Women in the world today are faced with many challenges. International Women’s Day celebrates all women for who they are, their uniqueness, differences, talents, compassion and inspiration. Women’s contributions to our world transcends all aspects of things that divide countries and uses empowerment of all women to transform not only ourselves, but all nations.

Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back.

Namaste,

Donna Marie Laino

The post International Women’s Day appeared first on Creating Balance In Your Life.

Steve Jobs gave us a new meaning to our lives. In a word…

“Apple”

Reflecting on his life, leadership, role modeling, and innovation, Steve has left not only a legacy but a call to action.

Each of us has the apple seed within us. It is up to us to find it, nurture it, seek light and share it’s growth and fruits.

Sounds so simple.

We are reminded when people pass away, of how much time we waste and how, we ourselves, might be the next person who’s light is distinguished in this world. Our wake up call is to use these moments to find within ourselves what it is that we are to share with the world… our legacy.

What is it that you are creating?

Most people do not listen to the voice within. We hear of not dying “with the music still left in us”. When we hear the music, do we dance? Do we listen?

Consider the parts of an apple:

• Stem –  how we are nourished and how we are attached to our lifeline
• Skin –  what keeps us healthy and distinguishes ourselves from others
• Pulp –  our constitution,  our structure
• Core –  our uniqueness, values, beliefs, gifts, talents, and who we are
• Seed –  what we are capable of being and developing

Each in itself does not make an apple. Each of the parts make the whole. Thus, our whole being is used to create.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
~ Steve Jobs

“Don’t settle, keep looking“, Steve Jobs tells us when looking for our passion. Let’s use this to create our unfolding, to move forward until you have found what it is you were looking for.

“When it is right, you will know it”.

Start sowing your apple seeds, and create your passion. Soon you will see the pay off. When you follow your inner voice and make the Leap of Faith necessary, you will see the meaning of your life come alive.

Thank you Steve.

Donna Marie Laino, RN

The post A Bite of the Apple: Out of the Box Thinking appeared first on Creating Balance In Your Life.

Heat during the summer months can cause major issues and even tragic untimely death due to lack of understanding of how high the temperature really is during the day. Heat indexes usually reflex heat temperatures and humidity which directly affects the ozone exposure to our bodies. Ozone is good to protect the earth from the harmful rays of the sun but closer to us and breathing it is harmful to our bodies.

The general rule is: If you don’t have to go outside, don’t

Use these tips to get you through the summer months of high heat and humidity safely:

• Remember the buddy system and contact relatives, the elderly, neighbors or shut in community/church members during hot days.
• Limit infant’s exposure to extreme heat temperatures outside to less than 15 minutes.
• Use fans or air conditioners in good working conditions as needed. Clean filters frequently according to use. Make sure your central air units are serviced yearly or as needed.
• Provide water for pets traveling in the heat and offer temporary shade if needed.
• Use the air conditioner in your vehicle. If you do not have one make sure the windows are open while riding in the car.
• If you do not have fans or an air conditioner in your home or apartment, ALWAYS open the windows.
• Pull over to overpasses or go to shaded areas frequently if are having problems or are out in the sun and/or traveling for a long time.
• Prepare for power outages. Have candles, water and canned food supply ready to go for 3 days. The refrigerator will keep things cold for two hours without opening the door.
• Cool down with a wet wash cloth over your face, neck, arms and legs several times a day. Use a spritzer bottle as often as necessary to keep the body cooler and skin moist.
• Pull shades down and close blinds to prevent overheated rooms. Relocate to cooler areas of the house for activities and sleep downstairs if necessary.
• Take trips to public places that are air conditioned like the library, malls, movie theaters, community centers or eateries.
• Wear unrestrictive clothing and light colors. Cover as much skin as possible.
• Carry extra water in jugs or thermos.
• Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol limits the body from sweating normally.
• Limit your intake of caffienated beverages. Caffeine acts as a diuretic and pulls water out directly from the cells causing dehydration.
• Stay indoors if possible if the ozone levels are high. Breathing ozone can damage living cells especially cells lining the respiratory tract. It can cause swelling and inflammation aggrevating respiratory conditions.
• Do not leave any infants, toddlers, fragile children or adults or animals in the car for even a short period of time in extreme hot temperatures. Thinking you are just running into the store for 5 minutes can prove to be deadly.
• Stay inside if you have any respiratory condition, anemia or heart condition.

