people out there. I assumed that everyone was good and was treating me right. But now I know that I can't be nice to every single person. I was very sheltered and I wish I would've known what I know now. But then if I didn't learn those things on my own, I wouldn't have grown.

Q: Do you have any regrets?
A: I have no regrets. With me, I don't really have any regrets. I don't regret talking, being friends with, or dating certain people who did me wrong. You learn stuff by going through a bad relationship. I wouldn't recognize certain things and have the knowledge and wisdom. If I didn't go through what I went through, I wouldn't have known that someone older than you could do you wrong and steer you the wrong way. Just because someone is older doesn't make everything they say and do right.

December: $60 Massage Days

2010-12-14T23:09:00.000-08:00

Another Touch Massage offers $60 Massage Days

This December Only!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Appointment Dates & Times:
Thursday, December 16 9am OR 10am
Friday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) 6pm
Monday, December 27 10am, 2pm, OR 6pm
Friday, December 31 (New Year's Eve) 6pm OR 9pm

Call (804) 240-3070 to schedule your Stress-Buster Massage

Dana Carroll: Recipe for Service

2010-12-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Two cups of inspiration, one cup of talent, one cup of family support, and one cup of faith comprise the ingredients of Dana Carroll's service to others. At the age of thirteen, she embarked on a junior chef project where she is cooking her way through the cookbook "Get In There and Cook!". Her love for cooking begin at an early age. She is also passionate about serving others and takes cues from the elders in her family. You can taste her humble spirit in every dish she prepares. To follow her junior chef project, visit http://juniorchefproject.com.

Q: How would you describe your family? What is the best part about being a Carroll?
A: We are happy to be together. We all love each other. A really cool part about being a Carroll is when we go down to South Carolina and visit, we always eat good. We go to the coolest restaurants so that is a lot of fun. There is this one restaurant I think called Carolina Barbeque. It is this giant restaurant with a buffet that serves barbeque, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, corn, and other things. We go there every time we visit. I sometimes cook too. The last time we visited, I cooked for my grandma, my grandma's friend, my cousin, and my cousin's husband. I got to cook for a lot of people. That was really interesting. I had not done that before.

Q: You are passionate about cooking. What are some of your other passions and hobbies?
A: Well, I love basketball. I just tried out for the team but didn't make it. I love to write short stories. All my friends like my short stories. I have a pretty big imagination so I come up with some pretty cool stories. I also have a passion for ice skating. I don't really do it much now, but during the winter I do go to the MacArthur Center mall. Of all my interests, I love playing violin the most! I have an amazing teacher and last year my friend and I won 1st place in a State Competition. We played a violin/cello duet.

Q: How would your friends describe you?
A: Some of my friends describe me as crazy. I can get pretty crazy at times. They say I am nice and funny and great at giving advice. They also say I am an amazing chef.

Q: What inspired you to start your junior chef project?
A: Seeing the movie "Julie & Julia" inspired me. I had already liked to cook and did it pretty regularly. But then I saw this girl who cooked her way through a cookbook. I said I want to do that really bad. I told my mom that I wanted to cook through Julia Child's cookbook, but then I looked at it and said this is giant and it is hard. I decided to pick a different cookbook. It was pretty much the movie that started the project.

Q: When did you begin the project?
A: I began the project between December 2009 and January 2010.

Q: Doing this project is a gutsy and ambitious move. Have you experienced any setbacks along the way?
A: I have experienced one setback a couple of times. My weeks get pretty hectic and I get busy with playing violin, writing my blog, cooking, and all these things I have to do. So, it was sort of like running out of time to do all of this stuff. For like a week or more I wasn't able to cook. I found that as a setback just because I couldn't cook for a while. Other times I wouldn't cook the recipe right. I learned to balance this by saying I'm taking my nights off to cook. I don't cook every night, but I do cook as much as possible.

Q: Which dish has your family enjoyed the most?
A: That would be a dish called Ham Tortellini Toss. It is not from "Get In There in Cook!", but it is from the Pampered Chef® "Weekday Dinners Done!". It is these really cool cards with easy recipes. I use a pasta with cheese inside, add the ham, and make a white sauce. I cook the noodles and add the noodles into the white sauce. The ham goes into the whole mixture then you finish it off by adding a bunch of Spinach. It is really good.

Q: There are some people who are uncomfortable in the kitchen. What advice can you offer them about learning how to cook?
A: It is pretty much what I did. Start with easy box dinners to learn basic skills like browning meat and following directions. I did that for a while and then I started going my way up. I just started with something easy and worked on that. Then I would do something a little harder and then something a little harder than that. It just ended up getting easier. Even if you mess up, there is nothing to apologize for. You still tried your best. Cooking is cooking. Just don't apologize even if you mess up.

Q: Christmas is approaching and that means preparing meals and hosting parties. What is a simple dish that anyone can prepare for their guests?
A: For an entree, I would suggest skillet steak au' poivre. It is a French recipe. It is pretty much French steak, but it is not like steak. It is actually hamburger meat that you cook in the skillet and make a sauce and that is pretty much it. It is really easy to double up your recipe if you need to make extra. For a snack, there is a recipe in "Get In There and Cook!" called cheese wafers. They taste just like Cheez-It® crackers but they are much better for you. They have a hint of homemade in it and they taste so good.

Q: Being with family is the best part of the holiday season. Does your family have a favorite tradition?
A: One of our favorite traditions is every Christmas Eve at night we sit in the living with the Christmas tree lights on. We read the story of Jesus' birth out of the Bible. I really like that, because it gets us looking at the true meaning of Christmas and not just staring at all the Christmas presents. It shows us that those presents shouldn't be given to us, we should give them back to God. It is real cool to focus on God during Christmas Eve and not on things that we get.

Q: At your age, you are such an inspirational young lady. Who or what inspires you?
A: Before I discovered that I liked to cook, I would go to my grandmother's house. This is my mom's mom. I would help her cook dinner. It would always be something easy because she doesn't like to cook. I would start by just putting stuff in bowls, because I was eight at the time. She was uncomfortable with me having a knife. Later on, she needed me to cut up a salad. That was the very first time I ever put a cooking knife in my hand. So, I cut up her salad. I said this is so fun and I wanted to do it again. It all pretty much started with going to my grandmother's house and cutting up salad. That is how my passion started. Also, my grammie inspires me. She is a chef and teaches cooking classes. She is actually a pastry chef and inspires me a lot. She is cooking all the time. Whenever I go over her house, she has something for me to taste and it is always so good. My grammie has taken me to her cooking class and I got to make cookies while I was there. She also gave me a Kitchen Aid mixer as a gift. She is a really big inspiration for me and it is great to have someone with the same passion in my family.

Q: Name your most prized possession.
A: The Kitchen Aid mixer that my grammie gave to me. I remember when I first started cooking, I would hear about the mixer. I wanted one so bad. That is one of my favorite things. I am glad I don't have to use my whisk and my bowl anymore.

Q: Faith is an important part of your identity. What makes you proud to be a Christian?
A: It is pretty much being able to serve others. I love to serve others and do things for them. It is being able to love God too and being able to go to church. I have an amazing church that I attend. Most importantly, just knowing that when I die I will go to heaven.

Q: What is something you do every day to have fun and stay healthy?
A: I like to play the violin. I have a violin teacher and I do a lot of orchestras. I am in my church's orchestra and I recently got accepted into junior district orchestra. It is an orchestra for middle and junior high students to be able to come and play and learn different songs. Sometimes I like to go outside and throw the football with my brother. It gives us time to hang out.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: When I am eighteen, my dream is to be able to go to Paris for a month. I would go around and look at all the restaurants and sightsee. So, I see myself in Paris in five years. I actually want to go by myself. I might ask a friend or family member to come with me. But I thought it would be fun to go by myself, since I want to live in Paris and be a chef in Paris. I want to see what is like to live by myself in Paris.

Developing Deeper Gratitude

2010-11-17T04:48:00.000-08:00

GUEST BLOGGER: Lauren Pemberton

The following article was originally released in the October 2009 edition of the "Stress Ease Massage Zine: Lifestyle, Wellness & Stress Management Solutions". With Thanksgiving approaching, it is fitting to think about gratitude.

We often become overwhelmed by the stresses of our daily life. We verbalize these stresses on our jobs, "I won't meet the deadline" or on our way to work, "I'll never make it on time", and in our homes, "I just don't have the time to clean". The more we focus on these negative things we become mentally and physically bogged down. The stress begins to manifest itself in the form of sleeplessness, depression, headaches, panic attacks, tension, back pain and the list goes on.

It seems the things we worry about the most are the things we will continue to receive. This idea really became evident to me as I was listening to "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. If we complain about not having money, we will fall deeper into debt. If we worry about never being on time, we never will be. After reading and reflecting, I began to think about gratitude: "If I am thankful for the things that I have (not neccessarily material possessions) and the things that I can do...I will in turn receive more of those things. After all, this mindset worked when my thoughts focused on negative stresses.

In the hustle of everyday life we rarely take time to be thankful. I don't mean saying, "Thank goodness I made it to work on time today". But a deeper level of gratitude. A level where you are thankful that you were able to wake up in the morning, to even start the car that you eventually arrived to work on time in. What we fail to see is that the fact that all of this happened was never promised so when it does we need to say thank you.

Shortly after my father passed, I remember my mother singing a song to me entitled "I Won't Complain". Here are a few lyrics to that song: I've had some good days, I've had some hills to climb, I've had some weary days, and some sleepness nights. But when I look around and think things over, All of my good days outweigh my bad days and I won't complain. I continue to find comfort in those words. The line in that song that resonates is: My good days outweigh my bad days. I would venture to say that for many of us this is the case and by reflecting on those words if may be easier to have a spirit of gratitude.

Sometimes, when facing adversities it is not always easy to be thankful. But, when you come out of the storm, realize the purpose that storm served in your life and you will see there was a lesson to be learned, or as my dad would say "a nugget" and for that you can be thankful. Though the purpose is not always immediately clear, be grateful for the more obvious blessings that have already been bestowed upon you and for those that are still to come.

When you wake up in the morning think of something that you are thankful for and before you lay down at night do the same. Say it loud, give a voice to your gratitude. You will begin your day looking for more things you are thankful for. When you go to bed at night you will feel the same feeling of gratitude as you rest causing you to sleep better.

So, tomorrow, instead of moaning and groaning when the alarm clark beeps loudly five minutes before you are ready to wake up, say thank you that you had breath in your lungs and a beating heart to reach over and slap the snooze button.

Johnny Nomega: Tracks to Truth

2010-11-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

Johnny Nomega is the founder and owner of Nomega Films & Audio located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Truth and positivity define this expansive enterprise that includes marketing, business development, recording, film production, online radio broadcasts, and a school. His work on over 800 entertainment projects has earned him much recognition and accolades, but he still keeps truth, integrity, and God at the core. Not afraid to share his success, he is an excellent mentor and coach to other entrepreneurs. To learn more about Nomega Films & Audio, visit www.nomegastudios.com.

Q: What is your first childhood memory?
A: I can actually remember being born. That's crazy. No one actually remembers being born believe it or not. I remember going from the darkness into the light. It's just a real brief memory.

Q: Have you always had an affinity for music and entertainment?
A: I got into music at a young age. I was a published writer at 10 years old. I wrote an essay on why not to do drugs. I think it was a national competition. There was two competitions--one for art and one for writing and I won the one for writing. I was a Universal Records writer and producer for four years. That didn't take me where I wanted to go. Then I went to Virginia and went independent. I was getting a lot of notoriety there. Then I moved back to Louisiana last year, expanded the film department and started shooting movies. We also started a pop record label and the online magazine. We never had an online magazine but we kind of followed Oprah's lead with the incorporation of all her sites on one website. So we have the online magazine, online radio station, marketing and everything with the Nomega brand.

Q: This past year seems to have been one of transitions for you. What has been the hardest adjustment? Or was it hard at all?
A: Now, it was very hard. It was a very difficult transition to move. I had to come home because my dad had a stroke. They thought he was going to die. I had it cushy in Virginia. I had clientele. I had money. I had a beautiful girlfriend. Things were real nice. So to be uprooted and single again, that was tough, but
the hardest thing is being away from my son. I even find it hard to talk to him because I him so much.

Q: Why do you think many of us are uncomfortable with change?
A: When times get hard, people go back to what is familiar. I think we are cool with changing and doing whatever it takes when things are good. Now in hard times, we are more apt to revert back to the way we were. It's kind of like a guy who's abusing his wife, he goes to classes and then he stops and everything is good. Then, he loses his job, the kids are struggling in school and he gets stressed out and then his wife yells at him. Times get hard and he wants to go back to his old ways. So change is something that is difficult for us to uproot, because we can change on the surface. Surface change is just surface change, but we have to change deeply on the inside. Everybody wants to change for the better, but most don’t because the don’t know how. The more you try to do it, the more you learn about how to do it. The more you learn, the more familiar you become with change.

Q: What is the single, most important lesson you’ve ever learned?
A: Follow God with all my mind, heart, and soul.

Q: How did you fall into the role of being a mentor?
A: It started off really just helping people start businesses. But after you help them incorporate, they want to know what's next. I helped them with creating contracts to sign artists and marketing too. So, that's how I started just helping people. It just grew from there. I do consider myself a mentor because I've helped so many people. I believe in mentorship. A lot of people learn from your advice. The worse thing anyone can do is pretend that they have the answers.

Q: Describe the driving force behind Nomega Films & Audio. What propels your forward?
A: Success. I want to see everyone that I work with successful. I work with about thirty actors. We just brought on our first online deejay. We work with six different A&R representatives. Between the record label, the film company, the online radio station, and the online magazine we are just looking to be successful. All those people have come to me believing in the Nomega brand. I want to see them all successful. I want to see them all achieve.

Q: Film is a great medium to showcase life and to bring attention to social issues. What draws you to film creation? How do you hope to impact the audience?
A: I want to make movies where the good guy does win in the end. He may not win financially, because we don't always win financially. He may not win the girl at the end, but in some way he will win. Even if he lost the money and he lost the girl, in some way he will be enlightened by the experience. His life will never be the same and made better for the positive. The message will be, in life you will have struggles, but you can change.

Q: You’ve worked on many projects during the span of your career. After all these years, which one still stands out and why?
A: The Ellis Uniques project. I had never heard anything like it. They had an edge that was just amazing. That project definitely stands out. I worked with Veronica Llano on a single called "Cry" but she now wants to be a rapper. Working with the rap rock band Bound & Beaten. I like different.

Q: What is currently happening at Nomega Films & Audio? What is your vision?
A: My desire is to have a mega-corporation that reaches every aspect of America and every aspect of the world. I know that is huge, but that's my ambition. Entertainment is just the start . On the marketing side of Nomega Films & Audio , I have clients that own businesses, pastors and churches and individuals who come to us for business advice. We help with their marketing and strategic planning. We develop the structure of their business or church and teach them how to grow. We actually help them be successful. Unfortunately, the majority of businesses that open up close. so I try to help them avoid those type of pitfalls. We also help them advertise on the radio by producing radio advertisements. On the film side, we are looking to shoot two movies next year. The first film, we want to put on the big screen then release on video. The film is called Fighting Goliath. Still accepting scripts on the second one, but this is just the beginning.

Q: Most corporations and well-known public figures have a trademark. What is your trademark? What makes you stand out?
A: The fact that we’re like wal-mart, but for entertainment. Whether you need film scoring and movie scripts or hip hop beats and pop singers or business advice and marketing, you can get it from us. That has been our niche.

Q: Do you think music should have a message or be popular with the ability to reach the masses?
A: Music is both. All music has a message. You don't have to make it have a message. It does whether you intentionally did it or not. Whether it is rhythm and blues, pop, gospel, heavy metal, rock, the music has a message whether they want to admit to it or not. Back in the day, there was a song called Rock and Roll All Night. That meant having sex, drugs, and partying. Some people would say that is just a song. But if you are feeling good that way, you're feeling good the wrong way. I think all music has a message. It's just what is that message? As far as being popular, it would be great if your music was popular. People need to realize that there is billions of dollars in making positive or gospel music. Music is powerful. Music changes your emotions and changes your spirit.

Q: How do you balance your personal and business life? Have you always been at that place?
A: Balance has not always been there. In 2004, I was a workaholic. There was no personal life. During that time, no one saw me. My son didn't see me. My family didn't see me. I was working eighteen hours a day, sometimes thirty-six to forty-eight hours a day. I would literally work all night into the next day at the studio and still keep working. So there was no personal life. As I got older, I learned to have a balance. The best balance I've had between work and personal life is what I have right now. I can work, but at the same time still enjoy a very healthy spiritual life and very healthy friendships. Some things you don't learn until you go through them. I realized in 2004 that I was making money, yet at the same time my marriage was failing. My personal life was a wreck. When I looked at my life a year later, I realized that it wasn't worth the trade-off. I realized that I didn't just want success in business. I wanted success in business and success in my personal life and then I started to become more organized. When you're more organized, you can do more in the same amount of time. I now only work six days a week, and that gives me time to plan on Sundays and see my family. It's all about having a balance. You have to prioritize your personal life. We often neglect those that love us. I had to come to a realization that what is the purpose if I made a million dollars and I didn't have anyone to love or to share it with. That would be pretty lonely. That is not true success.

Q: You mentioned that you were married for a brief period. It seems that many are shunning marriage today. What is your take on this?
A:. People are losing faith in marriage. People are seeing people cheat on each other within a marriage. One reason is that we are seeing marriage wrong. It is often called the "institution" of marriage. Who wants to be institutionalized? A marriage is not an institution like a state or a prison. It is a spiritual, Godly union. Once you realize it is a Godly union, you know that your commitment isn't to each other , it is to God. When you see it that way, it changes things. It also changes who you marry. Another reason that the divorce rate is so high is that people get married knowing that they can get divorced. Back when, divorce wasn't an option. People just worked it out. Also, people are straying away from the church. People are marrying outside of their religion too. The more you see these types of things happening, the more we will see the divorce rate increase.

Q: I have run into a lot of people lately on a quest to discover their passions and purpose. What is your advice for finding and pursuing your passions and purpose?
A: Somebody told you that you are good at something. So, start doing it. God never makes mistakes. Everything good comes from God. If you are good at something, that is a gift. Just start doing it. You don't need a million dollars to get started. If you want a dance studio, start in your own living room with the kids around the neighborhood. Just start doing it. Your gift will make room for it. The Bible says don't despise humble beginnings. Whatever your gift is, just start doing it. It will begin to manifest.

Q: Are you living your dream?
A: Absolutely. I am on the way. My goal is to have successful businesses, multi-million dollar enterprises. I am happy. I don't feel like I have worked a day. I enjoy every day. I'm happy every day. How many people get to go to work and do exactly what they love to do? I am at a point in my career where I am good. I haven't reached my goal yet, but I am on the path. You have to be able to endure the process. The race isn't given to the strong or the swift, but to those that endure until the end. You have to endure the ups as well as the downs.

Q: People would be surprised to know that...
A: I shocked a young lady the other day when she found out I was deeply in the ministry. That might be something that shocks people too. I think people just see you in a business environment and never really get to sit down and know you on a deeper level.

Q: If you were to write a book, what would be the title?
A: I am actually working on two books now. The first is called All the Myths of the Music Business. It will cover my close to two decades of experience and address all the pitfalls of the industry. This book will help the average person and will be written in layman's terms. I'm also working on a book called Why Good Girls Choose Losers. The book will discuss the psychology behind it. Once I finish that, I have a book called Circle of Power that I want to start working on. It is a business book about how to build your business and get information from the right people. Between all these books, right now I'm focused on finishing the script for the film Fighting Goliath.

Q: Tell me about the books you enjoy reading.
A: I have a million books that I haven't really touched since I started writing. I do read the Bible daily. Donald Trump has a book called Think Big and Kick “Butt” in Business and Life . That is an unbelievable book. Reading this book just ups your game. It is truly amazing.

Q: What is the importance of having integrity in business?
A: There's always an option for greed. Greed often affects businesses when they choose to go with money over what is moral. You have to make a statement. Good business practices makes the customers top priority and when the customers are top priority then you keep them and keep your business growing.

Yuck! Why You Felt Sick After Your Massage

2010-11-04T10:32:00.001-07:00

You went into your last massage session so excited and happy. You were prepared to relax. You could feel yourself falling asleep before you even got on the table. You said 'This is going to be the best massage ever'.

Yes, you did relax and the massage therapist treated all your areas of tension and pain in your body. You even wanted to marry him or her. Please don't deny it. But later on that day you started feeling sick. The massage was supposed to make you well, but why did it make you sick?

1. You did not drink enough water
Yes, your therapist gave you strict after care instructions. But he or she probably did not tell you how much water to drink. The rule of thumb is to consume twice as much as normal. You want to flush out all the impurities and toxins that were broken up during your massage so that you can excrete them when you urinate. So, drink plenty of water so you can avoid feeling sick.

