“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Gal. 6: 2

Picture the book of Ruth. The Israelites had a law that harvesters were to leave behind any dropped grain so that the poor could glean the fields and feed themselves and their families.

Now look at the early church in Acts. The church members met daily and worked together to see that everyone in the church family had exactly what they needed. As the bible points out in Acts 2:42: “selling their possessions and goods, they gave to everyone as he had need.”

You see, God’s design and commandment from the beginning was for the church family to support each other in whatever way possible. We are to “carry one another’s burdens” and work together to fulfill the gospel.

Yet, somehow, the modern day church has gotten so far away from this truth. We are all so caught up with our own burdens to think about the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Rather than carrying the burdens of others on our shoulders, we give money to charity and the government in hopes that they will do the helping.

I challenge you, beloved, to take a step further in this commandment. If you know of someone in need, get actively involved in carrying the burden. Whatever the need, use your gifts and resources to be a blessing to someone else. If we all start acting like a family, maybe the modern church can once again become the model God designed from the beginning!!

Well Fed

Top 10 Reasons to Eat Blueberries

1. Blueberries are versitile:  ! Add to cerials, pancakes, waffles, or just as a snack.
2. They are low in calories: At just 80 calories per cup, they make a perfect snack or dessert!
3. They are good for diabetics: Blueberries have a low glycemic load so they don’t cause a spike in blood sugar.
4. They are loaded with antioxidants: In numerous studies, blueberries topped the list of ALL fruits and vegetables in their antioxidant content!
5. They are better than wine: Studies have shown them to contain 38% more of the healthy antioxidant found in red wine.
6. They are healthy for your eyes: Studies have shown that blueberries not only help improve night vision, but the antioxidants in fruit help protect against macular degeneration.
7. They are healthy for your brain: Animal research has shown them to protect the brain from oxidative stress that leads to Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
8. They are healthy for your colon: The ellagic acid in blueberries helps block metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer.
9. They help you “go” more (or less): Their high fiber content helps regulate your digestive system, but they also contain tannins, which help reduce inflammation.
10. Other nutrients: Besides all the other benefits, blueberries also contain manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

Source: www.whfoods.com

Well Shaped

Tips for Exercising in the Heat

As the heat of the summer continues, follow these guidelines to avoiding heat illnesses:

1. Acclimatize:Reduce your intensity to 60% and give yourself 14 days to adjust to your regular intensity.

2. Don’t venture far:If you are walking or running, cut your route in half and run it twice. That way you can go home if your start to feel overheated.

3. Water, water, water: You should be drinking enough water for your urine to be clear and your bladder to be full every 2-3 hours.

4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: They are diuretics and can lead to dehydration.

5. Drink before, during, and after your workout: Make sure you drink as much as you can before your workout, 5-10 ounces every 15 minutes during your workout, and 4 oz. for every pound lost after your workout.

6. Avoid exercising during peak hours: Try to exercise early morning or late evening when the sun and temperature are lower.

7. Pay attention to the heat index

8. Run/walk on cool surfaces: Grass or white concrete are better than black pavement.

9. Clothing should be light-colored and made of natural or synthetic fiber.

10. If you start to feel overheated: Stop your workout, seek shade or a cool place, and start drinking water.

Source: http://www.sportsdoctor.com/articles/hyperthermia4.html

Well Being

Skin Cancer Prevention

Cases of skin cancer are rapidly growing in the United States. Currently, more than one million cases of melanoma occur each year, with about one person dying every hour from this disease. The current trend is leading to 1 in 5 Americans developing skin cancer in their lifetime. EVERYONE is a risk of skin cancer, whether your skin is fair or dark. Prevention is the key to reducing your risk, so follow these recommendations:

1. Avoid deliberate tanning. With all the products on the market, you don’t need the sun to have tan skin.

2. Get your vitamin D through a healthy diet, not the sun.

3. ALWAYS wear sunscreen.

4. Wear protective clothing. Long sleeve T-shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses are all great options.

5. Seek shade when appropriate. Especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

6. Water, snow, and sand reflect the sun’s rays, so be extra cautious when swimming, skiing, or going to the beach.

7. Check your skin regularly. Look for anything changing, growing or bleeding, and see your dermatologist immediately if you notice anything abnormal.

Source: http://www.skincarephysicians.com/skincancernet/prevention.html