High heat temperatures put excess stress on the body. Being dehydrated coupled with the stress from the heat is an unsafe combination. Most people are not aware of what is happening until it is too late. Remember, the heat index is always higher than ambient air temperatures due to the humidity. If the temperature is high and the humidity is high, chances are you are going to have a harder time dealing with the heat due to less sweating. Sweating is the body’s way of getting rid of excess heat. Be care and be safe in hot weather.

Donna Marie Laino, RN

The post Heat Tips: How to Be Safe During the Hot Weather appeared first on Creating Balance In Your Life.

Hot temperatures and humid conditions during the summer months can become unbearable but for most it can become a threat to their health. By the time summer comes, we want to enjoy being outside, have fun in the sun and enjoy outdoor activities. Many people take vacations during the off months from school with their families but at the same time, endure blazing heat, hot sun hours and dehydration.

It is rare that people take the proper precautions and catch themselves before they get overheated and needing more water to compete with the body’s quick rate of water evaporation. Lax eating and sleeping habits contribute to becoming out of balance along with the increase consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Longer day light hours also contribute to sun exposure and exhaustion as we quickly lose track of time, often missing routine meal times, change our food preparation habits and bedtime routines.

Follow these summertime guidelines for a healthier you:

1. Plan outdoor activities during cooler hours. Hotter sun hours usually occur between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM.Exercise in the early morning or later  at night.
2. Use sunscreen over 15 SPU to block out harmful ultraviolet rays. Make sure you apply it 20 minutes BEFORE going out into the sun.
3. Wear clothing suitable for summer weather. Hats, appropriate footwear, and cover-ups around water especially.
4. Protect your eyes with UV sunglasses.
5. Avoid sunburn at all costs. If your skin starts to become itchy, you are already burnt. Get out of the sun immediately and attend to the sunburn.
6. Drink water before going out into the sun and hydrate every hour. If your mouth is thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
7. Drink refreshing water with fresh lemon, lime or freshly squeezed orange with fresh mint. Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks.
8. Stick to meal times and eat healthy snacks and main courses. Eat lighter meals such as salads, fresh vegetables and fruit.
9. Bring water bottles with you when you travel or go shopping.
10. Remember to take routine medication and supplements to maintain balance in the body.

Hot weather will be a challenge for those who do not prepare well or ignore body signals. When your body says enough, listen to it and get the proper attention required. Seek medical help if needed early on if problems arise.

Have fun in the sun and remember to drink water!

Donna Marie Laino, RN

The post Heat Wave: Stay Cool, Stay Healthy During Extreme Hot Weather Temperatures appeared first on Creating Balance In Your Life.

Lovely One           By Pablo Neruda

Lovely one,

just as on the cool stone
of the spring, the water
opens a wide flash of foam,
so is the smile of your face,
lovely one.

Lovely one,
with delicate hands and slender feet
like a silver pony,
walking, flower of the world,
thus I see you,
lovely one.

Lovely one,
with a nest of copper entangled
on your head, a nest
the color of dark honey
where my heart burns and rests,
lovely one.

Lovely one,
your eyes are too big for your face,
your eyes are too big for the earth.

There are countries, there are rivers,
in your eyes,
my country is your eyes,
I walk through them,
they light the world
through which I walk,
lovely one.

Lovely one,
your breasts are like two loaves made
of grainy earth and golden moon,
lovely one.

Lovely one,
your waist,
my arm shaped it like a river when
it flowed a thousand years through your sweet body,
lovely one.

Lovely one,
there is nothing like your hips,
perhaps earth has
in some hidden place
the curve and the fragrance of your body,
perhaps in some place,
lovely one.

Lovely one, my lovely one,
your voice, your skin, your nails,
lovely one, my lovely one,
your being, your light, your shadow,
lovely one,
all that is mine, lovely one,
all that is mine, my dear,
when you walk or rest,
when you sing or sleep,
when you suffer or dream,
always,
when you are near or far,
always,
you are mine, my lovely one,
always.

Fill your cup with love today,

Donna Marie Laino, RN

The post Valentine’s Day Poem by Pablo Neruda appeared first on Creating Balance In Your Life.