2. You were already sick
One of two things could have happened here. You already had the sniffles and a sore throat but you decided to go through with the massage anyway. This is not advised. The other thing that could have happened is that your immune system was already fighting a virus (or other foreign agent) and you did not feel the symptoms yet. Your massage caused an increase in your blood flow, allowing the virus to flow freely. By you feeling sick now, your body is fighthing the virus (or other foreign agent) even more. So, pay attention to your body before getting a massage. If you feel sick, don't go through with it.

3. The pressure was too deep
You are on the table clenching your teeth. Meanwhile, your therapist is overjoyed at the knots that she or he is releasing. You can sense the smile on their face.This is no fun for you though. You said you wanted a "deep" tissue massage, not a "weep" tissue massage. Admit it, that treatment had you crying on the table or wanting to yell at your therapist. When the pressure is too deep, you can easily bruise and experience flu-like symptoms after your massage.

To avoid this situation, communicate well with your therapist. Let him or her know when the pressure is too deep or too light. After all, this is YOUR massage. Don't lie there taking too much pressure. If your therapist is sensitive to you speaking up, then you need to find a new therapist.

Grocery Stress: Ten Healthful Foods Under $5

2010-10-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Your food budget is tight. Let's face it, you want to eat healthier but the things you want to eat cost so much more than the junk food. You do have options though.

The health & wellness division of Another Touch Massage took a trip to the grocery store to find these $5 deals for you. The fact is you can find healthful foods without breaking the bank. Here's what we found:

1. Baby Carrots ($2.50)
Baby carrots are great and make an excellent mid-day snack. Pack a bag of these tasty and crunchy treats to take with you to work. Buy the 16 oz. or the 32 oz. size. Either one is economical.

2. Frozen Spinach ($2.59)
This is the best. You can purchase the leafy kind of the chopped variety. Either one is rich in iron. You can add frozen spinach to soups, as a base for egg rolls, in your vegetable lasagna, or simply serve as the vegetable with your meal. Better yet, make your own spinach & artichoke dip at home. Here are some easy spinach recipes to get you started.

3. Dried Fruit ($3.49)
When you can get the fresh kind, buy the dried version. Many of the nutrients are preserved in dried fruit. You can purchase peaches, apricots, figs, pineapples, or dates. Most of the time, the dried kind is cheaper than the fresh variety. Plus, it won't go bad because you let it sit too long in your refrigerator. Dried fruit makes a perfect snack too.

4. Kale ($.98/lb.)
Kale is great. It is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Additionally, it is packed with iron, manganese, potassium, and most of all calcium. This dark leafy green is the better source of calcium than dairy products, because it is more kind to your digestive system. There are so many ways to prepare kale. You can use it as the base of your salad, put the leaves on a pizza, or mix it in with your breakfast omelette. The possibilities are endless. Click here for more kale recipes.

5. Beans ($1.99)
Kidney beans. Black beans. Garbanzo beans. Pinto beans. You name it. You can opt for the dried beans or the canned variety. Just keep in mind that the canned versions are packed with more sodium to preserve the food. Beans make a great meal alone, mixed in with a soup, or as part of that special dip served with tortilla chips. Goya Foods has some great canned options, including a reduced sodium kind. Eat your beans because they are rich in fiber and iron.

6. Tuna Fish ($1.39)
Straight from the can or served as a tuna salad, either way canned tuna fish is a winner for your grocery bill. You can use the tuna for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Mix in with your eggs for a different flavor in the morning. Make a delicious tuna salad on wheat for lunch. Then for dinner, you can prepare some tuna cakes. Here are some easy tuna recipes to get your creative juices flowing.

7. Asparagus ($2.99/lb.)
Yes, asparagus is one of the more expensive vegetables but that is for a reason. It is one of the best sources of folic acid, which is necessary for the growth of new cells in your body. The vegetable is also a natural diuretic, which gets your urine flowing. Asparagus has no fat or cholesterol and is low in sodium. Additionally, it is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, potassium, and thiamin. You can prepare this attractive vegetable steamed, roasted or sauteed. It's your pick.

8. Ground Turkey (2/$4.00)
This is a great lean meat. Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in many cases. Use it in your spaghetti or lasagna. Add your favorite spices and create the best turkey burgers in town. The possibilities are endless.

9. Apples ($1.89/lb.)
Yes, an apple a day is all you need. The skin of an apple is actually the best part because it contains 4 milligrams of quercetin. Quercetin is a compound that prevents oxygen molecules from damaging your individual cells. An apple's skin also has a good combination of soluble and insoluble fiber to prevent constipation and keep your colon healthy. You can buy organic or non-organic apples. Either one is rich in nutrients. Just remember to always wash before eating, particularly since the skin is the best part.

10. Sweet Potatoes ($.99/lb.)
They're sweet and they're hearty. Sweet potatoes shouldn't only be eaten for Thanksgiving. They are perfect for everyday meals. This fiber-rich food is packed with nutrients. Much like kale, it has lots of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, manganese, and potassium. You can fry them into tasty treats or bake them whole.

***NOTE: Prices listed were gathered from grocers in Richmond, Virginia. Prices will vary based on your geography, grocery store, and the season.****

Sources:

Nutritional Benefits of Apples

Aspagurus Lovers Unite

Kale Nutrition Facts

Aromatherapy: Making Scents of Stress

2010-10-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

Scents are everywhere. You smell the cologne or perfume of your co-worker walking by or maybe you catch a whiff of those frame-broiled burgers as you drive by Burger King. Scents like these tend to put you in a certain mood or they bring back memories. Your sense of smell is so powerful and great at preventing and relieving body ailments too. For over 5,000 years, practitioners have used aromatic scents to promote health and wellness. Today, this practice is commonly known as aromatherapy.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the practice of using naturally extracted essences of aromatic plants to promote the health of your body, mind and emotions. The key here is that the essential oils are pure. Oils that were not extracted from a living plant are not true aromatherapy. There are many products on the market today using the term aromatherapy. You must be careful by looking to see if they really contain essential oils. Some good ways to determine this are price and place of purchase. Aromatherapy products are more expensive and you won’t be able to purchase them at the mall or discount store. When in doubt, consult your local aromatherapist.

How does aromatherapy work?

Your nose has about fifty million smell receptors that are part of the olfactory bulb. Your olfactory bulb is connected to the limbic system in the brain. The limbic system controls your memory, emotions, and sexual arousal. Because your sense of smell is connected to the nervous system, essential oils have the power to alter your mood and balance the effects of any dysfunction. Relaxing oils also stimulate the production of serotonin, a chemical that helps you relax and sleep.

What are some easy ways to use essential oils?

•Diffusing. Use a safe electronic or candle-burning diffuser. Follow the instructions on the diffuser. The aroma from the essential oil(s) is dispensed in the air creating a relaxing environment that lingers for hours.

•Massage. Another Touch Massage offers aromatherapy massage to treat stress and anxiety. During treatment, the appropriate essential oils are combined with a carrier oil. You’ll be in heaven as you enjoy both the benefits of the oils and the massage.

•Aromatherapy Blends. Refer to the book Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beauty by Roberta Wilson for an A-Z listing of blends to treat everything from stress to depression. Always consult your physician and a certified aromatherapist if you have a severe medical condition.

What are the best essential oils for stress?

•Bergamot, jasmine, marjoram, rose, lavender, and chamomile are great for relaxing you after a long day.
•Geranium, rosemary, pine and spruce oils strengthen your adrenal glands.
•Cedarwood, orange, peppermint, pine, rosemary, benzoin and basil have the ability to recharge and energize you after a stressful day.

Sources:

Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beauty by Roberta Wilson

Aromatherapy Benefits: Scents for Stress Relief by Elizabeth Scott, M.S.

Natural Sleep Aids by Virgil D. Wooten, M.D.

How Aromatherapy Works

What is Aromatherapy? The Theory Behind Aromatherapy

Case Study: Immunological and Psychological Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage conducted by Hiroko Kuriyama, Satoko Watanabe, Takaaki Nakaya, Ichiro Shigemori, Masakazu Kita, Noriko Yoshido, Daiki Masaki, Toshiaki Tadai, Kotaro Ozasa, Kenji Fukui and Jiro Imanishi

Financial Stress? Layaway is Back

2010-10-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

If you're like me...you probably remember layaway. That is where you actually paid on your clothes, electronics, etc. before you took them home. This was way before the prevalence of credit cards. This was way before you had to worry about minimum payments and how you were going to pay all the interest.

I've been stuck in the credit card trap myself, so I know it all too well. But if you know like me, it is a never-ending spiral that causes massive financial stress.
So, what do you do?

One solution is to layaway, especially for your upcoming Christmas purchases. A lot of department stores have brought the plan back. Additionally, you can layaway online through eLayaway Mall. This place is awesome. You can purchase anything from designer clothes to furniture to electronics. Check it out! You will reduce that nagging financial stress.

Have you reintroduced layaway plans into your purchases?

What do you think of eLayaway Mall?

What is your best layaway memory?

Elmira Loftin
The Stress Busting Therapist

Massage: A Touch of Love

2010-10-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

When you think of massage therapy, I bet you think of relaxing. You think about stress relief. You think about visiting the spa and getting rid of your tension and pain.

Yesterday, I had the chance to talk about massage as a touch of love. It is showing love to your body...you are taking care of it to make sure everything is in balance. I was invited to the women's retreat at St. John's United Holiness Churchin Richmond, Virginia for their annual women's retreat. The retreat focusedon maintaining health in all areas---physically, spiritually, emotionally, and
mentally.

Another Touch Massage was on hand to give complimentary Chair Stress-Busters and Jacquelin Crumm from Mary Kay was there to treat the women to facials. You can see the women being pampered in some of the pictures.

Massage is a touch of love. In order to give and receive a massage, you must have an open heart. I felt the love being transferred yesterday as I touched the bodies of some women who came with aches and pains and left feeling so much better.

Make it a relaxing day.

Elmira Loftin
The Stress Busting Therapist

John Ives: Creative Control

2010-09-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

John Ives is the morning news director at WTVR-CBS 6, but compassion, generosity and open ears direct him. He is an avid artist, toy collector, and his painted miniature gaming figures are on display at One Eyed Jacques in Richmond, Virginia. One Eyed Jacques is a historical shop located in the Carytown district and sells board games, role playing games, miniatures, chess, and more. Despite career successes, this year has been one of transitions for him as his battle with a mental illness peaked. Many doors have opened as a result of reaching such depths. He's now making decisions that he didn't allow himself to make earlier in life.

Q: Who is John Ives? What is your uniqueness?
A: I don't know. I've always viewed myself as kind of a bland, ordinary person but a lot of people tell me that I am not. I think it's difficult for anyone to step back and look at themselves and tell what is so unique about them. If you think about it, you're the person who is stuck with you the most so you are used to you. Everything is like normal for you, so you don't know what is different about you. A lot of people say that I am extremely thoughtful and caring. They say I'm very generous and creative. I get told I'm very creative.

Q: You are a television news director. How long have you held this position? What do you enjoy about it?
A: Next month will be eleven years. I started off at minimum wage with no experience. About this time eleven years ago I was working overnight security, and it became a little dangerous. I was going to school full-time and I was majoring in animation. I wanted to be a cartoonist. I was attending Virginia Commonwealth University. My grades suffered over the course of year. I had to take time off and just never went back. About a month before I started at the station, I was looking to leave the security job and I was thinking because I had a lot of time to do that overnight walking around. I wanted to get something pertaining to what I was majoring in. So, I started thinking maybe I will get a job working at one of the television stations in the art department . That would give me the experience to go and do animation. I thought about it and one day in one of my classes I overhead someone say that their roommate had turned down a production assistant job at WTVR- CBS 6. So, soon as I got out of class I went right over to the station and asked for an application and put it in and two weeks later I was hired. I found out that I liked doing live broadcasting. It's just an adrenaline rush. I worked my way up. Two years later I finally got offered full-time. I just stayed on and worked my way up and eventually I got offered the morning director position and here I am.

Q: What personal lessons have you learned after so many years in live broadcasting?
A: I learned that at first I was always freaking out and stressed. I've always done two hour newscasts whereas other directors they have only done a thirty-minute newscast. I learned early on, don't worry about the entire show. Just take it a block at a time and while you are in that block, take it one story at a time. Always look ahead a little bit, the rest will just fall in place. Over time I become comfortable with things. I knew how to set something up. I became comfortable with the board and it became second nature. I knew obstacles to look for. I think the biggest stress for me now is whenever I get a new producer.

Q: I understand that you have a passion for art. Where does that come from?A: I have always been an art student all my life. I was drawing as a kid. I originally wanted to become an illustrator for comics and other publications. At some point in high school, I got introduced to war gaming where you painted models for armies. Over the next five years from that point I started switching from illustrating to gaming. It was always a hobby and took up a lot of my free time. I took a lot of enjoyment out of it.

Q: What does friendship mean to you?
A: I take my friends very seriously. I'm very loyal. I am highly protective of my friends because to me they are like family.

Q: You have battled with depression and just started getting help this year. Where did you find the courage?
A: I had been dealing with depression for so long on my own that I felt like I had no one to turn to. This year during a failed suicide attempt, at some point I didn't even realize I was doing it but I started praying. I don't know how long I had been doing it, but then I was sitting here and finally after a while of doing it, I was like wait a minute what am I doing. I had never prayed a day in my life. It just came out of nowhere. It was like I had gone to a point where I couldn't go any further. It was like unlocking something in myself that I never thought I had or was capable of. I began telling friends about my depression and finally got some help. Some people said, well you shouldn't be telling people about this and I said you know what. If you ever go through it, then fine that is you. The people who told me this, I said let me tell you something...I haven't said a word about this in fifteen years. I am not going to keep this a secret. I want to tell people that I care about. I want them to know this is what I've gone through.

Q: What advice do you have for someone dealing with a mental illness?
A: Don't be afraid to talk to someone about it. I'm learning that there are more people around me who have dealt with this. I never knew because they never talked about it. I think it has become like breast cancer or prostate cancer was twenty or thirty years ago. It was just taboo to talk about it. Now, if people talk about it more and are more open, you can get checked sooner. When you catch it sooner, the survival rate has just been going up. The worst thing to do with any illness is to not check into it. The more you hide something the less likely you are to survive it. Reach out to people around you and you will also find out who your true friends are. I'm finding some people that I called friends really aren't. I don't need that kind of dead weight in my life.

Q: Recently, you've started an exercise regimen. Why did you begin? What have been the results?
A: I got so angry with myself and I wanted to do something about it. So I started looking into joining a gym. I said I have nothing to lose. If I try working out, maybe that will help. If you had asked me at any point before this week if I could see myself working out I would've said no, that's not me. For the first time, I was doing something and I made the decision on my own. I was only going to the gym for motivation and if at the same time I get my body in better shape. I started feeling good about myself. For the first time, I feel like I'm actually moving forward. Working out has helped out so much.

Q: As a novice, how do you plan to proceed with your exercise regimen? What have you learned?
A: I have a better idea now after talking with a personal trainer about how to target muscle groups. Give your muscles a chance to rest you know after you have targeted it. Like one day, target your quadriceps or your hamstrings. Don't do anything to them for like a day or two. In the meantime, work on your core and your abdominals. Then rest for a day or two. Then work on your arms. If you work on arms like a couple days in a row you're not giving them a chance to grow, you are wearing them out. You got to put in the work and then give your muscles time to rest. Think of your muscles like Silly Putty. When you get it it's just a little blob. If you keep stretching and stretching and stretching it, you don't ever really give it a chance to learn a new form. It's just going to snap back into what it was. But if you take a little bit at a time and stretch it then stop, it will begin to take on the new shape. Same deal with a muscle, if you keep working and working it, it's never going to really grow. It's going to get burned out and it's going to kind of sit there. So you should work it a little bit and give it some time to rest. After it's been stretched out and rested, you can go back and work the muscle again. You can stretch it out a little bit more. You can't do it all at once. You don't want to go all out on something or else you are going to burn out.

Q: In life, change is inevitable. How do you feel about the changes you're making this year?
A: I have no choice. I've got to move forward. I have been making a serious effort at opening up to options I have never thought of before. As a lifelong atheist, I am opening up to the possibility of believing in God. I have started going to church with my parents. I feel I was isolating myself before. Maybe I need to explore to see if there is something there. I had never given myself the chance. I am taking better care of myself and my health. It is time for me to grow up. I can't be that kid anymore.

Q: How do you manage stress in your life?
A: I have two ways of dealing with stress. I would come home and cook after a bad day at work or someone pissed me off. So, I would come home and cook or bake something. It was something that I could control and I had something to show for it afterwards. It tired me out afterwards and my mind would get focused on making sure everything would turn out right. By the time I was done, what was bothering me during the day is out of my mind and I had something to show for it. My other way of dealing with stress is painting. I would go and make myself go and sit down and paint one of my models. I've been painting figures as a hobby for war gaming for twenty years. The thing that both have in common are that they distract my mind and wear me out. When it's all said and done, I have something productive. I think it's good to use different things to deal with different types of stress. If you start using the same thing to deal with different types of stress all the time, it becomes too routine and it starts to lose its effect.

Q: What pointers do you have for goal setting?
A: I've actually learning something from painting figurines. I read this great article about how to paint an entire army in a month. If you can, only buy a few figures at a time. Hopefully, when you get those only put one together at a time and let it sit there. Don't even have the rest of the stuff in sight. Out of sight, out of mind. When you have just one figure there, you look at it and you go you know what I can knock that out. Before you know it you're done. But if you've got one figure and then you got forty-nine others just like it you say one down and forty-nine to go. If you look at the large picture while you are trying to get started, you are never going to get there. It is an analogy for life. Just take one thing at a time, get through it, and reward yourself. Set a tiny goal and make sure you're prepared before you go to the next goal. Before you know it, you will have gone so far and accomplished so much.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: I take inspiration from a lot of places. My parents are one of them. They have been married for forty years in May. They have gone through so much and done so much for me. They inspire me to do the same. My friends are another. I look at what they have accomplished and inspires me to do as much.

Q: If money wasn't an option, I would...
A: I would buy a normal house in a nice neighborhood in the west end of Richmond kind of where I grew up. I would make sure all of my parents debts were paid off. I would also make sure I had no bills. I would still work because I need something to feel accomplished every day. It's kind of bad but I would rather be at work than take time off. I get that from my family. We are a bunch of workaholics.

Q: People would be surprised to know that?
A: Most people think of me as a talkative person, but truthfully the real me is quiet. I prefer to think about things. In truth, most of the time I would rather just be quiet. I would rather listen to people than to talk to people.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: Professionally, I don't know. Eventually I would like to get out of television and have my own business. I may even pursue cooking further. I would have a home of my own and maybe meet someone and finally settle down.

Q: There is a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that says: "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do." What relevance does this have with you?
A: That makes me think of when I hit rock bottom. I got as low as I think I can ever get. I had nowhere else to go. Going back to that day I mentioned earlier, it was like unlocking a strength in me that I never knew I had.

Is Your Pain In Your Brain?

2010-09-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

Do you have chronic low back pain? Why do keep getting stomach ulcers? What about those nagging headaches? What's up with your chest pains? Pain often stems from a physical problem, but what happens when there's no physical explanation for your pain? That is when you should examine your emotions. There is definitely a link between emotions and pain. It is the "mind/body connection."

What are emotions?
Emotions are different from feelings. Feelings describe your current mood. Emotions describe your overall state of mind and occur at a deeper level. They actually dictate your feelings. Emotions are what motivate you to act and drive your behavior. They are created by you and not spontaneous reactions to life events. Generally, there are two emotions - pleasure and pain. Pain is a great motivating force as we will do more to avoid pain than we will to go after pleasure. For example, drug addicts are motivated by escaping pain not feeling high.

Which emotions lead to pain?
There are actually seven emotions of pain. They are fear, hatred, anger, greed, jealousy, revenge, and superstition. If you are experiencing any of these, chances are pain and stress are not far behind.

How do emotions trigger pain?
Your mind, thoughts, and emotions control your body. As part of the function of the nervous system, all of your body's actions originate in the brain. Before you can lift your left arm, your brain has to send a signal to your arm saying "lift left arm." This is a simple explanation, but this shows the power that your brain has over your body. Let's assume that you possess hatred for someone. For your body to cope with this emotion, the hatred will often manifest as chest pains. Hatred disrupts your emotional health. Your body has a way of telling you when it is not balanced. Pain often develops after a stressful event like a divorce, a birth, or the loss of a loved one. It is up to you to pay attention to your pain and the emotional connections.

