“Making this decision was the best decision I’ve made for me and my health…ever!” -Sophie

Are you ready to make a change in your lifestyle?  Get rid of addictions to sugar, caffeine, artificial ingredients, while never being hungry.

Our detox program is all about giving your body nutrients!  You should NEVER be hungry.  You will have as much support as you need.  You will learn habits for your new healthy lifestyle.

You probably have many questions – please ask Catherine (Founder of Mission: Health Living & Detox Coordinator) catherine@missioncleankids.com or (815) 302-1273 call/text

“Today was day 10 of my detox. I can not believe how great I feel. I actually FEEL different. I am sleeping better and am up atleast 1/2 hour before my alarm everyday! My allergies are unnoticeable, before they were bad with meds. I am actually cooking for myself too! Tomorrow I can reintroduce caffeine…NO THANK YOU! I highly recommend giving it a try. It has positively changed me!!” -Kerri

You can download more information here:  DETOX Preview

About Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed:  Catherine has been in the natural health community for over 6 years after her daughter suffered from severe Epilepsy from ages 3-6.  Now at age 8, Catherine’s daughter is seizure free, prescription free and enjoying life as a typical child.  Her recovery was achieved naturally through the assistance of many leaders in natural health and a collaboration of natural solutions that have scientific proof of effectiveness and safety.  Catherine is now a health coach and is helping over 300 families find natural solutions to their everyday health problems, including weight issues, low energy, foundational nutrition, exercise, and supplements.  Working with children who have ADD, ADHD, Autism, Allergies and other concerns is a true passion.  Catherine doesn’t believe in “buying herbs on the corner”.  All recommendations that Catherine makes for her health coaching clients are researched thoroughly and based on science.  Fads will come and go…health is for a lifetime.

Our latest recipe from the test kitchen was a success!

Two scoops Cinch Whey Protein (Vanilla), 4oz strong brewed chai green tea, 6 oz Almond milk, whole banana, ice. Blend & Sip for a great breakfast!

We have become accustomed to thinking that we need an all-purpose cleaner and a floor cleaner and toilet bowl cleaner and the list goes on and on. But isn’t an all-purpose cleaner by definition “all purpose”? So why do so many of them say, don’t use on this surface or that surface. Or worse, don’t touch, inhale or get in your eye. H2 is my, hands down my favorite product by Shaklee. 100% all-natural and non toxic all purpose cleaner that is so versatile  I am still learning new ways to use it.

Basic H2 as toothpaste: Do you have problems with bad breath or gum disease? Are you a smoker or coffee drinker? Add a drop or two to your toothbrush, right on top of your normal dab of toothpaste. Watch as your teeth become whiter and your gums healthier. Your breath may even stay fresh longer, as Basic H fights germs of all sorts.

Basic H2 as a glove: Cleaning often leaves your hands with something to be desired. Before you get down and dirty, pour a few drops directly onto your hands. Rub them together to coat both hands. After you are done cleaning, wash your hands with traditional soap to find that scum, smell and overall ickiness are nowhere to be found.

Basic H2 as a pesticide: Growing organic produce does wonders for your health and the enviroment, but pesticide-free can still mean bug-free. Dilute your Basic H2 to a couple of drops per spray-bottle, then spritz your plants as part of your regular routine. Not only will the bugs stay away but you might also find that they are bigger and healthier, as well.

Basic H2 as Miracle-Gro: Add a few drops to warm water, then water your indoor or outdoor plants. The Basic H2 solution will make the ground soluble to the water, thus making your plants much healthier than with regular water.

Basic H2 as a produce wash: Just 1/8tsp. added to a pint of water will make an effective and safe wash for your produce. Grit and dirt on leafy vegetables are easily removed, and you no longer have to worry about a funny taste remaining on the produce.

Basic H2 for sharpening knives: Once again, only a few drops are enough. Place them on your sharpening stone before you sharpen your knives. The stone will stay moist without clogging.

