I have been looking forward to Thanksgiving this year.  It is really one of my favorite holidays and this year it has a particular significance for me.  I am so very thankful for all the good things in my life and it is those good things that carry us through...
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I turned 50 three years ago, and I’ve got to say that at the time it did not feel any different to me than other milestone birthdays.  Of course I celebrated and made a big deal out of it, but it did not hit me as being a turning point...
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The post A Fresh Perspective of Mid-life appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

You probably do not spend too much time thinking about your bones—but maybe you should! After all, your bones are the foundation of your body, and it is important to take proper care of them.  Just like the rest of our body, our bones change with age.  By middle age...
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The post Preventing Osteoporosis appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

We have all experienced those infurating memory lapses, moments where we can’t remember a person’s name, or where left our car in a parking lot. Yes, those moments. There is no doubt about it. As we age, we start to lose brain power.  The cogs slow down,  the gears get...
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Ok, my last two blogs have been a little on the heavy side so I have decided to lighten things up a little.   I came across this beautiful poem that someone sent me years ago in the form of an email.   At the time I relabeled it “A Poem for...
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The post A Poem for My Daughters appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Did you know that longevity is based one-quarter on genetics and three-quarters on behavior and lifestyle?   That’s right, so no matter how bad your gene pool is, there is hope! Here is how it works.  You are born with a specific set of genes. that you cannot change,  but, which...
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In order to control the aging process it is essential to understand how and why we age.  We don’t need to be aging experts, but we do need to understand a few basic principles if we want to be pro-active. So let’s start from the beginning.  The first fact that...
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Hi everyone, Sorry, sorry, sorry! It ‘s been ages since I blogged, but I have heard from many of you and have to say it is nice to know that you have missed me! Now I’m back and let’s hope I don’t get side tracked again. At my age you...
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Ok yesterday I decided, like I do about every 2 weeks, that it was going to be the first day of the rest of my active, healthy life! First I went for a run. Just 5 km. Anymore than that bores me and is too much wear and tear on...
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The post Staying Motivated to Exercise appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Tis' the Season to be Itchy! Is it just me or everytime you sit outside do 3,000 mosquito's swarm you and the next day you wake up with the worst itch ever? I decided to see WHAT exactly attracted mosquito's and I found some obviously evident things, and some very random facts that I hope will help you all in your quest to stay mosquitoe free!

The post I’m Declaring War on Mosquitoes! appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

In the summer we tend to drink alcohol then in the winter months. Sitting on the dock at the cottage with a beer, or enjoying a bottle of wine with friends in the backyard, living in Canada, we tend to take advantage of the couple months of warm weather we have by treating every evening like an all inclusive vacation. But remember, everything in moderation!

The post Summer Drinks & Weight Gain appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

The Healthiest Foods on Earth

The post The Healthiest Foods on Earth appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

All in All, the benefits of yoga are vast and long lasting. My mother swears by it, and I believe in it to after years of skepticism, I just believe in finding the right place with the right values that don’t overcharge you and treat yoga as a fad. I believe you have to genuinely be in a right place to enjoy this beautiful practice, and that most people are using the fad of yoga as a money-maker, and not concentrating on the real focus of the practice.

The post The Doubts of a Yogi appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Most people have seen or heard of the movie Patch Adams, starring Robin Williams. A movie which highlights the benefits of laughter and happiness in the life of medical patients, this philosophy is called: Laughter Therapy. Laughter Therapy simply is what it states, Laughter used as Therapy. There are many...
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Blue Zones were introduced to the world by New York Times best seller Dan Buettner. A Blue Zone is a place in the world where the people commonly live past the age of 100 years old. Scientists and demographers have classified these longevity hot-spots by having common healthy traits and life practices that result in a higher-than-normal longevity. There are five Blue Zones identified by Buettner...

The post Blue Zones: Are we living in the Danger Zone? appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Today I had a meeting with my assistant and my daughter, and we discussed the topic “Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks”. Are we physically incapable of learning something new, or as we age does it just get to the point where we don’t want to. We’re so set in our ways and routine that learning new things is so out of our realm.

The post Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks? appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Summer is that time of year when you can get away with showing off your body, whether it be at the pool, cottage or strolling along the city streets. The best part of it is that the weather permits you to walk and exercise outdoors, leaving many people excited about the possibility summer brings for weight loss and getting in shape.

