I Am Still Thirsty

Drink Up

Keeping the body hydrated does cost, but the benefits of drinking water will out weigh the cost.  I recommend that you drink purified, distilled, alkaline, or mountain spring water—do not drink water from a faucet especially if it does not have a water purification system. Environmentalist would disagree with me about drinking bottled water because of the damage plastic bottles cause the environment.  I would like to be a fly on their walls to see if they have invested in a water purification system.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Never Trust Tap Water

1. The Flint, Michigan scandal revealed that many water plants in the United States contain alarmingly high levels of toxic metals such as lead.
2. Many municipal water systems add toxic fluoride to the water supply.  Fluoride is a known neurotoxin that has been linked to lower IQ scores in children.
3. Fluoride promotes corrosion of water pipes, releasing even more lead or other toxic elements into your tap or faucet water.
4. More than 60% of Americans are exposed to lead and fluoride-contaminated water.  Are you one of them?
5. Tap water is filled with chloride.  It’s added by water quality operations to kill bacteria, but it can also affect our own health.

Source: Natural News.com;  http://bigberkey.naturalnews.com/bigberkey.html; Accessed on 4 November 2016.

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My household likes Aquafina (pure water, pure taste) bottled water.  Aquafina promotes a Drink Up campaign to get America to drink more water.

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I want you to thirst for some delicious, wet, and refreshing water to saturate and hydrate your body and mind. I want you to see the sexy of drinking water. What I am about to drop on you is going to blow your mind.

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• Did you know that the average adult human body is about 60 percent water?
• The percentage of water in infants is much higher, typically around 75-78 percent water, dropping to 65 percent by 1 year of age.
• The average adult male is about 60 percent water.
• The average adult woman is about 55 percent water because women naturally have more fatty tissue than men.

With those figures, I guess you are wondering how much water should you drink daily. There are many different opinions on how much water we should be drinking; however, the health authorities recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon.

Did you know that developing just a simple healthy habit of drinking water will energize your body and mind?

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I have heard so many people say, “I don’t like to drink water.” I cannot for the life of me understand why people do not like to drink water. Water is delicious, and nothing quenches my thirst like water. Without sufficient water in your body, your cells get congested, your skin cannot detox, and your bladder and kidneys will not work properly. You will feel tired and sluggish and you will eat more—you may think you are hungry but it is only your body telling you it is thirsty. Did you know that one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy is to stay hydrated?

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Sexy Benefits of Drinking Water

• Water maintains the body’s fluid balance, which helps transport nutrients in our body, regulate body temperature, and digest food. Water does wonders to clear your colon:  easy in and easy out. Water also helps eliminate water retention.
• Drinking water helps with weight loss by boosting the metabolism. Many studies have found a connection between water consumption and losing a few pounds. The secret reason? Water simply helps people feel full, and thus consume fewer calories.
• Drink more water when you are working out because sweating causes muscles to lose water. Your muscles get tired when they do not have enough water. Drinking water will help you to get that extra energy you need to complete your workout and build muscle.
• Water promotes younger looking skin, so taking frequent baths is good for your skin. Drinking water also makes your skin clearer, because it rids the body of toxins that clog pores and cause the skin to inflame.
• Water helps our kidneys process blood, sift out waste and transport urine to the bladder. Without sufficient fluids, your kidneys cannot support your body’s needs.
• Drinking water can help you to concentrate and stay alert, which will increase your daily productivity.
• Staying hydrated with water can increase your energy, help prevent fatigue and fight tired eyes.
• Drink water to hydrate the body and to stop a pounding headache.
• Water is a natural shock absorber, acting as a lubricant to aching joints.

Your Health is Your Wealth

Follow these tips to keep your body hydrated:  Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up, 30 minutes before eating any meal (to help control appetite), and 30 minutes before going to bed (known to prevent strokes). Also, get in the habit of keeping a water bottle with you wherever you go. I have a habit of taking a bottle or two of water with me whenever I leave home. If you find yourself getting bored with the taste of water, squeeze citrus or drop a mint leaf in the water. The benefits of drinking water are endless.  Are you thirsty? I am still thirsty.