Basic H2 for stamp collecting: If you’ve ever tried removing stamps from an envelope, you know that it can be nearly impossible to preserve the quality of the stamp. Not anymore! Coat the inside of the envelope, just behind the stamp, and wait for a few minutes. Soon, the stamp will lift easily from the envelope, ready to be added to your collection.

Basic H2 as a diaper wash: Coupled with 1/2 tsp of Shaklee Basic G (a germicide), 1/4 tsp of Basic H2 can remove germs and odors from your cloth diapers. Leave a bit in your diaper pail to prevent odors there, as well.

Basic H2 as an insect repellant: You don’t have to sucept yourself or your family to harsh chemicals and strong scents just to avoid bug bits. Rub a bit anywhere that you would put Off! or Skin-so-soft, and forget about it! This is one insect repellant that you can feel good about using for the youngest to the oldest members of your clan.

Basic H2 as Rain-X: Last (for our list, anyway) but not least, pour 3 1/2 tsp of Basic H2 into one quart of water, and use it as your windshield wash. Rain and slush will easily wipe away from your windshield, and bugs will slide away, as well.

Window Cleaner – Mix - Only 1 to 3 drops in 16 oz. spray bottle of water. If smearing occurs, mixture too strong – add water to dilute.

General Spray Cleaner – Mix 4-6 drops in 16 oz spray bottle of water. Use all over the house to wipe furniture, chrome, the stove, the refrigerator, vent blinds, and excellent for louvered doors.

General Spot Remover – Apply Basic-H directly on spotted area. Use a toothbrush or finger to rub into area. Wipe off with a damp cloth or rinse in basin of water. (Removes coffee, ink, grass, etc)

General Cleaning – 1/2 tsp. in qt. of warm water.  Cleans doors, walls, woodwork, appliances, bathroom fixtures & tile.

Insect Repellent for People and Animals – Rub/Apply full strength Basic-H wherever you do not want insects to bite; they won’t bite where Basic-H has been applied. Also relieves itching of insect bites (rub on, full strength). Be careful around eyes, it does sting. If you get some in the eyes just flush with water.

Floors - 1 Tbs. per gallon of water.  Leaves floor shining.  May require rinsing.

Dusting – 1/8 tsp. in pint of water, squeeze sponge almost dry (Or spray on), Wipe off dust, fingerprints, etc.  Dry with clean cloth.  Leaving the wax finish beautifully bright & dust repellent, less dusting required.

Outside Windows – 1/2 tsp. in “Ortho-type” spray applicator full of water.  Makes 2 gallons of solution for windows & screens. Squeegee dry.

Coffee-makers – Dilute 1/8 tsp.  Basic-H in pot of water. Run through cycle & coffee stains will rinse away.

Ironing - 1 drop in steam iron keeps the jets & interior clean.

Wallpaper - Excellent for removing wallpaper.  1/2 Tbs. per gal. of water.  Soak wallpaper with sponge & peel or scrape.

Concrete & Mortar Mix – 1/4 oz. per 1 gallon of water.  Makes cement & mortar spread easier & smoother, set harder.

Plumbing - Will keep pipes clean & free-running when used regularly to wash hands, pots & pans at sinks.  It emulsifies grease & can eliminate cleaning of grease traps.

Pressure Washer – 1/2 oz Basic-H to 20 gallons of water.

Heavy Duty – use 1 oz per gallon of water.  Leaves a luster to mobile homes, homes, RVs & etc.

Humidifiers – Use 1 or 2 drops in humidifier water to help prevent rust & scum.

Knives – 1 or 2 drops on cutting stone for sharpening knives. Keep moist & add Basic-H as needed.  Doesn’t clog stone – very important when sharpening tools. Stone rinses free of residue.

Yard Spray to Rid of Fleas - in hose spray bottle, fill with water; add 1 cap-full of Basic-H. Attach to hose & spray yard every 10 days for 3 applications. Use twice a year thereafter to control.  Rinse all plants thoroughly.

