Lesson 5: Let God’s Peace rule in your heart
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (New International Version)
The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace which is usually defined as the lack of conflict, good feelings, or positive thinking this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance. It comes from knowing God is always in control. With Christ’s peace we have no need to fear the present or the future.
Phillipians 4:6-7Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Seemingly impossible, a life free of anxiety can be achieved when you take Paul’s advice and turn your worries into prayers. Our place in God’s heart is sure. Our destiny is ordained, and we can have victory of life’s problems if we let God’s peace guard our hearts.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
7 Steps to Building God Confidence in Children: Step 5
Step 5: Be a Good Role Model
Joseph is a good example of how we can be role models for our children. Whether in betrayal, adversity, or success, he makes the best of his circumstances, remaining faithful and loyal to God.
1. Genesis 37:1-11 (New International Version)
2. Genesis 39:1-23
3. Genesis 40:1-23
4. Genesis 41:37-57
5. Genesis 45:1-8, 50:15-21
Joseph was a dreamer with great aspirations. He was loyal, patient, diligent, dependable, and forgiving.
If we take a lesson from the pages of Joseph’s life and exhibit before our children these qualities, then we will establish a foundation for our children to build upon.
Our children emulate what they see. They are like disciples following after our example. Live a life of faithfulness, strong moral character, and due diligence. Be fair, honest and control your temper when handling conflict. Find ways to manage your stress levels.
Be tolerant by going out of your way to be kind and compassionate to others. Help others and learn to be an active listener.
Joseph is a good example of how we can be role models for our children. Whether in betrayal, adversity, or success, he makes the best of his circumstances, remaining faithful and loyal to God.
1. Genesis 37:1-11 (New International Version)
2. Genesis 39:1-23
3. Genesis 40:1-23
4. Genesis 41:37-57
5. Genesis 45:1-8, 50:15-21
Joseph was a dreamer with great aspirations. He was loyal, patient, diligent, dependable, and forgiving.
If we take a lesson from the pages of Joseph’s life and exhibit before our children these qualities, then we will establish a foundation for our children to build upon.
Our children emulate what they see. They are like disciples following after our example. Live a life of faithfulness, strong moral character, and due diligence. Be fair, honest and control your temper when handling conflict. Find ways to manage your stress levels.
Be tolerant by going out of your way to be kind and compassionate to others. Help others and learn to be an active listener.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
7 Lessons for L.I.F.E.: Living in Favor and Expectancy
Lesson 4: Be Bold in the Lord.
Luke 12: 8-9 I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.
How often have you been at work in a discussion about a particular moral topic and instead of speaking up, you sat quietly by and allowed others to speak untruths or defame the gospel and moral value systems?
We disown God when we hope no one will think we are Christians, decide not to speak up for what is right, are silent about our relationship with God, blend into society, and accept our culture’s non-Christian values. By contrast, we honor God when we become bold in His name by living moral, upright, Christ loving lives, looking for opportunities to share our faith with others, helping others in need, taking a stand for justice, loving others, acknowledging our loyalty to Christ, and using our lives and resources to carry out his desires rather than our own.
Luke 12: 8-9 I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.
How often have you been at work in a discussion about a particular moral topic and instead of speaking up, you sat quietly by and allowed others to speak untruths or defame the gospel and moral value systems?
We disown God when we hope no one will think we are Christians, decide not to speak up for what is right, are silent about our relationship with God, blend into society, and accept our culture’s non-Christian values. By contrast, we honor God when we become bold in His name by living moral, upright, Christ loving lives, looking for opportunities to share our faith with others, helping others in need, taking a stand for justice, loving others, acknowledging our loyalty to Christ, and using our lives and resources to carry out his desires rather than our own.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Getting Into Bookstores
Penny C. Sansevieri
Let's face it, regardless of the odds we authors still want to get into bookstores. But if you've been having a hard time with this, take heart. It's getting harder and harder to get into stores but not impossible. We're going to look at some of the possibilities here.
First, it's important to understand the pressure stores are under right now. With the increased focus on publishers to get their authors out there, bookstores are being given most of their marching orders by their corporate office. Bookstore shelf space is bought and paid for by the New York publishers, making getting on the shelves or display racks a bit tricky, if not impossible. So here's a game plan for those of you trying to survive outside of the traditional market.
1) Get to know your local store. I know this might sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how many authors don't really know the people in their local store. The thing is, if you know them, they know you - and when you're ready to promote your book they might be more open to having you in their store if you have taken the time to get to know them.
2) Start to follow the types of events they do at the store. Get an events calendar or get on their email list. You'll start to see trends emerge. For example, they might have an independent author night you could participate in. Also be cautious for big releases like the recent Stephenie Meyer events many stores had planned. If you are trying to capture the attention of a store when they're in the middle of a major book launch, you're likely to get ignored.
3) Buy a book. Don't just wander the store trying to make friends: shop there. Support your local stores regardless of whether they are a chain or independent. You'd be surprised what a difference this makes when you're trying to get to know the folks who could book you for an event.
4) Book signings are boring, offer to do an event instead. Events are a draw, book signings aren't unless you're a celebrity. Plan to do a talk, educate, entertain, or enlighten. This will be a more attractive pitch to the bookstore and will draw more people to your talk.
5) Get to know the local authors in your area and then offer to plan events for them. Here's how this works: Bookstores are inundated with local authors asking for a time slot, but what if you went to the bookstore manager and said that you'd be willing to coordinate a once a month event featuring all the local authors. The bookstore could just refer all local Independently published authors to you, you could coordinate this, and guess what? Not only are you helping the store but guess who's getting a monthly showcase in their store? You. You can do this with more than one store if you have the time, but keep in mind that with cut backs often one store manager will oversee a few locations so you might only have to go through one person.
6) If they won't let you coordinate a monthly event, suggest that they have an Independent author night if they haven't already started this. If they have an Independent author night you should definitely participate, it's a great way to gain exposure, not to mention network with some local people.
7) Try as best you can to funnel everyone to one store to purchase your book. If you're having a tough time getting shelf space (and aren't we all), funneling folks to one store might prompt that store to keep a few copies of your book on hand. Whenever you do local speaking or media, let them know by name and address where they can get your book. Stores have been known to take in books that they're getting lots of requests for, regardless of how they are published, so if you're sending people to one store instead of fragmenting them to a bunch of different ones you could start building an ongoing interest in reorders.
Getting into bookstores isn't impossible, but it does require a dash of creativity. Keep in mind that if bookstores aren't receptive after you've tried the tips in this article then maybe you're sitting in a tight market. Areas like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago might be tough areas to get noticed because these are often the first stops traditional publishers seek when planning author tours.
If you're near those areas, try looking outside of the city for alternatives that are often overlooked by New York. If that doesn't work for you then consider non-bookstore events. Over the years we've planned events for our authors in all sorts of non-bookstore venues such as: video stores, electronics stores, gyms, even grocery stores - so if events are your focus, keep an open mind and remember: often the biggest piece of getting an event in bookstores are the relationships you build with them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Penny C. Sansevieri, CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a book marketing and media relations expert whose company has developed some of the most cutting-edge book marketing campaigns. Visit AME
Let's face it, regardless of the odds we authors still want to get into bookstores. But if you've been having a hard time with this, take heart. It's getting harder and harder to get into stores but not impossible. We're going to look at some of the possibilities here.
First, it's important to understand the pressure stores are under right now. With the increased focus on publishers to get their authors out there, bookstores are being given most of their marching orders by their corporate office. Bookstore shelf space is bought and paid for by the New York publishers, making getting on the shelves or display racks a bit tricky, if not impossible. So here's a game plan for those of you trying to survive outside of the traditional market.
1) Get to know your local store. I know this might sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how many authors don't really know the people in their local store. The thing is, if you know them, they know you - and when you're ready to promote your book they might be more open to having you in their store if you have taken the time to get to know them.
2) Start to follow the types of events they do at the store. Get an events calendar or get on their email list. You'll start to see trends emerge. For example, they might have an independent author night you could participate in. Also be cautious for big releases like the recent Stephenie Meyer events many stores had planned. If you are trying to capture the attention of a store when they're in the middle of a major book launch, you're likely to get ignored.
3) Buy a book. Don't just wander the store trying to make friends: shop there. Support your local stores regardless of whether they are a chain or independent. You'd be surprised what a difference this makes when you're trying to get to know the folks who could book you for an event.
4) Book signings are boring, offer to do an event instead. Events are a draw, book signings aren't unless you're a celebrity. Plan to do a talk, educate, entertain, or enlighten. This will be a more attractive pitch to the bookstore and will draw more people to your talk.
5) Get to know the local authors in your area and then offer to plan events for them. Here's how this works: Bookstores are inundated with local authors asking for a time slot, but what if you went to the bookstore manager and said that you'd be willing to coordinate a once a month event featuring all the local authors. The bookstore could just refer all local Independently published authors to you, you could coordinate this, and guess what? Not only are you helping the store but guess who's getting a monthly showcase in their store? You. You can do this with more than one store if you have the time, but keep in mind that with cut backs often one store manager will oversee a few locations so you might only have to go through one person.
6) If they won't let you coordinate a monthly event, suggest that they have an Independent author night if they haven't already started this. If they have an Independent author night you should definitely participate, it's a great way to gain exposure, not to mention network with some local people.
7) Try as best you can to funnel everyone to one store to purchase your book. If you're having a tough time getting shelf space (and aren't we all), funneling folks to one store might prompt that store to keep a few copies of your book on hand. Whenever you do local speaking or media, let them know by name and address where they can get your book. Stores have been known to take in books that they're getting lots of requests for, regardless of how they are published, so if you're sending people to one store instead of fragmenting them to a bunch of different ones you could start building an ongoing interest in reorders.
Getting into bookstores isn't impossible, but it does require a dash of creativity. Keep in mind that if bookstores aren't receptive after you've tried the tips in this article then maybe you're sitting in a tight market. Areas like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago might be tough areas to get noticed because these are often the first stops traditional publishers seek when planning author tours.
If you're near those areas, try looking outside of the city for alternatives that are often overlooked by New York. If that doesn't work for you then consider non-bookstore events. Over the years we've planned events for our authors in all sorts of non-bookstore venues such as: video stores, electronics stores, gyms, even grocery stores - so if events are your focus, keep an open mind and remember: often the biggest piece of getting an event in bookstores are the relationships you build with them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Penny C. Sansevieri, CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a book marketing and media relations expert whose company has developed some of the most cutting-edge book marketing campaigns. Visit AME
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
7 Steps to Building God Confidence in Children: Step 4
Step 4: Create a safe Loving Home Environment
Psalms 133: 1-3 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Kids who don’t feel safe will suffer. Children exposed to parents who fight and argue may become depressed and withdrawn. Remember to respect your kids.
Unity in the home is called precious and a blessing. Too many outside commitments can lead to little time spent with your children. A family cannot experience wholeness until each member is willing to put the other first.
Though many life situations are beyond our control, parents can still establish homes that are peaceful and secure. Start by rejoicing in the accomplishments of others. Encourage your children to voice honest doubts and real struggles. A consistent walk with God, established routines, clearly communicated boundaries, and traditions when consistently applied create homes that are free of volatility. Such homes become retreats; safe places of comfort and renewal.
Our families can be a powerful witness to others for good. We can either point to God or away from Him. When our homes are havens for peace and respect for one another, people take notice.
Make your home a place where disagreements are fair, different opinions are respected, and words are loving.
Who is the power behind your family? What do people see when they look at your family? What traits do you admire about other families? How can you incorporate those traits into your family? What positive aspects are being built into your own family?
Psalms 133: 1-3 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Kids who don’t feel safe will suffer. Children exposed to parents who fight and argue may become depressed and withdrawn. Remember to respect your kids.
Unity in the home is called precious and a blessing. Too many outside commitments can lead to little time spent with your children. A family cannot experience wholeness until each member is willing to put the other first.
Though many life situations are beyond our control, parents can still establish homes that are peaceful and secure. Start by rejoicing in the accomplishments of others. Encourage your children to voice honest doubts and real struggles. A consistent walk with God, established routines, clearly communicated boundaries, and traditions when consistently applied create homes that are free of volatility. Such homes become retreats; safe places of comfort and renewal.
Our families can be a powerful witness to others for good. We can either point to God or away from Him. When our homes are havens for peace and respect for one another, people take notice.
Make your home a place where disagreements are fair, different opinions are respected, and words are loving.
Who is the power behind your family? What do people see when they look at your family? What traits do you admire about other families? How can you incorporate those traits into your family? What positive aspects are being built into your own family?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Online Marriage Conference Today!
Do You Still Do Online Marriage Conference Being held 9am-1pm CST/10am-2pm EST. We have some wonderful guests lined up for you today along with a panel discussion with the couples at 12pm CST/1pm EST. You will be able to join the chat room and send your questions there or you may call in at 646-595-3716. Hope you'll attend.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worthmorethanrubies Be blessed
Marriage Success Key 5: Pray Together
This concludes our messages on marriage. Join us tomorrow for our Online Marriage Conference on Blog Talk Radio
Also, visit our new marriage blog. There you will receive helpful insight on developing a marriage of purpose.
Many of you reading this article may be married to an unbeliever. If so, you may not be able to pray with your spouse—but you can pray for your spouse, and for your successful marriage! As mentioned earlier, you can be a Christian example to your mate. Scripture gives this instruction to wives who have non-Christian husbands. "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives" (1 Peter 3:1). Your loving, giving, Christian example can go a long way toward positively influencing your mate. Notice the emphasis is on your conduct, not on trying to argue your mate into your religion!
Of course, if both you and your spouse pray, you can pray together. When my wife and I pray together, I normally begin the prayer, then after a short while nudge my wife. She will then pray, and when she is done I will conclude our prayer together. It is just amazing how intimate and personal thoughts come out in our shared prayers. In that way, we are sharing with one another, and with our God.
One of my wife’s favorite expressions is, "Let’s pray about that." I appreciate her willingness to involve God in our marriage and in our life together. We all need to acknowledge God and our Savior in every aspect of our lives. Scripture exhorts us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5–6).
A marriage requires work, effort and continual nourishment to be successful. It means giving all you can in following your God-given responsibilities as a husband or as a wife. There will be obstacles, differences, and even conflicts. But with God’s help, you can improve your marriage—and even save your marriage if it is in danger!
Ask God to help you apply these principles in your own life. Remember, you cannot force your spouse to change—you can only change yourself. But your example of love and service can be a tremendous influence on your mate. And remember, you cannot do it on your own. You need the help of your Savior in your own life. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). May God bless you, your marriage and your family as you strive to live by His word!
Also, visit our new marriage blog. There you will receive helpful insight on developing a marriage of purpose.