The Heat Is On

Record Temperatures

I hope you are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.  The hottest times of the day are usually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., so try to do any outdoor activity outside of those hours.  The abrupt change in the weather here in the eastern region of the United States is not unusual.  That is the norm here—we knew it was going to happen—we just did not know when.  Yesterday, the thermostat in my car read 103 degrees (Fahrenheit), and today it reads 99 degrees.  I have a habit of grabbing one or two bottles of water whenever I leave the house because I like to stay hydrated.  It is absolutely necessary to stay hydrated.  

Here are a few benefits of drinking water:

• Maximizes physical performance
• Increases energy level and brain function
• Prevents and helps to treat headaches
• Relieves constipation
• Helps with weight loss

If you want to do something nice for someone, give them a bottle of water.  Also, encourage your family and friends to drink more water.  At the next family cookout only serve bottled water.  You may hear someone say, “I Am Still Thirsty…”

Pick Up Some Trash on Your Way Home

 

Today is World Environment Day

World Environment Day is the UN’s most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries.

India is Host to World Environment Day 2018

India is host to this year’s World Environment Day. Indian communities large and small will lead a global charge to beat plastic pollution through civic engagement and celebration. With support from an inspiring cross-section of Indian society, ranging from cricket pitches to board rooms, we’re witnessing an unprecedented national commitment to this global cause, with the promise to make this the largest and most consequential World Environment Day ever.

How We can Help Protect Our Environment?

If You Can’t Reuse It, Refuse It

We can help protect our environment by making small changes.  Stop using plastic straws, stirs, bags, and bottles.  The toxic chemicals used to make plastics are harmful to us and our environment.  I read an article “How plastic is damaging planet Earth,” which helped me to understand the harm of plastic to our environment.  We can also make a commitment to pick up trash while walking in our communities and neighborhood parks.  Are you ready to make a commitment to help protect our environment?  What small changes can you make to protect our environment? I look forward to reading your ideas.

#BeatPlasticPollution

Celebrate Your Accomplishments

Wellness in Celebrating Yourself

Is it okay to pat yourself on your back?  Why certainly you should celebrate yourself and every accomplishment.  Each accomplishment is a reinforcement to achieve your next goal.  You see, it is healthy to celebrate yourself along with your accomplishments.  It is healthy and contributes to your overall well-being.  When you set goals and take the necessary steps to reach them those goals become a part of you achieving wellness.  Big or small, it does not matter the size of your accomplishment—celebrate them all.  You went through the emotional and possibly physical pains while you were working toward your goal.  Your rewards are your achievement and the wellness that comes along after attaining your goal.  Now, you can inhale and exhale—breathe.  Take a small break before you move on to your next goal.

Achievement and Wellness Connect

Most of us do not realize the connection between achievement and wellness.  You probably gave up sleep and quality time with your friends and family.  Not to mention that it interrupted your workout schedule.  So, go ahead and pat yourself on the back for making it through another semester of undergraduate studies; buying your first new car; moving into your first apartment to live on your own, or buying your first new home.  It was not easy, but you did it—a lot of sacrificing, perseverance, courage, and strength—you believed in yourself.

Celebrate yourself and your accomplishments!  Be proud of yourself for attaining your goal.  And, because you met your goal, you are that much closer to reaching other goals and your dreams.  It does not matter how you celebrate—just so long as you do something.  Also, share your successes with others.  It is important that you allow others to share in celebrating you and recognizing your achievements, as those close to you probably made sacrifices as well.

Tips to Celebrating Your Successes

Breathe.  Inhale and exhale the fact that you achieved what you set out to do.  It would be a big mistake to dismiss celebrating your smallest accomplishment.  Always celebrate and take a break before working toward your new goal.

 

Share Your Successes.  Allow your friends and family to share in your successes and celebrate with you.  There is nothing like sharing with someone who support you and is on your side.

Do Something You Enjoy.  Go visit family or friends you have not been able to spend much time with.  Visit the spa for a deep tissue massage or get a manicure and pedicure. Take a long bath using minerals or Epsom salt.  Watch your favorite TV show or movie.

Celebrating National Nutrition Month—March 2018

March Is National Nutrition Month

Nutrition has become one of the most discussed and important subjects because more people are committing to healthier lives. Nutrition became a month-long celebration in 1980. And, the first National Nutrition Week was in 1973. Nutrition first became very popular for registered dietitian nutritionists, health educators and coaches. Now, wellness and health influencers are sharing the latest and greatest nutrition trends with their communities and worldwide via social media.