The post Summer of Calories appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Touted as the most important meal of the day, breakfast stands true to its value and importance in healthy aging and living. How about this for a wake-up: Recent research indicates eating a healthy breakfast may help you lose weight, perform better at work, and lower your risk of heart...
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Human beings are creatures of habit and as such the outcomes of our habits play a colossal role in determining our health and how gracefully we age. As we grow old, many people start to complain about the effects of aging on their body and mind; how they do not...
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Everyone knows your heart is a vital organ you cannot live without but when we get right down to the nitty, gritty of things the heart is essentially just a pump, a very complex important one, yes, but just a pump. The heart is a very intricate organ with a...
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Now that summer seems to have finally arrived, summer festivals, barbeques, beach parties and social gatherings are in full swing although they often include unhealthy food options. For those who are health conscious (or trying to be), the extra fat and calories add up quickly, leading to possible weight gain...
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The post Summer Nutrition appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

If you are taking a prescribed medication and feel a bit overwhelmed by the list of potential side effects, it is explicable because on average, prescribed drugs, each list a whooping 70 potential reactions according to researchers. Prescription drugs and side effects have become a growing concern ringing in as...
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We all know the basics of swimming pool safety, but this is an excellent time to make sure you’re following all the rules! According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 260 children under five years of age drown each year in residential swimming pools and spas....
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The post Swimming Pool Safety appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Now that summer has finally arrived, people are anxious to enjoy the sunny days by taking part in outdoor recreational activities. Pleasant as this may be (heating up your body after a long, cold winter), it is important to be aware of how excessive heat can affect your body. Most...
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The post Signs of Heat Stroke appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Drinking plenty of fluids on a daily basis is essential to maintaining body hydration and replacing lost fluids.  This is especially important during the hot, hazy summer days, particularly when engaging in recreational activities.  Proper fluid intake can help improve athletic performance, the ability to complete daily activities and can...
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The post Staying Hydrated appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

This “weed” is probably not on your healthy-aging or longevity list but science says it merits a second look. Dandelions, long considered a pesky weed deserving of nothing more than death by pesticide is no longer a gardener’s nightmare. Pesticides have become the new bad guy due to its ingredients...
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Deciphering what foods to avoid these days is a very daunting task; with tons of information floating around it seems everything you choose is bad for you in one way or another. Usually, when told to stay away from certain types of foods the common denominator is nutrition and calories,...
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Watercress, is a green leafy vegetable found in grocery stores and probably does not grab your attention much or even at all. An underestimated vegetable, watercress has one of the highest nutritional values amongst vegetables. Like its healthy, nutritious commonly used relatives, broccoli and cabbage, watercress has numerous health benefits....
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Cancer, the vicious disease with no end in sight doesn’t seem to stop until it has taken everything along with it. Usually ending in death it is hard to imagine a cure anytime soon. A recent study suggests cancer fighting vegetables are the way to go for prevention, longevity and...
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Can you imagine a pill encompassing all of the things your dermatologist does for you; reversing the signs of aging, prevention of wrinkles, dry skin, age spots, freckles and sunscreen for UVA/UVB protection – all in one pill…… Most of you are probably thinking that is impossible and way too good to be true. Well, there is a natural compound clinical studies are suggesting does ALL of the above - minus the hefty price tag or side effects.

The post Health Benefits of Astaxanthin appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

You know you're due for a diet when your most fav pair of jeans don't fit anymore. But in doing so be sure to follow a few simple guidelines before starting, don't make the same diet mistakes as millions of people do everyday. Follow these easy to remember tips and break the cycle of "yo-yo dieting".

The post Diet Mistakes appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Snacking often gets a bad reputation as more often than not we associate snacks with bad healthy eating choices, overindulgence and weight gain. Although, this can be avoided if you make healthy aging snack choices about what you eat, you can benefit your health-aging and longevity goals.

The post Healthy Aging Snacks appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Tantalizing aromatic soaps and gels have clearly become part of our revitalizing daily shower and hot bath experience making them that much better. Indeed, from the looks of ads and commercial bath and shower gels are enticing but have you ever glanced at the label of the product you are splashing all over your body, face and hands? The personal care industry is a $50 billion dollar market and has become big business in North America.

The post Bath and Shower Gels appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Tea has become increasingly over the years, in fact making it the second most common beverage consumed across the global. However, the health benefits of tea have been examined ever since the first infusions of tea in China some 4700 years ago.

The post Health Benefits of Tea appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

We have all been told at one time or another that drinking decaffeinated coffee is better for our health and caffeine, in fact, interferes with the healthy-aging process. However, new research suggests something a bit different, in fact claiming that the two main ingredients of coffee have ways of improving the health of our bodies. So, what are the health benefits of coffee?