Are your emotions ruling your health?
Emotions are necessary, but sometimes they can take over your life. Your emotions are ruling you when you feel stressed, angry, frustrated, mad, depressed, or lonely at least four days out of the week. This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Understand that the longer negative emotions persist, the worse the physical pain in your body will become. In order to resolve the issue you must deal with the underlying emotions. Masking the pain only buries it temporarily and makes the situation worse. You must deal with the pain to resolve your aversion to it.

How do you conquer your emotions?
There are a number of ways to conquer painful emotions:

•Talk about it. Consult a friend or a professional about the emotions you are currently experiencing. Don't keep your feelings bottled up.

•Dig deep. Because your emotions exist at a deeper level than your feelings, it is important to recover things that have happened many years ago. Your emotions are embedded in your subconscious. Don't be afraid to deal with the emotions that have been bothering you for a while.

•Make the connection. Be aware of what your body is doing. Does your back hurt only when you are upset? Do you get headaches when a certain person is around? Do things to change the cause of your pain.

•Practice relaxation techniques. Massage therapy is a great way to relax your mind, body, and spirit. Massage restores the natural balance of your body. Regular massage treatments may even help to uncover some of those suppressed emotions

Sources:

7 Human Emotions of Pain and Pleasure

Emotions Influence Perception of Pain by Rick Nauert, Ph.D.

Back Pain and Stress-Can Your Emotions Be the Cause of Your Pain? by Craig Wilson

Purpose of Emotions

Which Emotions Amplify Your Back Pain? by Ronda Degaust

Mind/Body Connection: How Your Emotions Affect Your Health

How I Overcame This Year's Most Stressful Events

2010-09-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

As the Stress Busting Therapist, I help other people manage stress and live healthier lives. But, that doesn't mean that I'm immune to stress. None of us are. Stress is a necessary part of life. I'm going to share with you some stressful things that happened to me this year and how I got over.

1. Writing an Apology Letter to My Dad.
This was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. This was a suggestion of my life coach and I'm so thankful to him for pushing me. I needed to repair the relationship with my father even though it wasn't my fault that things were bad. I composed the letter and put my true feelings in there. After I was finished, I felt relieved. I actually had more love than anger in the words that I wrote. The process was amazing. What was an emotionally stressful thing in the beginning actually opened the lines of communication. I admit that I really didn't have much to apologize for, but asking for forgiveness eased the tension.

2. Going Part-time at My Job.
I knew that if I wanted to progress with the massage business, I would have to cut back my hours at my full-time job. I had been thinking about the decision for months then in August I decided it was the right time. Just thinking about it and worrying about how I would compensate for the loss in pay made me put off the decision. But I think I made it at the right time. I can say that I'm happy with my decision because now I have more freedom and control over my time. The massage business can grow at a rate that it couldn't before. Yes, it was rough telling my boss what I wanted to do but once I did it I was proud of myself for going after my passion.

3. Appearing in Traffic Court.
Yes, I've gotten speeding tickets before but I've never gone to court. All the other times I just paid the fine and kept going. This time I decided to appear in court because I felt that I could have the fine reduced. I wasn't looking forward to going at all. I didn't know what the judge would say. I didn't know what his/her decision would be. Plus, I wasn't happy about missing work to go to court. I didn't get the intended results. I had to pay the full fine. But I'm glad I went to court, because that is now a stress I can better manage if there is a second time. Let's hope not.

4. Spilling the Beans to a Crush.
Okay, this is a little personal and elementary. But I have to tell it. I was stressing over how to tell him and it just came up casually. That was a load off of me. It didn't really change anything, but at least he knew. I'm a firm believer in telling the truth. I'm glad I told the truth in this situation so I didn't have to keep the feelings to myself.

How have you overcome your stressful events this year?

Are you more stressed by family, work, or unexpected events?

Do you think your stressful events have strenghtened you?

Stress Busting Exercises for Everyone

2010-09-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a new exercise machine or workout program released every day. How do you know what works for you? How do you make the best decision? Do you really need a new machine? What's the best workout program for you?

The best workout program is often the easiest. They require no money and just your own body and some motivation. They are old favorites. How about that? Here are the best stress busting exercises that everyone can do.

1. Jumping Jacks
Do a set of 50 or 100 daily. Jumping jacks are great at elevating your heartrate and working your abdominals, quadriceps, calves, and shoulders. It's a total body fitness move. You can do them while you watch the morning news or do them as part of your mid-day workout. Do them before your run or walk as a warmup. They are so easy to incorporate in any space. Just don't do them late at night if you have downstairs neighbors. They'll wonder what all the racket is.

2. Push Ups
You can do push ups practically anywhere too. Try doing them with your palms flat, on your fists, or the one-handed variety. You can even modidy the pushups by doing them with your knees on the floor. Wherever your strength level is, you should be able to do between 10 and 100 day. Get moving because push ups build strength in the biceps, triceps, and pectoralis muscles.

3. Crunches
You've probably been doing crunches forever, but you must make sure to get the proper contraction of your abdominal muscles. The best way to do crunches is to raise your knees at a 90-degree angle. Place your hands at the base of your head to support your neck. You should move up for two seconds, hold, and move down for two seconds. By holding, you are contracting your abdominal muscles. You can even do the reverse crunch. This creates resistance and allows you to work the muscles differently. The key with crunches is variety. Doing between 50 and 200 daily is good exercise.

4. Stretching
You can stretch every part of your body. This is actually a great way to begin and end your day. You can do a V-sit reach, arm stretches, lunges and more. Use your creativity and make sure to hold each stretch in a steady position for at least 10 seconds. Do not bounce or shift. Stretching improves your flexibility and reduce restrictions that can come from sleeping positions, posture, work habits, injuries, or other sources. To learn more about stretching, check out this book by Bob Anderson. There are some easy instructions and diagrams for you to follow.

What other easy exercises can you think of?

Have you seen changes with your body and mind by adding one of these exercises to your routine?

How many push ups can you do?

New Discovery: Tastefully Simple Garlic Pepper

2010-09-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, a good friend of mine invited me to her launch party for Tastefully Simple. She is a new consultant and is passionate about food so this was the perfect fit.

I did not know what to expect when I arrived, but boy was I impressed. I was greeted by so many tasty treats. There was pasta, beer bread, a cream cheese ball, pomegranate chipotle sauce, and more. My taste buds were delighted too.

By the end of the night, I had purchased the garlic pepper seasoning, the garlic garlic seasoning, and the Oh My Chai drink mix. So, tonight I tried the garlic pepper seasoning on my steamed broccoli. From the looks of the container I knew that it was going to be good but not this good. The combination of garlic, salt, pepper, brown sugar, onion, bell peppers, parsley, and other spices really added some kick to my vegetable meal.

My suggestion is that you definitely find a Tastefully Simple consultant near you and order this garlic pepper for your meats and vegetables.

Make it a relaxing day. Until next time.

Elmira Loftin
The Stress Busting Therapist
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Dr. Melody Matthews: Merry Medicine

2010-09-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

Dr. Matthews has always desired to help people. Getting her first adjustment solidified her interest in chiropractic care. For the past four years, she has been a chiropractor and utilizes a holistic approach in treatment plans. Her positive nature and ever-present smile stems from knowing that her hands alone can help people. Dr. Matthews currently practices on the Southside at 535 Southlake Blvd. She is currently accepting new patients. To find out more information about chiropractic care or to schedule an appointment, please call (804) 869-7037.

Q: Tell me about your upbringing. Where did you grow up? Do you have any siblings? What's your most notable childhood memory?
A: I grew up in Suffolk, Virginia. I am an only child and always busy and on the go. Either I was with my parents traveling to the country visiting family, taking dance or piano lessons or involved in church. I had a very structured life. I am still family-oriented and visit my mom on the weekends. My favorite childhood memory is dancing. I danced from the age of two until the age of fifteen. I had to stop dancing because it interfered with high school band. We would always prepare for competitions. We did jazz, tap, ballet, tap, Pointe, and sometimes modern. One year we did a spiritual number and blew the judges away. We traveled to New Orleans and Myrtle Beach. Our picture was even featured in the newspaper. That was a proud moment.

Q: Is anyone else in your family in the medical profession?
A: Actually, I have a cousin who is a doctor of physical therapy. I also have an older cousin who is a veterinarian. I always knew that I wanted to help people. In middle and high school, you know you always think about going into pediatrics. While attending Hampton University, I was studying therapeutic recreation. This is basically the study of giving people different activities to engage their mind and body. It is a licensed or glorified activities director. It wasn't something that hit me though. Then a recruiter came to school and talked about attending chiropractic school. That piqued my interest. Upon graduation, I enrolled at Life University in Marietta, Georgia.

Q: Out of all the other areas of medicine, why did you choose chiropractic care? What drew you there? What was the light?
A: I really didn't get that epiphany until I was in school and had my first adjustment. The first year of the program is almost like medical school. You also get a greater understanding of the philosophy and history plus learn about healing the body with the adjustment process. While you are a student, you help out the upper classmen by becoming patients yourself. During that process I learned that I had a pretty severe case of scoliosis. That first adjustment helped take some of the pain away. I said "Wow, this is some good stuff."

Q: Who is the ideal patient for chiropractic care? Is there an age that is too young? Are there any contraindications?
A: Everyone is an ideal patient. One of our professors in school used to say "we treat anybody from the womb to the tomb." For example, when a baby is born and forceps are used, this could cause the neck to be twisted and stretched so chiropractic care would be ideal. When adjusting babies, not a lot of pressure is used only the tips of my fingers. For osteoporotic patients, I would use a similar technique with the inclusion of an activator. The only contraindications would be if a person has had a stroke. Such patients must be evaluated very thoroughly via MRI or CAT scan, especially in the neck area.

Q: There are still some myths about the cracking and popping during a chiropractic adjustment. Please explain the science behind it.
A: The general thing is that the adjustment process can happen in different ways. Sometimes you won't even hear that pop. Whenever there is pressure being put on a joint, air escapes and nitrogen is released. Your joints are basically a capsule. The popping you hear is just air being released. After the air is released, you have more joint mobility. Ultimately, this is what you want. Whenever you have more motion, you have less pain.

Q: Chiropractic care as a distinct form of health care has existed since 1895. Is it more or less relevant today?
A: More. That comes along with time. Thomas Edison has a famous quote that says: "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." Saying that, a lot of the mainstream medical professionals are now realizing that there has to be another element. It is growing almost like a virus but in a good way. The popularity of chiropractic care is spreading by word of mouth. About one out of every four people has had some element of chiropractic care. In largely populated states like California, this statistic is one out of every two. It is definitely becoming more mainstream and not just viewed as witchery like it was back then.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: Being in a male-dominated field has its challenges. In the beginning, I was always doubting myself and asking if I have the ability to perform the adjustment effectively. While I was attending school in Texas, my roommate and I worked with two female chiropractors. It was amazing to see women doing adjustments on all types of people. One of the doctors was literally 5'11". She would be adjusting men three times her size without hesitation. From that point on, I was driven. It actually put a spark into what I was going to do. The thing that drives me is knowing that my hands alone can help somebody. Just after the first session, most patients feel 15% better. I was sent to do this job. Energy flows through me.

Q: What makes you smile?
A: Everything makes me smile. I was born smiling. Even when I'm having a bad day, something always makes me smile. I see myself as a positive person. Literally, I cannot even lie straight.

Q: What are three simple things that everyone can do to care for and protect the spine?
A: Posture. Posture. Posture. Everything starts with working on the element of posture.

Q: There is a quote by Hippocrates that says: "Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases." Do you have a personal story that displays this?
A: Well, what comes to mind is that whenever I think of how chiropractic care and medicine overlap, we deal with disease differently. As chiropractors we break the word down into dis-ease. When there is dis-ease of the body, there is pain somewhere. Headaches are a dis-ease. Sciatica is a dis-ease. In our philosophy, we know the brain is the powerhouse. It also is attached to the spinal column which has tons of nerves. If the spine or the discs are misaligned, this puts pressure on the nerves and cause dis-ease. Everything starts with the nervous system.

Q: Chiropractic care as a distinct form of health care has existed since 1895. Is it more or less relevant today?
A: More. That comes along with time. Thomas Edison has a famous quote that says: "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." Saying that, a lot of the mainstream medical professionals are now realizing that there has to be another element. It is growing almost like a virus but in a good way. The popularity of chiropractic care is spreading by word of mouth. About one out of every four people has had some element of chiropractic care. In largely populated states like California, this statistic is one out of every two. It is definitely becoming more mainstream and not just viewed as witchery like it was back then.

Q: Tell me about your ideal day.
A: An ideal day would be having or seeing twenty patients or seeing ten patients and educating the public for the rest of the day. I love educating the public because it is always about getting the message out and sparking new neurons in people's brains. When you do a talk about posture, it is funny because you can immediately see people adjusting their posture. I like giving people food for thought.

Q: Is this the life you envisioned?
A: No, when I was school I thought it would be easier once I graduated. You envision yourself seeing lots of patients. Being a chiropractor is not as easy as it seems to the average person. Just because you have a D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) behind your name doesn't mean it is easy. The first five years being on your own and developing your practice are very difficult and challenging. There are pros and cons all around.

Q: Recently, there was an article published in the Natural Awakenings magazine stating that calcium from dairy sources does little to protect the health of bones. What is your opinion? Has the general public been deceived about the importance of milk and other dairy products?
A: I agree with the article. You have to understand that media is pushed through lobbyists and heads of state. Money is driven to push certain things. For example, the big push now is Vitamin D. If you want to get more calcium, get it from leafy vegetables.

Q: If you had to come up with a superlative to describe yourself, what would it be?
A: Who's Still Smiling After Going Through Lots of Adversity?

Q: I can't go a day without...
A: My glasses. I am blind as a bat. I remember when I first moved back here, I lived with my family. We had a dog. The dog chewed my glasses. I had to go get new ones. I will never let that happen again.

Q: Are you still challenged at this point in your life? Who or what challenges you?
A: Oh, I feel challenged. This is a major challenge. I have had obstacles, but it does nothing but drive me. My challenge is to continue to keep the fire burning behind me. At times I will second guess myself, which is human. I have a strong support system. They do nothing but give me love and positive reinforcement.

Double Duty: Things With More Than One Use

2010-08-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

Let's say you are in a bind. Either you are short on money or short on time. There are some common household items that have double duty. Reduce your stress and worry by making them work twice as hard.

Petroleum Jelly
-Use petroleum jelly as a shoe polish or to revive a worn leather purse. Simply apply sparingly with a clean, cotton cloth. Wipe away any residue. It is especially great on patent leather. Growing up, I remember my mother putting this on our patent leather dress shoes.

-Instead of WD-40, apply some petroleum jelly to a squeaky door hinge. It provides instant lubrication.

Hair Conditioner
-You are in the shower and noticed that you just ran out of shaving cream. No worries. Grab that bottle of hair conditioner instead. It already makes the hair on your head smooth and silky so why not use it to shave. Be careful, because a little bit goes a long way.

Cell Phone
-If you are like most, you carry your cell phone with you everywhere. What happens when you need to check your face and you don't have a compact mirror handy? Use your cell phone. When the backlight is off, the screen acts as a perfect mirror for last minute touch-ups and to see if you have something growing in your nose.

Toothpaste
-I will have to thank my little brother for this one. He used to walk around the house all the time with blue toothpaste on his face as a spot treatment for acne. Simply, dab on a small amount and leave on overnight. I would have to say that it worked for him. The reason is that most toothpastes contain triclosan, which kills bacteria. This remedy is not for sensitive skin and if you have a severe case of acne. Consult your dermatologist for proper care of sensitive skin and severe acne.

Baby Oil
-This is for the ladies. I've recently started used the lavender baby oil to remove eye makeup. Place a small amount on a cotton ball or a square cotton pad and wipe from the outside to the inside of your eyelid. Because the makeup comes off with ease, you generally only need to do one or two passes per eye. The skin around your eyes is very sensitive, so be careful. At the first sign of irritaion, stop using the baby oil. Use something that is more suitable for your skin type.

Facial Tissue
-You just ran out of dryer sheets but still need to reduce static. Grab two pieces of facial tissue and dab a little lotion between them. Throw it in the dryer and start the cycle. This is an excellent substitue for dryer sheets and it is much less expensive.

Sources:
Does Toothpaste Treat Pimples? By Angela Palmer
How to Quiet A Squeaky Door Hinge By TiffanyB

Ten Things I Learned in Pollocksville

2010-08-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I went to the Loftin family reunion in Pollocksville, North Carolina. The town of Pollocksville only has 275 people. This is my dad's side of the family and it has been seven years since the last time we went. What a long time....but I learned so much by being there.

1. True Love Never Dies. Being surrounded by my immediate family and extended family, I could feel the love of my grandparents that brought us all together. Even though they are deceased, their principles live on through their children and grandchildren. I also saw this lesson in my mother and father. My mom and dad haven't been together in years but I know that they have that special love that will never die. They can't deny it. That's one quality about true love...it never dies.

2. Everybody Has Roots. You came from somewhere great. There are great people in your family. You have an awesome history filled with achievements, failures, and triumphs. Don't just focus on where you are now. It's important to look back at your ancestry to see where you came from. The past may show you why you are the person you are today.

3. Family First. Here recently, I've gotten so wrapped up in business things that I sometimes forget about the people that matter most. That would be my family. I have five brothers and sisters, my mom, my dad, a bunch of cousins, a host of aunts, a host of uncles, and more. You don't even want me to start naming them all. But the point is....family should always come first. They will have your back always.

4. My Mom Is Human. Sometimes, I look at my mom as this superwoman. She raised six children alone (with the help of family, of course) so I know that she's an exceptional woman. But she's also human. She said something in the car that struck a cord with me. When her and my dad were younger she desired to stand by him...she was so supportive. She even started working so that she could help the family out. But my dad became threatened by her strength. In that moment...I could see that my mom was human, not just a superhero.

5. Children Are Now. A lot of times we hear "children are the future." It's more accurate to say that children are now. The reason I know this is because I witnessed some of my little cousins doing the most amazing things. They were able to command the attention of the crowd with their singing and praise dancing. Now is the time for children to show who they are. Don't wait until they are older. That's too late.

6. Poverty Precedes Prosperity. When you look at Pollocksville, it is not a rich town by any means. The town was built on its tobacco and cotton farming. There are trailers and abandoned houses. Poverty should never be a limitation. The greatest people were born out of places where they didn't have much growing up. My family is a good example of this....from the little place called Pollocksvile, the Loftins are some exceptional men and women.

7. There are Five Pillars of Successful Living. They are Spirituality, Work Ethic, Education, Finances and Social Relationships. This topic came up twice; once during a roundtable discussion with Uncle Buddy and it is also mentioned in my cousin's book. The name of the book is "The Physics Queen: Authorized Biography of Dr. Elvira Louvenia Williams." You see...my cousin is the first Black women in North Carolina to receive a Ph.D. in physics (This goes back to lesson #6). When applied in the order listed, the five pillars will take you far.

8. Wisdom is Next Door. You don't have to search in books and online for knowledge, when it is sitting right next to you. Just spend some time with your mother, father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Their life experiences can teach you a whole lot. So, take a moment to knock on their door. I know that I learned a lot from my elder family members in Pollocksville.

9. You Must Self-Reflect. My sister brought this up on the long ride home so I felt it important to mention. If you don't reflect and analyze your past mistakes, you are destined to repeat them. It's just as simple as that!

10. Music is Me. For a year or so, I was running away from my first love (music) because of some past hurts. I was able to showcase my talent by singing "Love" at my family's banquet on Saturday night. That reignited a spark in me. I understand that music is who I am and I cannot run from it again. Music is something that I live and breathe. Music is me.

Six Reasons Now Is Not the Time....

2010-08-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

...for massage. Massage therapy is great, but there are some instances where you may have a local or absolute contraindication for treatment. A contraindication is any reason why you can't get a massage. The number one rule of massage is to do no harm, so protect yourself by being aware of things that could harm you.

1. Pregnancy in the first trimester. During the delicate first three months of pregnancy, the baby is still developing. Massage treatment could serve as a disruption to the development and possibly lead to miscarriage. You can get a massage after the first three months and getting treatment from a certified pre-natal therapist is best. They will be able to use the appropriate techniques for relaxation and pain relief.

2. You're having a flare-up. If you've ever had one, you know they are painful and sometimes unbearable. Massage only makes the areas of inflammation worse. Flare-ups can happen with any autoimmune condition like Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia. Massage treatment can be resumed once the flare-up stage is over.

3. You just had surgery. Yes, cross-fiber friction and other massage techniques can help the healing of scar tissue but you should wait at least one week after surgery to do anything. Some patients will even need to wait six-eight weeks. Keep in mind, this depends on your specific surgery and your surgeon's recommendations. Always consult your physician before receiving any treatment. Massage is great for reducing post-surgery pain and anxiety.

