Communication Can be a Ticket to Success!

Communication can make or break a deal or a relationship. It could make a work environment unbearable as well. We all need to take on responsibility and try to improve our skills is this area to make our lives smoother. Here are some steps a person can try;

• Listen to the other person. Try to understand what they are saying rather than evaluating or judging.
• Make eye contact with the other person
• Rephrase what they are saying so you can have a clear understanding
• Try not to interrupt the other person
• Be aware of your body language and tone of voice

These are only some things to consider check out relative links over on the right of the blog.

How Safe are you?

When it comes to your safety and your family’s safety, what does it consist of? How safe are your practices and habits? Are you prepared for any situation?
Outdoor experiences – are you dressing in layers – there are three main layers to consider, however you could put more on if needed. The base layer that wicks the moisture from your body, second layer keeps the warmth around body, third layer block the wind or rain from body? Most layers are made out of some kind of synthetic material (fleece, wool, polypropylene, silk, etc) usually no cotton; better than nothing use a 50/50 material. When cotton gets wet it stays wet allowing heat to be drawn from your body and not returning causing your body temperature to decrease. See links for more advice.
Safety Practices – Do you wear reflective clothing when walking so cars can see you? It's a great idea to use prevention rather than be reactive to a situation. How old are your shoes? Do your shoes have stress compression in the heel cushion part? Did you know a shoe has a life time of about 6 months. Do you wear breathable clothing when exercising? You can prevent yourself from becoming overheated or suffering from a heat illness by wearing the clothing that are going to help you rather than hurt you. Do you let someone know where you are walking, hiking, skiing or traveling by yourself or in a small party? Many people increase their injuries or illnesses by not letting other people know where you are going, approximately what time they'll be home, if they are you going with anyone, and do you have a radio or cell phone on. This can be a great way to prevent situations and stay safe. Do you wear a bike helmet when biking? Do you wear a life jacket when boating? Do you put sunscreen on when you go outside even on cloudy days? Cloudy days sometimes are overlooked as not threatening, however they can be and cause damage to the skin and cells within your body. Do you bend your knees when lifting something? A lot of back injures or soreness are related to not properly picking up heavy or awkward objects. By getting your bum down towards the ground and bending your knees, you can help your back out by not putting stress directly on it and instead using your leg muscles. Did you change your batteries in your smoke detectors? Do you have carbon monoxide monitors on each level of your home? Have you had your water tested for lead? Do you have some kind of first aid training or CPR training? Many people each year die to not knowing what is happening in their homes. When you can not see it, we think it does not exist, however that is not the case. Some gases are highly dangerous to the human body. Detectors are one way to stay on top of these gases and another way to get get trained so if a family member or friend could have higher chances of living in they come in contact. What do you have in your medicine cabinet? There are many things to consider to into your medicine cabinet. There are basic, holistic, and advance medicine cabinets that can be created. It is personal preference of which one you would like.

How important is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is something that everyone needs to be aware of in their daily life. This could be a reason for injury or pain. Ergonomics can make your days more enjoyable and comfortable if you take a few moments to become aware of your movements, thinking (behaviors), and environment. Ergonomics can be broken down in Greek words “ergon” means work and “nomos” means natural laws. And Ergonomists study the human body capabilities related to work demands. There are three area that Ergonomists review, physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics, and organizational ergonomics. Physical ergonomics is our body and how it is set up. Cognitive ergonomics is our mind power and what are brain’s capabilities and abilities. Organizational ergonomics is the space surrounding us and what we come in contact with in our work spaces (desks, chairs, etc). Ergonomics developed from the Alexander Technique. Alexander Techniques try to teach individuals to use their bodies with more appropriate levels of work in a relative activity.

Source - http://www.ergonomics4schools.com/lzone/office.htm

Are you eating Healthy?

Choosing foods that are going to provide good health and energy are sometimes difficult. Using a food pyramid can help you balance your diet and make sure your getting the correct kinds of food. Take some time to check out a food pyramid where you can view a food pyramid.

• Choosing foods from the pyramid – the pyramid in narrow at the top and wider at the bottom. You should be eating more of the foods at the bottom of the pyramid rather than the top.
• The Pyramid shows different widths of each kind of food. The wider the angle the more of that type of food you should eat.
• Eat in colors – the more colorful food intake you have the greater chances of staying health because you will be fulfilling requires of your vitamins and minerals intake. 5-a-day idea keeps the doctor away. This site is directed towards kids however, it is simple ways to understand the idea. click here
• Limit your oils – you need a small amount to be healthy. You can get oils from nuts, avocados, and fish. Other oils suggested are olive, canola, safflower or corn oil rather than butter or margarine.
• Physical Activity – plays a huge role in keeping balance in your life.

Wellness in the eyes of a student

As a student, wellness sometimes is overlooked in many ways. Some of us do not make enough time for ourselves and become distracted with the moments or other obligations. Some students have misconception on their own wellness being at an acceptable level. Some make excuses of not having time or money for their wellness. However, in the view of others they are potentially not taking care of themselves; not sleeping enough, partying a lot, eating unhealthy foods, not exercising, and the list continues. Some students make it their goal to make time for themselves, which most students could improve on this one goal. Just think if every student made their goal to make time for themselves in each day, how healthy the student body population could become with a little bit of effort. Wellness can be achieved inexpensively if the individual is aware of their personal choices. Seizing the Day for every moment it offers could help an individual. Start out the day on the right foot and do some light stretches in the morning by reaching as high as you can on one side than the other. Take a few deep breaths and roll your shoulders in both directions. Open your mouth as wide as it gets. Give them a try.