The post Health Benefits of Coffee appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

"The total amount of fat you eat, whether high or low, isn't really linked with disease. What really matters is the type of fat you eat."

The post Dietary Fat appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

How much sodium do you consume throughout the day? If you are like most people your daily intake is far too high and could lead to serious health concerns.

The post Sodium and Health appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Olive oil has been used for centuries now mainly in the Mediterranean Basin for multiple uses ranging from skin care to healthy-aging benefits. The unique property of olive oil has made it a very popular health choice for many people around the world. The health benefits of olive oil are numerous and are easily optimized.

The post Benefits of Olive Oil appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Whether its migraines, back pain, joint pain, or arthritis, 33% of Canadians live with moderate to severe pain as an ongoing part of their lives. One in six (16%) live with constant pain, and one in five (20%) experience pain daily.

The post Managing Pain appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Making the switch from mass produced supermarket meat to organic, grass-feed meat from a local farm can be hard but new evidence suggests that "meat glue" is being used to bind together scrap pieces of meat into prime cuts. Experts butchers can not even tell the difference, can you?

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Diabetes is a vicious disease that has crept up and taken over the lives of millions all over the world but there are signs to look for and prevention methods that will cut your risk of diabetes, ensuring health and longevity.

The post Diabetes and Healthy Aging appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Gotu Kola is praised as a rejuvenating nerve plant recommended for nervous disorders, epilepsy, senility and premature aging. It is said to aid mental disorders and promotes intelligence and memory. It strengthens the adrenal glands and cleanses the blood to treat skin impurities. Also, gotu kola has been noted for aiding and reversing chronic venous insufficiency, minor burns, scars, scleroderma, skin ulcers, varicose veins, wound healing, rheumatism, blood diseases, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, venereal diseases, hepatitis and high blood pressure.

The post Gotu Kola Benefits appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

"The field of anti-aging offers treatments ranging from injections and creams for wrinkle prevention to hormones and surgery to sustain youthfulness. A nutritional approach to healthy aging may prove to be effective at the cellular level to promote resilience and longevity. Research has supported the use of some nutrient-packed superfoods as a safe end effective way to stay healthy and stave off the aging process."

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From time to time we have all fell into the exercise blues but if you are considering starting a new fitness regime or picking up where you left off from your old one, that’s great news! An active, healthy-aging lifestyle is an important aspect now but even more so as we grow older. The health benefits of exercise will help you maintain your health, boost your energy and increase your confidence level.

The post Health Benefits of Exercise appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Healthy aging and coping with change in any way, shape or form is difficult to deal with, whatever your age. However, the older we get the harder it becomes to cope with change because during this time a lot of transitions occur which may include losing family members, friends, career, health, and independence. During this transition, it is quite normal to feel bad about and even grieve these losses. However, it is only when this sense of loss is balanced with positive energy and thinking that you will have a great recipe for aging gracefully.

The post Healthy Aging and Coping with Change appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

Went to the Caribbean lately? If you have, I am sure that you sipped on some fresh coconut water beach side, what you probably didn't know was coconut water is one of the most healthiest, replenishing drinks in the world. The health benefits of coconut water is grand, included in the very long list is being a universal blood donor.

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To most aging is an inevitable process where we lose our youth and vitality. Amongst the obvious is aging skin and bones but more importantly through the aging process there is a steady decline in the brain’s ability to protect itself from oxidative stress and inflammation. Though, new research on improving brain function suggests certain compounds in fruits like blueberries, strawberries and acai berries, not only help the brain function at tip-top shape, but can actually help to reverse the damaging effects of aging.

The post Improving Brain Function appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

As the years pass by, you look in the mirror and will probably begin to notice some subtle changes of aging. Your wrinkles become more obvious and before you know it, they are the only thing you notice or think about, and then you convince yourself that other people see them too. However, new research and evidence shows you can prevent the onset of wrinkles and reverse those you already have, by learning how to eat to improve your health with foods for healthy skin.

The post Foods for Healthy Skin appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

There are many ways to reap the amazing and potent health benefits of artichokes. While many people may not like artichokes or favour the heart or the artichoke, it is the leaves that contain many of the artichoke's powerful health benefits.

The post Artichoke Benefits appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.

A desire for more energy is a common want amongst many people all around the world. Increasing your energy is an easy task which can be accomplished by implementing a few simple nutritional changes along with proper sleep and exercise.

The post Increasing Your Energy appeared first on The Best Part by Brenda Rusnak.