Snow removal is fun and it can be difficult depending on the state of your health at the time. Take a look at these tips regarding snow removal for your own safety:

Health concerns

1. If you are asthmatic, make sure you are well controlled with your medications before shoveling. Cover your mouth/nose with your scarf to warm the cold air. That will help cut down on triggering an asthma attack.
2. If you are developing any pain from shoveling, STOP!
3. Take frequent breaks.
4. Shovel with neighbors just in case you have any health problem while you are outside, they can help you.
5. If you have a heart condition, back issues or other chronic/acute condition that shoveling may aggravate, you might consider having someone else shovel or pay someone to do the job. It is not worth the risk of jeopardizing your help or risking injury.
6. Call 911 if you are experiencing any of the following:

1. chest pain
2. radiating pain up your arm or to your neck
3. dizziness
4. excessive sweating
5. nausea/vomiting
6. weakness, lightheaded or faint
7. prolonged shortness of breath

NB: Diabetics may not feel chest pain when having a heart attack  like a person without diabetes. Please pay close attention to how you are feeling while shoveling.

Clothing

1. Dress warm and in layers and with light clothing.
2. Wear waterproof clothes especially if it is still snowing.
3. Wear boots! Make sure you have non-skid or no-slip rubber soles.
4. Mittens are better than gloves as they will keep your hands warmer.

Tools

1. Use a shovel that is lightweight. Plastic is better than metal.
2. Hold your hands spaced out on the handle to increase your leverage.
3. Make sure your shovel is appropriate for your height and strength.
4. Use a silicone lubricant on the shovel. This will help the snow slide off easier.

Healthy people  shoveling want to stay healthy. Those of you with health challenges don’t want to compromise your health any further. Make smart choices when it comes to snow shoveling.

Spread the joy,

Donna Marie Laino, RN

The post Snow Shoveling Tips For Better Health appeared first on Creating Balance In Your Life.

Heavy snow fall requires massive action and aggressive snow plowing and snow removal. Many homeowners and snow plowers are using snow blowers for ease with snow removal.  However, caution to the operator will make the job fun, fast and safe.Here are some safety tips to consider:

Snow blower safety

1. Do not let your hat or scarf block your vision.
2. Do not wear any loose clothing while operating the machine.
3. Make sure all people, children, pets, debris, etc are cleared from the area before using the machine.
4. Keep all safety devices on the blower.
5. Keep you hands out of the blower when the is plugged in or the motor is running.
6. Never leave it unattended.
7. The engine can get very hot. Keep away!
8. Children under 16 yrs of age are not to be near the blower.
9. If there is a jam that needs unclogging, clear the debris or wet snow after waiting at least 5 seconds. Turn off the machine. Remove the spark plug wire. You will have to use a solid object, stick, or broom to do this. NOT your hand.
10. Make sure the power is off or it is NOT running while you are filling the fuel area.
11. Do not operate the blower in an enclosed area.
12. Before operating, you are required to read the operator’s manual. Tighten all loose nuts and bolts.
13. Before servicing, remove the spark plug wire.
14. Shut off the engine and remove the key if you are walking away.
15. Watch for ice patches and uneven surfaces.

Snow plowing safety is top priority for all snow handlers. Keep your caution and remember: Safety first with snow blowers.

Spread joy,

Donna Marie Laino, RN

The post Snow Blower Safety – How to Shovel Snow Safely With A Snow Blower appeared first on Creating Balance In Your Life.

Shoveling snow can be a lot of fun! I remember loving it as a kid. But as an adult, it can be hard on the body, especially heavy snowfalls, record snow storms, blizzards and back to back storms. Your body may not be in the shape it used to be to shovel or you may be ill or already have an injury that you do not want to get worse.

Here are some shoveling tips that will help make the process easier:

Before Shoveling

1. Hydrate yourself with water. Make sure you drink a glass or two especially if you will have a lot of snow to shovel. As you sweat, you will lose water.
2. Eat a nutritious meal before you go outside. Include protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Do not make it a full meal however right before. Leave 1-2 hours in between eating and shoveling. The body will want to focus on digesting not shoveling right after!
3. NO caffeine, alcohol or nicotine! You will not want chemicals running through your vessels if you are going to be exercising. By the way, there is vasoconstriction for 18 hours after you smoke a cigarette. Alcohol can dull your senses and response time.
4. Stretch before shoveling. This is exercise. All athletes stretch before events. It will lessen the chance of injury. Shoveling by hand will burn 408 calories per hour (assuming a body weight of: 150 lbs).