4. You're drunk. You should not receive a massage when you are heavily intoxicated. Massage therapy increases your circulation, so drinking before your massage would increase the presence of alcohol in your body. Basically, the alcohol goes through your bloodstream faster. Getting a massage while intoxicated makes you very sick. This can even have the same effects as a hangover. The goal is to feel better, not worse.

5. Abnormal skin conditions. This could range from sunburn to psoriasis to eczema. Generally, a skin condition would be a local contraindication meaning that only the affected area(s) should be avoided. Make sure you inform your therapist about any skin conditions before treatment.

6. You have acute pain. Acute pain is anything that started less than 24 hours ago. This means that the injury is fresh. Your pain could be the result of a car accident, improper lifting, or a sudden fall. Massage could cause re-injury. Use the R-I-C-E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method on acute injuries.

Be open with your massage therapist about your health history.
Always consult your physician if you have any of the above conditions.

What other local contraindications can you think of?

What other absolute contraindications can you think of?

Have you ever had to wait to get a massage because it was in your best interest? How did that make you feel?

Elmira Loftin
Stress Busting Therapist
www.anothertouchmassage.com

New Discovery: POMx Tea

2010-08-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

As you know, I am always on the lookout for new, healthy foods that pack a lot of flavor. So, yesterday I went to grab a salad from Martin's and decided to get a couple POMx teas also. I have seen these teas on the shelf before but had never bought them. They were actually on special...two for $4. This was the perfect opportunity to buy.

POMx has a variety of teas, but the flavor I got was Pomegranate Blackberry Tea. The tea is a blend of Congou black tea leaves, POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice from concentrate, and blackberry juice from concentrate. The tea has a delicious taste and I must sample some of the other flavors too.

Now...let me get back to drinking my tea. This is so refreshing!

Have you had POMx tea?
What's your favorite flavor?
Is there anything you don't like about the tea?
What other flavors should they make?

Elmira Loftin
The Stress Busting Therapist

Why is Your Head Banging?

2010-07-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

On any given day, one out of every six people in the United States deals with a chronic headache issue. Chronic means that you get a headache at least once a week. Your headaches could be the symptom of an underlying medical condition so always consult your physician to determine the root cause. It is important to note that there are different types of headaches - tension, sinus, and migraines. All of these types of headaches vary in degree of severity. Tension headaches are the least severe. Sinus headaches are more severe and migraine headaches are the most severe. So, how do you know which type of headache you have? Let’s look at the symptoms and defining characteristics of each.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common affecting 69% of males and 88% of females in the United States. They result from the tension and trigger points in the twenty plus muscles in the neck and upper back.These muscles refer pain to the head. Here are the signs of a tension headache:

•Pain in the forehead and neck
•Occur after long hours on the computer or reading
•Occur under stress & anxiety
•Happen when you are sleepy, hungry, or dehydrated

Treatment for these headaches is easy. Massage therapy is the best thing for reducing tension and trigger points. Massage takes care of the stress and anxiety that led to the headache too. Sometimes, simply taking a break is all your need.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches originate with inflammation or infection in either of the four sinus cavities --- frontal, ethmoid, maxillary, and sphenoid. Here are the signs of a sinus headache:

•Constant pain over the sinus area(s)
•Deep, dull aching
•Yellow or green nasal discharge
•Swelling of the face
•Fever and chills
•Prompted by allergic reaction
•Comes after you’ve had a cold
•Gets worse when you bend forward or lie down

Some treatments for sinus headaches are decongestants, nasal irrigation, and acupressure. Consult your physician before any treatment, because believe it or not over 80% of sinus headaches are actually migraines.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are the most severe and as many as 28 million Americans get them every year. Migraines require immediate medical attention. Here are the signs of a migraine:

•Pulsating pain - the feeling of blood vessels getting bigger and smaller
•Blurry vision
•Sensitivity to light, loud noises, and strong odors
•Nausea & lack of appetite
•Happen two to four times a month
•Pain on one side of the head
•Activity makes the pain worse
•Pain last from four hours to seven days

July Newsletter: Brain Teasers Answers

2010-07-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

1. What is special about the following sequence
of numbers?

8, 5 , 4 , 9 , 1 , 7 , 6 , 10 , 3 , 2 , 0

Answer: They are in alphabetical order.

2. Why is it very common to have a 9-minute snooze interval on alarm clocks? Why not 10 instead?

Answer: By setting the snooze time to nine minutes, the alarm clock only needs to watch the last digit of the time. So, if you hit snooze at 10:45, the alarm goes off again when the last digit equals 4. They couldn't make it to ten minutes, otherwise the alarm would go off right away, or it would require more circuitry.

3. Lolita died in the Appalachians while Philip died at sea. Everyone was much happier with Philip’s death. Why?

Answer: Lolita and Philip are hurricanes.

Steven Sykes: Channeling Batman

2010-07-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

This is a continuation of the article that originally appeared in the July 2010 edition of the Stress Ease Massage Zine: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Stress Management Solutions. To subscribe to the newsletter, email info@anothertouchmassage.com.

As an information technology and business consultant with Computer Medic of Virginia, Steven Sykes channels Batman daily. His heroic moral character, integrity, and ability to put other people’s safety before his own is admirable. You will often find him fighting against social injustices through lots of researching, investigating, and writing to government officials. He is more than your tech. He is a true friend who is willing and able to heal any of life’s ailments. Visit Computer Medic of Virginia at www.computermedicofvirginia.com

Some of the services that Computer Medic of Virginia offers are:
Building New Computers
Computer Repair
Networking
Data Backup/Restore Services
Recovery & Tracking Software
Monitoring Software
Active Directory/ Server Services
Home Theater Services

Q: Who is Steven Sykes? What three things do you value? What is your purpose?
A: I am a Christian individual who prides himself on friendship and my heart. I can relate to what many people go through. I value respect, family heritage, and education. Those things along with faith ground you well. I believe that God put me on this earth to share things with other people. I share and give people knowledge and not just enable them. I let them do the work. As the owner of Computer Medic of Virginia, I help out with so many other things like marital counseling, issues with children, business concepts, and financial advice.

Q: How has your family influenced you?
A: My grandmother was and is the biggest influence in my life. My mom and dad had issues so my grandmother raised me. I’ve had a lot of health issues and my grandmother did some unorthodox things to help me. She was always there and supportive no matter what. She told me to always have respect, be a gentleman; value education and that will take you far. Of course, I stayed my butt in church too. I learned how to talk watching Donahue and reading the Wall Street Journal. I also have a very big appreciation for arts of all kinds. As a kid, the worst thing you could do to punish me was to take my library card away.

Q: You are an advocate for social justice. Where and when was that passion birthed?
A: I have to take that one from my grandmother, my grandfather, and Aunt Cynthia. I grew up in the ghettos of Trenton, Newark, and Harlem. I saw and still see a lot of injustices there. People didn’t know how to talk to businesses on a professional level. I saw and still see a lot of deaths. I’ve always been an advocate for writing your government officials for change. I was the only student in high school who had the number to the head of the school board. When school was closed, I called and asked why. When we didn’t have money for programs, I called and asked why. There was a situation where my grandmother’s new landlord wanted to raise her rent by hundreds of dollars. She lived there for many years and out of respect, the previous landlord had kept her rent the same until then. I called the television station and government officials protesting. She and the other tenants didn’t win, but I wanted to fight for her since she fought to keep me alive.

Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life?
A: It’s amazing what you can learn if you just close your eyes and listen. What this means is that the eyes may deceive you, but when you close your eyes and use reasoning along with common sense plus listen to what God says; you can make it through. I admit, I’m an out of the box type of person. I don’t follow the crowd.

Q: There’s an ongoing debate about privacy and personal security on social networking sites. What’s your viewpoint?
A: There is definitely room for improvement. Too many people complain without looking at what their role is. If you don’t want people on Facebook to have your phone number, don’t put it on there. Everything is an open book. Things are accessible because of our freedom of information. Without freedom of information some things wouldn’t be solved. Of course, there are always better ways of doing things. I have written the Virginia General Assembly numerous times about improving our privacy laws. I’ve actually spoken before the subcommittee.

Q: What one thing should parents know before handing over the laptop, iPod, or cellular phone to their children?
A: Honestly, a lot of children do not need them. Everybody makes the excuse about being able to reach them at anytime to arrange a ride, but you can just do like we used to do. Parents should always use tracking and monitoring software on every piece of technology that their children have. Parents also need to understand that the most popular and the most expensive is not always the best thing for their child.

Q: As an information technology specialist you have had the opportunity to travel to many countries. What did you learn about yourself on such trips?
A: Yes, I’ve traveled to London, Paris, Germany, Poland, Italy, Russia, Madagascar, Morocco, Nairobi, Egypt, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, Japan, India, and China. The main thing I learned is that I’m not the only one. I also felt more socially and professionally accepted overseas especially in Europe.

Q: What is something that you have struggled with this year? How have you combated the struggle?
A: This year has been the hardest year with patience. I am taking a step back and looking at other ways for situations to be handled. I try to understand things from a different point of view.

Q: What is it that makes Computer Medic of Virginia different than the many other computer repair, networking, and information technology firms?
A: Computer Medic of Virginia provides a more personal touch for individuals and businesses. We focus on what the customer needs, not what society says they need. We are willing to take time with customers and see you through start to finish. Yes, it is more taxing but it is a blessing in the end. For most of my clients, I’m not just their tech I’m their friend.

Q: We have seen Apple products really catapult in the past few years. What is the next big technology product or trend?
A: Everything will circle around family and fitness. There will be things like a focus on the home entertainment system and new movie releases viewed at home on the television. There will be better televisions and electronic devices that connect families. Also, I can see more games that focus on health and family. All of this will be huge this holiday season.

Q: You are a proponent of every small business having an online presence. What are three simple things that a business owner can do to get started?
A: First, it is important to have a clear website that is congruent. The focus should be more on functionality than being flashy. Keep your website clear and concise. Second is mobility. Have a portable laptop or mobile business class phone. Understand that a multimedia phone is not the same as a business class phone. BlackBerrys and Windows Mobile phones are good business class phones. The third thing is to have easy access to finances. Accept payments online through PayPal and an online credit card processing portal if possible. A business owner should have five accounts---personal checking, business cash flow, one to accept business payments, personal savings, and business savings. Look into getting a prepaid credit card if you cannot get a business account. Look at alternative ways of doing things all the time.

Q: Many entrepreneurs innately want to be in control but this can be detrimental to progress. How have you dealt with this? Has the need to be in control had an impact on your business?
A: It’s never had an impact on my business. I am willing to take a step back. You can’t be all things in your business. If you do have a control issue, my advice is to find something that you can give control to someone else. Also, get critical insight from someone on the outside because it is not just affecting your business, it is affecting you. You as a person help improve your business and the business helps improve you.

Q: Some might call you a philanthropist because you don’t mind helping those in need. At times gratitude can come with a price. Have you ever regretted helping someone?
A: Hell yeah! There are challenges when you help individuals. When you deal with the public, you come across all types. Some are more challenging than others. It shows more quality of a person to say I can’t do that. One be a savior all the time. I had to learn that I’m not Superman.

Q: People would be surprised to know that…
A: I am very much an adrenaline seeker. I have skydived and bungee jumped. Also, when I grew up I wanted to be a model. I still want to be a model.

Q: What is your best trait? Does this trait ever get you in trouble?
A: My heart and yes it does get me in trouble. I do not wish death or jail to my worst enemy. Every life no matter how good or bad is worth something. Every soul can be redeemed. I have a lot of faith in people.

Q: I never imagined that…
A: I would be thirty-four years old and not married. And also that by now I wouldn’t be a famous social activist.

Q: “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Give me your personal interpretation of this quote.
A: If you have a closed mind and you’re not willing to learn you’re destined to fail and doomed to death, mentally and physically.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: I will be still helping people improve their technology. I will also be serving civic duty and having a few businesses. I see myself spending time with my wife and family plus traveling to various trade shows and gospel events.

Q: Do you still have dreams? What do you dream about? How important are dreams and visions to you?
A: My dreams are very important to me. I remember many if not all of my dreams. My dreams either teach me a lesson or show me what I need to do to attain a goal. I have dreams of a family, my own children, and a prosperous life helping others.

Rising Above the Sewage

2010-07-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

A co-worker asked me last week how I was able to not let the negative things at work affect me. Really, I didn't know that I was doing this because I guess it has become part of my nature. But now that I think about it, maybe I have mastered the ability to rise about the sewage. Now, you might ask...what is the sewage?

Sewage is a nice word for dirt, garbage, or any of the other expletives that I won't post here. You pretty much know what I mean though. It's the stupidity of life that happens daily, it's the irritating things that people around you do that gets on your nerves, it's the insanity, it's the things you want to change but don't have the power to.

You, too can rise above the sewage in any situation. Here's how it's done:

1. Have laser beam focus. Only focus on the things that are worth your energy. Know what your goals are and go after them only.

2. Don't fight. Arguments and disagreements are part of life, but there's no need to fight if it's a waste of your time. If that other person/people want to live in insanity let them do that. You don't have to argue a point with someone who's not going to change.

3. Accept the situation. Some people and environments will never change. Don't think just because you become mad at the "sewage" that it will not stink. Just accept it and move on. Besides, you have that laseer beam focus.

4. Be happy. Yes, happiness is state of being. You choose happiness. Don't let the "sewage" dwellers take away your happiness. If you follow steps 1-3, you will feel a new sense of freedom and happiness anyway.

So, rise above the "sewage" and enter the world of positivity!

The Importance of Good Food

2010-07-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

Like a lot of people, I have been redefining my personal budget. I have been analyzing all of my expenditures. Now that I've become a boomeranger, one of the things that I cut out was my consumption of healthy food. When I lived on my own, I purchased so much healthy food. I cooked most of my own meals too. I loved making salmon, asparagus, Quinoa, roasted potatoes, spinach lasagna, steamed broccoli, ground turkey burgers, and so many other specialties.

Over the past few months, I've grown away from such foods simply because my budget wouldn't allow it. But today I realized that I NEED to consume lots of fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts to feel whole. I'm not the same if I don't eat right. I feel the difference in my energy. I feel the difference in my hunger level. I feel the difference in my mental acuity. I feel the difference in my overall attitude. It's amazing that food has the power to do that, but it's true.

So, today I made a trip to the grocery store and bought some healthy goodies. I purchased kale, broccoli, grapefruits, bing cherries, cantaloupe, watermelon, flounder, salmon, and more. I couldn't continue to deprive myself of the nutrition that my body needs and you shouldn't either. Besides, I need all the energy possible to keep performing exceptional massages.

Can you tell when you're not giving your body the food it needs?

What signs and symptoms do you notice?

What foods give you the most energy?

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage

Seven Sunburn Myths Revealed

2010-07-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

Summer should be called "SUNmer". That's because it's the season where you are outdoors more. Between vacations to the beach, cookouts, picnics, parties, and sporting activities your time in the sun is more than any other season. Yes, the sun's rays are dangerous. But how dangerous are they? Here's the real truth about sunburn and its effect to the health of your skin.

Myth #1: As long as you are not in direct sunlight you are okay. Direct sunlight is not the only way to get sunburn. The invisible UVA and UVB rays of the sun are strong and bounce off surfaces and landscapes. Sun rays reflect off things like water, snow, ice and sand. So it’s not just direct sunlight that is harmful. Even though the sun is most powerful during the hours of 10am-3pm, you should stay protected at all times. High altitude and low latitude increase the strength of the sun ray's.

Myth #2: Sunscreen is the best protectant. Sunscreen does protect your skin, but it doesn’t protect your eyes, scalp or lips. You should wear a large brimmed hat and sunglasses too. Some dermatologists think the chemicals in sunscreen with high SPF contribute to the formation of cancer cells. So, if you don't like the chemicals in commercial sunscreens you can use helichrysum essential oil added to a carrier oil. You should also limit your time in the sun to two hours, even with sunscreen. (NOTE: Find a natural sunscreen oil recipe on the blog)

Myth #3: The darker the berry, the easier the bruise. While high levels of melanin in the skin act as an added barrier, darker skin tones can still get sunburn. Even worse, those with darker skin have a false sense of security because the skin doesn’t always look damaged. The same is true if you already have a suntan. A suntan is nothing more than an increased production of melanin. Tanned skin is not healthier than non-tanned skin. Take precautions even if you have a darker skin tone.

Myth #4: Sunburn only happens when the temperature is above 75 degrees. Even though sunburns are more likely during the spring and summer, they can happen anytime. Remember the strong UVA and UVB rays can even penetrate through clouds. Sunburn happens on cloudy days and even on ski trips. Remember, the combination of high altitude and the sun's reflection off the snow can harm your skin.

Myth #5: If your skin isn't red, you are okay. Inflamed skin is not the only indicator of sunburn. Sunburn is any type of skin damage as a result of overexposure to the sun. Sunburn penetrates the out layer, epidermis, and deep layer, dermis, of your skin. Just because you don’t have redness or blisters does not mean your skin is unharmed. The long term effects of sun damage are cumulative. It happens over time with increased exposure. You are still susceptible to skin cancer, wrinkles, freckles, and a weakened immune system even if your skin looks normal. Prevention is key, because most sunburn treatments only affect the symptoms. Current treatments don't reverse the damage.

Myth #6: Never get a massage when you have sunburn. The truth is, acute sunburn is a contraindication but most times it is only a local contraindication. That means only your shoulders, chest, or other small areas are affected. The rest of your body can be massaged. Depending on the severity, you can even have your sunburned areas massaged with items like cold stones, aloe vera gel, and lavender essential oil. Cold stones and aloe vera gel will feel especially soothing to the skin. Jojoba oil should be used for after-care too. It has amino acids plus three different kinds of Vitamin E.

Myth #7: You should apply sunscreen outdoors. This is a common misconception, but you cannot wait until you get outside to apply. You should put on your sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside. This gives it time to penetrate the skin. Make sure to reapply frequently once you are outdoors though especially if you are sweating or in the water.

Sources:
What Is Sunburn? What Causes Sunburn?
Sunburn and Sun Poisoning
How to Use Aloe on a Sunburn
Sunburns and Massage
Sunburn/Tanning Myths Exposed
Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beauty by Roberta Wilson

June Newsletter: Cryptogram Answer

2010-06-30T05:29:00.000-07:00

This is the answer to the cryptogram that appears in the June 2010 edition of the "Stress Ease Massage Zine: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Stress Management Solutions"

If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.

How true is this statement?
What else would a June night say if it could talk?

Harry Seen: Full Circle

2010-06-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

The first part of this candid interview appears in the June edition of the "Stress Ease Massage Zine: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Stress Management Solutions". To subscribe, email info@anothertouchmassage.com.

Harry possesses a passion for people’s hearts. In his many customer service positions, his unique insight with people shines. For him, fullness exudes from the inside and not from just being comfortable. Even through some poor decisions that landed him back at square one, he maintains a positive outlook. It seems that the smooth syncopation of his speech depicts his life path. Love resides in his home with his wife, Gayle, and nine feline children. Harry also has one daughter, Shea Marie.

Q: Tell me about your upbringing. What were your dreams? What activities did you participate in? What type of student were you?

A: I was born in Virginia and my father was in the Air Force so we traveled a lot. I have lived in Arizona and it was so hot there. I have also lived in upper Michigan where it gets so cold. Apparently, I like extreme temperatures. We have lived in Japan for four years and the Philippines too. Believe it or not, with all the countries I’ve lived in I am not a very adventurous eater. We moved from Japan to Michigan and this is where my father retired so I spent my entire high school years in Michigan. I played football as a freshman and was also the PA announcer for all of the school sports. It wasn’t a big school. We had about 900 students and there wasn’t a whole lot of disparity. Everyone was on the same level. At first, I wanted to be a disc jockey because I would deejay for our high school dances on the weekend. I have always been good with stringing words together too. I have my college degree in English and it was more of a compromise. It wasn’t really part of a plan. I’ve never been much of a planner. I work with a lot of high school students now and I explain to them the importance of having a plan. I’ve thought about teaching English but I know that you really have to feel teaching as a passion.

Q: I’ve been around you enough to witness your creativity with language, your compassion for people, and your made-for-radio voice. What is your most defining trait?

A: I would like to believe that I have a certain ability to reach people. That is why I’ve worked in customer service for about thirty years. I feel a certain obligation to treat people with kindness. I enjoy connecting with people on a positive level. I love animals too. That’s part of my connection to other beings. It’s kind of my personal niche. I’ve actually thought about working with elder citizens. I know they always need people to be there. I try to treat everyone as a human being and be there for them.

Q: Today is Father's Day. What have you learned about yourself by being a father? What is the greatest thing about being a father?

A: For me the greatest gift I’ve ever received is my daughter. I am humbled by who she is. I do believe she is an exemplary young woman. Unfortunately, because I became a father at such a young age I was too immature and selfish. The choices I made were mine and not for my family. She is twenty-five now and recently became engaged. She really is something special and she conducts herself well. Her and her fiancé just moved to Nashville and I’m excited that she’s closer to me. One of the things I felt bad about was that I didn’t expose her to spirituality.