As a wellness and health blogger, I share credible information to help my followers to eat clean and smart. I like helping people enjoy healthier lives because of the nutrition advice I share. If I can help you to make a better nutrition choice today I will aid in your longevity and healthier lifestyle tomorrow.

Throughout the month, I will encourage you to include a variety of healthful foods from all the food groups in daily meals and snacks; shop local whenever possible; be mindful of portion sizes; eat slowly; and use good food-safety practices. In terms of exercise, it is recommended that you find enjoyable activities that will encourage physical activity—get an exercise partner—and work toward the goal of 150 plus minutes of weekly activity.

National Nutrition Month Theme

“Go Further with Food” is the theme for 2018, and its importance is timely for many reasons. Whether it’s starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast or fueling before an athletic event, the foods you choose can make a difference. Preparing foods to go further at home and within the community can have a positive impact, as well. As nutrition experts, Academy members can help people adopt healthier eating styles, while reducing food loss and waste.

Be sure to visit the National Nutrition Month® website during the upcoming months for new and updated resources to help make the National Nutrition Month 2018 celebration an infinite success!

Spread The Love

I challenge you to spread the love by sharing my blog posts with your family, friends, and your community. Thank you.

Got2bGina The Blogger

The LOOK 5th Annual Beauty & Wellness Event

It’s All About The LOOK

The LOOK 5th Annual Beauty & Wellness event hosted by the Sandel Duggal Med Spa and What’s Up Media was spectacular. The LOOK continues to bring its followers the best beauty and wellness information available in the area. So much is going on from the time you arrive until the time you leave: the doors opened at 6:00 PM and closed at 9:00 PM. The LOOK Fashion Show started at 6:30 PM, with fashions by Coterie; a Boutique; a medical seminar followed, discussing non-invasive facial rejuvenation such as cosmetic injections and micro needling; another medical seminar, discussing questions women should (but might be embarrassed to) ask their doctor; and there was a seminar by Annapolis Plastic Surgery about advanced laser skin rejuvenation.

Friends With Benefits

It does not get any better than seeing familiar faces when you visit a venue, does it? I was so happy to see my friend and owner of Just Browzing set up and doing her thing. If you have not visited the Just Browzing Wax Bar & Beauty Boutique in Crofton, MD, go treat yourself. Also, check out an article I published about Just Browzing.

Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa gave attendees a 20-percent-off coupon that is good for any of its services. This would be a good service to make up for what that fast-massage service is not doing. When you pay for a service to take care of yourself and heal your body of its many aches and pains you want good service. So, I will be visiting the Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa.

Latest Wellness Trend

HYDRAFUSE will probably be the toughest health spa in the area to book an appointment with. This is the latest and greatest wellness trend.  I cannot wait to schedule an appointment to visit HYDRAFUSE. It is Maryland’s only health and wellness infusion spa, offering IV hydration therapy, Botox, oxygen therapy, wellness plans and more. HYDRAFUSE gave free B12 injections throughout the entire evening. What a treat! I certainly needed the B12-shot to increase my energy to cover the wealth of information presented at What’s Up? Media’s The LOOK event.

ProMD Health, thank you! Have you ever had the feeling of something good was about to happen? Well, I have that feeling every day—and it did. I did not think the evening could get any better until I won ProMD Health’s door prize. Talk about SET IT OFF! Just before having my caricature drawn, the Dana V, the Master of Ceremony (i.e., DJ) called my name as the winner of Pro MD Health door prize—this gift basket is loaded with OBAGI medical skin care products. I love it!

I mentioned Dana V in an earlier post. She drew the caricature of me. She is a great commercial artist. I do not believe it took her 10 minutes to draw the portrait-like caricature.

Also, I had a delicious miniature cupcake made by Blue Crab Cupcakes. All I can say is… OMG, a super moist and flavorful cupcake. Every cupcake has a delicious filling. Mine was filled with love.

Another spectacular wellness and beauty event hosted by the Sandel Duggal Med Spa and What’s Up? Media. I was late arriving to the event this year. Traffic in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area is not my friend, and the rain and foggy weather played its part. Nevertheless, I am so glad that I persevered and made it. Not as many vendors participated this year compared to last year, but the best of the best showcased their expertise and products.

Got2bGina

Artist Dana V is doing her thing with the Carbone Crew of Carbone Entertainment in Annapolis, MD.  She drew this caricature of Regina McDowell aka Got2bGina The Blogger last night, while attending every girl’s favorite event of the year hosted by What’s Up? Media’s The LOOK . 

