Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!

Women's Life Link would like to introduce, Donna Martelli. She is currently a certified personal trainer, dance instructor, and founder of the Beautiful Feet Dance Ministry. As an expert in several methods of training, Donna helps women reach higher levels of fitness through personal coaching and proven techniques. I've been in her classes; she is tough! We are thankful to have her on board at Women's Life Link as an author.

Women's Life Link would like to introduce, Dr. Anca Lamse, MD. Anca currently runs the Lamse Wellness Clinic where she takes patients to new levels of health through an integrative approach to medicine. She also graciously authors health related articles for our website.

As I sat in my writing chair this morning, I realized that for some reason my thoughts would not stay on any one subject long …

Fact #1 - You need it for much more than building strong bones and teeth, including for blood clotting, the transmission of nerve impulses, and the regulation of the heart's rhythm. Fact #2 - Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our bodies; women carry about 2 1/2 pounds worth. The chalky substance found in rocks is mostly carried in our bones and teeth (about 99%). Your muscles, soft tissues, and body fluids carry the rest.

1. Don't wear flip-flops or mules when it's raining; the flipping motion of the shoes will splatter the backs of your legs with water and whatever else in which you step. I never did this again after ruining a good pair of white pants. 2. Don't sweat the little out-of-place hairs. Today's natural-looking trends not only permit but even encourage styles that are not perfect. It's okay to be a little un-done.

After spending 12 hours without power last night, I suddenly realized how unprepared our family is for emergency situations. It wasn't the fact that I missed the American Idol elimination I'd been waiting all season for; it was the fact that we couldn't find the flashlight, my kids couldn't light candles without burning themselves, and everyone just sort of lost all composure. Kudos to our pioneer ancestors who didn't even have electricity.

Every day, millions of women spend 8-10 hours sitting in an office chair or desk in order to do their job. They think about getting that last report done, calling that client, impressing the boss, but what they may not think about is how their job might be a health risk.

There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it. She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection. Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look.

1. Do own one timeless dress. 2. Don't think layering is just for winter; this fashion key is hip all year long. 3. Don't ever wear anything that could pass for country curtains or a bedspread. 4. Do find the impressive array of colorful, textured, and classy bags at Dillard's. Pictured at upper left, Antonio Melani "Louise" Shopper, $219.

Truth be told, no two women are exactly alike. We don't look alike, sound alike, act alike, or share the same fashion sense. Because of this wonderful fact, I decided to do a search for some unique fashions that can be categorized for different style and body types. Just remember, it's okay to cross over into someone else's category. You just might find you are more versatile than you thought you were.

For those of you who don't know what a "Gateway Drug" is, allow me to define it in its most common use. A gateway drug is a substance that when frequently introduced to the body may cause one to desire more potent doses of the same or require a stronger substance to be satisfied. Though, this post is not about actual drugs, I want you to recognize that the addicting properties of some foods and how they act in the body can be similar.

Have you ever sat in a room with people you resented? Did you put on a pretentious smile, attempt to flatter them in some way, and yet, seethe inside about the uncomfortable meeting? At some point, most of us experience this horrible situation. And it's not easy to communicate with positive results when an offense comes between two or more people. In this post, I will talk about some different ways to get past resentment in couple and group situations.

Coupled with a pushover complex, our perceived ability to be superwoman can be more harmful than productive if we overwhelm ourselves with responsibilities that fit haphazardly into our schedules.

Strengthening Your Immune System As with other viruses, it is important to sustain your immune system. You can do it by consuming foods high in vitamin C and antioxidants, such as citrus fruits (orange, lemon, and the like), broccoli, garlic, onion, ginger, and turmeric.

1. Do add a little glitz to your usual work clothes; beaded skirt or cardigan, sequined scarf, or a rhinestone belt will do the trick. (Photo of Embellished Cardigan; available at Spiegel.com, $119). 2. Do buy an orange or hot pink purse to add a punch of color to any outfit.