Many of you reading this article may be married to an unbeliever. If so, you may not be able to pray with your spouse—but you can pray for your spouse, and for your successful marriage! As mentioned earlier, you can be a Christian example to your mate. Scripture gives this instruction to wives who have non-Christian husbands. "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives" (1 Peter 3:1). Your loving, giving, Christian example can go a long way toward positively influencing your mate. Notice the emphasis is on your conduct, not on trying to argue your mate into your religion!
Of course, if both you and your spouse pray, you can pray together. When my wife and I pray together, I normally begin the prayer, then after a short while nudge my wife. She will then pray, and when she is done I will conclude our prayer together. It is just amazing how intimate and personal thoughts come out in our shared prayers. In that way, we are sharing with one another, and with our God.
One of my wife’s favorite expressions is, "Let’s pray about that." I appreciate her willingness to involve God in our marriage and in our life together. We all need to acknowledge God and our Savior in every aspect of our lives. Scripture exhorts us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5–6).
A marriage requires work, effort and continual nourishment to be successful. It means giving all you can in following your God-given responsibilities as a husband or as a wife. There will be obstacles, differences, and even conflicts. But with God’s help, you can improve your marriage—and even save your marriage if it is in danger!
Ask God to help you apply these principles in your own life. Remember, you cannot force your spouse to change—you can only change yourself. But your example of love and service can be a tremendous influence on your mate. And remember, you cannot do it on your own. You need the help of your Savior in your own life. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). May God bless you, your marriage and your family as you strive to live by His word!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Success Key 4: Communicate in Love
How often do couples "tune one another out" in their conversations? Effective communication means effective listening as well as speaking. We should listen for understanding—try to understand the other person’s point of view. Try to understand the other person’s feelings and needs! Demonstrate respect by giving your full attention.
The Apostle Paul gives us a fundamental principle in communicating effectively. "But speaking the truth in love, [we] may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). Some people speak the truth in hate. But Christians who are maturing in Christ will care about how their words affect those who listen to them.
When you talk with your husband or your wife, do you demonstrate concern and care? Do you communicate respect? Certainly we need to be patient with one another. "Charity suffereth long, and is kind." (1 Corinthians 13:4, KJV) The NIV states it this way: "Love is patient, love is kind." Be conscious always to speak the truth in love!
In our fast-paced lives, husbands and wives may be going in different directions and hardly have time to speak to one another. Some studies have shown that many couples average less than 20 minutes a week in conversation! Authors Leonard and Natalie Zunin have suggested the "four-minute rule" as a way to capitalize on the brief time you may have together. They point out that the success or failure of a marriage "can depend on what happens between a husband and wife during just eight minutes of the day: four in the morning upon awakening, and four when you are reunited after the working day" (Contact: The First Four Minutes, p. 133).
The Zunins correctly point out that your language, attitude, or expression at the beginning of the day can affect your whole relationship. Learn to express a positive, loving attitude for the first four minutes you are together at the beginning of the day. If you make this effort, you can avoid an accidental argument or an unnecessary grudge that will last all day. And pay particular attention when you get together at the end of the day. Even if you are tired, a positive word of encouragement or appreciation—a hug or a kiss can make a big difference in your relationship for the whole evening.
The Apostle Paul gives us a fundamental principle in communicating effectively. "But speaking the truth in love, [we] may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). Some people speak the truth in hate. But Christians who are maturing in Christ will care about how their words affect those who listen to them.
When you talk with your husband or your wife, do you demonstrate concern and care? Do you communicate respect? Certainly we need to be patient with one another. "Charity suffereth long, and is kind." (1 Corinthians 13:4, KJV) The NIV states it this way: "Love is patient, love is kind." Be conscious always to speak the truth in love!
In our fast-paced lives, husbands and wives may be going in different directions and hardly have time to speak to one another. Some studies have shown that many couples average less than 20 minutes a week in conversation! Authors Leonard and Natalie Zunin have suggested the "four-minute rule" as a way to capitalize on the brief time you may have together. They point out that the success or failure of a marriage "can depend on what happens between a husband and wife during just eight minutes of the day: four in the morning upon awakening, and four when you are reunited after the working day" (Contact: The First Four Minutes, p. 133).
The Zunins correctly point out that your language, attitude, or expression at the beginning of the day can affect your whole relationship. Learn to express a positive, loving attitude for the first four minutes you are together at the beginning of the day. If you make this effort, you can avoid an accidental argument or an unnecessary grudge that will last all day. And pay particular attention when you get together at the end of the day. Even if you are tired, a positive word of encouragement or appreciation—a hug or a kiss can make a big difference in your relationship for the whole evening.
SistahFaith – A Revolution of Restoration
ABOUT KISHA WOODS: Sistah Kisha grew up in Southern California, the daughter of an evangelist mother and alcoholic father. She had seven siblings, but often felt alone. After an abusive relationship, God began to restore Kisha’s heart, even bringing her a fantastic husband to share her life with. She lives with her husband and children and praises God daily for restoring her dignity and her life.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people? (Jeremiah 8:22, NIV)Twenty-five women, including Bunny Debarge, Sharon Ewell Foster, Stanice Anderson, Claudia Mair Burney and Marilynn Griffith, tell their stories of coming full circle from tragedy to triumph. Each contributor keeps it holy, keeping it real in these raw, relevant tales of redemption and restoration. Think of it as Prozac for the Christian Woman’s Soul!
A twelve week study is included for churches and book clubs. Instructions provided on gathering your own SistahFaith circle.
Join the network of sistahs at http://sistahfaith.ning.com/.
Check the tour schedule at http://bit.ly/SistahFaith
SISTAHFAITH CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
• MARILYNN GRIFFITH (Editor)
• STANICE ANDERSON
• TANYA R. BATES
• CLAUDIA MAIR BURNEY
• WANDA J. BURNSIDE
• ROBIN CALDWELL
• SHELETTE CARLISLE
• LADY CATHERINE
• ETTERLENE “BUNNY” DEBARGE”
• DEE EAST
• SHARON EWELL FOSTER
• DORIEN HAGE
• GAIL M. HAYES
• DR. NAIMA JOHNSTON
• DELORES M. JONES, MSW, LMSW
• STEPHANIE L. JONES
• CARMITA MCCALL
• LAVONN NEIL
• CARLEAN SMITH
• DAVIDAE “DEE” STEWART
• SONYA VISOR
• LITTLE SALLY WALKER
• ROSALYN “ROS” WEBB
• ROBIN R. WISE
• KISHA WOODS
7 Lesson for L.I.F.E.: Living in Favor and Expectancy
Lesson # 3 be a Faithful Steward over God’s Greatest Creation: “You”
Psalm 8:3-9 (New International Version) When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
It can be easy to feel unimportant in a world so full of people, places, and things. To feel small is a healthy way back to reality. But, God does not want us to dwell on our smallness. Instead, He reminds us in Psalms that He has given us dominion and crowned us with glory. Humility means proper respect for God not depreciation of our self worth.
How could God be concerned for a people who constantly disappoint Him? The answer is simple. God considers us highly valuable because we are His creation. Our true value is God’s estimate of our worth, not out peers’. Other people evaluate and categorize us according to how we perform, what we achieve, and how we look. But God cares for us because we belong to Him. So we can face life without fear.
The next time you question your worth as a person, remember, Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God has declared how valuable we are to Him. Because of His affirmation, we can be set free from feelings of worthlessness.
How do you treat God’s greatest creation, “You”? Use your resources wisely because God holds you accountable for your stewardship, even over yourself.
Psalm 8:3-9 (New International Version) When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
It can be easy to feel unimportant in a world so full of people, places, and things. To feel small is a healthy way back to reality. But, God does not want us to dwell on our smallness. Instead, He reminds us in Psalms that He has given us dominion and crowned us with glory. Humility means proper respect for God not depreciation of our self worth.
How could God be concerned for a people who constantly disappoint Him? The answer is simple. God considers us highly valuable because we are His creation. Our true value is God’s estimate of our worth, not out peers’. Other people evaluate and categorize us according to how we perform, what we achieve, and how we look. But God cares for us because we belong to Him. So we can face life without fear.
The next time you question your worth as a person, remember, Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God has declared how valuable we are to Him. Because of His affirmation, we can be set free from feelings of worthlessness.
How do you treat God’s greatest creation, “You”? Use your resources wisely because God holds you accountable for your stewardship, even over yourself.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Success in Marriage Key 3: Set a Positive Example
The Apostle Peter gave instructions for Christians to set a good example even to their non-Christian mates: "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear" (1 Peter 3:1–2).
Remember, you cannot change another person against his or her will, but you can change yourself! We all have God-given responsibilities in our marriage and family. God tells husbands: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her" (Ephesians 5:25). Are you, as a husband, fulfilling your responsibility? Some husbands and wives place great emphasis on judging their mate’s conduct, to excuse their own lack of faithful service. Remember, we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, as it tells us Romans 14:10. Be sure you are fulfilling your own God-given responsibility as a husband or wife!
Years ago, Tomorrow’s World magazine Editor in Chief Roderick C. Meredith wrote two very helpful articles outlining the Christian responsibilities of husbands and wives. His article "What All Husbands Need To Know!" has helped me greatly in the more than 40 years of my marriage. Summarized briefly, a husband’s five areas of responsibility to his wife are: love and respect, support and encouragement, leadership and guidance, help and protection, and inspiration to grow (Plain Truth, June 1966).
A few months earlier, he had written a similar article, "True Womanhood—Is It a Lost Cause?," outlining qualities that will help a woman help her husband and the whole family. Those areas are: responsiveness and service, tenderness and beauty, intelligence and understanding, Christian virtue, and faith, hope and courage (Plain Truth, November 1965).
When we apply these biblical characteristics in our lives, we enrich the lives of others, and we strengthen our marriage and family.
The book of Titus outlines biblical responsibilities for Christian women, explaining that the older women should teach and "admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children" (Titus 2:4). Are you wives and mothers who are reading this article fulfilling your God-given responsibilities? If you are, you will be a positive example to your husband. God will bless your efforts, if you acknowledge Him in your marriage, and if you ask Jesus Christ to live His life in you. With God’s help, strive to be the best husband or the best wife you can be.
Remember, you cannot change another person against his or her will, but you can change yourself! We all have God-given responsibilities in our marriage and family. God tells husbands: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her" (Ephesians 5:25). Are you, as a husband, fulfilling your responsibility? Some husbands and wives place great emphasis on judging their mate’s conduct, to excuse their own lack of faithful service. Remember, we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, as it tells us Romans 14:10. Be sure you are fulfilling your own God-given responsibility as a husband or wife!
Years ago, Tomorrow’s World magazine Editor in Chief Roderick C. Meredith wrote two very helpful articles outlining the Christian responsibilities of husbands and wives. His article "What All Husbands Need To Know!" has helped me greatly in the more than 40 years of my marriage. Summarized briefly, a husband’s five areas of responsibility to his wife are: love and respect, support and encouragement, leadership and guidance, help and protection, and inspiration to grow (Plain Truth, June 1966).
A few months earlier, he had written a similar article, "True Womanhood—Is It a Lost Cause?," outlining qualities that will help a woman help her husband and the whole family. Those areas are: responsiveness and service, tenderness and beauty, intelligence and understanding, Christian virtue, and faith, hope and courage (Plain Truth, November 1965).
When we apply these biblical characteristics in our lives, we enrich the lives of others, and we strengthen our marriage and family.
The book of Titus outlines biblical responsibilities for Christian women, explaining that the older women should teach and "admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children" (Titus 2:4). Are you wives and mothers who are reading this article fulfilling your God-given responsibilities? If you are, you will be a positive example to your husband. God will bless your efforts, if you acknowledge Him in your marriage, and if you ask Jesus Christ to live His life in you. With God’s help, strive to be the best husband or the best wife you can be.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Success in Marriage Key 2: Honor and Respect Your Spouse
Do you really value your spouse? Do you respect him or her as a human being made in the image of God? Notice God’s instruction regarding our relationship with others: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" (Philippians 2:3).
Yes, you need to esteem—to value—your spouse better than yourself. To vain, self-indulgent individuals, that sounds awfully archaic, but it is a living law. So repent of selfish ambition and conceit. Turn your attitude around. Treasure your mate as a potential child of God. And, as the saying goes, "Don’t sweat the small stuff." Look for and appreciate the positive values you find in each other! And if you have been abusing your spouse, physically or verbally, you need to repent! You need to humble yourself before God and ask His forgiveness, and you need to apologize to your mate! I know it is sometimes difficult to say, "I’m sorry." But an apology can go a long way in healing and restoring a relationship!
How do you demonstrate honor and respect to your husband or wife? There are many ways, such as giving special gifts, listening carefully, expressing thanks and using common courtesy in your words and the tone of your voice.
How patient are you with your family? Patience is a way of expressing love, as we learn from 1 Corinthians 13, often called the "love chapter." We read: "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends" (1 Corinthians 13:4–8, NRSV). Read that chapter. Pray that God will give you the ability to live by those qualities and grow in those qualities.
You can improve your marriage by listening, by understanding, and by giving space to one another. You can improve your marriage by honoring and respecting your spouse! Notice this vital instruction God gives to husbands: "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered" (1 Peter 3:7).
God instructs the husband to honor his wife. Keep in mind that you are "heirs together of the grace of life." Perhaps the most important key is to understand how God values every human being, and particularly your mate, regardless of your opinion of him or her. Every human being on earth has the potential of being born into the divine family of God as a glorified, immortal child of God. The Apostle Paul reminded us of God’s plan for us: "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:18).
Yes, you need to esteem—to value—your spouse better than yourself. To vain, self-indulgent individuals, that sounds awfully archaic, but it is a living law. So repent of selfish ambition and conceit. Turn your attitude around. Treasure your mate as a potential child of God. And, as the saying goes, "Don’t sweat the small stuff." Look for and appreciate the positive values you find in each other! And if you have been abusing your spouse, physically or verbally, you need to repent! You need to humble yourself before God and ask His forgiveness, and you need to apologize to your mate! I know it is sometimes difficult to say, "I’m sorry." But an apology can go a long way in healing and restoring a relationship!
How do you demonstrate honor and respect to your husband or wife? There are many ways, such as giving special gifts, listening carefully, expressing thanks and using common courtesy in your words and the tone of your voice.
How patient are you with your family? Patience is a way of expressing love, as we learn from 1 Corinthians 13, often called the "love chapter." We read: "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends" (1 Corinthians 13:4–8, NRSV). Read that chapter. Pray that God will give you the ability to live by those qualities and grow in those qualities.
You can improve your marriage by listening, by understanding, and by giving space to one another. You can improve your marriage by honoring and respecting your spouse! Notice this vital instruction God gives to husbands: "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered" (1 Peter 3:7).