Liquid Hand Soap - Mix 1/4 Basic-H to 3/4 water in pump dispenser by sinks.  Will not dry or irritate hands like soaps may.  Will help moisten, soften & protect hands!

Fine Fabrics – Use 1/2 tsp to a basin of lukewarm water to wash woolens, nylon stockings, and all fine fabrics.

Gum – Use full strength to remove gum from skin, hair or carpeting.

Fruits & Vegetables – Use 1/8 tsp. in pint of water wash and rinse.  Removes insecticide residue, dirt and waxes. For lettuce cut head in half and place in cold water with a couple drops of H. It removes the poisons and crisps up the lettuce.

Automotive Uses Washing- vehicle– 1/2 tsp. per gallon of water. Wash small area at a time and hose off.  Wipe windshield, windows and chrome with paper towels after rinsing.  You’ll love the shine!

Battery Terminals - 1/2 tsp. to pint of water and spray on battery terminals and let soak 2 minutes. Clean with wire brush.

Filters – 1 tsp to gallon of water. Soak air filters from motors and watch the dirt float out into the water. Air dry or put on hot engine for faster drying.

Camping Cleaning & Washing - Coat bottoms and sides of pots and pans with Basic-H before placing over campfire.  Black soot just slides right off when you wash.

Fish Odors – 1/2 Tbs. per quart of water.  Basic-H2 works wonders on boats, docks.

Washing RV, Boat & Camper – 1/2 Tbs. per gallon of water.

Crayon - To remove from walls, use full strength.

Spot Remover - Apply directly on spotted area, which has been dampened with water. Use a toothbrush or finger to rub basic-H2 into area.  Wipe with a damp cloth or rinse in basin of water

Upholstery - Mix 1/2 Tbs. to ½ gallon water. Spray on & rub clean.

Septic Tanks – Keeps crust from forming.  For maximum health of septic system use all of Shaklee’s phosphate free cleaning products.  This will do much to promote the growth of needed friendly bacteria.

Houseplants – Water plants with 1 oz. Basic-H to 1 gallon water. 4 drops to 1 pint water can be sprayed on the leaves to make healthier plants and keep dust off.

Fertilizer - Add a few drops to warm water, then water your indoor or outdoor plants. The Basic H2 solution will make the ground soluble to the water, thus making your plants much healthier than with regular water.

Toothpaste - Add a drop or two to your toothbrush, right on top of your normal dab of toothpaste. Watch as your teeth become whiter and your gums healthier. Your breath may even stay fresh longer, as Basic H fights germs of all sorts.

Glove -  Before you start a dirty job or before gardening, pour a few drops directly onto your hands. Rub them together to coat both hands. After you are done cleaning, wash your hands to find that dirt, scum, smell and overall ickiness are nowhere to be found.

Pesticide -  Dilute your Basic H2 to a couple of drops per spray-bottle, then spritz your plants as part of your regular routine. Not only will the bugs stay away but you might also find that they are bigger and healthier, as well.

Produce wash – Just 1/8tsp. added to a pint of water will make an effective and safe wash for your produce. Grit and dirt on leafy vegetables are easily removed, and you no longer have to worry about a funny taste remaining on the produce.

Diaper wash - Coupled with 1/2 tsp of Shaklee Basic G (a germicide), 1/4 tsp of Basic H2 can remove germs and odors from your cloth diapers. Leave a bit in your diaper pail to prevent odors there, as well.

Windshield Wash/Rain repellent - Pour 3 1/2 tsp of Basic H2 into one quart of water, and use it as your windshield wash. Rain and slush will easily wipe away from your windshield, and bugs will slide away, as well.

Records - Add 2 drops to a cup of water and with a soft cloth or brush, wipe off records. Removes finger oils and leaves them magnet free.