Q: On any given Sunday, you can find me…?

A: I am only off this Sunday because it is Father’s Day. On a normal Sunday, I go to church, go home for a few hours, then I go to work at the Captain D’s drive thru with straight good cheer and ready to work.

Q: From where does your passion for Christianity come?

A: When I was incarcerated for seven months I read the Bible every day. We went to Bible study six days a week. This was a chance to immerse myself in spirituality. You open yourself up to the possibilities. Now, when I’m reading the Bible I sometimes get distracted. It’s hard to shut out the world. When you’re falling in love and it is new that is one of the rare times that we are “in the moment”. If you can achieve that level of intimacy in your spiritual walk, that is ideal. When I was incarcerated, I looked forward to reading the Bible. We have to become excited. What we are striving for is that moment we can feel this passion.

Q: Do you have any hidden passions?

A: I was the class clown. I get great satisfaction in making people laugh. I strive to bring a smile to people’s faces. When I can make Gayle laugh, it’s great. I would also like to write movie reviews. And now with the blogosphere, it’s possible. My daughter and my brother like movies too. We could even do something where we post our three different points of view.

Q: Your upcoming autobiography would be titled? What key points would it address?

A: The title would be “The Prodigal Son”. I have often felt that passage in the Bible means a lot to me. In that story, when the son saw the father he ran back to him. I feel like I’ve been given another opportunity. When you come back home, He accepts you. My brother does these first-person renderings of characters from the Bible. He humanizes them to make the spiritual point of the story. He dedicated his presentation of the prodigal son to me.

Q: In modern society, we can be so quick to throw things away. What thing in your life will you never discard?

A: This probably will sound like a broken record, but I won’t throw away my faith. When I moved here to Virginia I thought I would be here for only three months, but I have been here for seventeen years. I had to start all over because I didn’t have anything. All of my things were in storage in Arizona. After a while, they were auctioned. This showed me that possessions are replaceable. My cats are another thing that I’ll never get rid of. If you have some peace within, you’ll have a lot.

Q: If your fears didn’t stand in the way, what would you start today?

A: I would probably go to school for something more practical like computers. The challenge is devoting the time and energy to it. I don’t want to cut into my laying around time. I’m not willing to give up that much for the reward. My mind tends to take some Christian values and twist them a little bit. My brother tells this story about a dog who squeals daily because he continuously goes back to lay on this nail. The moral of the story is “it hurts enough to complain about, but not enough to change it.” Sometimes I feel like that dog.

Q: Are you at all nostalgic? For what? In what way?

A: I am, actually. I sometimes am nostalgic for high school. It’s the time in life before you had real responsibility. Whenever I am feeling stressed in life, I think about high school—playing Frisbee and other things. Sometimes I ask the high school students that I see in passing, how long do you think it will be until you say “Man I really miss high school”?

Q: Give me your take on obesity in America and the cultural paradigm shift.

A: I know that I have some terrible habits and I can’t claim ignorance about what I eat. I do the same things that other people do just in a different way. Where I work at night from 4pm until 10pm, I don’t get a break. I come home from work and haven’t eaten, so I eat. We have lost the ability to eat three times a day and our work schedules are so tight. We also have easier access to everything. We want everything to be open twenty-four hours. We have shifted to this as an opportunity to make money. Our 24/7 society has effectively destroyed so many of the structures and schedules that held our families and our lives to an order that were often beneficial, even though we often chaffed under the restrictions and demands they place on us. So many facets of modern society we now lament can be traced back to the dissolution of family traditions. For example, we now believe that children benefit in multiple ways from the simple act of having meals together as a family; something that was taken as a given not that long ago, but is now a rare and difficult to arrange event.

Natural Sunscreen Oil

2010-06-27T20:43:00.001-07:00

It's hot outside and you need to protect yourself in the sun. Here's a simple natural sunscreen oil. Make sure that you purchase pure, authentic essential oils from a reputable source. Some great stores are Whole Foods Market, Ellwood Thompson's, and Franck's Apothecary and Bodywork.

Natural Sunscreen Oil

1 ounce sesame oil
1/2 ounce coconut oil, melted
1/2 ounce olive oil
10 drops helichrysum oil
5 drops lavender oil
3 drops chamomile oil

In a clean container, add all the essential oils to the carrier oils. Turn the container upside down several times to blend the ingredients. Apply to the skin at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Apply again as needed.

Source:
Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beauty by Roberta Wilson

June Massage Special: Peppermint Foot Wrap

2010-06-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

It's definitely hot outside no matter where you are. This week, we've had temperatures exceed 100 degrees. And all that makes you want to do is cool off. To help you out, this month Another Touch Massage is offering a complimentary Peppermint Foot Wrap with any Stress-Buster Massage.

Like other essential oils, peppermint oil has many benefits:

1. Relaxes and numbs overworked muscles and joints
2. Because it is refreshing, it relieves mental exhaustion
3. Increases immunity to diseases
4. Helps relieve indigestion when taken orally
5. The Menthol in peppermint oil gives it a cooling effect
6. Resolves respiratory issues like nasal congestion, bronchitis, and sinusitis

Have you tried peppermint oil before?
What are your favorite products that contain peppermint oil?
What other essential oils do you like to use?

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Sources:
Peppermint Essential Oil-Uses for Peppermint Oil
Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil

One-Day Vegetarian Adventure

2010-06-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

First of all...let me say that I can't believe that I haven't been before. The Richmond Vegetarian Festival has been going on for eight years. This year it was sponsored by Fox Richmond, Vegan Action and the Vegetarian Society of Richmond.

I first learned about the festival last year from my colleague, Brenda Morris. She's a certified financial planner with Quinoa Financial Consulting, LLC and a proud vegetarian. She had told me about the event last year but I didn't make it out because of my hectic schedule. When she informed me about volunteer opportunities for this year's event I said sign me up. I didn't want to miss the chance to attend.

Let me tell you...I had a ball on Saturday. It was more than I expected it to be. Here's a run down of what I did:

- I volunteered in the Kid's Patch for most of the afternoon. I helped the children with coloring, pig puppets, coffee filter insects, and potting their pea plants. The pea plants were a hit so that's where I spent most of my time. I enjoyed witnessing the children's creativity. Some of them got real crazy with the glitter...had it all over their clothes and the table.

- Once my shift was over I had the opportunity to see a food demonstration by Jill Harrington. She is the author of "The Lupus Recovery Diet" and showed us how to make spring rolls and a raw fruit pie. I didn't get to taste the spring rolls but the raw fruit pie was tasty. I loved it!

-After the food demonstration, I stuck around to hear Karen Davis, Ph.D. of United Poultry Concerns speak about the difference between farm raised chickens and cage-free chicken. Ultimately, I discovered that there is only a slight difference. She spoke about the inhumane treatment of all animals in any modern farming situation. Her talk was enlightening.

-I was so fascinated by everything at the festival, but the bellydancing of Khalima really caught my attention. I've always wanted to bellydance. She possesses a great skill and charmed the audience with her talent (SEE PICTURE).

-And you know I had to eat while I was there. I decided to get some garlic fries and a veggie burger from Flynn's Foods. The garlic fries were the hot item of the day. I saw lots of people walking around with them and once I ate mine I knew why. My burger was good too! The tomato was so juicy. I could tell it was one of those Hanover Tomatoes.

-Juggler/entertainer Jonathan Austin was there too. He wowed the crowd with his unicycle and fiery instruments (SEE PICTURE).

I've thought about going completely vegetarian but I'm not there yet. Maybe this time next year, I will be.

Have you considered being a vegetarian or vegan?

What concerns do you have?

If you have adopted a vegetarian diet, what changes have you noticed?

Do you find it challenging to be a vegetarian or vegan?

I would love to hear your responses.

Your Health: Ask The Right Questions

2010-06-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

Last week, I had the pleasure of taking the second webinar in a series of six with Dr. Ben Benjamin. This webinar series delves into the mystery of low back pain. Dr. Ben Benjamin has practiced sports medicine/muscular therapy for almost 50 years.

This particular session was about asking the appropriate questions during a client assessment. He reviewed a list of thirty-something questions that will help the massage therapist understand the client's pain thoroughly.

While listening to Dr. Benjamin describe the details of each question, I began to think about the importance of asking the right questions when it comes to your health. How often have you gone to the doctor and felt slighted because the treatment results were unsuccessful? Have you felt like an alternative treatment should have been offered? Have you wanted advice on specific meals/recipes to incorporate into your diet?

Your doctor and other health care professionals will not know everything that you desire from them unless you ASK. You are responsible for ASKING. They don't know what's on your mind. They don't know your history unless you tell them. They don't know what they should be doing to meet your expectations.

Health care professionals are trained to ask certain questions but you must ask questions too! Communication is two-way. And it better be if you expect your condition to improve. After all, your goal is wellness. You cannot achieve this by not asking thought-provoking questions of the people paid to take care of you.

It's YOUR health, ASK the right questions.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

I Finally Did It

2010-06-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

As a massage therapist and health guru, I am a huge advocate for healthy living. But I have to admit that over the past weeks I've been slacking on my exercise regimen. I haven't been working out as much or as hard as I need to. I realize this, because I know when I can push myself harder. I know when I'm being lazy. I know when I should be walking outside instead of sitting in front of the computer. Don't we all?

Well, this morning I finally did it. I made a conscious decision that I was going to wake up at 5am and put on my running shoes. That's exactly what I did. It took me a while to get out of bed, but I got dressed in my tank top and running pants. Then I was off on my journey.

Being out there felt great. I pushed myself. I said in my head...I'm going to run to this next mailbox...then walk for a little bit....then I'll run some more. That worked. I set some clear goals this morning. Along the way, I saw some beautiful things too....like the sunrise and a few hawks in the tree (see pictures). The sights and sounds of nature are amazing!

This morning's run/walk lasted about 35 minutes and I am so proud of myself. I was good and sweaty when I made it back to the house. I drunk a large glass of water, showered and got ready for work.

Now, I have to keep up with this momentum because developing a healthy lifestyle requires work and dedication. I got off track for a while and now I'm back on.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Love: Anecdote for Stress

2010-06-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

I was on vacation last week and I had the opportunity to attend the wedding of my good friend and her fiance. The couple invited their family and friends to cruise with them to the Bahamas. Their ceremony was in beautiful Nassau on the beach.

While on this vacation and watching their honest display of love, I was reminded about how love is the strongest anecdote for stress. Love really does conquer all. Now what I'm talking about is real love, undying love, unconditional love, love that's backed by courage.

Love can come in many forms and we all have different ways of expressing our love. I learned this from the book "The Five Love Languages for Singles" written by Gary Chapman. Some people like gifts while others prefer physical touch (massage therapy). If you want to know your love language, check out this short quiz.

With love, stress is relieved. You tend to let go of your worries and frustrations. It becomes easier to grieve the loss of someone when love surrounds you.

Remember to call on LOVE the next time you are stressed!

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Warning: Abstain From Texting Thumb

2010-06-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

Texting, tweeting, Facebook, Wii, Ipod, Playstation, laptop, television remote and more. With all these gadgets and social networking sites, your thumbs are really getting a workout. Normally, a workout is good for your body. But in the case of your thumbs it is not.

What is the anatomy of your thumb? What makes it so fragile?

The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint at the base of the thumb is fragile. Your thumb wasn’t designed for repeated motions. It was made to be used with other fingers to grab and hold objects. Also, consider the size of your thumb pad. It is about two centimeters in diameter. The keys on your cell phone, which keep getting smaller by the way, are only one-half centimeter. Your cell phone keys are a quarter of the size of the ones on a standard computer keyboard. That’s a lot of stress on your thumbs to punch such tiny keys.

What is texting thumb?

Texting thumb is a repetitive stress injury. It is also known as “Blackberry Thumb” and “teen texting tendonitis”. Texting thumb involves numbness, tingling, pain, tenderness in your thumb and at the CMC joint. This can lead to tendonitis (tennis elbow), pain in the wrist, and even carpal tunnel like symptoms. Texting thumb mainly affects the thumb joint and the forearm. Constant texting can lead to back, neck, and shoulder issues as well because texting is often done with poor posture.

Who is at risk for texting thumb?

Everyone is at risk for texting thumb, especially if you send over 50 text messages each day. Texting is not the only thing that puts you at risk. Playing video games, typing information on small keypads, and computer use in general are risk factors. Teens are especially vulnerable because their social lives revolve around texting. Doctors have even seen thumb-related stress injuries for teens raise to the same level as sports-related injuries.

How can you prevent this repetitive stress injury?

The best way to prevent texting thumb is to limit the amount of texts you send per day. You should not text for more than three minutes at a time. You should also monitor the frequency of your texting sessions. Change the hand and fingers that you text with. Also, stand or sit up straight while you’re texting.
Virgin Mobile has put together some excellent guidelines and stretches. Visit www.practisesafetext.com for this free and helpful information.

What steps can you take once you get texting thumb?

•Stop texting or any activity that would aggravate the problem. Pick up the phone and call your contacts instead.

•Get treated immediately. Visit your doctor so that you can find out the severity of the condition. Texting thumb can lead to CMC arthritis or nerve damage.

•Find out if massage is indicated for your condition. Massage therapy relieves the tension and stress in your hands and forearms. Another Touch Massage offers this treatment. Call (804) 240-3070 for details.

Sources:
http://www.ergoweb.com. Two Thumbs Down to Increased Texting Among Teens. By Dan Cannon.

http://solomonseal.wordpress.com. Healing Texting, Thumb and Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) with Solomon’s Seal: Part 1 and Part 2. By C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

http://www.the33tv.com/news/kdaf-texting-injuries-story,0,7364389. Text This: Too Much Texting Can Cause Injuries. By Barry Carpenter

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/138144/text_messaging_syndrome.html?cat=25. Text Messaging Syndrome. By Jesse Emerson

Nikkea Smithers: Well-Versed

2010-05-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

This is a continuation of the interview that appears in the May 2010 edition of the "Stress Ease Massage Zine: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Stress Management Solutions".

Purchase books and discover more about Nikkea Smithers and RWA Book Club by visiting www.nikkeasmithers.com

Nikkea Smithers, Essence Magazine Bestselling Author, transforms the two-dimensional into something multi-dimensional. You can’t help but feel her words whether they are spoken or read from one of her many books. Her most recent novel Inside Danica’s Closet has already gained recognition. She loves life and stepped out on faith when she departed from her hometown in Connecticut. With all her success, she treasures her marriage to husband Jason the most.

Q: What was it like growing up in Connecticut? What kind of student were you? What were your dreams?
A: I grew up in Stratford which is a suburb of Bridgeport, CT. While there I attended Bullard-Havens Regional Vocational Technical School for four years. I applied in junior high school and was being bid on by a rival school in the suburbs while Bullard Havens was in the city. During junior high school, I participated in the choir and was recognized for my versatility. This particular rival school didn’t want me to go to Bullard Havens because the impression was that people who go there don’t have much of a future. I just figured they couldn’t be talking about me because I just had to make it! I had to make a very mature decision at a very young age. The school had fifteen different trades and they required you to spend time learning each. I started out in architecture because versus the trade I originally wanted of hairdressing because I had a high course score in architecture and there was a very large demand for hairdressing. After some time, I did finally enroll in the hairdressing program which granted me the opportunity to have a license in cosmetology, hairdressing, and barbering. We actually worked on clients while at the school to give us real life experience. While being in Connecticut gave me many opportunities it also had times where it could be a tear-down environment. At a very young age I was a witness to friends and family passing away in one violent way or another. I witnessed a lot of gang activity in which I was lucky to not have to be a victim of, however I knew that at one point or another I had to get out.

Q: Give a brief synopsis of your latest work Inside Danica’s Closet. Is this a book about secrets?
A: Danica is a very intricate character. Her God complex causes her to feel like she’s on top of it all. Danica is a psychiatrist and she’s figured everyone else out but herself. She meets her match with Patrice, so now the games begin. Danica is not real spiritual but is introduced to a Catholic counselor Father Peter to help her resolve some issues because she figures she knows everything else in the clinical world so she may need to tap into something even deeper. I had to do a lot of research for this character. I always have that one character in every book that raises the bar--- in this one it’s Father Peter. Danica is my Sharon Stone. I wanted her character to bring suspense. Inside Danica’s Closet reveals that everybody has something in their closet.

Q: Your characters are so dynamic. Where do you get the inspiration for them?
A: From real life experiences. I love life. With my characters I try to explore things that I’ve never experienced. For example, Keith’s Story is about a young man who gets raped by a man. This story needed to be told because I keep getting responses from men who’ve never been able to address this type of abuse before. With On The Flip Side, I wrote the poem first. Then men kept coming up to me saying ‘I’m going through that’ so I drew from their experiences for the book. Most of my books have a message. For me it’s about the message and not the money.

Q: What skills must you possess to write from the viewpoint of such dynamic and real characters?
A: You have to remove your personal opinions from the situation. You can't think about how you would react, you have to totally embrace how the character would handle the given situation. This is the only way to truly tap into what the situation calls for and make it connect with your readers.

Q: Would you say that your poetry and your novels come from the same mental and emotional space?
A: No. Most of my poetry is personal and states how I’m feeling about a certain situation. I’ll write a poem about anything. I write about everything going on in my life so most of my friends and family know that at some point they will inspire a poem. For my novels, I write about things that interest me. I am careful to be true to my characters and allow their stories to be told and not how I would handle a situation if it were me. I strive to write messages in my books in addition to the entertainment.

Q: The first thing I do in the morning is…
A: I try to write something every day, be it a poem or a chapter in a book. I can write a book in a week and a half and be done. I’ll write until I’m finished. I’m not a big mass editor. Whatever my original idea was that’s what I stay with.

Q: Your schedule is quite hectic. What do you do to relax?
A: I take a lot of down time. I enjoy reading books, listening to ‘real music’. I really like underground artists. I love to eat. My favorites are Italian and soul food. I like exploring new foods but if it doesn’t look appetizing I won’t eat it. I enjoy going to the movies and watching television. I like traveling too. That’s why I like going to different places promoting my books.

Q: So what lies ahead for you?
A: I’ve got to keep writing. I want to write in every genre. I’m working on a science-fiction book now along with a murder mystery. I’ve had these ideas for years. I really want to write a relationship book too, because we have become so comfortable with the temporary. My next book Domestic will be released in October 2010, which is domestic violence month. The book was written in 2006. I could’ve released it years ago, but it just wasn’t the right time.

Q: If I wasn’t writing, I’d be…
A: I don’t know. I would probably be just working and hustling. I’ve always been a hustler. But come to think about it, I’d probably be acting or modeling. I did a lot of modeling when I was younger. I’m bored with a regular work day. You know, I didn’t think I’d be accepted as a writer. I still get nervous when I release my work. I believe everybody has a talent and a passion and once you tap into it watch out. I can’t imagine not writing.

My Case for Vacation

2010-05-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

I do spend a lot time caring for other people. My clients often ask me "When do you get taken care of?", "When are you going to get your massage?", or "When do you plan to relax?"

My answer is NOW!

Saturday will mark the start of my vacation and I'm so excited. I'm not jumping up and down but I am screaming inside. I have been planning this trip since the end of last summer when I got the invitation to my friend's destination wedding. She's getting married in the Bahamas and I was not going to miss this. We're going on a cruise! It's a double bonus....wedding and cruise...so you know that I was down. I get to catch up with some old friends too.

Vacations are so important especially for someone who works as much as me. I am no stranger to hard work because I understand that's how to make things happen. Plus I feel it's my duty to help others achieve wellness through massage therapy. It is a blessing not a curse! During this week away I really plan to let loose and RELAX. I do deserve that much. I'm proud of myself for paying for everything so far in cash. If this was two years ago, I couldn't say the same. So, in that respect I'm making progress. Progress is always good!

Breaks from the normal routine are so necessary. If you want to get refreshed and energized you must take a vacation. Whether it's a two-day trip to visit an old friend or a week-long trip out of the country. It really doesn't matter as long as you get away so that you can get a new perspective on your life.

I'll have to fill you in on my "vacation revelations". I know that there will be many. And I'll have some pictures too.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Massage at Home Vs. Massage at the Spa

2010-05-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Getting a massage in a salon, spa, or clinic has been around for years, but getting your massage in the comfort of your home is a rapidly growing trend. What are the real benefits of at-home treatment?

You can really go to sleep after.
Massage relaxes all the systems of the body, so you feel like falling asleep afterwards. You have probably even gone to sleep during treatment. When you get your massage at home, it's okay to go right to bed after your session. If you go to the spa, chances are there's another appointment right after yours so you can't stay on the table for long. With in-home massage, there's no one rushing you after your session. You are free to do what you want and when you want.