Favorite Wellness Event

The Look is my favorite wellness, health, and beauty event, as it places me in my social element to receive information to take care of wonderful me.  I also had the pleasure of sitting with Ms. Dana V the artist who drew my caricature.  I certainly would like to use her excellent services in the near future.  

Celebrating MLK Jr 2018

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” –Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Do You Have a Gym Membership?

Health and Fitness Decision

I have been contemplating whether to purchase a gym membership to help me reach my health and fitness goals.  Since the East Coast has been experiencing chilling, bitterly cold temperatures, my long walks have not been so enjoyable.  During the warm weather seasons, walking became a part of my daily routine.  It was nothing for me to hit the pavement when I arrived home from work.  I acted just like a kid going outside to play with friends—I could barely wait to get out.  However, the weather’s sudden change to bitterly cold has me thinking about joining a gym.

Visiting Neighborhood Gyms

I have visited a couple of gyms located relatively close to where I live.  The visiting experience itself was just what I expected.  As I walked through the facilities, I felt like every eye was on me and every bulge that I was trying to hide was suddenly visible; there were mirrors everywhere. The gyms that I visited offered similar membership plans; however, the most expensive plan for each gave the member more amenities.  I left each gym with a handful of brochures and the best dates to join to get the full benefits of the plans. I may have left a couple of pounds behind too, as each visit was a workout.

Working It Out

Did you know gyms will let you use their equipment when you visit with the intention to buy?  Yes, they will give you pre-membership vouchers or VIP pass so that you can visit their facilities. Your fitness representative who welcomes you to the gym will also help you to use the exercise equipment.  Don’t expect this special attention after purchasing the membership, you will be on your own.  However, most gyms have personal trainers—readily available, offering personal training sessions to gym members.  The personal trainers’ costs vary depending on the fitness package you require to reach your personal goals.

Anytime a contractual agreement is involved, you want to take your time and weigh all options before deciding.  I like the idea of being a member of a fitness facility that offers top-of-the-line exercise equipment, top instructors, and trending circuit exercise classes.  Hiring a personal trainer could benefit my health goals if I decided against purchasing a gym membership—it’s good to have an exercise partner.  Purchasing a gym membership is a decision that requires careful thought. Whatever I decide, the experience of visiting the neighborhood gyms was beneficial to my wellness and health.

Visiting The Pearl Modern Spa and Boutique

Visit The Pearl

THE Pearl Modern Spa and Boutique is a 5-star wellness spa offering many services and products to help rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit.  When you arrive to the Pearl for your appointment, the spa hostess escorts you to the women’s locker room. From the locker room you will enter into the women’s lounge where a masseuse greets you.  The masseuse guides you to your personal, tranquil spa room. You probably will chat for about 5 minutes with the masseuse to discuss your  lifestyle or personal concerns and what areas on your body to target during this visit.  I recommend a 90-minute full-body massage to improve your health and target your problem areas.  You may also choose the oil(s) that you want to be used during my massage.  Joy and peace are my favorite oils.

The Pearl Spa Boutique

Much Needed Wellness Treatment

After a 90-minute massage, the masseuse will guide you back to the ladies lounge.  It is recommended that while in the lounge, you drink as much water as you can to hydrate. Large jugs of water will be sitting on the table for you to hydrate your body–one jug usually contains sliced cucumbers and the other jug has lemon or orange slices.  Your masseuse will leave you in the lounge and return with your favorite treat(s):  a delicious hot brownie with whipped cream and a glass of champagne.

After enjoying the treats, you will then return to the ladies locker room where you disrobed and take a warm shower.  When you leave the locker room make sure you stop by the boutique to pick up some oils and salts to carry home.  I have visited the Pearl Modern Spa and Boutique on several occasions and their spa and wellness services have been very rewarding.

Ladies Lounge

What Are You Waiting For?

If you are dealing with physical pain or stiffness, emotional stress from your job or stress because you do not have a job, visiting a wellness spa is always a good way to recharge.    It is important that you take the necessary time needed to treat and care for yourself.  Enjoy taking care of wonderful you at the Pearl Spa. There is nothing more relaxing than a full-body massage in a clean and tranquil environment.  Let go of all your cares during your spa session.  If you like champagne and hot brownies, the Pearl Modern Spa and Boutique is just for you.