God instructs the husband to honor his wife. Keep in mind that you are "heirs together of the grace of life." Perhaps the most important key is to understand how God values every human being, and particularly your mate, regardless of your opinion of him or her. Every human being on earth has the potential of being born into the divine family of God as a glorified, immortal child of God. The Apostle Paul reminded us of God’s plan for us: "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:18).
A Love Potion for Media Attraction
By Michelle Tennant
I've worked at building relationships with the media for more than 20 years and over that time I've come to realize there are no shortcuts. What works with journalists are the same basic rules we all learned in kindergarten.
To open the media floodgates and become a sought-after expert, follow those same rules for building relationships. Here are a few simple tips to get you started:
■Make media friends — One of the best places to connect with reporters seeking interviews is PitchRate.com (http://www.pitchrate.com). Go there to sign up as a source in your area of expertise.
■Know what you're talking about — Pitch responses that relate to your area of expertise. You'd think this was obvious, but it bears repeating. Stick close to home when pitching and your credibility will shine through.
■Early bird gets the worm — When the media contacts you, get back to them ASAP! Make it a high priority and never take more than 24 hours. Even on weekends.
■Pay attention — To be a great interview, you need to be a great listener. When talking to journalists, listen closely to what they're saying and what they're asking. Don't force your agenda. Allow things to develop organically.
■Be helpful — Send journalists articles, stats and research to help them with their story. You're the expert and you've done a lot of research in your field. Share relevant information and help your interviewer shine and you'll ensure that you'll get callbacks!
Keeping the Love Alive
Once your "Love Potion" has taken effect — that is, once you have a journalist's attention — here are a few tips on how to keep it:
· Get to the point — Keep it simple. When talking to the media, it's time to break out your "elevator pitch" – that one to two minute snappy description of what you do and why it's newsworthy right now. Stay on message and keep it simple. K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Silly) will win the day!
· Make it easy to contact you — If you're hard to reach or you're slow to respond, the media will just go to the next person on their list. Here's a simple trick I swear by: Use a landline while talking to media. We all know how frustrating static and dropped calls can be. Being a clear voice on the phone can take you farther than you think.
· Give them what they want when they want it — Journalists are under tight deadlines. Make their job easier and you're sure to get repeat PR. If you're difficult to work with, you won't be contacted again.
· Be amazing in your interview, so you'll be sought out again and again. Two tricks to being amazing: 1. Do your homework — Have your pitch prepared, know the points you want to make and stay on message! 2. Listen carefully to find out what the journalist is asking you. Not sure? Ask them directly what more you can do to help them with their story. The more positive the interaction, the more the journalist will want to work with you again.
This leads to my last point, the one that will help you in the future as well as now. Build a relationship. Be concerned about the journalist's needs, not yours. As budgets get cut and news outlets struggle, journalists' jobs are becoming more and more stressful. Be a resource for them. Filter out relevant information and supply them with additional resources. Make their jobs easier and you will become their go-to contact in your field. That's priceless.
——————————————————————————————————————————
About the Author:
Wasabi Publicity co-owner, Michelle Tennant Nicholson, specializes in breaking news, only takes on clients who make a difference, and has been called a five star publicist by Good Morning America producer, Mable Chan. In 2009, Michelle placed a new client on Dr. Phil within 8 hrs of contract signing. She blogs about PR at http://www.StorytellerToTheMedia.com. For more great free publicity advice, go to http://www.publicityresults.com.
I've worked at building relationships with the media for more than 20 years and over that time I've come to realize there are no shortcuts. What works with journalists are the same basic rules we all learned in kindergarten.
To open the media floodgates and become a sought-after expert, follow those same rules for building relationships. Here are a few simple tips to get you started:
■Make media friends — One of the best places to connect with reporters seeking interviews is PitchRate.com (http://www.pitchrate.com). Go there to sign up as a source in your area of expertise.
■Know what you're talking about — Pitch responses that relate to your area of expertise. You'd think this was obvious, but it bears repeating. Stick close to home when pitching and your credibility will shine through.
■Early bird gets the worm — When the media contacts you, get back to them ASAP! Make it a high priority and never take more than 24 hours. Even on weekends.
■Pay attention — To be a great interview, you need to be a great listener. When talking to journalists, listen closely to what they're saying and what they're asking. Don't force your agenda. Allow things to develop organically.
■Be helpful — Send journalists articles, stats and research to help them with their story. You're the expert and you've done a lot of research in your field. Share relevant information and help your interviewer shine and you'll ensure that you'll get callbacks!
Keeping the Love Alive
Once your "Love Potion" has taken effect — that is, once you have a journalist's attention — here are a few tips on how to keep it:
· Get to the point — Keep it simple. When talking to the media, it's time to break out your "elevator pitch" – that one to two minute snappy description of what you do and why it's newsworthy right now. Stay on message and keep it simple. K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Silly) will win the day!
· Make it easy to contact you — If you're hard to reach or you're slow to respond, the media will just go to the next person on their list. Here's a simple trick I swear by: Use a landline while talking to media. We all know how frustrating static and dropped calls can be. Being a clear voice on the phone can take you farther than you think.
· Give them what they want when they want it — Journalists are under tight deadlines. Make their job easier and you're sure to get repeat PR. If you're difficult to work with, you won't be contacted again.
· Be amazing in your interview, so you'll be sought out again and again. Two tricks to being amazing: 1. Do your homework — Have your pitch prepared, know the points you want to make and stay on message! 2. Listen carefully to find out what the journalist is asking you. Not sure? Ask them directly what more you can do to help them with their story. The more positive the interaction, the more the journalist will want to work with you again.
This leads to my last point, the one that will help you in the future as well as now. Build a relationship. Be concerned about the journalist's needs, not yours. As budgets get cut and news outlets struggle, journalists' jobs are becoming more and more stressful. Be a resource for them. Filter out relevant information and supply them with additional resources. Make their jobs easier and you will become their go-to contact in your field. That's priceless.
——————————————————————————————————————————
About the Author:
Wasabi Publicity co-owner, Michelle Tennant Nicholson, specializes in breaking news, only takes on clients who make a difference, and has been called a five star publicist by Good Morning America producer, Mable Chan. In 2009, Michelle placed a new client on Dr. Phil within 8 hrs of contract signing. She blogs about PR at http://www.StorytellerToTheMedia.com. For more great free publicity advice, go to http://www.publicityresults.com.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Marriage Success Key 1: Give 100 Percent
The old saying, "Marriage is a 50–50 proposition," is totally wrong! So-called modern, enlightened professionals may say, "Independence is our priority. We’ll intellectually agree to work together, but I’ll still reserve my personal escape route in case things don’t work out right." One needs to ask, what is the framework for our marital relationship? Is it mutual convenience? Or is it a biblically based relationship that will grow in depth and character for the rest of our lives? What does the Bible say? Notice this verse, which is foundational to happy relationships and the character that we need for all eternity: "And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’" (Acts 20:35). Or, as the Moffatt translation puts it, "It is happier to give than to get."
One of the greatest gifts you can give is your time! Some years ago, when I was very active in sports, I tended to shortchange my wife in spending time together. I still remember the time when I determined to give my time to her in some special activity that would please her. She wanted to go canoeing—that was not my favorite activity, but we went canoeing on an East Texas lake on a Sunday afternoon surrounded by pine trees, blue skies, water fowl, and peace! What I considered a sacrifice of my time, led to an improved relationship—my wife enjoyed the activity and appreciated my effort. As Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
True love is giving without expecting anything in return. When two people both give 100 percent, you have a strong bond, a strong overlap that is going to guarantee flexibility and the ability to cope with crises and problems. But accepting the 50–50 proposition guarantees a built-in weak link in your relationship!
God’s way of life is a giving way—the mature approach to life and marriage. The Bible also instructs husbands and wives to give to one another sexually. In the first century, the Apostle Paul gave this instruction to Gentile converts to Christianity, who were living in the sexually immoral city of Corinth: "Because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Corinthians 7:2–5).
Are you willing to follow this instruction? Do you express affection to your husband or wife? Simple hugs and kisses when you leave for work, and when you return, are important. A German insurance company issued a report a few years ago, concluding that men who kiss their wives every day are less prone to accidents, and are generally more successful financially than men who do not kiss their wives every day. So I made sure to kiss my wife every morning before leaving for work. One day I forgot, and backed my car into a tree. Needless to say, I make sure I kiss her every morning!
Commenting on the problem of selfishness, Dr. John A. Schindler wrote, "The only person capable of true affection is the person who can forget himself and his own immediate interest while he places the welfare and interest of someone else foremost. When both husband and wife can do that, they will have no domestic nor sexual trouble" (How to Live 365 Days a Year, p. 142).
How many husbands and wives actually practice that principle? And how many Christian husbands and wives actually practice that principle?
One of the greatest gifts you can give is your time! Some years ago, when I was very active in sports, I tended to shortchange my wife in spending time together. I still remember the time when I determined to give my time to her in some special activity that would please her. She wanted to go canoeing—that was not my favorite activity, but we went canoeing on an East Texas lake on a Sunday afternoon surrounded by pine trees, blue skies, water fowl, and peace! What I considered a sacrifice of my time, led to an improved relationship—my wife enjoyed the activity and appreciated my effort. As Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
True love is giving without expecting anything in return. When two people both give 100 percent, you have a strong bond, a strong overlap that is going to guarantee flexibility and the ability to cope with crises and problems. But accepting the 50–50 proposition guarantees a built-in weak link in your relationship!
God’s way of life is a giving way—the mature approach to life and marriage. The Bible also instructs husbands and wives to give to one another sexually. In the first century, the Apostle Paul gave this instruction to Gentile converts to Christianity, who were living in the sexually immoral city of Corinth: "Because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Corinthians 7:2–5).
Are you willing to follow this instruction? Do you express affection to your husband or wife? Simple hugs and kisses when you leave for work, and when you return, are important. A German insurance company issued a report a few years ago, concluding that men who kiss their wives every day are less prone to accidents, and are generally more successful financially than men who do not kiss their wives every day. So I made sure to kiss my wife every morning before leaving for work. One day I forgot, and backed my car into a tree. Needless to say, I make sure I kiss her every morning!
Commenting on the problem of selfishness, Dr. John A. Schindler wrote, "The only person capable of true affection is the person who can forget himself and his own immediate interest while he places the welfare and interest of someone else foremost. When both husband and wife can do that, they will have no domestic nor sexual trouble" (How to Live 365 Days a Year, p. 142).
How many husbands and wives actually practice that principle? And how many Christian husbands and wives actually practice that principle?
7 Steps to Building God Confidence in Children: Step 3
Step 3: Nurture the Gifts that God has given them
Matthew 25:24-30 "Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.”His master replied, 'you wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. "Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more and he will have abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
Every child is born with special gifts from God. Their gift may not be athletic like Michael Jordan’s or Tiger Woods. It may not be charismatic like Barack Obama’s or Oprah Winfrey’s. Instead, it may be that they have a gift for teaching or compassion. But whatever the gift, each one is important to their being able to walk in the destiny God has designed for their life,
Encourage your children to avoid comparing their abilities to those of others. Challenge them to develop their talent. Above all encourage them to use their talent in a way that is pleasing to God.
As a parent it is our responsibility to help our children enhance their gifts. When a child’s natural abilities are not allowed to grow, it will have an impact on their self esteem. Forcing a child into an area in which he or she has no interest or ability will cause them to have low self esteem and ultimately they won’t be able to live up to expectations
Resolve to build up your children and not tear them down. Be careful not to push them to fulfill your dreams than theirs. If you have been oppressive or harsh, seek forgiveness.
Make your home a home of love and encouragement.
Matthew 25:24-30 "Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.”His master replied, 'you wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. "Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more and he will have abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
Every child is born with special gifts from God. Their gift may not be athletic like Michael Jordan’s or Tiger Woods. It may not be charismatic like Barack Obama’s or Oprah Winfrey’s. Instead, it may be that they have a gift for teaching or compassion. But whatever the gift, each one is important to their being able to walk in the destiny God has designed for their life,
Encourage your children to avoid comparing their abilities to those of others. Challenge them to develop their talent. Above all encourage them to use their talent in a way that is pleasing to God.
As a parent it is our responsibility to help our children enhance their gifts. When a child’s natural abilities are not allowed to grow, it will have an impact on their self esteem. Forcing a child into an area in which he or she has no interest or ability will cause them to have low self esteem and ultimately they won’t be able to live up to expectations
Resolve to build up your children and not tear them down. Be careful not to push them to fulfill your dreams than theirs. If you have been oppressive or harsh, seek forgiveness.
Make your home a home of love and encouragement.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Five Keys to a Successful Marriage
By Richard F. Ames
________________________________________
Are you finding joy and satisfaction in your marriage? Or are you experiencing pain and conflict? The world often counsels selfishness and quick divorce, but you can apply practical Christian keys to strengthen and enrich your marriage, and make it what God wants it to be!
________________________________________
The family is the foundation of society. A successful marriage brings joy to the extended family and the community—but marriage can also bring challenging problems. How can you improve your marriage?
When a man and a woman make the commitment to become husband and wife, there is often a joyous gathering to celebrate the establishment of the new family. A wedding is a joyous occasion, often accompanied with music, flowers, family and friends. Marriage is one of the most important events in a person’s life. A formal, public commitment begins a lifetime together, and the bride and groom may even say traditional words such as, "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
If you are planning for marriage, are you thoroughly prepared? And if you are already married, how are you doing with your commitment?
You may wonder: how are marriages doing nationally? Are they stable? Are they successful? The divorce rate can give us an indication. In 2001, in the United States, there were 9.8 marriages and 4.5 divorces for every 1,000 people. Australia had 6.9 marriages and 2.52 divorces per thousand people. The United Kingdom had 6.8 marriages and 3.08 divorces per thousand people. That means there was about one divorce for every 2.2 marriages in the U.S. and the U.K., and about one divorce for every 2.7 marriages in Australia (United Nations Monthly Bulletin of Statistics, April 2001).
These statistics do not bode well for the stability of our society. But you can apply strategies for a successful marriage in your own life.
We in the Western world need to strengthen our families and our marriages. The stability and health of the nation is greatly dependent on the stability and health of the family. In many societies, biblical values are being thrown out the window. But you and I can make a difference in our own community, and in our own family. The Bible reveals the causes of as well as the solutions to our problems. It reveals our purpose and our destiny. The Creator God is the One who instituted marriage. When you understand His divine purpose and plan through our Savior, Jesus Christ, you will see the spiritual importance and significance of marriage. God’s plan is to expand His spiritual, immortal family. He created the human family to prepare each and every one of us for a glorified future. The Apostle Paul wrote, "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Ephesians 3:14–15).
God’s purpose is to create a spiritual family. That inspiring truth should motivate us to improve our family and marital relationships. When you acknowledge God in your marriage, when you apply the principles and strategies of successful family living, you can enrich, improve or even save your marriage!