You don't have to drive and get lost.
You've looked up the directions and you've even put the address in your GPS but you still can't locate the spa. And on top of that, the traffic is not making it easy for you to get to your appointment on time. You don't have to worry about the frustration of driving when you get your massage at your home. You are familiar with the commute home and you can anticipate the traffic patterns. Furthermore, once you are so relaxed from your massage, do you really want to drive?

You will not have to pay extra for ambience.
Granted, spas are beautiful places. One of the reasons to go is the ambience. It takes you to another place. It clears your mind and your spirit. But what if you don't want all of that? You shouldn't have to pay extra if what you really want is an exceptional massage. Ambience is not what makes a good massage. The quality of touch and expertise of the massage therapist creates a rewarding massage experience. Besides, there's no reason why you and your mobile therapist cannot create a similar ambience in your home. It costs less.

You can select the music.
More often than not when you visit a spa or salon the music is selected for you. Your therapist will play anything from nature sounds to classical jazz. With an in-home massage you can choose music from your own collection. You have a wide selection, so why not choose what you want to listen to? The music is right at your fingertips. This is YOUR massage so if you want to listen to blues, country, or rhythm & blues the decision is up to you. If you were going to a spa, there's little chance that you can bring your own music.

There's greater scheduling flexibility.
Spas or salons typically open at 10am and close by 8pm. What if you want to get your massage early in the morning or late at night? In-home massage offers this flexibility. With mobile massage, your massage therapist can meet you when you want and where you want. You have a busy schedule and may only have a small block of time available.

You don't have to get dressed up.
With in-home massage, there's no need to dress in something presentable. You can really relax and be comfortable in your home. It is totally up to you if you want to wear your robe or sweats and a t-shirt. After all, you are at home so who is going to see you but your massage therapist. Clothing can be restricting, so getting your massage at home makes it so you don't have to get dressed in something uncomfortable.

Enjoy all these benefits with an in-home massage from Another Touch Massage.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

The Non-Traditional Breakfast

2010-05-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, you've heard it time and time again....breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is so true. Breakfast jump starts your energy and prevents you from overeating during other parts of the day.

Breakfast can get boring though. Cereal, juice, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, pancakes, French toast....etc. Don't you want to spice it up? Your breakfast doesn't have to be traditional, but it must serve its purpose. Try out these options that will boost your energy and give your taste buds a jolt:

Tuna Wraps
-Canned tuna (in water, not oil)
-Spinach tortilla wraps
-Alfafa sprouts
-Vinaigrette dressing

Directions: Wrap all ingredients in the tortilla wrap and add herbs and spices to your liking. Serve with diced tomatoes and grits.

Fruit & Nut Salad
-Diced apples
-Walnuts
-Dried cranberries
-Raisins
-Pumpkin seeds
-Sweetened coconut

Directions: Mix all ingredients together in a small container and serve with plain yogurt if you wish. Note ~ This is something that you can easily pack and take to work.

Peanut Butter Toast
-3 slices whole grain or rye bread
-organic peanut butter

Directions: Toast the bread, then spread the peanut butter on sparingly. Top with maple syrup and serve with grapefruit slices on the side.

Kale & Spinach Omelette
-Whole eggs or egg whites
-Fresh kale
-Fresh spinach leaves
-Diced portabella mushrooms
-Diced white onions
-Shredded cheddar cheese (or your cheese of choice)

Directions: Prepare your omelette as normal. Serve with diced roma tomatoes or Quinoa.

These are just some recipes to get you started. Be creative. Do what you want. Don't get stuck in a breakfast rut. Take some of the foods you eat for lunch and dinner and turn them into a great, energizing breakfast.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

8 Ways to Make Massage More Affordable

2010-05-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

We all understand the benefits of regular massage, but yet we fail to get massages as often as we should. The most common complaint I hear is that it costs too much. Basically, massages are just too expensive.

Check out these eight simple ways to make massages more affordable.

1. Save, Save, Save.
Yes, this may sound like a broken record but with any sizable purchase you must save for it. Think back to when you purchased your first car. You probably saved for months or years to finally be able to buy it or put a down payment on the vehicle. You can do the same with massages. Take a close look at your budget and see how many times you go out to eat. How many pairs of shoes do you have that you don't even wear? How many movies have you seen and left the theater feeling dissappointed? Those extra $10 and $20 do add up....put the money in your massage fund. Before you know it, you'll have enough for a 60-minute treatment. After all, the average cost for an hour massage is $70. And think of it this way, the benefits of your massage will last much longer than a movie ticket, food, or shoes.

2. Birthday Discounts.
It's your birthday and you can get a massage if you want to. A massage if you want to. A massage if you want to. Some salons, spas, and clinics offer discounted massages for your birthday. Take advantage of these specials. This the perfect way to treat yourself on your special day. Happy Birthday to you!

3. Visit Massage Schools.
Your city or town has at least one massage school nearby. The students always need participants to practice on. They need a variety of bodies too. Some schools offer the massages at discounted rates. I'm talking $25-$35 hour. Better yet, other schools have complimentary massages. Simply call the school director or the clinic administrator at your school of choice to make your appointment. It's a win win situation. You get a massage at a reduced rate and get to help educate/critique the students on their techniques.

4. Make monthly payments.
You already make monthly payments for everything else. Rent. Insurance. Utilities. Why not do it for massages? With a massage plan you can easily fit regular massages into your budget. Another Touch Massage offers annual subscriptions. You can purchase four, six, twelve, or twenty-four massages for an entire year. This reduces the cost of each massage and gives you priority booking. You can even share the cost with your friends or family.

5. Bring Bartering Back.
Many massage therapists are not shy about bartering their service. Let's say you have a valuable service to offer like landscaping, car maintenance, graphic design, or information technology. You can do a trade with a massage therapist that you trust. Bartering is customarily done for a good or service of equal value. For example, don't trade one month's rent for a one-hour massage. This could lead to legal and ethical issues. Remember, bartering doesn't mean it's free. Please adhere to all legal, accounting, and tax regulations in your state if you decide to barter.

6. Research Spa Packages.
Most spas, salons, and clinics have packages available. These packages may be for holidays or couples. They may include a pedicure, manicure, facial or other spa service. The cost of your massage is reduced because you are getting other services. Always ask about special packages when calling to book your appointment. Another thing, a couples massage doesn't have to be for two people who are romantically involved. You can get a couples massage with your mom, your best friend, your sister. This will reduce the cost too. Ask about getting the price of your couples massage reduced if you don't need all the extras (facial, gift basket, candles, aromatherapy).

7. Request Massage as a Gift.
There's always some special occasion in your life....birthday, wedding, graduation, promotion, engagement, baby shower. Often your friends and family will ask you what you want. Tell them that you want a massage. This is a sure-fire way to get what you want. After all, how many cards and undesirable gifts do you really need? They'll just sit in the corner collecting dust.

8. Become a First-Time Client.
A lot of spas, salons, and clinics offer a discount to you if it's your first time visiting their location. Take advantage of this discount. But don't over do it. Don't become known as that person who travels around to all the new spas looking for the discounted rate. Once you take advantage of the first-time client discount, stick around. Enjoy the atmosphere. Try out other services. You will get more out of your massage by going back to the same therapist.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Having the Magic Touch

2010-05-07T00:37:00.001-07:00

For the past couple of weeks, I've been reading the book "The Magic Touch: How to Make $100,000 Per Year as a Massage Therapist". The book is written by Meagan Holub, LMT and I've learned a lot about presentation, marketing, and mental outlook from her experiences.

Today I had the opportunity to be on a conference call with Meagan Holub. She discussed the book and gave massage therapists some key tips to increasing their worth and income. What amazed me was that her statements were not only relevant for those in the profession. They applied to everyone. One of main points was that we fail to take action. It is this inaction that leads to lack of success. I totally agree with her on this point. I am guilty of inaction myself. I have so many great ideas but fail to bring all of them to fruition. I guess it's human nature, but it's the people who forge through their fears who really are successful and come out on top.

I am so grateful for her message. Reading her book and listening to her voice today rejuvenated me. I now know that is so important to TAKE ACTION. I've known this before, but it's becoming more and more important for success. The reality is, you must ask yourself 'What am I going to do about this situation?' and DO IT. TAKE ACTION. Don't wait for someone else to move. You must do it first.

It's not enough to have the magic touch. You have to be willing to work to use this touch. You have to be willing to step outside the box and not make excuses for why massage therapists are not doing well. Just because everyone else maybe in a state of failure and negativity, you don't have to exist there. That's what I'm telling myself.

I have the magic touch and so do you.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
Massage and More at Your Door
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Little People, Big Touch

2010-05-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Since touch is the first sense to develop, it only makes sense to massage children. Just like adults, children crave touch and need it to survive. Positive touch helps children cope with situations like going to a new school, injuries, surgeries, divorce, or puberty.

What is pediatric massage?
Pediatric massage is massage given to toddlers, school age children, adolescents, and teenagers. Pediatric massage helps children develop emotionally and physically as they mature into adults. This differs from infant massage, which is given during the first few years of life.

How is pediatric massage performed?
Pediatric massage is best performed right before bedtime. Your strokes should be long, gentle, and use light pressure. Use a fragrance-free lotion that will help you glide along the skin. Generally, you should only massage the hands, feet, and head. If you are the parent of a teenager, it is best to have them visit a certified massage therapist for treatment.

How often should you massage?
You should massage your children every day. This develops a solid routine.

How long should the massage be?
For children, the massage should only last 15-20 minutes.

What are the benefits?
•Understanding of healthy touch
•Increased body image and self-esteem
•Reduces aggression and anxiety
•Improve behavior at school and home
•Reduce stress and emotional strain
•Balance unstable hormones
•Sleep better during naps and overnight
•Opens communication
•Quality time with parents
•Calms emotions
•Help entire family cope with ADHD, ADD, and autism
•Prevent childhood injuries from progressing into adulthood
•Ability to set boundaries
•Develops healthy intimacy

What’s the next step?
•Another Touch Massage offers private, in-home sessions that will teach you how to massage your child. You’ll learn all the strokes, including some reflexology, to be successful. The sessions are designed to meet the specific needs of your child. Call (804) 240-3070 for more information.

•Read the book Pediatric Massage Therapy by Marybetts Sinclair. This text provides extensive knowledge about manual therapy for children. It's available for purchase at www.amazon.com

Children love massage just as much or if not more than adults. Watch your child transform as you introduce a regular routine of massage with them. After a while, they’ll even want to return the favor. Now, what can be better than a massage from your child?

Sources:
Massagetherapy.com "Children and Massage". By Shirley Vanderbilt

Massagetherapy.com "Helping Children Find Focus: Massage Calms ADHD Kids". By Cathy Ulrich

Karen Wilson: True Beauty

2010-04-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

This is the continuation of interview from the April 2010 edition of the "Stress Ease Massage Zine: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Stress Management Solutions". Karen Wilson definitely has her priorities in order. She is passionate about family, friendship, and the ministry of helping others discover their true beauty. She is the owner and creator of KoreKare Beauty, your source of personal hair care and makeup products and consulting. She is loyal, dedicated, intelligent, animated, and simply fabulous.

Q: Why did you start Kore Kare Beauty? Where did the vision begin?
A: I have always loved making myself feel luxurious and glamorous. What woman doesn’t? I get especially excited when it comes to hair and makeup. I remember growing up, I loved to do hair, even as a child; it’s as if it were my God-given gift. After years of doing hair as a ‘side hustle’, I decided to hone my craft and become a licensed cosmetologist. While working in a hair salon, I was exposed to various textures of natural hair, but the overwhelming majority of my clients had relaxed hair. Even I had relaxed hair at the time. It was not until one of my co-workers, with natural hair, asked me to do her hair that I began to experiment.

At first, I was somewhat intimidated because my experience had been working with relaxers, weaves, and wigs. To be honest, my client’s natural hair seemed somewhat foreign to me as I not seen my natural hair in over 20 years. However, as I began to feel and touch her natural hair, all of my thoughts and misconceptions about natural hair immediately began to fade. On that day, I discovered that natural hair is manageable, completely versatile in terms of styles, and quite simply beautiful! After this experience, I decided that I too wanted to wear my natural, beautiful hair. (Thanks Charlene!)

In addition to my love for hair, I’ve always gravitated to makeup. God created each of us unique – and there is beauty in individuality. I think makeup is fun, colorful and can give a face a whole different look. I figure if you have to get dressed every morning – you may as well look as fabulous as you want to look, and sometimes that includes diversifying and re-mixing your look!

Through my journey, I’ve discovered that by understanding the different hair types, styling options and quality products, we as women, can find ways to keep our hair and faces beautiful! The goal of KoreKare Beauty has always been to show other women how each day really can be a fabulous day.”

Q: What situations are stressful to you? How do you manage such circumstances?
A: I tend to get stressed when I’m pulled in different directions by different people. Its gets overwhelming because I am one person, and at times I’m needed by several people – at the same time. I manage by simply saying ‘no’ to certain requests of my time. Even though it may be hard, it keeps me sane!

Q: I can't leave home without...
A: My MAC lipgloss!

Q: Women go through so many hair phases in a lifetime. What triggers this? Is the decision to change styles internal, external, or both?
A: I think it is both. Women in general, love to style our hair in various styles – I think that’s one of the benefits of being a woman! Versatility! However, because we desire to re-invent our look through our hair (and sometimes makeup), we tend to focus more on the style, versus the health of our hair. I also believe that our society’s standard of beauty in unrealistic to attain for most women, and particularly women of color. Society’s standard of beauty as it relates to hair is that it be long, straight hair. Due to the long lasting effects of slavery, women still believe that black hair is unmanageable, unprofessional and aesthetically inferior in its kinky state. And to the contrary, straight hair is connected to opportunity and privilege. I think that once we accept our natural texture for what it is (all of its tangles, frizz, and tight coils) then we can truly embrace our true beauty!

Q: Did you see the film Good Hair? Was this a fair and accurate representation? Thoughts? Likes? Dislikes?
A: Of course I saw Good Hair. Even though it was from the perspective of a comedian, Chris Rock, it was also an accurate representation of most black women, our hair, and our hair weaves! I’m not too far removed from that world, since I’ve only been natural for a year. I thought about how sad it is, that we as Black, will simply NOT wear our natural hair. Every other race/ethnic group does, but we, as Black women, do not! I guess what I disliked about the movie is that it focused quite a bit on hair weaves, but did not highlight the benefits or ‘goodness’ of hair in its natural state. It did not truly address what is good hair, because in my opinion, healthy hair is good hair! It did address the improper hair care maintenance practices practiced by Black women...which essentially lead to hair damage and breakage, whether it be in its relaxed state or natural state.

Q: Have you ever had to deal with a client who didn't like their hair or makeup? How did you handle the situation?
A: Yes, I had to deal with clients who didn’t like their hair or makeup. I’ve learned that in every negative situation (like dealing with a dissatisfied customer), there is lesson to be learned. I’ve learned that it is hard for most people to convey in words their mental vision of a hairstyle or makeover look. So I’ve learned that visual aids are key! A splash of ‘patience’ is a must as well, to intently listen to the clients concerns and offer potential solutions for future styles. Client satisfaction is my goal!

Q: Many women don't make time to take care of hair/beauty at home. What's the quickest and easiest at-home technique or trick you know?
A: Many women may not like to take care of their hair and beauty needs because they may not know how. That is one of the reasons I developed KoreKare Beauty – to teach women the basics of at-home styling and maintenance and beauty tips. For the natural sisters, the number one suggestionin terms of hair maintenance is to MOISTURIZE MOISTURIZE MOISTURIZE! Invest in a quality hair moisturizer, such as Jane Carter Solution Nourish and Shine! Kinky – Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair types because its hard for our natural oils to travel down our curved follicle. The general rule is the smaller the curl, the drier the curl. So it is important that we moisturize our hair – don’t run away from the rain – run to it!!! Our hair craves moisture!

Natural hair styles are relatively easy to do and maintain, because natural hair looks good – even when hair strands are out of place! An easy style to do is a two-strand twist-out. Part your hair in small to medium sections, take two strands of hair and wrap them around each other, and allow them the hair to air dry. After it dries, un-twist the twists and you have a beautiful wavy fabulous style!

For those women with relaxed hair, a roller set or wrap was always my favorite style. It’s low maintenance, requires the use of a bonnet or scarf at night and only needs to be combed out in the morning.

Q: Who is your biggest cheerleader? How vital is their support?
A: I have several cheerleaders actually, including my mother, two aunts, and a few close friends. They encourage me to keep going, pursuing my business even when I don’t feel like it. They remind me of all of my business ideas I’ve made over the years and encourage me to pursue these ideas. They constantly promote my business and my services. They believe in me – and that feels pretty good!

Q: If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
A: I would have improved my understanding and application of Godly living, and would have lived my life according to God’s written Will and Word, what I do now.

Q: Being a business owner has its challenges, but what is the greatest benefit?
A: The greatest benefit is the gratification I feel when my clients are satisfied with their hair, their makeup, and if I have helped them resolve their hair or beauty challenge. There’s no greater feeling than to serve someone, and your service be appreciated and valued. I do believe I can change lives through changing hair and beauty conundrums!

Q: I remember you doing some image consulting. Do you still do this type of work?
A: Yes, I still do image consulting, primarily on a word of mouth basis right now. Actually, I find myself doing image consulting everyday, as people constantly ask my opinion about their hair challenges simply because of the way I present myself in public. I feel like I’m my own walking advertisement, so it’s important for me to present myself in such a way that people will trust that I’m an expert in my field.

Q: Do you suggest being trendy or classic when it comes to personal style? Is their a place and time for both?
A: I think women have to, “do you”…that’s the essence of personal style. Now of course, women have to be mindful of the professional standards at their place of employment; however if you are a business owner, then you set your own standard of professionalism.

I have an Aunt who is a fitness and dance instructor (she also owns the business, House of Dance). When she had to conduct interviews or speak with other business professionals, she would always wear “the black business pantsuit”. One day I reminded her that in her line of work, she can be free to be herself and express herself through her clothes and makeup. She is colorful, animated, and loves to dance! From that day forward, she still wears a business suit to professional meetings – but now her suit comes in all different colors and styles, and her makeup does too!

Q: What has been your defining moment?
A: I think one of my defining moments was the day I decided to enroll in cosmetology school. I had recently gotten my Master’s Degree from Michigan State, had a full time job, but I still longed for more. I had a gift but I knew I had to hone my skills, and be certified in the cosmetology field. So against the initial advice of a few family members, I went hair school…and the rest is history!

Q: Where do you ultimately see KoreKare Beauty?
A: Ultimately, I see KoreKare Beauty as my life’s ministry in that I plan to reach thousands of women.

Q: People would be surprised to know that....
A: I can’t go to sleep without knowing what my outfit will be for the next day (just on work days)

Q: Who challenges you?
A: I think the people (my family and friends) who are most supportive of me, are also those who challenge me the most because they are the people who give me friendly reminders of my business ideas. And again, the only reason they know about my goals and ideas, is because I told them! So they challenge me to make those ideas come to fruition, and sometimes their ‘nudging’ is the kick I need to keep moving!

Q: What have you started, but have yet to finish? Why haven't you completed the project?
A: I honestly feel like I’ve been ‘starting’ KoreKare Beauty for years now! I believe the business idea came to me in 2004!! The original idea has certainly changed over the years – from a comprehensive image consulting business to a full service salon and spa, and now to hair and makeup online store and resource, but I feel like I haven’t ‘finished’ it yet. I don’t know if the business will ever be finished because it will continue to evolve, but I have completed several of my business goals, so I’m feeling quite productive right now!

Q: Give me your interpretation of this saying "Good things come to those who wait"? Is there a personal circumstance that displays truth in the saying?
A: I think that saying is just another way of saying, BE PATIENT! As I mentioned earlier, I think most people are driven by their emotions or feelings. We want what we want, when we want it! I learned years ago that a delay is not a denial. God’s timing is impeccable, and if we pray and seek Him in everything we do, wait for Him to lead us, then He will give what us what is best for us and if it’s from Him, it will definitely be good!

To learn more about KoreKare Beauty, please visit www.korekarebeauty.com. Mother's Day hair care baskets are available by emailing korekarebeauty@yahoo.com.

Mother's Day Specials

2010-04-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is on May 9.
It's less than three weeks away.

Your mom deserves a break and some stress relief.

Treat your mother to a massage gift certificate. Gift certificates are available in increments of $25. For the complete list of services, visit www.anothertouchmassage.com. Here are two of the special packages:

Mini Royal Treatment
60-minute Stress-Buster Massage
15-minute Facial Massage
Aromatherapy Selection
Signature Keepsake
$120

Royal Treatment
90-minute Stress-Buster Massage
45-minute Rejuvenating Facial Treatment
Aromatherapy Selection
Signature Keepsage
$200

Don't Stress: File Late

2010-04-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

Tax season can certainly be a stressful time. There are so many papers to organize and prepare before the April 15 deadline.

