Fashionably dressed women embracing this latest spike on heels are paying a painful price for style. Ankles have been twisted, falls are not unusual, and correct upright posture is a challenge.  But women will not give up their fashion cravings.  So what’s a woman to do?

“Muscle and joint strength is the key to avoiding injury during repetitive motions,” ... Read More »]]>

The fashion trend toward sexy, strappy heels is climbing to new heights.  Like skyscrapers, the shoes-of-the-moment keep getting higher.  It’s not strange to see 4-inch or 5-inch heels strut the streets of any city, with many styles getting an added lift from platforms.

Fashionably dressed women embracing this latest spike on heels are paying a painful price for style. Ankles have been twisted, falls are not unusual, and correct upright posture is a challenge.  But women will not give up their fashion cravings.  So what’s a woman to do?

“Muscle and joint strength is the key to avoiding injury during repetitive motions,” says Dr. Rick Jinete, a doctor of physical therapy. “Trendy women wearing extremely high heels need to prepare their legs and feet for the extra work they’re doing to walk in these new styles.”

Dr. Jinete, who runs Healing Therapeutics, a network of 14 therapy centers throughout New York and Connecticut, suggests a three-part muscle-strengthening exercise regimen for the tendons and muscles in the foot and ankle to give women a leg up on avoiding painful accidents.

Dr. Jinete recommends the following simple exercises be done barefoot once in the morning and once at night as needed:

1.       To strengthen the foot, ankle and calf:  Take a towel end in each hand, place one foot in the middle of the towel and flex the foot upward and forward  against the towel. Do a set of ten repetitions on each foot.

2.       To strengthen the ligaments in the ankle:  Lift your foot and rotate your ankle by tracing the shape of each letter in the alphabet, from A to Z, with your foot. Repeat on other foot.

3.       To strengthen the calf muscles:  Stand on your toes; then on your heels. Do a set of ten repetitions.

A native of Queens, NY, Dr. Enrique “Rick” Jinete earned a master’s degree in physical therapy from New York Institute of Technology in 2000 and a clinical doctorate of physical therapy from Stony Brook University in 2004. Driven by a desire to run his own practice, Dr. Rick opened Healing Therapeutics Physical Therapy, PLLC, a clinic specializing in rehabilitation therapy for senior citizens. In just six years, he grew the practice into 14 locations, many of which are affiliated with the national Atria Senior Living network, throughout Connecticut and New York.  For more information, visit: www.healingtherapeutics.com or info.Dr.Rick@gmail.com.

“I am a teacher.”

“I am a writer.”

“I am a salesman.”

“I am a doctor.”

“I am a professional monkey-trainer.”

(Side note: I can only claim the first two, but am quite interested in conquering the last one.)

Anyway, we get too caught up in titles because oftentimes we define ourselves by those titles. We forget that there’s so much more to us than by how we make a living.

That’s why I encourage you to tap into and tune into Other Areas of Interest, which may include but are not limited to: ... Read More »]]>

I know firsthand what occurs when one defines himself or herself with a title:

“I am a teacher.”

“I am a writer.”

“I am a salesman.”

“I am a doctor.”

“I am a professional monkey-trainer.”

(Side note: I can only claim the first two, but am quite interested in conquering the last one.)

Anyway, we get too caught up in titles because oftentimes we define ourselves by those titles. We forget that there’s so much more to us than by how we make a living.

That’s why I encourage you to tap into and tune into Other Areas of Interest, which may include but are not limited to: volunteer work, pursuing a hobby, learning a new language or skill, traveling, and such. ‘Tapping and Tuning’ allows us to grow as humans. It allows us to discover new things about ourselves and the world around us. I think, too, that it makes us happier, more creative individuals.

Stretching ourselves is vital to our well-being. We must never accept complacency or mediocrity. We must remain vigilant in our desire to expand our horizons.

Our day-in-day-out routine can make us weary. We could end up in a rut. We may simply begin accepting things because ‘that’s how they’ve always been’. Yet they don’t have to be. Yes, we have responsibilities and obligations, but that doesn’t mean we must limit ourselves.

When you were a child, I’m sure you had some big dreams. Revisit those dreams, and see if you can find a way to tap into them in some way. Perhaps you wanted to be a singer, so why not join a community chorale group or your church choir? Maybe photography was your thing. Grab a camera and get to it!

As a kid, I grew up watching – and loving- the CBS soap opera, Guiding Light. I recently starting writing fan fiction based on the show. Yes, I know it’s incredibly silly. I realize very few people will take the time to read it, but it’s something I enjoy doing. It’s something that’s completely different for me. I find it a fantastic little diversion that keeps me from getting bored.

I encourage you to spend a little time today ‘Tapping and Tuning’. Step into an unfamiliar area and see what happens. If one thing doesn’t get you going, then choose another. Revisit those ideas that excited you as a child. We were never meant to live merely by titles. We were meant to enjoy ever-evolving and fun lives!