Shoes - 2 drops on a clean cloth to clean shoes. Will not wax finish, shine with a dry cloth.

Clothes Dryer - Place 25-45 drops into a 16 0z. spray bottle and spray inside of dryer. Reduces static cling and softens clothes.

Contacts - 1 to 2 drops in 1/2 cup water to soak contact lenses. Rinse well to remove all traces of solution.

Delicate Clothing - 2-3 drops in pint of water; perfect for panty hose and delicate fabrics.

Hand Washing - 1tsp for undies, socks, sweaters, or knit dresses

Dishes – 1tsp to sink of water. May need to add a little extra if you have greasy dishes or pots and pans.

Walls and ceilings – 3 tsp. to 3 quarts water. For kitchens and bathrooms

Body Wash - 3-6 drops on sponge for luxurious shower.

Bathtub Cleaner - Use in tub for a bubble bath and don’t worry about bath rings.

Buildings - Use solution in a sprayer with no more than 500lbs of pressure or all you’ll get is foam and add the Basic H last. 1oz. to 20 gallons of water. For heavy duty jobs use 1 to 2 oz. to 20 gallons of water. Then use 1 to 1 &1/2 cups of Basic G to 20 gallons of water to disinfect. The Basic G does not have the abrasiveness that petroleum based cleaners have, especially when coming in contact with the skin. Rinse thoroughly. Use the Basic H in accordance with the hardness of your water. Very effective in cleaning buildings and cattle.

Carpet Pre-Spray – Mix 2 to 4 oz. Liquid Dish Wash Concentrate with 2 to 4oz. Basic H to 5 gallons of warm water. Spray on carpet and leave at least 10 minutes. Then steam clean carpet using Basic H in 1/2 proportion to required amount of steam cleaner’s shampoo. You can use Shaklee’s fabric softener, as a de-foamer instead of steam cleaner’s, again using 1/2 amount required.

Upholstery – SAME AS CARPET PRE-SPRAY- Mix 2 to 4 oz. Liquid Dish Wash Concentrate with 2 to 4oz. Basic H to 5 gallons of warm water. Leave on 10 minutes and use dampened towel to clean approximately 3 times.

Leather – 2 drops on damp sponge then wipe the item dry. Basic H cleans better leather better than saddle soap.

Fire Extinguisher – 1 tablespoon Basic H to 1 pint spray bottle; put water in first then add the H to prevent suds. Very effective on grease fires; keep one by the stove, in the tool box, by the welder… Also 1 gallon H to 55 gallons water in 55 gallon water barrel; suffocates a fire fast. In Fire trucks 1 gallon H to 1,000 gallons water.

Tape Residue – 4 drops to 16 ounce spray bottle filled with water, spray on let set and wipe off.

Paint Brushes – Work full strength H into brushes and wash under the tap.

Outside Windows and Screens – Spray mixture of 1 teaspoon H to 2 gallons of water.

Rust – Use Basic-H for rust inhibitor for rusty nuts and bolts. Also use one tablespoon to radiator full or water or anti-freeze to help prevent rust.

Changing Tires - Spray diluted or full-strength Basic-H on rims. Tires go on easier.

Septic Tank – Pour one quart of Basic-H into septic tank drainage when it becomes sluggish to clean it out. Does not hinder bacterial action in septic tank or cesspools. In fact, it helps build bacteria in your septic tank.

Boat Bottom Algae - 1 tablespoon Basic-H to one gallon of water.

DOGS For Worms – Apply 2 drops H for every ten pounds of the dog’s weight on their feed for one week. Repeat this application every 3 months. You may put it in a spray bottle with a little water and spray it over the dog’s food. You can also add a drop or two to the water. I also add some Liqui-Lea to our dogs’ food.