There truly are proven, biblical keys for a successful marriage. You need to know them and apply them in your own marriage. Or you may want to share them with friends or relatives planning to marry in the near future. It may not be easy, but the effort can lead to great rewards and a loving relationship.
Join us tomorrow for Key #1. Be blessed
________________________________________
Are you finding joy and satisfaction in your marriage? Or are you experiencing pain and conflict? The world often counsels selfishness and quick divorce, but you can apply practical Christian keys to strengthen and enrich your marriage, and make it what God wants it to be!
________________________________________
The family is the foundation of society. A successful marriage brings joy to the extended family and the community—but marriage can also bring challenging problems. How can you improve your marriage?
When a man and a woman make the commitment to become husband and wife, there is often a joyous gathering to celebrate the establishment of the new family. A wedding is a joyous occasion, often accompanied with music, flowers, family and friends. Marriage is one of the most important events in a person’s life. A formal, public commitment begins a lifetime together, and the bride and groom may even say traditional words such as, "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
If you are planning for marriage, are you thoroughly prepared? And if you are already married, how are you doing with your commitment?
You may wonder: how are marriages doing nationally? Are they stable? Are they successful? The divorce rate can give us an indication. In 2001, in the United States, there were 9.8 marriages and 4.5 divorces for every 1,000 people. Australia had 6.9 marriages and 2.52 divorces per thousand people. The United Kingdom had 6.8 marriages and 3.08 divorces per thousand people. That means there was about one divorce for every 2.2 marriages in the U.S. and the U.K., and about one divorce for every 2.7 marriages in Australia (United Nations Monthly Bulletin of Statistics, April 2001).
These statistics do not bode well for the stability of our society. But you can apply strategies for a successful marriage in your own life.
We in the Western world need to strengthen our families and our marriages. The stability and health of the nation is greatly dependent on the stability and health of the family. In many societies, biblical values are being thrown out the window. But you and I can make a difference in our own community, and in our own family. The Bible reveals the causes of as well as the solutions to our problems. It reveals our purpose and our destiny. The Creator God is the One who instituted marriage. When you understand His divine purpose and plan through our Savior, Jesus Christ, you will see the spiritual importance and significance of marriage. God’s plan is to expand His spiritual, immortal family. He created the human family to prepare each and every one of us for a glorified future. The Apostle Paul wrote, "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Ephesians 3:14–15).
God’s purpose is to create a spiritual family. That inspiring truth should motivate us to improve our family and marital relationships. When you acknowledge God in your marriage, when you apply the principles and strategies of successful family living, you can enrich, improve or even save your marriage!
There truly are proven, biblical keys for a successful marriage. You need to know them and apply them in your own marriage. Or you may want to share them with friends or relatives planning to marry in the near future. It may not be easy, but the effort can lead to great rewards and a loving relationship.
Join us tomorrow for Key #1. Be blessed
Sunday, February 7, 2010
National Marriage Week Begins Today
Marriage works. It makes people happier, live longer, and build more economic security. Children with married parents perform better in school. Read short summary from "The Case for Marriage" here.
Deep down, everyone wishes they could have a rewarding lifelong commitment with their spouse. But in the midst of challenges, we forget how marriage can benefit our personal lives. We are losing our determination and the skills to keep marriages heal thy and strong.
Marriage breakdown is costly to our kids and to society at large. Divorce and unwed childbearing cost the U.S. taxpayers a whopping $112 billion annually.
In these economic challenging times, building stronger marriages helps build a stronger nation.
National Marriage Week USA—from February 7th to 14th every year — is a collaborative effort to encourage many diverse groups to strengthen individual marriages, reduce the divorce rate, and build a stronger marriage culture, which in turn helps curtail poverty and benefits children. Together we can make more impact than working alone.
Please join Worth More than Rubies as we celebrate National Marriage Week. The week will include daily postings for married couples and will culminate with an Online Marriage Conference on February 13, 2010. Click here for more details on the conference
Saturday, February 6, 2010
This Day in Black History: February 6
On this date 1820: First emigration from New York back to Africa ~ First organized emigration of U.S. Blacks back to Africa, from New York to Sierra leone, takes place
Friday, February 5, 2010
On this Day in Black History: February 5
On this date 1994: Byron de la Beckwith ~ Avowed White supremacist Byron de la Beckwith is convicted of Medger Evers' murder, more than thirty years after he was shot in the back from ambush
Dr. Linda Hawes Clever and BJ Gallagher discuss Women's Heart on WMTR Radio
Worth More than Rubies culminates its week long commemoration of Women's Heart Health with interviews of two well known authors and advocates of women's health Dr. Linda Hawes Clever and BJ Gallagher. Read their bio's below and join us on Worth More than Rubies Friday, February 5, 2010 at 11:00am CST.
Linda Hawes Clever, M.D., MACP, founder and president of the not-for-profit RENEW and Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs at Stanford University Medical School, received undergraduate and medical degrees from Stanford University. After interning at Stanford, she had several years of medical residency and fellowships at Stanford and the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Clever is Board certified in Internal Medicine and Occupational Medicine.
Dr. Clever’s personal and professional interests center on health, “renewal” (the ever-necessary process of refreshing values, goals, and energy), leadership, building community, and the interactions of lives, health and work.
Dr. Clever has been a pioneer in the care of immigrants and other low income patients, training of nurse practitioners, humane treatment of AIDS patients in the workplace, and occupational health. She has led national, regional, and local medical and voluntary organizations and has written scores of papers, chapters, and editorials for medical journals, books, and newspapers. Dr. Clever is a dedicated walker and enjoys good company, good conversation and good cookies.
Her husband, James A. Clever, M.D., is also an internist who also serves on community boards and was elected to the Marin Healthcare District Board. Their daughter, Sarah, is also an internist, and a faculty member of the Department of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
BJ BJ Gallagher is an inspirational author and speaker. She writes business books that educate and empower, women's books that enlighten and entertain, gift books that inspire and inform, and kids' books that charm and delight. Whether her audience is corporate executives, working women, or a group of giggling youngsters, her message is powerful, positive, and practical. She motivates and teaches with empathy, understanding, and more than a little humor.
BJ's international best-seller, A Peacock in the Land of Penguins (Berrett-Koehler; third edition 2001), has sold over 300,000 copies in 21 languages. Her new books include: It's Never Too Late to Be What You Might Have Been (Viva Editions; 2009) and Why Don't I Do the Things I Know Are Good For Me? (Berkley; 2009).
Her first children's book, What's the Matter with Henry? The True Tale of a Three-legged Cat, has won two awards: Best Gift Book of 2006 from the Cat Writers Association, and Best Humane Communication from the ASPCA.
BJ and her books have been featured on CBS Evening News with Bob Schieffer, the Today Show with Matt Lauer, Fox News, PBS, CNN, and other television and radio programs. She is quoted almost weekly in various newspapers, women's magazines, and websites, including: O the Oprah magazine, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, First for Women, Woman's World, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, the Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor, Orlando Sentinel, Financial Times (U.K.), the Guardian (U.K.), Stars and Stripes, CareerBuilder.com, MSNBC.com, ClubMom.com, SavvyMiss.com, among others.
In addition to writing books, BJ also conducts seminars and delivers keynotes at conferences and professional meetings across the country. Her corporate clients include: IBM, Chevron, U.S. Department of Veterans Administration, John Deere Credit Canada, Volkswagen, Farm Credit Services of America, Raytheon, US Department of Interior, Phoenix Newspapers Inc., the American Press Institute, Infiniti, Nissan, Atlanta Journal Constitution, among others.
BJ is the former manager of training and development for the Los Angeles Times, where she was responsible for management development, sales training, customer service seminars, diversity training, specialized programs for women, and the development of high potential managers.
BJ is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Southern California, earning summa cum laude honors with her BA in Sociology. She has completed the coursework for a PhD in Social Ethics, also at USC.
Contact:
Peacock Productions, 701 Danforth Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Phone: (323) 227-6205
www.peacockproductions.com
email: bbjjgallagher@aol.com
Linda Hawes Clever, M.D., MACP, founder and president of the not-for-profit RENEW and Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs at Stanford University Medical School, received undergraduate and medical degrees from Stanford University. After interning at Stanford, she had several years of medical residency and fellowships at Stanford and the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Clever is Board certified in Internal Medicine and Occupational Medicine.
Dr. Clever’s personal and professional interests center on health, “renewal” (the ever-necessary process of refreshing values, goals, and energy), leadership, building community, and the interactions of lives, health and work.
Dr. Clever has been a pioneer in the care of immigrants and other low income patients, training of nurse practitioners, humane treatment of AIDS patients in the workplace, and occupational health. She has led national, regional, and local medical and voluntary organizations and has written scores of papers, chapters, and editorials for medical journals, books, and newspapers. Dr. Clever is a dedicated walker and enjoys good company, good conversation and good cookies.
Her husband, James A. Clever, M.D., is also an internist who also serves on community boards and was elected to the Marin Healthcare District Board. Their daughter, Sarah, is also an internist, and a faculty member of the Department of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
BJ BJ Gallagher is an inspirational author and speaker. She writes business books that educate and empower, women's books that enlighten and entertain, gift books that inspire and inform, and kids' books that charm and delight. Whether her audience is corporate executives, working women, or a group of giggling youngsters, her message is powerful, positive, and practical. She motivates and teaches with empathy, understanding, and more than a little humor.
BJ's international best-seller, A Peacock in the Land of Penguins (Berrett-Koehler; third edition 2001), has sold over 300,000 copies in 21 languages. Her new books include: It's Never Too Late to Be What You Might Have Been (Viva Editions; 2009) and Why Don't I Do the Things I Know Are Good For Me? (Berkley; 2009).
Her first children's book, What's the Matter with Henry? The True Tale of a Three-legged Cat, has won two awards: Best Gift Book of 2006 from the Cat Writers Association, and Best Humane Communication from the ASPCA.
BJ and her books have been featured on CBS Evening News with Bob Schieffer, the Today Show with Matt Lauer, Fox News, PBS, CNN, and other television and radio programs. She is quoted almost weekly in various newspapers, women's magazines, and websites, including: O the Oprah magazine, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, First for Women, Woman's World, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, the Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor, Orlando Sentinel, Financial Times (U.K.), the Guardian (U.K.), Stars and Stripes, CareerBuilder.com, MSNBC.com, ClubMom.com, SavvyMiss.com, among others.
In addition to writing books, BJ also conducts seminars and delivers keynotes at conferences and professional meetings across the country. Her corporate clients include: IBM, Chevron, U.S. Department of Veterans Administration, John Deere Credit Canada, Volkswagen, Farm Credit Services of America, Raytheon, US Department of Interior, Phoenix Newspapers Inc., the American Press Institute, Infiniti, Nissan, Atlanta Journal Constitution, among others.
BJ is the former manager of training and development for the Los Angeles Times, where she was responsible for management development, sales training, customer service seminars, diversity training, specialized programs for women, and the development of high potential managers.
BJ is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Southern California, earning summa cum laude honors with her BA in Sociology. She has completed the coursework for a PhD in Social Ethics, also at USC.
Contact:
Peacock Productions, 701 Danforth Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Phone: (323) 227-6205
www.peacockproductions.com
email: bbjjgallagher@aol.com
7 Lessons for L.I.F.E.: Living in Favor and Expectancy
Lesson 2: Be grateful.
Exodus 16:2 in the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.(New International Version)
Once again, we find the children of Israel complaining. Even after the many miraculous works of God, as soon as times got tough, they wanted to go back to the familiarity of slavery.
Truthfully, they didn’t really desire to go back to Egypt, they just wanted life to be easier.
With jobs, children, spouses and the wear and tear of everyday life, it's easy to forget all of the blessings God has given us. We can lose our perspective on God's control of our lives when the physical, mental, and emotional demands or our many roles and responsibilities take their toll. Our perspective becomes somewhat convoluted and ungratefulness creeps in if we focus too heavily on material things while taking what we have for granted. We become complacent and our tendency is to forget that all good things come from God. Our security is no longer in Him but in what we possess. We congratulate ourselves rather than glorify Him.
We must be careful not to see God as a "Sugar Daddy" or someone we call on only when we need Him; neglecting to commune with Him when life is going well. Our relationship with God during the good times shows where our sense of security really lies.
Like the Israelites in Numbers 31: 48-50, we should eagerly offer up a sacrifice and a testimony of praise when God has delivered us.
If we are to truly have a relationship with God, include Him and acknowledge His presence even in the good times.
Be grateful.
Exodus 16:2 in the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.(New International Version)
Once again, we find the children of Israel complaining. Even after the many miraculous works of God, as soon as times got tough, they wanted to go back to the familiarity of slavery.
Truthfully, they didn’t really desire to go back to Egypt, they just wanted life to be easier.
With jobs, children, spouses and the wear and tear of everyday life, it's easy to forget all of the blessings God has given us. We can lose our perspective on God's control of our lives when the physical, mental, and emotional demands or our many roles and responsibilities take their toll. Our perspective becomes somewhat convoluted and ungratefulness creeps in if we focus too heavily on material things while taking what we have for granted. We become complacent and our tendency is to forget that all good things come from God. Our security is no longer in Him but in what we possess. We congratulate ourselves rather than glorify Him.
We must be careful not to see God as a "Sugar Daddy" or someone we call on only when we need Him; neglecting to commune with Him when life is going well. Our relationship with God during the good times shows where our sense of security really lies.
Like the Israelites in Numbers 31: 48-50, we should eagerly offer up a sacrifice and a testimony of praise when God has delivered us.
If we are to truly have a relationship with God, include Him and acknowledge His presence even in the good times.
Be grateful.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
This Day in Black History: February 4
On this date 1794: First African Methodist Episcopal Church ~ is founded in Phildelphia, Pennsylvania
On this date 1864: The 24th Amendment ~ (abolishing the poll tax) ratified
On this date 2008: Warren Moon ~ becomes first Black quarterback to be inducted into the NFL (National Football League) Hall of Fame
On this date 1864: The 24th Amendment ~ (abolishing the poll tax) ratified
On this date 2008: Warren Moon ~ becomes first Black quarterback to be inducted into the NFL (National Football League) Hall of Fame
Dr. Linda Hawes Clever on Women's Heart Health
The Fatigue Prescription: Four Steps to Renewing Your Energy, Health and Life
Go From Tired and Wired to Active and Alive!
Do you feel frazzled and over-committed way too often? Sure, there are plenty of reasons: you have lots of worthy stuff on your plate and the world is complicated. But the way you're living may well be sapping your vitality, cutting your effectiveness and even making you sick – and tired.
If any of this sounds familiar, THE FATIGUE PRESCRIPTION will change your life.