So...you haven't gotten everything in order to meet the deadline. You don't even have time to do the paperwork or go to a tax service. Don't stay up all night trying to meet the deadline when you can relax.

Simply, file an extension. You can find IRS Form 4868 at www.irs.gov and submit it electronically or via mail. If you're sending it through the mail, use FedEx, DHL, or UPS. It will cost you about $30 to overnight the form, but it will save you the headache of trying to get things ready in less than 24 hours. Also, if you owe a balance on your taxes you must pay all or some of the estimated tax due. Be prepared to do that via credit or debit card.

The form is short, so it won't take much time. The extension gives you up to six additional months to file. Just make sure that you don't procrastinate again.

Happy Filing!

Elmira Loftin
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Top Ten Reasons to Get a Massage

2010-04-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons not to get a massage...topping the list would be cost. But why should you get a massage? What are the benefits? Are massages really that great?

Here's the list that Another Touch Massage Therapy compiled. Feel free to add your own or comment on the list.

1. Because you've never had one. Admit it...you're a "massage virgin". Your friends and family keep pressuring you to do it and they say it feels so good. You won't know the physical and emotional benefits of a professional massage treatment until you experience it for yourself. Now, that's positive peer pressure.

2. It's the perfect end to a stressful day. A relaxing Stress-Buster Massage gives you something to look forward to after a draining day at work or home.

3. Massage reduces your blood pressure. Do you have issues with your blood pressure? A massage session will bring this under control immediately by dialating your blood vessels.

4. An excuse to get away from your kids. As a working mother or father today, taking care of your children consumes a lot of time. Treating yourself to a massage will give you time away from your children so that you can clear your head and not worry about homework or who needs to be picked up from their extra-curricular activities.

5. It's a mini-vacation. What if you don't have the time or money to getaway? Getting a massage is the ideal way to take a break from it all. Your body and mind will feel rejuvenated just in the matter of an hour.

6. Massage encourages healthy touch. Getting is a great way to meet the human need for physical touch in a non-sexual manner. Massage gives your skin the stimulation it needs to thrive and function optimally.

7. You get to take a nap as an adult. While you are on the table, your massage therapist will not look at your weird if you fall asleep. Falling asleep is normal. Take advantage of it. Massage gives you an opportunity to catch up on that REM sleep you've been missing.

8. It's a healthier version of "happy hour". You still get the relaxation of happy hour, but without the hangover. And if you want you can enjoy your favorite beverage (and lots of water of course) following your massage session.

9. Because you don't have to leave home. Another Touch Massage Therapy travels to your home to treat you to a Stress-Buster Massage. This way you don't have to get in your car and drive after treatment. You can relax and go right to sleep if you want.

10. To learn more about your body. How much do you know about your body? Where are your moles? Is your spine misaligned? Do you have joint restrictions? Do you have trigger points? Massage sessions will give you a better idea about what's going on with your body. Your therapist can see things going on with your body that you can't.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
http://www.anothertouchmassage.com

Demystifying Your Trigger Points

2010-04-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

This article was originally published in the March 2010 edition of the "Stress Ease Massage Zine: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Stress Management Solutions".

By Robyn Anthony, CMT

There are many reasons that you get trigger points. It is important to understand what a trigger point is, understand why trigger points form and how to treat them. Trigger points do not choose certain people or body types.

Trigger points are classified into two main categories: active points and latent trigger points. An active trigger point is one that you can feel before your massage therapist begins working on the area, and a latent trigger point is one that is not felt until it is touched. Most trigger points form along the muscles on the trunk of the body, not to say that they will not form on the muscles of the extremities as well. A trigger point resides in a muscle and will be noticed as a nodule or a tense spot and even taut bands that will be found during the palpation assessment.

Some causes of trigger points are poor posture, trauma, repetitive strain and over working the muscles. Some conditions that are caused by trigger points include and are not limited to carpal tunnel like symptoms, headaches, blurry vision, teary eyes, and dizziness along with others.

Triggers points have a specific pain pattern, which can refer the pain either into the head or in the direction of the appendages. In the palpation assessment, the direction of a pain pattern can be identified. Once the symptoms and the trigger points are found the trigger point therapy can be administered. Some trigger points merely need compression or stretching to help them to dissipate.

While others require a more aggressive approach of relief for
trigger points which include myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, deep transverse friction and stripping strokes.

Working an active trigger point can be done in several ways. One way to work the trigger point is to perform ischemic compressions. This means that your therapist will apply direct pressure to the taut bands of tissue for a count of seven to ten seconds. Another way to work trigger points is to apply deep friction strokes. Your therapist may also stretch the muscles to assist in diminishing the trigger point.

Stretching techniques related to the common trigger point referral area can also be used for preventive care of trigger points and pain relief. Self-care helps you become more aware of what your body is going through with the lifestyle you are leading.

Treating your trigger points relieves stress in the muscles and relieves pain too. Some understand that during massage, endorphins and hormones are released and take care of the pain. Also, keep in mind that unless the trigger point is dissipated the pain will come back almost as soon as you get off the table. Releasing your trigger points does not mean that you are cured and will never have the pain again. But with thorough treatment and proper self-care, you can extend the time between massage sessions.
_________________________________

Robyn Anthony, Certified Massage Therapist, has practiced massage for over eight years. She is currently the Massage Therapy Coordinator at Centura Institute in Orlando, FL. Her specialties include therapeutic massage, intuitive healing, healing touch, and Reiki. http://www.centurainstitute.edu/

Your First Massage: Top 10 Things to Know

2010-03-31T05:30:00.000-07:00

You're about to have your first professional massage. There are some key things you should know before your massage:

1. You will not be naked. Although you will be required to remove all undergarments except your underwear, at no point during the massage will your entire body be exposed. Your massage therapist will use special draping techniques to only uncover the body part that is being worked on. Additionally, you can disrobe to your own modesty level. Some prefer to be nude under the sheets.

2. Your therapist will use a lubricant. Oil, cream, or lotion will be used during the massage session to allow better control over the muscles and tissues. Please let your therapist know if you are allergic to any of the products.

3. You can't get a massage if you are sick. Don't expect to get massaged if you have a cold, the flu, or are running a fever for some other reason. Not only can the massage make your symptoms worse, but there's the issue of contamination between the massage therapist and other clients. Note: There are a number of other conditions that are contraindicated for massage.

4. Get there early. Be prepared to arrive for your massage 15-20 minutes early. Your massage therapist will have you complete an intake form prior to your session. Arriving early also allows you time to find the place and not be rushed prior to the massage.

5. Know your medical history. Your massage therapist will perform a thorough intake session prior to the massage. This gives your therapist more information about your medical conditions, medication, injuries, pains, etc. If you have a lot going on medically, prepare a sheet in advance so you don't have to hand write everything. Each person is unique. Be honest and don't try to hide something because you're so anxious to get on the table.

6. Water is required. You must drink plenty of water following your massage. This helps your body release the waste that was broken up during treatment. You don't want this stuff floating around in your body. Also, alcohol consumption before your massage is not recommended.

7. It won't hurt. Your massage therapist will use light, medium, or deep pressure. For first-timers, light to medium pressure is ideal. Your muscles/tissues need to get used to receiving massage.

8. Take a shower. You must arrive to the session clean. Don't go if you've been working and sweating all day. Please bathe. Your therapist has the right to refuse to treat you for hygiene issues. Some salons/spas have showers on property, so you may be able to take one there. Inquire beforehand.

9. Your massage therapist is not a doctor. Massage therapists will not diagnose any medical condition. However, they can make recommendations based on issues found during the session. Don't expect to cure all your health issues with your first massage.

10. You are in control. This is your massage. Communicate with your therapist before, during, and after the session. Also, prepare for the massage by relaxing your mind and body. When you go into the massage mentally prepared, you will get better results.

Your first massage will be a new and exciting experience. Enjoy your journey to total body wellness & awareness with massage therapy.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

It's Day 9 and I'm Feeling Fine

2010-03-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

Becoming a massage therapist has definitely opened me up to a different world. I have greater body awareness. I have more willingness to help people with the stresses of life. And with my training, I have the skills to help people like you overcome stress and tension.

I truly know that this is a calling. Being able to touch others and see bodies transform right before my eyes is magical.

As you know, for the past week I have been doing the Master Cleanser detoxification system. Today is day 9 and I'm feeling wonderful. My mind is clear. My body feels free and open. I have more energy. I'm more focused. I feel like I've left some baggage behind...I tell you...that is a great feeling in itself.

I'm glad I decided to do the Master Cleanser, because now I have a better outlook. I even view food differently. I view myself differently.

I have a sense of accomplishment....I didn't doubt that I would complete the 10 days but there are some dark moments. Especially when you smell food being cooked, when your family gathers at your house for a picnic or you have to sit and watch a group of your co-workers eating a breakfast buffet.

I challenge you to do the Master Cleanser (or any type of fast for that matter). You will become stronger and change your outlook.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Masssage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

What's the Real Emergency?

2010-03-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

On the way back to work yesterday, I had to pull over to let an ambulance by. That got me to thinking about emergency situations. Why do they happen? When do they happen? What can we do to prevent them from happening?

And most importantly...what is the real emergency? The real emergency is your health and taking steps today to prevent situations where you need ambulatory care.

You are the emergency.
Your health is the emergency.
Your well-being is the emergency.
Being able to relieve your pain is an emergency.
Being able to control your weight is an emergency.
Having a clear mind and increased mental acuity is the emergency.

Because your health is the real emergency, you are required to act now. You can't wait until tomorrow. You must dial 9-1-1 now!!!!

Here are the steps to dialing 9-1-1.
9: Consume at least NINE vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains daily

1: Do at least ONE hour of meditation and prayer daily. Meditate in your car. Pray at your desk. The great thing is, you can do this almost anywhere.

1: ONE hour of aerobic exercise daily. Do something to get your heart pumping and the lymphatic system going. Do something fun that you like...water rafting, fencing, rock climbling, jump roping, basketball. It doesn't matter.

You are the real emergency. So dial 9-1-1 right now!

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Why Is It the Master Cleanser?

2010-03-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

I learned about the Master Cleanser last month from Rose Jordan, certified personal trainer. I thank her for sharing this information with me.

I am surprised that I didn't hear about this system before. I acted quick and decided to start the Master Cleanser (Lemonade Fast) today. I wanted to cleanse my body...detoxify it...get a fresh start.

Why do they call it the Master Cleanser?
I would say that it is because this system not only cleanses your body, but it clears your mind and allows a higher spiritual connection. As with any fast...it's far more mental than physical. You must have a focused mind to see yourself through.

Here's a picture of my lemonade mixture. I'll be drinking a full one of these daily.

Today is Day 1. Let's see what happens on this journey. To follow my journey, visit http://twitter.com/MyLemonadeFast.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Dump Your Junk with Lemon Aid

2010-03-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

You make sure to dump the trash at your house at least once a week, but how often do you get rid of the trash in your body? You’ve heard about the trash in your body. It’s commonly known as toxins. Toxins are anything in your body that keeps it from functioning optimally. To get rid of the toxins, you need to do regular detoxification.

What is detoxification?
Detoxification is a process of cleaning your blood. Your blood is the life line for all of your cells, tissues, organs, and body systems. The blood in the liver really needs to be cleaned because it is where toxins are processed for removal.

What’s the purpose?
•To rest and clean the digestive system & kidneys
•Jump start the liver with getting toxins out of your body
•Purify your glands and cells
•Get rid of waste and hardened materials in joints/muscles
•Accelerate weight loss program
•Maintain youth, vibrancy, and skin elasticity
•Increases energy and reduces stress

What’s the easiest way to detoxify?
The simplest way to detoxify is the Master Cleanser developed by Stanley Burroughs in 1941. It’s also known as The Lemonade Fast. Here’s the recipe:

-2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed organic lemon juice (not canned or frozen)
-2 Tbsp. Grade B organic maple syrup (not maple flavored sugar syrup)
-1/10 Tsp. cayenne pepper (red pepper) powder
-Water, medium hot (spring or purified)

Mix juice, syrup, and pepper in a 10 oz. glass and fill water. Drink the lemonade mixture at least three times a day. This is your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will not need to eat anything else during your detoxification. Remember, this is not a diet. It’s a cleansing program.

How long should you detoxify?
Drink the lemonade for at least 10 days. The ingredients have all the nutrients you need .The Master Cleanser detoxification can be done three or four times a year.

Why does the Master Cleanser work?
Maple syrup contains a number of vitamins and minerals. Some of the minerals are Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Iron and Copper. Vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, and C are found in organic maple syrup.
Lemons are highly alkaline. Bacteria that cause disease can’t exist in your body when it has a high level of alkalinity. Lemons also help to break down mucus. Cayenne pepper breaks down mucus too and helps flush toxins from your digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems.

What else will you need?
Add a salt water flush and laxative herb tea to this regimen to help with bowel elimination. Learn more at http://themastercleanserecipe.org. Drink the salt water flush and tea separately to prevent diarrhea.
Also, positive mental visualization and support from friends will help fight your cravings.

How do you get started?
•Consult your doctor especially if you have a major medical condition(s)
•Read the “The Master Cleanser Book” by Stanley Burroughs for more information
•Check out testimonials, starter kits,
common mistakes, and more at http://themastercleanserecipe.org and http://www.mastercleanser.com•Head down to your local whole foods store and start today. All the products are easy to find.

Happy detoxification! You deserve it.

Source: "The Master Cleanser with Special Needs and Problems" written by Stanley Burroughs. Copyright 1976. Copyright 1993 by Alisa Burroughs.

Unexpected Inspiration

2010-03-01T17:45:00.001-08:00

As you know, an entrepreneur's work is never done.

I took some time on Saturday to visit the library to tweek my business plan. I've written a partial plan, but it is not complete. I got some things accomplished on Saturday, but the best part came during my break time. All that research was killing me, so I decided to grab some magazines...among them was O Magazine.

Oprah Winfrey interviewed Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. What he had to say was enlightening. He spoke about being in the present...this is something that I've been working toward. His explanation gave me a better understand of what it means to be happy and fully experience the things that are happening NOW. He said that it's important to bring all of your senses into every action. He explained the act of tea meditation...really savoring all the flavors and sensations, spending about an hour drinking a cup of tea. (Imagine that). We rarely spend an entire hour eating a meal.

I started the practice that evening. I focused on every footstep against the sidewalk...I cued into my breathing patterns. I admired the leaves on the trees as I drove. I felt the plushness of the cushion of my carseat.Thich Nhat Hanh has given me a new perspective...something that I will explore further.

Read his entire interview here.

I hope you become enlightened like I did.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Back on Track: Keeping Your Resolution

2010-02-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

It's the end of February and I hope that you're still committed to your weight loss and fitness goals. Here's some tips to help you stay on track.

Spring is on the way, which gives you more chances to relieve stress outdoors.

1. Do it when you are ready. Make your commitment to a healthy lifestyle when you are ready. New Year’s Day or your birthday may not be the day for you. The ideal day to start has to be when you are ready. The perfect day is arbitrary and doesn’t require a special occasion.

2. Keep your meals small. Eat five to six times a day and your portions should be the size of your fist. Consume more fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

3. Set realistic goals. You are not going to lose twenty-five pounds in one month. Dropping five pounds in one month is more like it.

4. Eliminate the ‘d’ word. Diets are a temporary fix. They are fads like stonewashed jeans and bell bottoms. You must make a healthy lifestyle change. A healthy lifestyle change will maintain your weight for years to come.

5. Commit. Start small with walking for thirty minutes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Then progress from there. Tell yourself that after a month of walking you will enroll in an exercise class. Stick with realistic exercise commitments, something that you can and will do.

6. Write it down. Keep an exercise and food journal. You are more likely to stay on target when you write down your plans. This also allows you to track your progress.

7. Buddy up. Exercising with a friend is so much better. You can challenge each other to do things that you wouldn’t accomplish alone. It is also great if you work out with your romantic partner. That is healthy for your relationship.

8. Get back up. Don’t be afraid to fail. You’ve made your goals and your commitment to exercise but decide to take a break. There’s no reason why you can’t start over. Just don’t make it a habit.

9. Keep it fun. Do exercise that is fun for you. You are more likely to stick with it if you enjoy the work out. With so many things out there like kick boxing, dancing, circuit training and yoga there’s something for everyone.

NOTE: Some items contributed by Rose Jordan, Certified Personal Trainer.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Wisdom of the Ages: Rose Jordan, Certified Personal Trainer

2010-02-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon!

This is the in-depth interview continued from the February edition of the "Stress Ease Massage Zine: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Stress Management Solutions".

Rose Jordan, personal trainer at American Family Fitness in Richmond, Virginia, encourages people with her zeal and positivity. She leads multiple entrepreneurial ventures including Go 4 Fit fitness apparel for men and women. For her, exercise must be fun and she is currently preparing to compete in Miss Figure this May or August. Possessing a genuine spirit, she believes in going back to basics in fitness and in life.

Q: Lack of time is an issue with working out? How do you combat this?
A: Everybody has an extra hour. Everybody has a weekend. You have time. Sometimes you can wake up early. If you have a thirty minute or an hour lunch break, you can walk for half of it then eat your meal during the other part. You have to put working out in your schedule. It's also important to have a mate that's into fitness like you.

Q: Name one thing that fascinates you.
A: My faith. If you trust and believe in God everything will work out. Just the Lord waking me up with a sane mind is fascinating. There was one time that my car was out being fixed and I had to use my entire pay check to pay for the repairs. I had told a client that I was going to be on a prayer for gas. God used the client to bless me with gas money. I may have a few aches and pains but that comes with living. I go to work happy every morning. I try not to let things stress me.

Q: What's the greatest improvement that you witnessed with one of your clients?
A: There was a guy who moved to Virginia five years ago. He was coming to the gym but just going through the motions. I had earned trainer of the quarter and he noticed my picture on the wall. He said "I want you to train me!" So I set him up with a consultation. He signed up for twelve sessions. The first few sessions, he wouldn't talk. He would just do the workouts. I trained him for over two years and we developed a good friendship. After a while, he opened up. He told me that his wife passed before he moved. Now, you can't shut him up. He's got energy and is outgoing. He liked the gym so much, he got a job in sales. He got his self-esteem up and his energy was through the roof. The rapport, friendship, and trust changed him. It worked out so well. He has since moved back to Illinois to care for his mom. He's now the general manager at a gym in Illinois. He came so far in five years and I plan to visit him on one of my vacations.

Q: What makes you unique?
A: My personality. I try to be a motivator and keep people encouraged. I read scriptures and stay around positive people. Complaining doesn’t change anything. My energy also makes me unique. My purpose is to help people be healthy and happy. When you have health, strength and a sane mind it means a lot.

Q: What's your greatest fear?
A: Growing up, I was afraid of snakes. I couldn't even look at snakes on television. Now I've learned more about them by looking at Animal Planet. I know what's poisonous and what's not. I'm not as fearful. Now I will go to a nature center and touch snake skin. Back in the day, you couldn't even put a garden snake near me. If you educate yourself, you can overcome your fear.

Q: If money wasn’t an option, I would…
A: Open my own business called Go 4 Fit. It would be a place for personal training, selling my supplements, and selling my line of fitness clothing. I would have hair styling, nail services, and massage available too. The goal of the business would be to inspire other people to change their lives. That’s what I’m working toward. A building may come. I want to be my own boss and feel I could branch out own my own.

Wisdom of the Ages appears every month in the "Stress Ease Massage Zine: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Stress Management Solutions". To subscribe, email info@anothertouchmassage.com

Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

No to Excuses; Yes to Permissions

2010-02-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

Are your many excuses stressing you out?

How many times have you said this....

I can't afford it
I can't because I'm too small
I can't because I'm too big
I can't because they're smarter than me
I can't because it's too cold
I can't because it's too hot
I will change once I get my tax return
I can't do it because of my kids

The list goes on. So many excuses, so little time. You keep making excuses for not doing the things that make you stronger and progress in life. Why? Because it's far easier to stay in your comfort zone. Because making a drastic change requires discipline and letting go.

Instead of making excuses, you need to give yourself permission. Give yourself permission to do the challenging things in spite of your shortcomings. Let your shortcomings drive you. When you do this, you are not limited.

The best way to give yourself permission is to change the "I can'ts" to "I cans". Here's how this sounds:

I can afford it
I can because I'm small
I can because I'm big
I can because they're smarter than me
I can because it's cold
I can because it's hot
I will change before I get my tax return
I can do it because of my kids

So, it's simple. Give yourself permission to do the things that you usually make excuses for. It's a quick mind shift.

Say no to excuses and yes to permissions!