Wormer for Cattle – use 1 cup per 100 gallons of water

Goats and Sheep – mix 6 cc Basic h classic with 8 oz water. Place the mixture in a turkey baster and give to the animal. – Read more here

Laboratories – Excellent for cleaning glass slides used under microscopes and blood-stained test tubes. Use 2–4 drops of Basic-H® in 1 pint of water. Glass will smear if more than the recommended amount of Basic-H® is used.

Plaster Casts – Place a few drops on one palm, rub thoroughly over hands, and a little water to remove plaster from hands.

Radiograph Pens – A few drops of Basic-H® will clean engineering pens and keep them working smoothly.

Concrete and Mortar Mix – Add  1 ounce to each 1 gallon of water used. Makes mixture easier to spread.

Golf Clubs – Add 1 teaspoon to a 4 ounce spray bottle. Spray solution on clubs and brush off dirt. Also excellent for cleaning golf gloves

Eye Glasses – Fill a 4 ounce spray bottle with water and one drop of Basic-H®.

Shaving – Apply full strength to damp skin and shave as usual.

Frying Vats – Use 1/2 cup in 3 gallons of water. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Dissipates stubborn crust without damaging vats.

Skunk Odor Removal – 1 T. Basic H² in gallon of water

Read something you like? Interested in learning more about H2 or Shaklee? Comment below or visit me on my Face Book Page Mission: Healthy Living. Or email me at pfialek30@yahoo.com.

There are so many pills, diets and plans to help you lose weight or detox, but what if you really thought about what is right for YOUR body? Do you think starving your body, drinking a magic juice or popping some pills is going to help your body move towards health?  What about TEACHING your body to eat right, stop cravings and introduce your taste buds back to food that was meant to be eaten?

That is exactly what we are doing in our Purfication Detox groups.  Reteaching your body to be EAT GREAT AND ENJOY FOOD while eliminating junk that has collected.

Here are some facts based on our latest group that has been utilizing our Purification Detox plan since April 9th:

FACT 1: The Purification Detox plan tastes great.  Once you get more creative than raw broccoli you will realize that real food is good!

FACT 2: You will never be hungry on the Purification Detox plan if you recipe swap with others, utilize texting support with Catherine and the group and join the group on Facebook.  There are dozens of ideas floating around every week to make sure you are satisfied.

FACT 3: Breaking habits isn’t easy.  Nobody is going to promise that the first 3-4 days are fun.  Your body is addicted to sugar, caffeine, 3,000 additives in your food, etc… withdrawal may happen, but when you get to the other side this plan is SATISFYING!

FACT 4: You can do this plan while you travel, work from home, care for your kids or sit in your cubicle.  It’s so flexible that there is no excuse of time or convenience being an issue.

FACT 5: The supplements, the shakes, the superfoods, they are all workable into your daily routine and they are all part of creating a new healthy lifestyle.  This isn’t a fad.  It’s a way of life that you gradually move towards while on the 30 day plan.

BONUS FACT: The average person who needs to lose weight or carries extra weight around the middle is losing .5 – 1lb per day during the first 10 days on the Purification Detox. This is not a weightloss plan, this is a lifestyle plan and people of all sizes, shapes and ages 18+ can participate, but let’s be honest….if you’re over weight and eat lots of great natural foods, weightloss is going to happen

YOU CAN START YOUR PURIFICATION DETOX AT ANYTIME, HOWEVER STATISTICS SHOW THAT WHEN YOU WORK WITH A GROUP YOU WILL BE MORE SUCCESSFUL.  Please ask us when our next group is launching. (They are typically the first week of every month or more often, based on demand.)
NOTE: Joining our Purification Detox group does not require you to live in the same area as our core group.  Support is provided via Facebook, texting, email and phone.  You can even join our weekly teleconferences  to stay motivated and ask questions!

Need more info on pricing, the plan and how it all works? Just Ask!

What can you do to make a change?

Dump the junk

Take that junk food and dump it, stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. I found that when I stood through-out the day I was less likely to snack. Small changes can have a big effect. Most of the snack foods we eat are loaded with carbs and cause you to crash not to long after eating. Fresh fruits and vegetables will provide nutrition and energy naturally, which means no crash afterwards.