After experiencing a fatigue melt-down, Dr. Linda Clever, Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF and founder of RENEW, discovered a remedy that she and thousands of others have used to refresh, renew, and begin creating whole, healthy lives. In this must-read book, she outlines signs of trouble like aches and anger, boredom and rupturing relationships.
In THE FATIGUE PRESCRIPTION, Dr. Clever also delivers a practical and easy-to-follow guide to taking care of your whole self. She provides vital tips, self-assessment guides, and urgent pointers on how to live the kind of life and have the impact you want. You and she will have a good time together, too.
Linda Hawes Clever, MD knows all about living a whirling, blurring life. After attending Stanford University, where she also earned her medical degree, Linda became known for "firsts" that include first woman Governor in the American College of Physicians, first woman editor of the Western Journal of Medicine, and starting a unique department at California Pacific Medical Center -- all while being a wife, mother and active community volunteer. PHEW! She is a member of the prestigious Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, and Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF. In 1998, she founded RENEW, a non-profit organization that aims to help busy, devoted people regain -- or maintain -- their effectiveness and creativity. ARE YOU TIRED YET? Linda has chaired the board of KQED Public Broadcasting Stations and served on the Stanford University Board of Trustees for fourteen years. READY FOR A NAP?
Thank goodness she developed a series of tools to “treat” spiritual and physical exhaustion so you can keep going while you regain your values, motivation, strength and joie de vivre. She needs THE FATIGUE PRESCRIPTION and so do you!
Go From Tired and Wired to Active and Alive!
Do you feel frazzled and over-committed way too often? Sure, there are plenty of reasons: you have lots of worthy stuff on your plate and the world is complicated. But the way you're living may well be sapping your vitality, cutting your effectiveness and even making you sick – and tired.
If any of this sounds familiar, THE FATIGUE PRESCRIPTION will change your life.
After experiencing a fatigue melt-down, Dr. Linda Clever, Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF and founder of RENEW, discovered a remedy that she and thousands of others have used to refresh, renew, and begin creating whole, healthy lives. In this must-read book, she outlines signs of trouble like aches and anger, boredom and rupturing relationships.
In THE FATIGUE PRESCRIPTION, Dr. Clever also delivers a practical and easy-to-follow guide to taking care of your whole self. She provides vital tips, self-assessment guides, and urgent pointers on how to live the kind of life and have the impact you want. You and she will have a good time together, too.
Linda Hawes Clever, MD knows all about living a whirling, blurring life. After attending Stanford University, where she also earned her medical degree, Linda became known for "firsts" that include first woman Governor in the American College of Physicians, first woman editor of the Western Journal of Medicine, and starting a unique department at California Pacific Medical Center -- all while being a wife, mother and active community volunteer. PHEW! She is a member of the prestigious Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, and Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF. In 1998, she founded RENEW, a non-profit organization that aims to help busy, devoted people regain -- or maintain -- their effectiveness and creativity. ARE YOU TIRED YET? Linda has chaired the board of KQED Public Broadcasting Stations and served on the Stanford University Board of Trustees for fourteen years. READY FOR A NAP?
Thank goodness she developed a series of tools to “treat” spiritual and physical exhaustion so you can keep going while you regain your values, motivation, strength and joie de vivre. She needs THE FATIGUE PRESCRIPTION and so do you!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
7 Ways to Sell More Books at No or Low Cost
Phyllis Zimbler Miller
Your goal is to sell more books – and sell those books without spending a lot of money. Therefore, your number one goal is to make it easy for people to find you and say yes to you:
• Yes to buying your book
• Yes to reviewing your book
• Yes to having you on their radio show
To make it easy for people to find you and say yes to you – you must be where these people are. Where they can "meet" you, like you, and want to help you promote your book.
Here are seven good ways to do this:
1. Join social networking site Twitter.com and use Tweetbeep.com to alert you when people on Twitter talk about book marketing or their books.
If appropriate you can join in the conversation. Thus people on Twitter will start to pay attention to you as a book author.
2. Have a call-to-action book website (call-to-action to buy your book or books).
Share one or more chapters on your site. Let people get hooked enough to buy the book NOW. And, of course, have a BUY THIS BOOK NOW option on every page of the website.
3. Blog about your nonfiction book's topic or a related topic to your novel.
Many elements in a novel can spawn blog posts – from recipes of the book's locale to posts on the construction work your protagonist does to all kinds of things. If you're a novelist, you make up stories. Use your imagination to think of blog posts that connect to your novel. Showcase your writing and make an emotional connection with people who can buy your book.
4. Leave comments on other book authors' blog posts where appropriate to lead readers of similar books back to your own book blog or website.
If you choose wisely where to leave worthwhile comments, you'll be reaching fans of the type of book you've written. This is another way for people to learn about you and then find your online "home" where they can visit you.
5. Join LinkedIn and then search publishing groups and writing groups to join.
Get email notifications of the questions posted in those groups and answer those questions if you can add something of value. Extra tip: Try to be one of the first to answer. If several people answer before you do, your response may be buried too far down for most people to see it. Share your information with others, which will help attract people to you.
6. Consider which of the numerous book sites such as Goodreads.com and Shelfari.com fit your personality and time commitment schedule.
It's better not to spread yourself too thin over so many book sites that you can't be a real presence on any site. Choose one or two book sites and go deep (make connections). Engage in conversation about your book whenever it's appropriate as long as you share about other books too. People want to know what other books you like.
7. Join one or two other online communities whose mission has an affinity with your book.
If you write about a medical condition, join one or two sites focused on that condition. If you write graphic novels, join one or two sites focused on this type of fiction writing. Becoming known in the online community is important, followed by sharing of what you do and how this might interest the community's members.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phyllis Zimbler Miller is a National Internet Business Examiner at http://budurl.com/internetbusiness as well as a book author, and her company http://www.MillerMosaicLLC.com provides internet marketing information with easy-to-implement solutions to promote your brand, book or business.
Your goal is to sell more books – and sell those books without spending a lot of money. Therefore, your number one goal is to make it easy for people to find you and say yes to you:
• Yes to buying your book
• Yes to reviewing your book
• Yes to having you on their radio show
To make it easy for people to find you and say yes to you – you must be where these people are. Where they can "meet" you, like you, and want to help you promote your book.
Here are seven good ways to do this:
1. Join social networking site Twitter.com and use Tweetbeep.com to alert you when people on Twitter talk about book marketing or their books.
If appropriate you can join in the conversation. Thus people on Twitter will start to pay attention to you as a book author.
2. Have a call-to-action book website (call-to-action to buy your book or books).
Share one or more chapters on your site. Let people get hooked enough to buy the book NOW. And, of course, have a BUY THIS BOOK NOW option on every page of the website.
3. Blog about your nonfiction book's topic or a related topic to your novel.
Many elements in a novel can spawn blog posts – from recipes of the book's locale to posts on the construction work your protagonist does to all kinds of things. If you're a novelist, you make up stories. Use your imagination to think of blog posts that connect to your novel. Showcase your writing and make an emotional connection with people who can buy your book.
4. Leave comments on other book authors' blog posts where appropriate to lead readers of similar books back to your own book blog or website.
If you choose wisely where to leave worthwhile comments, you'll be reaching fans of the type of book you've written. This is another way for people to learn about you and then find your online "home" where they can visit you.
5. Join LinkedIn and then search publishing groups and writing groups to join.
Get email notifications of the questions posted in those groups and answer those questions if you can add something of value. Extra tip: Try to be one of the first to answer. If several people answer before you do, your response may be buried too far down for most people to see it. Share your information with others, which will help attract people to you.
6. Consider which of the numerous book sites such as Goodreads.com and Shelfari.com fit your personality and time commitment schedule.
It's better not to spread yourself too thin over so many book sites that you can't be a real presence on any site. Choose one or two book sites and go deep (make connections). Engage in conversation about your book whenever it's appropriate as long as you share about other books too. People want to know what other books you like.
7. Join one or two other online communities whose mission has an affinity with your book.
If you write about a medical condition, join one or two sites focused on that condition. If you write graphic novels, join one or two sites focused on this type of fiction writing. Becoming known in the online community is important, followed by sharing of what you do and how this might interest the community's members.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phyllis Zimbler Miller is a National Internet Business Examiner at http://budurl.com/internetbusiness as well as a book author, and her company http://www.MillerMosaicLLC.com provides internet marketing information with easy-to-implement solutions to promote your brand, book or business.
This Day in Black History: February 3
On this date in 1870: Black suffrage ~ The 15th Amendment, providing for Black suffrage, ratified
A Hungry Heart and Aching Spirit Make a Battered Body
“…it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” ~1 Peter 1:16
10% of donation during this blog tour will go to the American Heart Association (AHA).
What does holy mean? I did some research and found that it is defined as having a moral standard of living, Christ-like in character, separate, pure, set apart. It was defined in spiritual terms, as a spiritual position or state of being. And while I agree with those definitions, I think too often we think that holiness is merely a spiritual thing. Meaning, if we attend church, read our bibles, serve in ministry, don’t cuss or drink, or commit other sins (that we’re aware of), we believe we have achieved holiness. Today I’d like to discuss another side to holy living; the reality that to be like Christ, we have to attend to not just the spiritual, but the physical.
The word says in 1 Corinthians 6:19 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” It goes on to tell us in the 20th verse of the same chapter that we were bought with a price; to honor God with our bodies. If we are going to be Christ-like we must honor him not just with our spirits, but with our physical temples as well.
Many of us, try as we like, are only half-holy. We know the word. We haven’t skipped over this scripture in the bible, so what keeps us from taking care of the Lord’s temple? What is really holding us back from the place of complete holiness to God? I think it’s our hungry hearts and our aching spirits.
Despite the billions spent on diet and health products, Americans are more overweight than ever. The problem of obesity is epidemic. The solutions of diet and exercise are not the singular remedy. The root cause has to be addressed to really get a handle on the problem. It’s not just a love of food, or a lack of discipline. We like to blame it on those things because we often don’t like to talk about the real reasons we overeat. Usually they’re intensely personal.
Here are a few:
• We need comfort when we’re stressed, tired or overworked. We know this, because we call the foods we reach for comfort foods.
• We are depressed or anxious.
• We need to anesthetize pain from abuse: current or past. Self-medication.
• Boredom. Our lives are unfulfilled.
We have to break these cycles of destructive behavior or they will destroy us. Obesity, irregular insulin levels, fatty levels in the blood all beat the temple God has given us down to a battered pulp. Then what do we do with our battered bodies? The battered body is sluggish and tired. It doesn’t want to go to mid week services, or even interact with its children. The battered body doesn’t want to make love to its spouse. It’s too beat up to enjoy life fully. Additionally there are obesity related diseases like diabetes, heart diseases, certain cancers, joint deterioration and more aliments that tear at the temple and keep us from being whole in our physical person.
In my novel, Secrets and Lies, the character Jonah Morgan is not overeating, but he is using another unhealthy coping mechanism: alcohol, and lots of it. Jonah’s heart is hungry for a relationship with Christ; his spirit is aching from the burden of un-forgiveness. His childhood pain is tearing him apart, so much so that he has completely checked out emotionally and physically on his family. He can’t sleep at night. He’s tired. His hungry heart and aching spirit have created a battered body.
Jonah’s alcoholism is an unhealthy, addictive behavior. So is overeating. Anything we do in excess is gluttony. Gluttony is the sin that keeps us from achieving true holiness. If you’re overweight or you engage in some other activity that negatively affects you physically, get at the root cause of your problem. Find out what’s eating you before it literary gobbles you up.
Let’s discuss this. Have you ever compared substance abuse to overeating? Do you think this comparison is accurate? Can a person’s heart be completely surrendered to God if they have an eating problem? Share why you agree or disagree. Feel free to share your testimony in this area or a plan for change.
About the Author
Rhonda McKnight is the owner of Legacy Editing, a free-lance editing service for fiction writers and Urban Christian Fiction Today, a popular Internet site that highlights African-American Christian fiction. She’s the vice-president of Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta. When she’s not editing projects, teaching workshops about writing or penning her next novel, she spends time with her family. Originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for twelve years. For more information, visit http://www.RhondaMcKnight.net.
About the Book
Faith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it’s truly in God’s will for them to stay married.
Pediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one thing: his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago?
Read an excerpt and check the tour schedule at http://bit.ly/HealthyHeartBlogTour
Enter to Win 3 Great Giveaways!
GRAND PRIZE (one winner possible)
A “Start” Fitness Pack she purchased from the American Heart Association’s Online store. The online store helps in the fight against heart disease by promoting heart-healthy lifestyles that include physical activities like walking. Net proceeds from the sale of these items support the Start! movement.
The Fitness Kit includes: Start BackPack, Start Water Bottle, Start Shoe Wallet, and the Power to End Stroke 46 Recipe Healthy Soul Food Cook Book.
SECOND PLACE PRIZE (one winner possible)
Autographed hardcover copy of Secrets and Lies will be given away to the 2nd person whose name is pulled in the drawing.
THIRD PLACE PRIZE (one winner possible)
In honor of Rhonda's birthday on Feb. 6th - a $10 Barnes and Nobles, Borders or Starbucks Gift Card will be given to the 3rd person whose name is pulled in the drawing. (winner chooses).
HOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING:
All entrants with 10 POINTS AND UP will be entered in a drawing to win the GRAND PRIZE - FITNESS PACK.
All entrants with 5 POINTS AND UP will be entered in a drawing to win PRIZES TWO AND THREE.
HOW TO EARN POINTS:
+15 Point ENTRIES: Purchase a copy of Secrets and Lies from the online store during the tour through www.urbanchristianbooks.com.
+1 point ENTRY: join the discussion by commenting on one of the blog tour sites each day (must comment on the day of the toursite by 9 pm). Comment must include your thoughts on the subject. (can not just say – great point or I agree).
+1 point ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING INTERESTING YOU FIND WHEN YOU GO TO Rhonda’s WEBSITE or blog. LOOK AROUND AS THERE IS LOTS TO SEE. HERE are THE LINKs www.rhondamcknight.net and www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com
+1 point ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY. On Twitter Retweet @rhondamcknight or use the hashtagS #Health or #hearthealth
+2 point ENTRIES: Join RHONDA’S FACEBOOK READER Page or SIGN UP FOR HER NEWSLETTER on her webpage.
THE RULES:
• U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
• EMAIL ADDRESS MUST BE INCLUDED IN COMMENT
• ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY.
• MAXIMUM OF 3 POINTS CAN BE EARNED ON ANY ONE TOUR DAY.
• TOUR HOST BLOGGERS CAN NOT ENTER TO WIN.
DRAWING WILL BE HELD AT 9 PM EST on FEBRUARY 7th
GOOD LUCK!