Now, if I could figure out how to incorporate monkey-training and writing soap opera fan fiction, I’d have it made in the shade with pink lemonade.

Beth Newman is an image consultant, mentor, and author based out of Houston, TX. For more information about her, she invites you to visit her website at www.newmanimage.info.

Photo credit © Suprijono Suharjoto | Dreamstime.com

Many of the ground-breaking ingredients used in facial care are also available to ... Read More »]]>

During the colder months, when you are likely wearing turtleneck sweaters and high necked blouses anyway, is a great time to address the delicate skin on your chest area, know as the décolleté. Often it can show the same signs of living every day life as your face: fine lines or actual wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark spots or dryness. The colder months are prime time to treat the area so you are looking good for spring dresses and tops that show off more of your upper body!

Many of the ground-breaking ingredients used in facial care are also available to help treat the décolleté, including those for firming, toning and lightening the skin.  Exfoliating the area and using a mask or other treatment product on a regular basis can help to keep the skin looking bright and hydrated.  It is important to note that daily use of sunscreen on the décolleté area, rain or shine, no matter what the season, is paramount. Make a habit of addressing the décolleté in the same way you do your face and neck, with constant care that will provide you with optimal results.

Here are a few of my favorite products for the décolleté:

Obagi ELASTIderm® Décolletage System – This system contains two products, Wrinkle Reducing Lotion and Skin Lightening Complex, to address signs of aging and skin lightening issues. ($138)

LUSH Lovely Jubblies Breast Cream – Rose petal and meadowsweet infused ingredients tone and tighten the breast and décolleté in this rich cream. ($24.95)

Radical Skincare Firming Neck Gel – With Kelp Extract, Green Tea and Resveratrol, the company promises increased elasticity and brightness for your neck and décolleté. ($95)

Like most beauty related ventures, the more love and attention you give your décolleté, the better it is going to look. If you get in the habit of treating it as you do your facial skin, it will go a long way toward maintaining a youthful and vibrant look.

Laura Carson Miller is a freelance lifestyle writer and beauty expert published in magazines and on the web. Website: www.lauracarsonmiller.com.

Photo credit © Bobby Flowers | Dreamstime.com

Target Tip 1: Know What You Want. It sounds simplistic, but so many of us meander through ... Read More »]]>

Now that we’re a couple of weeks into 2012, I must ask you: how are you coming along on those New Year’s Resolutions? Frankly, I don’t care for the word ‘resolution’, for it’s too broad and doesn’t pack the same sort of punch as words such as ‘goals’ or ‘intentions’. Nonetheless, if you made plans for improvement this year, I wanted to share with you some ‘Target Practice’ tips to insure that you’re ready, that you aim, and that you fire according to plan:

Target Tip 1: Know What You Want. It sounds simplistic, but so many of us meander through life uncertain of what it is we actually want. We probably know what our parents wanted for us. We probably have a good idea what our spouse wants from us. I’m sure our kids have let us know repeatedly what they want from us. But what do you want, personally and professionally? No desire is too big or small. You simply need to figure out what it is. What gets you excited? What inspires you? Answer these questions and you’ve already won most of the battle.

Target Tip 2: Daydream. Yes, that’s right. Imagine doing what you love to do. Feel those feelings of joy and gratitude as you’re doing those things. Visualization is a magnificently powerful tool, so spend a little time each day thinking about your success. Self-help and success gurus always preach the message of positive visualization. Why? Because it works, so hop to it!

Target Tip 3: Walk Like a Baby. Take tiny steps each day as you work toward your goal. If you’re intention is to live a healthier lifestyle, replace the afternoon candy bar with yogurt. Substitute carrot sticks for French Fries. Take a thirty-minute walk instead of veggie out in front of the television. Small steps will eventually carry you toward great strides, and will also keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

Target Tip 4: Become Accountable. When we enlist the help of a friend or mentor, we’re more likely to hit our mark. Most of us have a tendency to give up, or to go easy on ourselves. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right and an accountability partner will assist you in doing just that. Touch base with your accountability partner at least once a week.

Target Tip 5: Act it Out. Start acting as if everything you want has come to pass. Walk, talk, think, speak, and dress like the person you want to become. You’ll find that when you do so, your intentions come to pass a little more quickly and a little more easily. I know a young man who was recently promoted at work. While his colleagues dressed in khakis, he wore a suit – because his boss wore one. He knew that in order to be promoted, he needed to look the part. He also refrained from water-cooler gossip – because his boss did. Follow the lead of the leaders and you’ll become one yourself.

That old cliché of practice making perfect holds true, particularly when it comes to creating wonderful things for ourselves. Practice tackling those goals daily, and enjoy all the fabulosity that 2012 has to offer.

Beth Newman is an image consultant, mentor, and author based out of Houston. Her book, ‘365 Days of Fabulosity’ is available through Amazon. For more information, feel free to visit her website at www.newmanimage.info. Online consultations available!

Photo credit © Jason Stitt | Dreamstime.com