Take Defend and Resist

Ever notice that one person shows up sick and within 24hrs there are at least 2 more people sick. Germs spread quickly in those closed environments. Heath is important to everyone. When I hear the first sniffle or cough I start taking Defend and Resist. It helps me fight off colds naturally. So I can stay healthy with all those germs around.

Get up and Move

Just 15 minutes of sun light can do you good. It helps your body make natural Vitamin D. Vitamin D can improve your mood and provide energy. Exercise has the same affect and it can also help focus your thoughts.  I have found that taking a 15 – 30 min walk outside right after lunch gives me a boost of energy for the rest of the afternoon. In the winter when I can’t get outside I take extra Vitamin B and try to move around more inside.

Bring your own cleaner

I have brought my own cleaner to work to spot clean my desk. H2 by Shaklee is greatall-natural cleaner to clean and disinfect your desk, phone, key board and dishes. Yes, even your dishes. It is also a great wash for your fresh fruits and vegetables you have stocked up on.I have people ask to borrow mine because they don’t like the cleaner supplied due to allergies or general health concerns.

Change your work station

Does sitting at your desk all day hurt you? Looking up at the monitor, or looking down? Does your back hurt from sitting all day? Ask your manager if there is something that can be done. Maybe you can switch out your chair or find a different monitor stand. There are things that can be done to make you more comfortable at your work station. I have recently taken to standing at my desk. My posture is better, I am more productive and I move more.

Please share your tips on how you keep your cubicle healthy.

Read something you like? Interested in the products mentioned?  Visit me on Mission: Healthy Living or email me at pfialek30@yahoo.com

Starting your own compost bin is a great idea. It will save  money and is a great way to recycle.

You can buy compost bins or make your own compost bin. We found stores willing to give us their old shipping pallets. 6 pallets makes 2 boxes, one side to hold the compost and another side to flip it into.

Use two pallets standing on end, anchor them to the ground, for the back. Two on either side, plus one in the middle. This will make your boxes. And the last one is your door. We lean it up against the active box to keep the compost in.

Compost needs to be turned 2 weeks to 4 weeks, so leave one side open, this will be the side that you turn your pile into. Start adding to it. Compost needs to remain wet so make sure the top layer is wet when you flip the compost.

Build away from your house and neighbors if you can, sometimes they can smell.  There are things you can do to minimalize the smell. Make sure it is aerated, leave pockets open if you can, this will help eliminate smell. Don’t overload on grass clippings, have enough brown material to even it out (see below).

When finished it should look, feel and smell like rich, dark soil. You should not be able to recognize any of the items you put in there. It may take a year before you have a good amount of compost, but it was well worth the wait.  Apply it 2-4 weeks before you start planting so it has time to mix with the soil.

Here are some ideas of what you can compost.

• Grass clippings add necessary nitrogen to a compost pile. Both Brown materials and grass are necessary for quick decomposition and rich compost. Piles made up of just grass will compact, slow down and start to stink.
• “brown” (dead leaves, hay, woodchips) materials that add carbon.
• Coffee grounds attract worms, they will help your compost decompose
• Algae and seaweed make excellent additions to your compost pile. Be sure to rinse off any salts before using
• Fruit and Vegetables     

Things to avoid

• If adding ashes to your compost bin, do so sparingly. They are alkaline and affect the pH of the pile. In contrast, acidic materials include pine needles and oak leaves.
• Plants that have been treated with pesticides and/or herbicides (weeds and lawn clippings) should be avoided.
• Do not compost fats, pet droppings, or animal products. They will attract pests to the pile and can spread disease.

Remember what you put into it is what you get out of it. Organic compost can not have chemicals added to the grass clippings, fruit or other items you put into the compost. News Paper or cardboard boxes are often recommended, these too contain chemicals.