During Shoveling

1. Protect your back by using proper body mechanics. Bend the knees with lifting not bending at the hips. Keep your back straight, and  feet at hip width while bending the knees.
2. Hold the shovel close to the body.
3. Try not to lift and twist. Muscularskeletal injuries can occur with the twisting.
4. Do not wait for large snowfalls to shovel. You may have to go out more than once to get the job done but in the end, it is better for your endurance, strength and less taxing on your body. If the snow is heavy definitely, shovel!
5. Pick up small amounts of snow. Use a smaller blade shovel.
6. Push the snow away from you rather than lift. Remember the body mechanics!
7. Take breaks
8. Have fun! Make a snowperson, polar bear or have a gentle snowball fight with someone. If you have a safe hill, take a break and go sledding!

After Shoveling

1. Stretch again but not to the point of pain.
2. Hydrate yourself with water.
3. Take a warm shower to help relax overused muscles.
4. Rest. Eat a snack.
5. Make an appointment with your chiropractor. No doubt you over did muscle straining at some point especially if the snow is heavy and deep. You do not want to set your body up for further injury and/or body malfunction with the vertebrae pressing on spinal nerves.

If you are out of town when the snow storm hits make arrangements ahead of time to have your house, sidewalk and driveway shoveled. Remember you may be coming home late and shoveling in the dark is dangerous. Black ice can cause falls. You don’t want to end up with any broken bones.

Make sure you clear a pathway for people to walk. Walking in the street is dangerous. Don’t forget a path for Fido. Dogs have walking and bathroom needs that we take for granted.

Shoveling can be a neighborhood event. Get to know your neighbors. Shovel together. Pay it forward and shovel parts of your neighbors’ sidewalk, especially if they are at work or they are ill or elderly. Have a pot luck dinner afterwards and get to know them! Making lemon out of lemonade.

Next blog post will be tips on Snowblowers.

Shovel wisely. Have fun. Be safe.

 Spread the joy,

Donna Marie Laino, RN

The post Snow Shoveling: How to Protect Yourself While Shoveling Snow appeared first on Creating Balance In Your Life.

Always be honest. (Proverbs 12:22)

Count your blessings. (Psalms 34-1-3)

Bear each other’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2)

Forgive and forget. (Micah 7:18)

Be kind and tender hearted. (Ephesians 4:32)

Comfort one another. (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

Keep your promises. (Romans 4:21)

Be supportive of one another. (Acts 20:35)

Be true to each other. (Revelations 15:13)

Look after each other. (Deuteronomy 15:11)

Treat each other like you treat your friends. (Matthew 7:12)

Love one another deeply from the heart. (1 Peter 1:22)

Written by: Carole Taylor

Walk with peace in your heart,

Donna Marie Laino, RN

The post Rules to Live By appeared first on Creating Balance In Your Life.

Most people at this time of year have been very busy with the holidays: so much shopping, family and friend visiting, eating great food, decorating and relaxing. Perhaps you are planning your goals for the new year and even setting some resolutions. If you live in Philadelphia, perhaps you are getting ready for the Mummer’s Parade!

Sometimes we fall short of our preparation into the new year by not paying attention to the little things around us that will help balance out the energy of what is to come. Have you heard the saying, “out with the old, in with the new”? This is what we will focus on to help align yourself with “the new”.

Clearing the clutter in and around your space will be needed for this process to occur. Time passes very quickly and in order to “be ready” you need to get things in order. Start with these simple suggestions:

End of the Year Clearance

1. clean your bathroom.
2. clean out your refrigerator
3. pull all your clothes away
4. do all laundry
5. put out fresh towels
6. take your vitamins
7. make your bed
8. pay all outstanding bills
9. take clothes to the dry cleaners
10. clear counters in the kitchen
11. wash, dry and put away dirty dishes/pots
12. sweep and mop
13. clean your bureau
14. put boxes away/store items in closets/attic/basement
15. clear your hallway
16. throw away unwanted mail
17. clear your email mailbox
18. write to do list for the week (by day)
19. write your chicken list
20. clear off tables in your living space
21. write in your gratitude journal
22. stuff a brown bag with clothes/household items to donate
23. return books, tapes, cd’s to the library
24. clean out the trash in your car
25. wash car mats in the washer
26. set your goals for the next year
27. clean off bedside nightstand

 Carpe Diem and Tempus fugit!

Donna Marie Laino, RN

The post New Year’s End of the Year Clearance – How To Maximize Your Life To Get Ready For The New Year appeared first on Creating Balance In Your Life.