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
http://www.anothertouchmassage.com

Another Touch Massage: Valentine's Day Contest

2010-02-06T21:01:00.001-08:00

What is real love? What is it to you? When did you first find love? Tell me about it and win big this Valentine's Day.

Stress Series: 8 Keys to Stress Management

2010-02-05T22:50:00.001-08:00

Here are some easy ways to manage stress in your daily life.

Valentine's Day Contest

2010-02-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

It's time for some real love.

Tell me your best short story about when you first knew love was real. It could be mom's love, daddy's love, the love you have for your animal or about your steamy adult romance.

Send your story to info@anothertouchmassage.com by 9pm EST Wednesday, February 10th.

The winner receives:
-Instructional foot massage for two
-Sensuous music & Aromatherapy
-Premium Chocolate Treasures
-Signature Keepsake

Winner revealed on Friday, February 12th

Don't Knock the Rocks

2010-02-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

Don't knock the rocks until you try them.

If you've ever had a hot stone massage, you should understand. Hot stone therapy is an ancient therapy that has been around for at least 5,000 years. The same therapeutic benefits are available today.

Are all rocks equal?
No. Basalt stones are used because they are smooth and have a high iron content. The iron helps them hold heat for up to 45 minutes. The basalt stones are river rocks that have been smoothed by the water current.

What happens during hot stone therapy?
•Stones of varying size are heated in water to 120°F - 150°F.
•Larger stones are placed along the spine, on the chest, and in the palms of the hand to improve energy flow.
•The massage therapist uses smaller stones and oil to glide along legs, arms, and torso.
•Deep tissue massage. The combination of heat and the strength of the stone make it easier for the therapist to work deep layers of muscles and tissues.

What are the benefits of hot stone therapy?
•Reduces stress, tension, and anxiety
•Improves circulation
•Increased energy flow
•Lowers blood pressure
•Loosens tight muscles quickly
•Relieves pain
•Minimal skin contact
•Clears the mind
•Less pressure than regular massage
•Stimulates immune system

Can everyone have hot stone therapy?
Hot stone therapy is for most people, but there are some contraindications. Consult your doctor and massage therapist before treatment.

What next?
Reserve your Hot Stone Stress-Buster with Another Touch Massage. This is a new mobile service and makes the perfect Valentine's Day gift. You can even treat yourself. Gift certificates are available too.
Call (804) 240-3070 today.

Five Ways to Romance Your Love

2010-02-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

You've done it all...you've bought the flowers, the singing teddy bears, the roses.
Spice up Valentine's Day this year!

Couples Massage
60-minute Couples Retreat
Aromatherapy Selection
Sensuous Music & Candles
Signature Keepsake
$200

Royal Treatment
90-minute Stress-Buster Massage
45-minute Facial Massage/Treatment
Aromatherapy & Sensuous Music
Signature Keepsake
$200

Hot Stone Stress-Buster
90-minute Hot Stone Therapy
Sensuous Music
Signature Keepsake
$130

Mini Royal Treatment
60- minute Stress-Buster Massage
15-minute Facial Massage/Treatment
Aromatherapy & Sensuous Music
Signature Keepsake
$120

Stress-Buster Massage
60-minute Stress-Buster
Sensuous Music
Signature Keepsake
$75

Call (804) 240-3070 to schedule your Valentine's Day massage. Limited appointments available. All services performed in the comfort of your home or desired location. Open appointments Sunday-Saturday.

Another Touch Massage
http://www.anothertouchmassage.com

January Newsletter: Cryptograms Solutions

2010-01-26T12:10:00.001-08:00

Ahh...January. Cold weather, snow, and a Snuggie.

Here are solutions to the puzzles in the January newsletter:

#1
"When love is not madness, it is not love."~ Pedro Calderon de la Barca

#2
"To get rich never risk your health. For it is the truth that health is the wealth of wealth."~ Richard Baker

To subscribe to the "Stress Ease Massage Zine: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Stress Management Solutions" send an email to anothertouch@hotmail.com.

Visit http://www.anothertouchmassage.com for more information.

Massage: Myriad of Modalities

2010-01-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

Massage therapy is a great thing. You can benefit from massage physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

The deal with massage therapy is that it is not a "one size fits all" treatment. There are so many different modalities out there. What works for you today may not work for your next session. You and your therapist must be aware of what your goals are for each session.

There are a myriad of massage modalities. Each one is designed for a specific purpose. Just to name a few, there's Lomi Lomi, Myofascial Release, Rolfing, Energy Healing, Craniosacral, Swedish, Reflexology,and Lymphatic Drainage.

Before you get your next massage, ask yourself these questions:

-Do I want to relax?
-Do I want to relieve pain?
-Do I want to increase joint mobility?
-Do I want to clear my mind?
-Do I want to be fully clothed or nude?
-Do I want to relieve stress?
-Do I want to get rid of tension?
-Am I in the mood for light, medium, or deep pressure?

The answers will lead you to the right modality. Please do research about the different modalites and ask your massage therapist for clarification.

Remember, massage therapy is not a "one size fits all" treatment.

Stressed Over a Number

2010-01-20T18:53:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday. I won't tell you how old I am, because it doesn't really matter.

I want to discuss this thing called age. Age is equated with wisdom. It's equated with where you should be in life. It's equated with if you should be married, when you can legally drink, when you should have children, be retired, etc.

Alot of us become stressed over our age, especially when we reach certain milestones like age 30, 40, or 50. My suggestion is that it's okay to measure your life at these milestones, but don't let the "number" depress you. This is a terrible case to be in. You should only be stressed and depressed over a "number" if you haven't done everything in your power to live your life completely. If that is the case for you, don't beat yourself up over yesterday. Start fresh today and make the most of your days to come.

As the saying goes "Age ain't nothing but a number". It's so true! In the end, your "number" doesn't define success. Your "number" doesn't dictate if you are still able to learn. Your "number" doesn't dictate your mental aptitude. Age doesn't tell you it's time to stop living.

Stop being so stressed over your "number". Appreciate your "number".

Massive Power of Touch

2010-01-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

Before I became a massage therapist, I didn't completely understand the power of touch. I did not understand the healing power of massage or much less the healing power of a hug.

As humans, we require regular touch for emotional, physical, and mental well-being. We often feel depressed and lonely if we go for long periods without touch. After all, the skin is the largest organ in the body. The only way to stimulate the skin is through touch.

Touch is a transfer of energy from one to another. Have you ever paid attention to the warmth you feel when someone hugs you and really means it? That warmth is the physical manifestion of LOVE. It's almost electric! So, when you touch someone you have to really mean it. Your true emotions will show every time.

Touch is healing. Saying 'I Love You' doesn't mean the same as showing 'I Love You' through touch. Give a hug, hold hands, carress their shoulder, cuddle underneath the covers, massage their back, kiss their lips instead.

The next time you get or give a massage, really think about what is happening with the transfer of energy through healing touch. It's a powerful thing.

Reduce Stress: Be Present

2010-01-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

I am thinking back to school days when my teacher would do the roll call. When your name was called, you yelled "Present". The word "Present" is something to ponder.

What does being "present" really mean?
It means being here, being in the moment, not worrying about what you have to do later, not thinking about the past, not having regrets, focusing on now! That's right...focusing on NOW.

Often, we focus on everything else but the moment at hand. I admit that I am a victim of this too. It is challenging to be "present". Your mind wanders and you begin thinking about all the things on your to-do list or about the bad decisions you made in the past. Being "present" is a way to reduce the stress and worry in your life.

Follow these tips to being "present":

-Slow Down. Take some time out. I know you're thinking....but I have alot to do. There's no way I can slow down. Yes, you can. Your sanity and peace is worth you taking a moment away from your busy schedule. Stop being in such a hurry to get everything done.

-Stop multi-tasking. I know this sounds strange because multi-tasking has been a mode of survival. You do it everyday at work and home. Focus on one thing at a time. If you are reading, just read. Don't have the radio blaring in the background. If you are eating, eat. Don't eat while sitting in front of the television or computer screen.

-Meditate. Daily meditation is important. It clears your mind and allows you to release your worries. Meditation gives you a sense of well-being and clarity.

-Take a mini-vacation. Vacations are the best! Feel that same sense of freedom in your daily routine by devoting 10-15 minute breaks to exercise, drawing, daydreaming, or other creative activity. Taking this mini-vacation will give you the peace you need to remain "present" in your other tasks.

-Take a risk. Commit to doing one thing every month that is outside of your comfort zone. Ex: skinny dipping, singing in public, attend a different church, give a stranger a hug

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

How Mess Leads to Stress

2010-01-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

You've watched episodes of 'Clean House' and wonder how people let it get that bad. It doesn't take long to build clutter. Your tiny junk drawer soon begins to occupy a corner. Then before you know it, your clutter is taking up the whole room.

Any amount of clutter keeps you from relaxing. The extra junk prevents positive energy flow plus gives you unnecessary mental and emotional stress. You see, the energy gets trapped into the extra things instead of flowing freely. You end of focuses on the mess instead of the good things.

Junk may be in the form of knick knacks, old clothes in the closet, or piles of paper. Whatever it is, now is the time to clean up so you can get rid of one of your stressors. Remember, you can't be at peace when things are so messy.

Here are some tips to reclaim relaxation in your home by getting rid of the clutter:

• Ask why. Find out why you are holding on to the clutter. Is the mess a part of your grieving process? Is the mess a sign of you holding onto the past? Dig deep for answers.

• Block the clutter trolls. Look at the places where clutter accumulates and organize those areas first. Your organization will stop the trolls from coming back.

• Do a room inventory. Go through every room in your house and separate things into "things you need" vs. "things you don't need". Donate, sell or trash the things you don’t need.

• Clear wall space. Leave at least two walls in every room clear of pictures and other wall hangings. The open spaces give your eyes and brain a break.

• Even trade. Before you bring something new into the home, get rid of something old of equal or larger size.

• Get help. Have a friend help you figure out what is clutter. You are too attached to the junk to make good decisions.

• Resist the urge. Just because you saw it at the store or on the latest infomercial doesn't mean it belongs in your home. Before you buy, make sure you have space for it.

Off to a Great Start

2010-01-06T15:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Every day is a new opportunity to start over, but with a new year comes a special opportunity to begin again. So...that's what I decided to do. My personal theme this year is "Fostering Friendship". I plan to strengthen and grow my network of friends and colleagues. This will be an amazing feat for me. I can't wait to see what things look like at the conclusion of 2010.

I would say that I'm off to a great start. I made a conscious decision to take my financial situation and my business to the next level. With those goals in mind, I enlisted a life coach and a financial consultant. I have appointments with both of them next week. I am anticipating the changes that will happen with me. I used to resist the change, but I understand that in order to obtain the lifestyle I want I have to go through changes.

What are you willing to change? What new things are you willing to do to eliminate some of the stress in your life? How will you get there? Will you invest the time and money in yourself?

I am off to a great start. Don't have a failure to launch. You must start somewhere.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
http://www.anothertouchmassage.com

December Newsletter: Cryptograms Solutions

2009-12-29T05:21:00.001-08:00

I hope that you had fun solving the cryptograms. Here are the solutions:

#1
He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.

#2
Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits.

To subscribe to the "Stress Ease Massage Zine: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Stress Management Solutions", please email info@anothertouchmassage.com or call 804.240.3070

Make it a relaxing day.

Quit It: It's the Holidays

2009-12-23T06:05:00.001-08:00

'Tis the season to be jolly!

But not yet.... when you have mounds of work in front of you to finish. For any business owner like myself, it's challenging to stop working and take a break. You want to get those last minute sales in and correspond with potential clients. Your head is full of ideas that you just have to get started on today. There seems to be no off button.

And with the end of the year approaching, you want to tie up loose ends and prepare everything for taxes. My advice is to QUIT IT.....stop working for at least one day. Take a moment to relax. Put yourself on a 24-hour restriction. Ignore your email, your cell phone, your Twitter account, your Facebook fan page. Take some time to focus on yourself and your family.

Yes, the urge to work will be there. But the work will still be there once your Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or other celebration ends.

You've worked hard all year so you deserve this break from the stresses of work.

So QUIT IT and enjoy the time off to the fullest....your family and friends will appreciate you for not working over the holidays.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Overspending: A Common Stressor

2009-12-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

It's the Christmas season and with that comes the urge to buy gifts and other things. Sometimes the urge to buy is hard to fight. But what stresses you out more than regreting the spending decisions you made?

I understand the urge to spend. In past years, I overspent. I went far over my Christmas budget because I wanted to impress other people. I wanted to buy the best gift. During one month of shopping, I would spend $500 that I didn't have. Right now, I am still paying for my mistakes.

I don't want you to regret what you do this December. Here are some quick tips to stop overspending from becoming a stressor:

1.Decide what your "cash" budget is.

2.Refine your "cash" budget by cutting people and/or dollar amounts from your gift list

3.Do a closet inventory. Use unopened items or those in good condition as gifts.If you can, sell some of the items for cash. Use the extra money to add to your "cash" budget.

4.Buy "nature"al. Use natural things to decorate your home and the tree. Ex: Pine cones, berries, popcorn, pine branches

5.Buy later. Wait until the week of Christmas or after Christmas to shop.

6.Get creative. Use your artistic talents to create something cheaper than a manufactured gift.

7.Don't feel sorry. If you can't afford to buy gifts, don't apologize to your friends and family. They truly will understand.

8.Give more. Instead of tangible gifts, figure out how you can bless someone with more love and joy...the things you can feel.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Sweating for Inspiration

2009-12-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

For the first time in about two weeks, I actually broke a sweat.

With my schedule, I have been missing by extensive workout. So this morning I decided to wake up early and get to business. That was an excellent move on my part. Everytime I exercise, I am immediately energized. Sweating gives me this amazing power. This power to accomplish anything possible.

Sweating during a workout also breeds inspiration. I begin to think of novel ideas and solutions to problems during my workout. Exercise always has a way of curing my writer's block too.

So, the next time you are in a rut or feel depressed....sweat for inspiration.

Not only does sweating expel the wastes from your body, it inspires you and fosters your creative energy.

Never underestimate the power of a good workout.

I rediscovered "sweating for inspiration" this morning.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Clue #9: Scavenger Hunt...It's Still Out There

2009-12-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

The game's not over yet. The cold weather and rain has been standing in your way,
but Mr. McNair still wants his plastic bag.

Can you find it?

Do you know where it is?

The winner gets The Renewal....12 months of massages.

Yes! That's 12 months of massage that you can use for yourself or give it as a Christmas gift.

All you have to do is find Mr. McNair's bag. It's hidden in Richmond.

Follow the clues on my blog posts.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
http://www.anothertouchmassage.com

Love: An Expression of Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day was yesterday. It started out a little rough for me. I didn't want to get out of the bed. I was depressed.I wasn't feeling excited about anything. It took me a while and I eventually got into the spirit of things.

Once I was surrounded by the family and my nephew pretending to be Michael Jackson, I had to laugh. We always seem to have a good time together. We find a way to make a joke out of anything. We have no sense.

People have asked me what I'm thankful for. One thing I can say is....I'm thankful for LOVE. Not that romantic love, but the familial love. My family understands my moods and when I need some alone time. Now, that's love. It's expressed in more than those three words 'I love you'. It's expressed through spending time together, actually wanting to be around each other, and being able to learn from one another.

I am grateful for the way I grew up and being able to have a large family. We didn't have much, but we made it work. I can probably go to any city in this country and have a uncle, aunt, or cousin to stay with. That's love.

Remember to find love in the expressions and not just the words. I'm sure you'll find what you thought was lost.

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
http://www.anothertouchmassage.com

Clue #8: Scavenger Hunt

2009-11-23T05:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! Let's get this work week started right. You certainly have a lot to be thankful for. I'm wishing you an early Thanksgiving. If you have to travel, allow plenty of time so that you can arrive safely.

Until next time.

Clue #7: Scavenger Hunt

2009-11-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

I know it's late. I should've posted this earlier. I got wrapped up in some of the other tasks of today.

I hope you do something fun and relaxing this weekend. I know I am...starting right now! I think the sun's going to shine through Sunday.

Here's the clue:
A light shines on it from the east
A light shines on it from the west
Beneath the blocks of concrete
Is where Mr. McNair's bag rests

Gift Giving: How to Choose the Right Spa Package

2009-11-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

Today was not the first time. I've been asked before for advice about picking the right spa package for a Christmas gift. So, I figured I would share a few tips with you to help with your purchase:

1. Determine your budget. Before you begin searching the numerous spas and massage vendors in your area, figure out how much you want to spend. This dollar amount does not have to cover the entire package.

2. Get them what they want. Figure out if the recipient would prefer a massage, a facial, manicure, or pedicure. They may want all four and more. Or maybe you're buying for a person who can't stand to have their feet touched. Please don't get them a package that includes a pedicure. You're wasting your money.

3. Apples to apples. Do your homework. Research the various companies online and through your friends and colleagues. Look at their testimonials. Compare the prices, but don't sacrifice quality for price. Just because a package is more expensive doesn't make it better. The same goes the other way...just because a package is cheaper doesn't make it worse.

4. Expiration date. The expiration date on the certificate is important. Make sure the company gives the recipient enough time to use their gift. Anything from three months to a year is good. Also, make sure the company makes it easy to purchase gift certificates/cards. An online tool or shopping cart is great!

5. Make sure they're certified. Professionalism is key. Choose a company that uses certified massage therapists, licensed stylists, and licensed estheticians. You want to get spa services from a professional who knows what they're doing.

6. Know the product line. Ask questions about the product lines used for the massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. Maybe you're looking for something with minimal chemicals. Make sure the products won't cause an allergic reaction.

7. Hands-on approach. Get spa services from the company yourself. That's if you already haven't. This is the easiest way to know how they operate.

Here's to buying the perfect gift!

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
www.anothertouchmassage.com

Clue #6: Scavenger Hunt

2009-11-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!

Congratulations to the Redskins for winning this weekend. The team and the fans deserved the win. Hail to the Redskins! I know a lot of people that are excited about the win.

It's a beautiful day outside
So there's no excuse
For not going to find your prize
And becoming the master sleuth

Clue #5: Scavenger Hunt

2009-11-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday the 13th!

I hope that everyone survived the rain. It certainly was rough out there. I had to travel from Petersburg last night, but thank God I made it home safely.

Enjoy your weekend and do something relaxing!

Here's today's clue:

Detective Loftin is beginning to think
That no one cares about Mr. McNair
She knows that the plastic bag
Is to the right of these famous stairs

Clue #4: Scavenger Hunt

2009-11-09T05:46:00.000-08:00

It maybe beneath his toes
Or somewhere near his nose
You must search the entire scene
Just like a forensic pro

Choosing the Right Multi-Vitamin

2009-11-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

It's tough out there. You have so many choices of foods to eat and multi-vitamins to supplement your diet. It seems like daily there's an infomercial for a new product that is guaranteed to make you healthier or live longer.

How do you know if the claims are true? How do you know what's the right supplement for you?

One quick test...find out if your multi-vitamin dissolves in water. This will tell you whether it's being absorbed by your bloodstream. Take one of your multi-vitamins and place it in 6 ounces of water and let it sit for fifteen minutes. It shouldn't take longer than this for your product to breakdown.

The pictures show what the Woman's Daily Food Compound Vitamin by RightFoods did after fifteen minutes. Yours should look the same after you do the dissolve test. Notice how the water changed to a yellow-green color.

This is the product I take. I got it from my naturopathic doctor. For more information visit Right Foods at http://www.right-foods.com. There's products for everyone.

Also, don't forget there's nothing better than getting your vitamins and minerals from whole foods.

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
www.anothertouchmassage.com
www.youtube.com/GetAnotherTouch
twitter.com/GetAnotherTouch

Clue #3: Scavenger Hunt

2009-11-06T05:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone! I know you're ready for the weekend. I took some pictures of the location last night. Where am I?

Five Ways to Prevent Stress

2009-11-03T13:25:00.001-08:00

Stress is inevitable, but there are ways to prevent it from ruining your life.

Clue #2: Scavenger Hunt

2009-11-02T05:34:00.000-08:00

Good Monday morning everybody.

Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween and rest of the weekend. It sure did rain alot. I wasn't ready for that.

CLUE #2

It was the year 1492
______________ sailed the ocean blue

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
http://www.stressbustingtherapist.blogspot.com

Clue #1: Scavenger Hunt

2009-10-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

First of all...Happy Halloween!

It's wrapped inside a plastic bag
On a secluded street
Near a place where people run
Or take their dog to pee

What is this place? You're asking yourself
Believe me you've been there before
Maybe even had a romantic picnic
Or watched a flock soar

THE NEXT CLUE

POSTED Monday, November 2, 2009 at 9:00am EST

Elmira Loftin, Stress-pert/CMT
Another Touch Massage
http://www.anothertouchmassage.com