For more tips on composting check out http://www.composting101.com/composting-tips.html

Read something you like? Interested in more Money Saving Tips? Comment below or visit me on my Face Book Page Mission: Healthy Living. Or email me at pfialek30@yahoo.com.

Try something new . . .

Like many of you I work in a cubicle and sit all day. A co-worker came into work one day and she needed a change so she decided to stand at her desk all day. It made me wonder what would happen if I stood too.

January 3^rd, 2012 – I stood for most of the day. In fact I am still standing, and I learned something . . . .

Butt + Chair=eating all day

It’s weird but when I sit I think I have to eat and I obsess about it. When I stand I don’t.

I am more energetic and sometimes do a little swaying and dancing will I am working. Some days I even stand on one foot.

I read somewhere that you burn more calories standing. I can’t imagine it is enough to make a difference, however I don’t eat as many calories. Fruit has appeared at my desk, and so have veggies. This extra enegry has helped me make better, healthier choices. 

More productive? You bet. I am more engaged, and ready to work on tough problems. And dancing through the mundane makes that yucky work a little more fun. I plow through my work load now because I am working faster.

People ask me “do you feel better? Are you losing weight?” Yes, I feel better, happier almost, my legs are stronger, and I have better posture. No not losing weight, it is not some great weight loss plan, but it is another small step to changing my life for the best.

Even when I get to work from home, I added boxes to my desk to lift up my laptop and mouse so I can work standing.

If you can do it, I encourage you to try it for a week. I think you will like the change you see. And encourage your co-workers to do the same.

Interested in learning more? Check out Patrick McCrann Sitting VS Standing at Work: Why you need to raise your working game.

“One of the biggest changes that I have made in the way that I work in the last year had nothing to do with technology. It is nothing — it is not expensive. But it has radically redefined the way that I both view my work space but interact with my colleagues and then plan my day. As I mentioned earlier, it’s not something you can buy, it’s really something you need to do. It’s as simple as this. Stand up.” Patrick McCrann

Looking for a Healthier Life Style? Tired of the same daily grind? Contact me at pfialek30@yahoo.com or leave a comment, our team can make Healthy Living Simple. Visit our Face Book Page at Mission: Healthy Living

Couldn’t resist fast food on the way home? Your body is now inflamed and needs to repair itself from the damage done from that greasy, high calorie, fatty meal

Ran a few miles today? Great job and good for you going out and getting exercise, but now your muscles need to repair themselves.

Spend all day sitting at a desk working? Your back, neck and shoulders need a break, not to mention your brain. Even your brain needs a reset.

We are aging. Our everyday activates take a toll on the body. We take care of our body’s when we are hurt or sick. What we need to learn is to take care of our bodies before this happens.

How much sleep do you need? 

• Infants – Sleep as much as they can
• Toddlers – 12hrs of sleep including naps
• Preschoolers – 10-11 hours of sleep including naps
• School Age (5yrs -12yrs) – 10 hours of sleep at night
• Teenagers- 9hrs of sleep at night
• Adults – 7-8hrs of sleep at night

My oldest is 8 and she has a hard time falling asleep and she sleep walks. We have to get her up early to get to school for her before care program (daycare) and she is crabby and slow moving. The slow moving is in part due to her personality. Brianna does not rush for anything, but when she is tired she almost comes to a halt. Sleep walking, having trouble sleep, night terrors, etc, may have something to do with a child’s drive to stay awake and learn. Getting them to relax and distress before bed is important. Too much technology (TV, iPods, Video Games) can hinder this process.

Short term effects from lack of sleep

• Kids – poor school performance, poor decision making process, crabbiness, lack or exercise
• Adults –lack of focus (causing accidents), less or lack of exercise, poor choices relating to diet

Long term effects from lack of sleep

• Kids – ADD/ADHD, bad sleeping habits formed
• Adults – heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, impaired immune system

Try a new night time routine. Make sure you are going to bed early enough to get the right amount of sleep.