BJ Gallagher on Women's Heart Health
February is Heart Health Month. Self-care expert BJ Gallagher offers five simple ways to enhance women’s heart health … while having fun, too!
1. Jimmy Choo is not your friend. Neither are Dolce and Gabbana or Manolo Blahnik. Get some comfy shoes you can walk in – and an uplifting jogging bra and a cute outfit – then get moving! Start where you are … 5 minutes … 10 or 20 minutes … or 60 minutes. Time doesn’t matter – just do it.
2. It’s not what you’re eating – it’s what’s eating you. Those extra pounds you’re carrying are as much emotional baggage and physical. Deal with resentments then move on; resolve unfinished business; take care of old issues. Try journaling; work with a therapist; move beyond those toxic feelings. It’s the only way you’ll stop eating over emotional problems.
3. Laughter is inner jogging. It releases feel-good endorphins. Go for the guffaw or the giggle or the grin. Spend time with people who make you laugh. Rent and watch funny movies (with air-popped popcorn, of course). Watch hysterical YouTube clips. Go to the zoo and visit the monkeys.
4. Hug your dog or cat – often. Research has shown that stroking your pet’s fur is good for you – it actually lowers blood pressure better than ACE inhibitor drugs! So cuddle, stroke, pet and play with your furry, four-legged friend every chance you get. Who knows? It might even be good for the dogs and cats, too!
5. Call a friend. Research out of UCLA tells us that the old “fight or flight” response to stress is based on studies of men. Women respond very differently to stress – by “tending and befriending.” When the going gets tough, call a girlfriend for a good heart to heart … literally.
1. Jimmy Choo is not your friend. Neither are Dolce and Gabbana or Manolo Blahnik. Get some comfy shoes you can walk in – and an uplifting jogging bra and a cute outfit – then get moving! Start where you are … 5 minutes … 10 or 20 minutes … or 60 minutes. Time doesn’t matter – just do it.
2. It’s not what you’re eating – it’s what’s eating you. Those extra pounds you’re carrying are as much emotional baggage and physical. Deal with resentments then move on; resolve unfinished business; take care of old issues. Try journaling; work with a therapist; move beyond those toxic feelings. It’s the only way you’ll stop eating over emotional problems.
3. Laughter is inner jogging. It releases feel-good endorphins. Go for the guffaw or the giggle or the grin. Spend time with people who make you laugh. Rent and watch funny movies (with air-popped popcorn, of course). Watch hysterical YouTube clips. Go to the zoo and visit the monkeys.
4. Hug your dog or cat – often. Research has shown that stroking your pet’s fur is good for you – it actually lowers blood pressure better than ACE inhibitor drugs! So cuddle, stroke, pet and play with your furry, four-legged friend every chance you get. Who knows? It might even be good for the dogs and cats, too!
5. Call a friend. Research out of UCLA tells us that the old “fight or flight” response to stress is based on studies of men. Women respond very differently to stress – by “tending and befriending.” When the going gets tough, call a girlfriend for a good heart to heart … literally.
Heart Health for Women: Know your numbers
During a heart check up, your doctor takes a careful look at your "numbers," including your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, your blood pressure and more. Knowing your numbers is an important part of keeping your heart-healthy. It can help you and your doctor know your risks and mark the progress you're making toward a healthier you.
To get a quick overview of numbers you need to know and the goals you need to reach, start by printing the following chart. If you choose, you can even post it on your refrigerator as a reminder to love your heart.
Then read on to learn the steps you can take to reduce your risk for heart disease. Once you know a few key facts about your numbers, you'll be on your way to mapping out a heart-healthy lifestyle for you and your loved ones.
Factor Goal
Total Cholesterol Less than 200 mg/dL
LDL ("Bad") Cholesterol LDL cholesterol goals vary.
Less than 100 mg/dL
100 to 129 mg/dL
130 to 159 mg/dL
160 to 189 mg/dL
190 mg/dL and above Optimal
Near Optimal/Above Optimal
Borderline High
High
Very High
HDL (“Good”) Cholesterol 50 mg/dL or higher
Triglycerides <150 mg/dL
Blood Pressure <120/80 mmHg
Fasting Glucose <100 mg/dL
Body Mass Index (BMI) <25 Kg/m²
Waist Circumference <35 inches
Exercise Minimum of 30 minutes most days, if not all days of the week
* "<" means "less than"
Keep Your Numbers in Check
The first step to a healthy heart is learning the simple things you can do every day. By getting involved in fun physical activities and enjoying nutritious meals, you can help reduce your risk of heart disease. But don't do it for the "numbers," do it for you!
Get Physical
One of the best ways to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease is to start getting regular, moderate exercise, at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. Of course, if it's been a while since you've been physically active, the hardest part is just getting started. Lucky for you, there's the Go Red BetterU™, a free 12-week health improvement program for women that you can follow in your own home, with no expensive gym memberships or special equipment.
Sign up today and you'll receive:
Weekly topics that help women make simple healthy lifestyle choices to day that will improve your heart health over time
Physical activity tips and recommendations to get you moving
Valuable nutrition advice and heart-healthy recipes you can share with family and friends
Plus, to help you stay motivated, you can view video and blog entries from the four BetterU bloggers and get inspired by their triumphs, as you reach for your heart-healthy goals one week at a time.
Join now, it's FREE!
Diet & Nutrition
Make Good Food Choices
Healthy food habits can help you reduce three risk factors for heart attack and stroke, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and excess body weight.
Set the stage for success by:
Eating a balanced diet by following Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations from the American Heart Association
Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.
Drink delicious, unsweetened 100% fruit juice instead of soda.
Enjoying a large glass of ice water, hot tea or another calorie-free beverage. Garnish with a twist of lemon or lime
Dividing the extra portions of recipes into containers to eat throughout the rest of the week.
Eating with other people. You'll eat less than if you eat alone.
Knowing your snack "triggers" and planning ahead. Fight the urge for high calorie/high-saturated-fat and trans fat foods, by grabbing pre-cut carrots, celery and other raw vegetables when you're on the run.
Shop for heart-healthy foods, certified by the American Heart Association
Quit Smoking
Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. If you smoke cigarettes (or cigars), you have a higher risk of illness and death from heart attack, stroke and other diseases. These include lung, mouth and throat cancers; chronic lung diseases and infections; congestive heart failure; and peripheral vascular disease (in the legs and arms). What's more, constant exposure to other people's tobacco smoke increases your risk, even if you don't smoke. The good news is that when you stop smoking, no matter how long or how much you've smoked, your risk of heart disease and stroke starts to drop. It's cut in half after one year without smoking, then continues to decline until it's as low as a nonsmoker's risk. So if you don't smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, love your heart and quit today. Need more motivation? Visit these American Heart Association resources for help quitting smoking.
To get a quick overview of numbers you need to know and the goals you need to reach, start by printing the following chart. If you choose, you can even post it on your refrigerator as a reminder to love your heart.
Then read on to learn the steps you can take to reduce your risk for heart disease. Once you know a few key facts about your numbers, you'll be on your way to mapping out a heart-healthy lifestyle for you and your loved ones.
Factor Goal
Total Cholesterol Less than 200 mg/dL
LDL ("Bad") Cholesterol LDL cholesterol goals vary.
Less than 100 mg/dL
100 to 129 mg/dL
130 to 159 mg/dL
160 to 189 mg/dL
190 mg/dL and above Optimal
Near Optimal/Above Optimal
Borderline High
High
Very High
HDL (“Good”) Cholesterol 50 mg/dL or higher
Triglycerides <150 mg/dL
Blood Pressure <120/80 mmHg
Fasting Glucose <100 mg/dL
Body Mass Index (BMI) <25 Kg/m²
Waist Circumference <35 inches
Exercise Minimum of 30 minutes most days, if not all days of the week
* "<" means "less than"
Keep Your Numbers in Check
The first step to a healthy heart is learning the simple things you can do every day. By getting involved in fun physical activities and enjoying nutritious meals, you can help reduce your risk of heart disease. But don't do it for the "numbers," do it for you!
Get Physical
One of the best ways to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease is to start getting regular, moderate exercise, at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. Of course, if it's been a while since you've been physically active, the hardest part is just getting started. Lucky for you, there's the Go Red BetterU™, a free 12-week health improvement program for women that you can follow in your own home, with no expensive gym memberships or special equipment.
Sign up today and you'll receive:
Weekly topics that help women make simple healthy lifestyle choices to day that will improve your heart health over time
Physical activity tips and recommendations to get you moving
Valuable nutrition advice and heart-healthy recipes you can share with family and friends
Plus, to help you stay motivated, you can view video and blog entries from the four BetterU bloggers and get inspired by their triumphs, as you reach for your heart-healthy goals one week at a time.
Join now, it's FREE!
Diet & Nutrition
Make Good Food Choices
Healthy food habits can help you reduce three risk factors for heart attack and stroke, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and excess body weight.
Set the stage for success by:
Eating a balanced diet by following Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations from the American Heart Association
Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.
Drink delicious, unsweetened 100% fruit juice instead of soda.
Enjoying a large glass of ice water, hot tea or another calorie-free beverage. Garnish with a twist of lemon or lime
Dividing the extra portions of recipes into containers to eat throughout the rest of the week.
Eating with other people. You'll eat less than if you eat alone.
Knowing your snack "triggers" and planning ahead. Fight the urge for high calorie/high-saturated-fat and trans fat foods, by grabbing pre-cut carrots, celery and other raw vegetables when you're on the run.
Shop for heart-healthy foods, certified by the American Heart Association
Quit Smoking
Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. If you smoke cigarettes (or cigars), you have a higher risk of illness and death from heart attack, stroke and other diseases. These include lung, mouth and throat cancers; chronic lung diseases and infections; congestive heart failure; and peripheral vascular disease (in the legs and arms). What's more, constant exposure to other people's tobacco smoke increases your risk, even if you don't smoke. The good news is that when you stop smoking, no matter how long or how much you've smoked, your risk of heart disease and stroke starts to drop. It's cut in half after one year without smoking, then continues to decline until it's as low as a nonsmoker's risk. So if you don't smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, love your heart and quit today. Need more motivation? Visit these American Heart Association resources for help quitting smoking.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
7 Steps to Building God Confidence in Children: Step 2
Step 2: Accept Your Children for Who They Are: God Does
One of the greatest needs our children have is that of acceptance. Believe me, the world is full of instruction on how to achieve it. But the ways of the world are not the ways of God. God's way is not about conforming, it's about being transformed. The only way this transformation can happen is by studying His word and letting it renew our minds.
Our children need to know that they were fearfully and wonderfully made in God's own image, as such, when they see themselves as God sees them, they will develop a healthy sense of self worth.
They will better understand that the only one from whom they need acceptance is God.
As a parent, don't try to mold them into what you want them to be. Instead help them to look for and become what God wants them to be. Understand that we are just steward to whom God has entrusted these little souls. When they don’t meet your expectations, remember it’s not your expectations they must meet. Our job is to nurture them and guide them into the acceptance of Christ and His plan for their lives.
One of the greatest needs our children have is that of acceptance. Believe me, the world is full of instruction on how to achieve it. But the ways of the world are not the ways of God. God's way is not about conforming, it's about being transformed. The only way this transformation can happen is by studying His word and letting it renew our minds.
Our children need to know that they were fearfully and wonderfully made in God's own image, as such, when they see themselves as God sees them, they will develop a healthy sense of self worth.
They will better understand that the only one from whom they need acceptance is God.
As a parent, don't try to mold them into what you want them to be. Instead help them to look for and become what God wants them to be. Understand that we are just steward to whom God has entrusted these little souls. When they don’t meet your expectations, remember it’s not your expectations they must meet. Our job is to nurture them and guide them into the acceptance of Christ and His plan for their lives.
This Day in Black History: February 2
On this date: Ernest E Just ~ (biologist) receives the Spingarn Medal for pioneering research on fertilization and cell division
Heart Health for Women: Understand Your Risks
Your heart is in your hands. Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable if you work to lower your risks. It's important to know that there are a range of factors that can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing heart disease and having a heart attack or stroke.
Risk Factors You Can Control or Treat
These risk factors can be controlled or treated with help from your healthcare professional. You can modify others by changing your lifestyle.
Cholesterol
Blood Pressure
Smoking
Physical Activity
Obesity
Diabetes
Stress
Birth Control Pills
Alcohol & Illegal Drugs
Risk Factors You Can't Control
Unfortunately, there are a number of factors such as age, family history and race, that you can't control. That's why it's so important to understand all of your risk factors, discuss them with your healthcare professional, and address the risk factors that you can control or treat.
Age
Gender
Heredity and Race
Stroke
Lower Your Cholesterol!
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in the blood and in all the body's cells. A high cholesterol level is bad because cholesterol can build up with other substances in the inner walls of arteries. This buildup, called plaque, can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow. Plaques that rupture can cause blood clots that can totally block blood flow in the artery. Clots also can break off and travel to another part of the body. If a clot blocks an artery that feeds the heart, it causes a heart attack. If it blocks an artery that feeds the brain, it causes a stroke.
High blood cholesterol has no symptoms, and many people have it without knowing it. Find out what your cholesterol levels are, so you can lower them if you need to. If you need to lower your LDL (or "bad" cholesterol), work with your doctor to create a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, and an exercise plan.
If you're overweight, work with your doctor to create a diet and exercise plan to help you lose the extra pounds. Diet and increased physical activity are important, but they may not get you to your goal. If these efforts don't succeed, your doctor may also prescribe medication. Even if you need to take cholesterol-lowering drugs, a healthy diet and increased physical activity are still important.
Improve your Overall Health in just 12 Weeks with Go Red BetterU
Go Red BetterU is a FREE 12-week online nutrition and fitness program that can makeover your heart. Each week will focus on a different area and provide step-by-step guidance.You’ll have access to everything from daily expert tips and an online journal to a downloadable BetterMe coaching tool.
Choose to Learn Your Risk by taking the Go Red Heart CheckUp!
It only takes a few minutes to answer questions on the Go Red Heart CheckUp. You'll learn your risk for cardiovascular disease and get a Personalized Action Plan the help you live heart healthy. It could save your life!
Reduce High Blood Pressure!
High blood pressure (or hypertension) makes the heart work harder than normal. This makes both the heart and arteries more prone to injury. High blood pressure raises the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, eye damage, heart failure and atherosclerosis (fatty buildups in the arteries).
As a woman, you have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure if you are 20 pounds or more over a healthy weight (for your height and build), have a family history of high blood pressure, or have reached the age of menopause. More than 73% of women ages 65 to 74 have high blood pressure.
What's more, your risk of developing high blood pressure increases during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. If not treated, high blood pressure during pregnancy can endanger you and your baby. On the other hand, if you're taking oral contraceptives, talk to your healthcare provider to evaluate the risks and benefits.