1. Turn off the TV 30 minutes before you go to bed.

2. Spend 15 minutes on a chore (something easy –dishes, picking up, getting ready for the next day).

3. Spend 15 minutes getting ready for bed (wash your face, brush your teeth, get comfy in bed etc.)

4. Make sure you have it as dark as possible in your room and quite. A fan on for a little white noise will drown out a TV or neighbors.

5. Close your eyes and sleep.

Falling asleep is not easy and if you already have a bad habit of not getting enough sleep. You need to break the habit, don’t get angry or frustrated, it won’t help. My 8yr old has been taught to breath in and breath out, feel your breath. We call it Yoga breathing. I sometimes count backwards from 100 when the Yoga breathing doesn’t work for me.

On occasion I have used Stress Relief or Gentle Sleep Complex by Shaklee to help me fall asleep. They are all natural supplements and 100% safe to take. And there are no sleepy side effects when you wake up. It is always best to fall asleep without any additional help, but there are times in our life when a little help is needed.

Please take the time to add a little more sleep to your day.

Read something you like? Interested in the products referenced? Comment below or visit me on my Face Book Page Mission: Healthy Living. Or email me at pfialek30@yahoo.com.

It happened to me today. I was responsible for getting Brianna to before care at 6:30am this morning, and caught the 7am train with Sophia. I dropped her off with Grandpa in Palatine without a problem. My morning so far was going well. Then I went into the train station to wait for the next train and it was canceled due to man power issues, so I would have to wait for the next one (which also meant the next train would be packed). I love being a commuter! Then the police showed up looking for someone and something. I wondered if I was safer inside or outside since something was obviously going on. I decided since they already checked the inside, I would stay there. Finally get on my train, take it to the last stop before the city and there is a medical emergency and an ambulance has to be called, delaying the train. I am not sure what happened and can only hope the man is ok. What are the odds that this would all happing within an hour?

So I had to ask myself, are there signs being put before me that I should be paying attention to? I can’t believe all this happened because of something I personally should be watching for (a bigger picture of something else to come). Regardless I decided maybe I needed to be aware and a little more cautious today and to realize nothing was going to go my way. I was right in some ways; I got absolutely nothing I wanted to get done today done. But I have been paying more attention to the things around me.

On the upside, my husband has also started a home business and we seem to be getting on board with each other’s business. We would both love to work from home some day. Now we are aligning our business plans and vision boards the same. There is a lot of motivation to change the way we work. To free ourselves from working for others so we can create our teams and work with others.

So this month I hope we can take a big step forward and create a family vision board.

This is just another one of those crazy days in my life! Can you relate to ANY of this? Tired of working in the corporate world? Concerned about your health and your families? Want to have more time to spending doing what you want to do? Let’s chat – contact me at patti@actionadvocates.com or leave a comment.

You are invited to our next event, which is focused on our health.

Want to know why our team always has so much energy?

Want to know why we are successful at losing weight and keeping it off?

Want to know how we work from home by helping others feel great?

We don’t sell products on our team…we work together for a better lifestyle and that includes improved health & SMOOTHIES!

Sounds funny, huh?  Can smoothies really make a big difference in how you feel AND how you work.  YES!

It’s ok if you have to see it to believe it…that’s why we’re hosting Smoothie Night!

When: Feb 3

Where: Shorewood, IL (email us for directions)

Time: 6:30-7:30

Bring: 1-2 fruits and/or veggies that you’d like to see us make into a powerful smoothie

Why: Because you deserve to feel great and our energy is contagious

Note: Kids are welcome.  Kids are never an excuse not to succeed in meeting  your goals!

Can’t make it?  Ask us when our next smoothie night is going to be OR better yet, host a smoothie night of your own.  You’ll even get free smoothies to try out during the week!

RSVP: Click the contact link above