Learn more about blood pressure, such as why you should care, what you can do about it, and how you can track it.
Stop Smoking!
Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. If you smoke cigarettes (or cigars), you have a higher risk of illness and death from heart attack, stroke and other diseases. These include lung, mouth and throat cancers; chronic lung diseases and infections; heart failure; and peripheral vascular disease (in the legs and arms). Constant exposure to other people's tobacco smoke increases your risk, even if you don't smoke.
The good news is that when you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease and stroke can be cut in half just one year later and continues to decline until it's as low as a nonsmoker's risk.
Read more about smoking cessation
More about your stroke risk
Get Physically Active!
Couch potatoes, listen up! If you're physically inactive you're much more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.
Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity improves your cardiovascular fitness and helps reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Exercise can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. It can also help lower blood pressure. For most healthy people, the American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most or all days of the week to condition your heart and lungs.
You don't have to be an athlete to lower your risk! Moderate activities such as walking, gardening, housework or dancing for at least 30 minutes on most days can help your heart. The time may be broken into shorter periods. If you've been inactive, you can start with 10 minutes of physical activity, then work up to more.
Obesity/Overweight
If you have too much body fat, especially if a lot of it is in your waist area, you're at higher risk for health problems. These include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, high triglycerides, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Women with excess body fat are at higher risk of heart disease, even if they don't have other risk factors. Here's some advice to keep in mind:
Try to reach a healthy weight, and stay there. To lose weight, most women should eat 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day, but not less than 1,200. Losing one to two pounds or less per week is considered a healthy weight loss. (One pound of fat equals 3,500 calories.)
Many overweight and obese women have difficulty losing weight. Stay with your plan! Even modest weight loss (5 to 10% of body weight) can help lower your heart disease risk!
Treatment of obesity and extreme obesity focuses on substantial weight loss over a long time. Beware of fad diets, programs and products that promise rapid weight loss. Work with your healthcare professional, registered dietitian (R.D.), or nutritionist licensed or certified by the state (an L.D. or C.N.). Together you can set up a sensible program of eating and physical activity that will help you reach a healthier weight and stay there.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a recommended way to estimate a person's body fat. BMI assesses your body weight relative to your height. Calculate your BMI risk level.
Check out our Physical Activity Chart. Based on your weight range, it tells you how many calories you can expect to burn off while doing many common physical activities.
Diabetes
Diabetes most often appears in middle age and among overweight people. But it's becoming an increasing problem in children and adolescents. It affects many more women than men after age 60. Compared to women without diabetes, women with diabetes have from two to four times higher death rates from heart disease. (CDC - Women's Health - Diabetes, 9/15/06)
While diabetes is treatable, having it still increases a person's risk of heart disease and stroke. Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. This increases their risk even more.
If you have diabetes, it's critical to have regular medical checkups. Work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes and reduce or eliminate any other risk factors. If you have a family history of diabetes, ask your healthcare provider for a fasting blood sugar test.
For more information on diabetes, visit http://www.americanheart/diabetes
Age
The older you get, the more likely you are to develop heart disease or have a stroke. How to reduce this risk is an area of active research.
Gender
Women account for more than 60% of all stroke deaths. Women who are pregnant, take birth control pills and smoke, or have high blood pressure or other risk factors, have a higher stroke risk.
Heredity and Race
If your brother, father or grandfather had a heart attack before age 55, or your sister, mother or grandmother had one before age 65, you may be at risk, too. Your stroke risk is also greater if a parent, grandparent, sister or brother has had a stroke.
If you've had a heart attack, you're at higher risk of having a second attack or a stroke. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether taking aspirin regularly is right for you. The risks and benefits of long-term aspirin therapy vary for each person.
African Americans have higher rates of cardiovascular disease and stroke than Caucasians. This is partly because African Americans have higher risks of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Compared to white women, black women have higher death rates from cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and stroke. Women of Hispanic origins also face their own unique risk factors. Read more.
Just as you can't control your age, sex and race, you can't control your family history. Most people with a strong family history of heart disease and stroke may have at least one other risk factor.
Stroke-Specific Risk Factors
The risk factors for stroke are mostly the same as those for heart disease. Below are additional stroke risk factors:
Carotid or Other Artery Disease
The carotid arteries in your neck supply blood to your brain. A carotid artery narrowed by fatty deposits (plaque) from atherosclerosis may become blocked by a blood clot. Surgery called carotid endarterectomy may be done to remove the plaque buildup.
Peripheral artery disease is the narrowing of blood vessels carrying blood to leg and arm muscles. People with this problem have a higher risk of carotid artery disease, which raises their risk of stroke.
Atrial Fibrillation
This heart rhythm disorder raises the risk for stroke. The heart's upper chambers quiver instead of beating effectively, which lets the blood pool and clot. If a clot breaks off, enters the bloodstream and lodges in an artery leading to the brain, a stroke results. Atrial fibrillation can be treated with drugs such as aspirin or warfarin to keep clots from forming.
Other Heart Diseases
People with coronary heart disease or heart failure a higher risk of stroke than people with hearts that work normally. Dilated cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart), heart valve disease and some types of congenital heart defects also increase stroke risk.
Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs or "Mini-Strokes") TIAs are "mini-strokes" that produce stroke-like symptoms but no permanent damage. For example, you might feel your arm and leg on one side go numb, then recover. Or you may suddenly have trouble seeing, feel dizzy and lose your balance, then feel fine.
It's very important to recognize the warning signs of a TIA or stroke. If you or someone with you has symptoms, even if they go away, call 9-1-1 to get medical help immediately. People with TIAs are usually treated with drugs to keep blood clots from forming.
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (also called sickle cell anemia) is a genetic disorder that mainly affects African Americans. Red blood cells are normally round, but in this disorder they become shaped like sickles. "Sickled" red blood cells are less able to carry oxygen to the body's tissues and organs. They also tend to get stuck or "clump" in small blood vessels. This can block arteries to the brain and cause a stroke.
Other Factors That Can Affect Your RiskStress
We all feel stress, but we feel it in different amounts and react in different ways. Too much stress over a long time, and unhealthy responses to it, may create health problems in some people. For example, women under stress may overeat, start smoking or smoke more than they otherwise would.
Find healthy ways to handle stress. Stop smoking, stay at a healthy weight, and eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.
Birth Control Pills
Many women (especially obese or older women) taking oral contraceptives experience a small but detectable increase in blood pressure; a small percentage experience the onset of frank hypertension. This is true even with modern preparations that contain low-dose estrogen. The Nurses' Health Study found that current users of oral contraceptives had an increased risk of hypertension compared with never-users.
Absolute risk was small: only 41.5 cases of hypertension per 10,000 person-years could be attributed to oral contraceptive use. Controlled prospective studied have demonstrated a return of blood pressure to pretreatment levels within 3 months of discontinuing oral contraceptives, indicating that their blood pressure effect is readily reversible.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious CV side effects from oral contraceptive use.
Women who use oral contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke. Women who have a history of coronary artery disease or certain blood clotting disorders such as deep vein thrombosis should not take oral contraceptives. Any woman with risk factors for CVD such as smoking (already mentioned above), high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and diabetes should consult their doctor about the risk versus benefits of oral contraceptives in their particular situation.
Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol raises blood pressure, can cause heart failure and can lead to stroke. It adds calories, contributes to obesity, and makes it harder to lose weight. If you don't drink, don't start. And if you do drink, talk to your healthcare provider about drinking in moderation.
For women, a moderate amount of alcohol is no more thank one drink per day. One drink is defined as 1-1/2 fluid ounces (fl oz) of 80-proof spirits (such as bourbon, scotch, vodka, gin, etc.), 1 fl oz of 100-proof spirits, 4 fl oz of wine, or 12 fl oz of beer. If you're pregnant, don't drink alcohol in any form! It can cause your unborn child serious problems, including birth defects.
Illegal Drugs
Intravenous drug abuse carries a high risk of endocarditis (infection of the heart's lining or valves) and stroke. Cocaine use has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. Illegal drugs can be fatal even in first-time users.
How does your gender and heritage affect your risk?
While many people face some risk of cardiovascular disease at different points in their lives, some are more at risk due to their gender, family history or heritage. So it's a good idea to keep these factors in mind when you discuss your heart health with your doctor. Each one is a vitally important part of what makes you "you."
Women vs. Men
Women's health risk may be due to gender difference and gender bias. Factors that may explain the apparent disparity in treatment of men and women include:
In the past, many of the major cardiovascular research studies were conducted on men. Results of clinical studies under way may help clarify gender differences that may affect diagnosis and treatment of women with heart disease.
Clinicians and patients often attribute chest pains in women to non-cardiac causes, leading to misinterpretation of their condition.
The most common warning sign of a heart attack in both men and women is chest discomfort - most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the best that last more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Women, however, are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Women may avoid or delay seeking medical care, perhaps out of denial or not being aware of both typical and atypical heart attack symptoms.
Since women tend to have heart attacks later in life than men do, they often have other diseases (such as arthritis or osteoporosis) that can mask heart attack symptoms. Increased age and the more advanced stage of coronary heart disease in women can affect treatment options available to physicians. Increased age also can help explain women's greater mortality after heart attacks.
Some diagnostic tests and procedures may not be as accurate in women, so physicians may avoid using them. That means the disease process resulting in a heart attack or stroke may not be detected in women until later, with more serious consequences.
The exercise stress test, or stress ECG, may be less accurate in women. For example, in young women with a low likelihood of coronary heart disease, an exercise stress test may give a false positive result. In contrast, single-vessel heart disease, which is more common in women than in men, may not be picked up on a routine exercise stress test.
More precise noninvasive and less invasive diagnostic tests tend to cost more. These include thallium, sestamibi or echocardiographic stress tests.
Hispanic women heart disease and stroke statistics
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women of all ethnic backgrounds. But less than half of women realize it. Mexican-American women are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease due to higher rates of obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome than white women. In addition, women whose main language is Spanish have the highest prevalence of physical inactivity. Unfortunately, Hispanic women are less likely than white women to know that these things increase their heart disease risk. Only one-third of Hispanic women consider themselves well informed about heart disease, compared to more than 40% of white women.*
Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death for Hispanics.
High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. The prevalence of high blood pressure for Mexican women over 20 years old is 28.7%.
Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death for Hispanic women, behind heart disease and cancer. It's also a leading cause of serious, long-term disability.
*Source: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2006 Update
African American women heart disease and stroke statistics
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of all American women. African American women are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease than any other ethnic group, yet they are less likely than white women to know that they may have major risk factors. Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, overweight/obesity and family history of heart disease are all greatly prevalent among African Americans and are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including stroke. Fewer than half of African American women (41%) consider themselves well informed about cardiovascular disease.*
African-Americans are at greater risk for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) than Caucasians. The prevalence of CVD in non-Hispanic black females is 49%, compared to 35% in non-Hispanic white females.
High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. The rate of high blood pressure for non-Hispanic black females age 20 and older is 46.6%.
The risk of heart disease and stroke increases with physical inactivity. Physical inactivity is more prevalent in women, African-Americans and Hispanics. For non-Hispanic black females age 18 and older, 33.9% are inactive, compared to 21.6% of non-Hispanic white females.
Source: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2008 Update
* Survey conducted August 2003.
Take Action
Find out what you can do, at home, on the job, in your community and nationally to spread the word: Cardiovascular disease is often preventable.
Risk Factors You Can Control or Treat
These risk factors can be controlled or treated with help from your healthcare professional. You can modify others by changing your lifestyle.
Cholesterol
Blood Pressure
Smoking
Physical Activity
Obesity
Diabetes
Stress
Birth Control Pills
Alcohol & Illegal Drugs
Risk Factors You Can't Control
Unfortunately, there are a number of factors such as age, family history and race, that you can't control. That's why it's so important to understand all of your risk factors, discuss them with your healthcare professional, and address the risk factors that you can control or treat.
Age
Gender
Heredity and Race
Stroke
Lower Your Cholesterol!
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in the blood and in all the body's cells. A high cholesterol level is bad because cholesterol can build up with other substances in the inner walls of arteries. This buildup, called plaque, can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow. Plaques that rupture can cause blood clots that can totally block blood flow in the artery. Clots also can break off and travel to another part of the body. If a clot blocks an artery that feeds the heart, it causes a heart attack. If it blocks an artery that feeds the brain, it causes a stroke.
High blood cholesterol has no symptoms, and many people have it without knowing it. Find out what your cholesterol levels are, so you can lower them if you need to. If you need to lower your LDL (or "bad" cholesterol), work with your doctor to create a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, and an exercise plan.
If you're overweight, work with your doctor to create a diet and exercise plan to help you lose the extra pounds. Diet and increased physical activity are important, but they may not get you to your goal. If these efforts don't succeed, your doctor may also prescribe medication. Even if you need to take cholesterol-lowering drugs, a healthy diet and increased physical activity are still important.
Improve your Overall Health in just 12 Weeks with Go Red BetterU
Go Red BetterU is a FREE 12-week online nutrition and fitness program that can makeover your heart. Each week will focus on a different area and provide step-by-step guidance.You’ll have access to everything from daily expert tips and an online journal to a downloadable BetterMe coaching tool.
Choose to Learn Your Risk by taking the Go Red Heart CheckUp!
It only takes a few minutes to answer questions on the Go Red Heart CheckUp. You'll learn your risk for cardiovascular disease and get a Personalized Action Plan the help you live heart healthy. It could save your life!
Reduce High Blood Pressure!
High blood pressure (or hypertension) makes the heart work harder than normal. This makes both the heart and arteries more prone to injury. High blood pressure raises the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, eye damage, heart failure and atherosclerosis (fatty buildups in the arteries).
As a woman, you have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure if you are 20 pounds or more over a healthy weight (for your height and build), have a family history of high blood pressure, or have reached the age of menopause. More than 73% of women ages 65 to 74 have high blood pressure.
What's more, your risk of developing high blood pressure increases during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. If not treated, high blood pressure during pregnancy can endanger you and your baby. On the other hand, if you're taking oral contraceptives, talk to your healthcare provider to evaluate the risks and benefits.
Learn more about blood pressure, such as why you should care, what you can do about it, and how you can track it.
Stop Smoking!
Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. If you smoke cigarettes (or cigars), you have a higher risk of illness and death from heart attack, stroke and other diseases. These include lung, mouth and throat cancers; chronic lung diseases and infections; heart failure; and peripheral vascular disease (in the legs and arms). Constant exposure to other people's tobacco smoke increases your risk, even if you don't smoke.
The good news is that when you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease and stroke can be cut in half just one year later and continues to decline until it's as low as a nonsmoker's risk.
Read more about smoking cessation
More about your stroke risk
Get Physically Active!
Couch potatoes, listen up! If you're physically inactive you're much more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.
Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity improves your cardiovascular fitness and helps reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Exercise can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. It can also help lower blood pressure. For most healthy people, the American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most or all days of the week to condition your heart and lungs.
You don't have to be an athlete to lower your risk! Moderate activities such as walking, gardening, housework or dancing for at least 30 minutes on most days can help your heart. The time may be broken into shorter periods. If you've been inactive, you can start with 10 minutes of physical activity, then work up to more.
Obesity/Overweight
If you have too much body fat, especially if a lot of it is in your waist area, you're at higher risk for health problems. These include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, high triglycerides, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Women with excess body fat are at higher risk of heart disease, even if they don't have other risk factors. Here's some advice to keep in mind:
Try to reach a healthy weight, and stay there. To lose weight, most women should eat 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day, but not less than 1,200. Losing one to two pounds or less per week is considered a healthy weight loss. (One pound of fat equals 3,500 calories.)
Many overweight and obese women have difficulty losing weight. Stay with your plan! Even modest weight loss (5 to 10% of body weight) can help lower your heart disease risk!
Treatment of obesity and extreme obesity focuses on substantial weight loss over a long time. Beware of fad diets, programs and products that promise rapid weight loss. Work with your healthcare professional, registered dietitian (R.D.), or nutritionist licensed or certified by the state (an L.D. or C.N.). Together you can set up a sensible program of eating and physical activity that will help you reach a healthier weight and stay there.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a recommended way to estimate a person's body fat. BMI assesses your body weight relative to your height. Calculate your BMI risk level.
Check out our Physical Activity Chart. Based on your weight range, it tells you how many calories you can expect to burn off while doing many common physical activities.
Diabetes
Diabetes most often appears in middle age and among overweight people. But it's becoming an increasing problem in children and adolescents. It affects many more women than men after age 60. Compared to women without diabetes, women with diabetes have from two to four times higher death rates from heart disease. (CDC - Women's Health - Diabetes, 9/15/06)
While diabetes is treatable, having it still increases a person's risk of heart disease and stroke. Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. This increases their risk even more.
If you have diabetes, it's critical to have regular medical checkups. Work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes and reduce or eliminate any other risk factors. If you have a family history of diabetes, ask your healthcare provider for a fasting blood sugar test.
For more information on diabetes, visit http://www.americanheart/diabetes
Age
The older you get, the more likely you are to develop heart disease or have a stroke. How to reduce this risk is an area of active research.
Gender
Women account for more than 60% of all stroke deaths. Women who are pregnant, take birth control pills and smoke, or have high blood pressure or other risk factors, have a higher stroke risk.
Heredity and Race
If your brother, father or grandfather had a heart attack before age 55, or your sister, mother or grandmother had one before age 65, you may be at risk, too. Your stroke risk is also greater if a parent, grandparent, sister or brother has had a stroke.
If you've had a heart attack, you're at higher risk of having a second attack or a stroke. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether taking aspirin regularly is right for you. The risks and benefits of long-term aspirin therapy vary for each person.
African Americans have higher rates of cardiovascular disease and stroke than Caucasians. This is partly because African Americans have higher risks of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Compared to white women, black women have higher death rates from cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and stroke. Women of Hispanic origins also face their own unique risk factors. Read more.
Just as you can't control your age, sex and race, you can't control your family history. Most people with a strong family history of heart disease and stroke may have at least one other risk factor.
Stroke-Specific Risk Factors
The risk factors for stroke are mostly the same as those for heart disease. Below are additional stroke risk factors:
Carotid or Other Artery Disease
The carotid arteries in your neck supply blood to your brain. A carotid artery narrowed by fatty deposits (plaque) from atherosclerosis may become blocked by a blood clot. Surgery called carotid endarterectomy may be done to remove the plaque buildup.
Peripheral artery disease is the narrowing of blood vessels carrying blood to leg and arm muscles. People with this problem have a higher risk of carotid artery disease, which raises their risk of stroke.
Atrial Fibrillation
This heart rhythm disorder raises the risk for stroke. The heart's upper chambers quiver instead of beating effectively, which lets the blood pool and clot. If a clot breaks off, enters the bloodstream and lodges in an artery leading to the brain, a stroke results. Atrial fibrillation can be treated with drugs such as aspirin or warfarin to keep clots from forming.
Other Heart Diseases
People with coronary heart disease or heart failure a higher risk of stroke than people with hearts that work normally. Dilated cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart), heart valve disease and some types of congenital heart defects also increase stroke risk.
Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs or "Mini-Strokes") TIAs are "mini-strokes" that produce stroke-like symptoms but no permanent damage. For example, you might feel your arm and leg on one side go numb, then recover. Or you may suddenly have trouble seeing, feel dizzy and lose your balance, then feel fine.
It's very important to recognize the warning signs of a TIA or stroke. If you or someone with you has symptoms, even if they go away, call 9-1-1 to get medical help immediately. People with TIAs are usually treated with drugs to keep blood clots from forming.
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (also called sickle cell anemia) is a genetic disorder that mainly affects African Americans. Red blood cells are normally round, but in this disorder they become shaped like sickles. "Sickled" red blood cells are less able to carry oxygen to the body's tissues and organs. They also tend to get stuck or "clump" in small blood vessels. This can block arteries to the brain and cause a stroke.
Other Factors That Can Affect Your RiskStress
We all feel stress, but we feel it in different amounts and react in different ways. Too much stress over a long time, and unhealthy responses to it, may create health problems in some people. For example, women under stress may overeat, start smoking or smoke more than they otherwise would.
Find healthy ways to handle stress. Stop smoking, stay at a healthy weight, and eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.
Birth Control Pills
Many women (especially obese or older women) taking oral contraceptives experience a small but detectable increase in blood pressure; a small percentage experience the onset of frank hypertension. This is true even with modern preparations that contain low-dose estrogen. The Nurses' Health Study found that current users of oral contraceptives had an increased risk of hypertension compared with never-users.
Absolute risk was small: only 41.5 cases of hypertension per 10,000 person-years could be attributed to oral contraceptive use. Controlled prospective studied have demonstrated a return of blood pressure to pretreatment levels within 3 months of discontinuing oral contraceptives, indicating that their blood pressure effect is readily reversible.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious CV side effects from oral contraceptive use.
Women who use oral contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke. Women who have a history of coronary artery disease or certain blood clotting disorders such as deep vein thrombosis should not take oral contraceptives. Any woman with risk factors for CVD such as smoking (already mentioned above), high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and diabetes should consult their doctor about the risk versus benefits of oral contraceptives in their particular situation.
Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol raises blood pressure, can cause heart failure and can lead to stroke. It adds calories, contributes to obesity, and makes it harder to lose weight. If you don't drink, don't start. And if you do drink, talk to your healthcare provider about drinking in moderation.
For women, a moderate amount of alcohol is no more thank one drink per day. One drink is defined as 1-1/2 fluid ounces (fl oz) of 80-proof spirits (such as bourbon, scotch, vodka, gin, etc.), 1 fl oz of 100-proof spirits, 4 fl oz of wine, or 12 fl oz of beer. If you're pregnant, don't drink alcohol in any form! It can cause your unborn child serious problems, including birth defects.
Illegal Drugs
Intravenous drug abuse carries a high risk of endocarditis (infection of the heart's lining or valves) and stroke. Cocaine use has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. Illegal drugs can be fatal even in first-time users.
How does your gender and heritage affect your risk?
While many people face some risk of cardiovascular disease at different points in their lives, some are more at risk due to their gender, family history or heritage. So it's a good idea to keep these factors in mind when you discuss your heart health with your doctor. Each one is a vitally important part of what makes you "you."
Women vs. Men
Women's health risk may be due to gender difference and gender bias. Factors that may explain the apparent disparity in treatment of men and women include:
In the past, many of the major cardiovascular research studies were conducted on men. Results of clinical studies under way may help clarify gender differences that may affect diagnosis and treatment of women with heart disease.
Clinicians and patients often attribute chest pains in women to non-cardiac causes, leading to misinterpretation of their condition.
The most common warning sign of a heart attack in both men and women is chest discomfort - most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the best that last more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Women, however, are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Women may avoid or delay seeking medical care, perhaps out of denial or not being aware of both typical and atypical heart attack symptoms.
Since women tend to have heart attacks later in life than men do, they often have other diseases (such as arthritis or osteoporosis) that can mask heart attack symptoms. Increased age and the more advanced stage of coronary heart disease in women can affect treatment options available to physicians. Increased age also can help explain women's greater mortality after heart attacks.
Some diagnostic tests and procedures may not be as accurate in women, so physicians may avoid using them. That means the disease process resulting in a heart attack or stroke may not be detected in women until later, with more serious consequences.
The exercise stress test, or stress ECG, may be less accurate in women. For example, in young women with a low likelihood of coronary heart disease, an exercise stress test may give a false positive result. In contrast, single-vessel heart disease, which is more common in women than in men, may not be picked up on a routine exercise stress test.
More precise noninvasive and less invasive diagnostic tests tend to cost more. These include thallium, sestamibi or echocardiographic stress tests.
Hispanic women heart disease and stroke statistics
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women of all ethnic backgrounds. But less than half of women realize it. Mexican-American women are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease due to higher rates of obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome than white women. In addition, women whose main language is Spanish have the highest prevalence of physical inactivity. Unfortunately, Hispanic women are less likely than white women to know that these things increase their heart disease risk. Only one-third of Hispanic women consider themselves well informed about heart disease, compared to more than 40% of white women.*
Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death for Hispanics.
High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. The prevalence of high blood pressure for Mexican women over 20 years old is 28.7%.
Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death for Hispanic women, behind heart disease and cancer. It's also a leading cause of serious, long-term disability.
*Source: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2006 Update
African American women heart disease and stroke statistics
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of all American women. African American women are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease than any other ethnic group, yet they are less likely than white women to know that they may have major risk factors. Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, overweight/obesity and family history of heart disease are all greatly prevalent among African Americans and are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including stroke. Fewer than half of African American women (41%) consider themselves well informed about cardiovascular disease.*
African-Americans are at greater risk for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) than Caucasians. The prevalence of CVD in non-Hispanic black females is 49%, compared to 35% in non-Hispanic white females.
High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. The rate of high blood pressure for non-Hispanic black females age 20 and older is 46.6%.
The risk of heart disease and stroke increases with physical inactivity. Physical inactivity is more prevalent in women, African-Americans and Hispanics. For non-Hispanic black females age 18 and older, 33.9% are inactive, compared to 21.6% of non-Hispanic white females.
Source: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2008 Update
* Survey conducted August 2003.
Take Action
Find out what you can do, at home, on the job, in your community and nationally to spread the word: Cardiovascular disease is often preventable.
Monday, February 1, 2010
This Day in Black History: February 1
On this date: First sit-in ~ Black college students stage a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, NC, beginning the first of the historic sit-ins of the 1960s
Go Red For Women: Cardiovascular Disease
What Is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Most heart and blood vessel problems develop over time and occur when your arteries develop atherosclerosis, a process that begins in childhood and involves a gradual buildup of plaque inside your arteries.
Plaque contains fat, cholesterol and other substances, and can grow large enough to significantly reduce blood flow through an artery. Most of the damage occurs when a plaque becomes fragile and ruptures.
Plaques that rupture can cause blood clots to form. These clots can block blood flow at the site of the rupture or can break off and travel through the artery to another part of the body. If either happens and blocks an artery that feeds the heart or brain, it causes a heart attack or stroke.
What Is Stroke?
Stroke, the #3 killer of women, is a type of vascular disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when an artery that carries blood, oxygen and nutrients to the brain either bursts or is blocked by a clot. When that happens, part of the brain can't get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die.
When part of the brain dies from lack of blood flow, the part of the body it controls is affected. Strokes can cause paralysis, affect language and vision, and cause other problems. Seeking early treatment can minimize the potentially devastating effects of stroke, but to receive them, a person must recognize the warning signs and act quickly.
For more information about stroke and its effects, visit http://www.americanheart.org
Warning Signs of Heart Attack & Stroke
If you or someone you know shows signs of heart attack or stroke, call 9-1-1 right away. An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team can begin treatment when it arrives. That means treatment can begin sooner than it would if the patient arrived at the hospital by car. What's more, the EMS team is also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped, which saves hundreds of lives each year.
Heart Attack
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, causing someone to gasp dramatically, clutch her heart and drop to the ground. No one has any doubts about what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often the people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help.
Here are some signs a heart attack may be happening:
Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath. This feeling may occur with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs of discomfort. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than five minutes before calling 9-1-1 for help.
Stroke Warning Signs
Stroke is a medical emergency. Learn to recognize a stroke, because any delay in treatment can lead to brain damage. Warning signs may include:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Not all these warning signs occur in every stroke. If you or someone with you has one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay!
Immediately call 9-1-1 or the EMS number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can quickly be sent to you.
Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Most heart and blood vessel problems develop over time and occur when your arteries develop atherosclerosis, a process that begins in childhood and involves a gradual buildup of plaque inside your arteries.
Plaque contains fat, cholesterol and other substances, and can grow large enough to significantly reduce blood flow through an artery. Most of the damage occurs when a plaque becomes fragile and ruptures.
Plaques that rupture can cause blood clots to form. These clots can block blood flow at the site of the rupture or can break off and travel through the artery to another part of the body. If either happens and blocks an artery that feeds the heart or brain, it causes a heart attack or stroke.
What Is Stroke?
Stroke, the #3 killer of women, is a type of vascular disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when an artery that carries blood, oxygen and nutrients to the brain either bursts or is blocked by a clot. When that happens, part of the brain can't get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die.
When part of the brain dies from lack of blood flow, the part of the body it controls is affected. Strokes can cause paralysis, affect language and vision, and cause other problems. Seeking early treatment can minimize the potentially devastating effects of stroke, but to receive them, a person must recognize the warning signs and act quickly.
For more information about stroke and its effects, visit http://www.americanheart.org
Warning Signs of Heart Attack & Stroke
If you or someone you know shows signs of heart attack or stroke, call 9-1-1 right away. An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team can begin treatment when it arrives. That means treatment can begin sooner than it would if the patient arrived at the hospital by car. What's more, the EMS team is also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped, which saves hundreds of lives each year.
Heart Attack
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, causing someone to gasp dramatically, clutch her heart and drop to the ground. No one has any doubts about what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often the people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help.
Here are some signs a heart attack may be happening:
Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath. This feeling may occur with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs of discomfort. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than five minutes before calling 9-1-1 for help.
Stroke Warning Signs
Stroke is a medical emergency. Learn to recognize a stroke, because any delay in treatment can lead to brain damage. Warning signs may include:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Not all these warning signs occur in every stroke. If you or someone with you has one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay!
Immediately call 9-1-1 or the EMS number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can quickly be sent to you.
Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.
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