1. Do little or no research before buying a stock.
Would you trust a stranger to take care of your kids or drive your car? Then why would you entrust your portfolio, your hard-earned money, to the hands of management teams and businesses that you hardly know?

If you want to make blind bets, head to Vegas. It’s more fun losing money in a casino than in front of your computer. While you’re at it, you could do a little research on casino stocks, and you’ll see that the house always wins — especially when companies like MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM), Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS), and Wynn Resorts (Nasdaq: WYNN) dodge their financial problems for an amazing 2009.

Remember, every time you buy a stock, there’s someone on the other side of the trade. Consider these other people the “house.” If they know more than you about the stock, you’re at a disadvantage.

2. Buy stocks based on tips and rumors.
In my life, I’ve gotten two tips that could be construed as insider information, which I declined to act on. Both tips were of the “I have a friend, who knows a guy, whose cousin” variety. Anyways, I checked out the tickers about a year after hearing the tips, and both had plummeted.

3. Be an envious investor.
Charlie Munger often states that the worst of the seven deadly sins is envy, because other sins, like lust or gluttony, provide the sinner with pleasure. Envy, on the other hand, has no pleasurable aspect whatsoever.

I blame envy for a lot of things. I think envious investors bid stocks like eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY) and Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO) up to amazing heights during the tech boom, and Crocs (Nasdaq: CROX) to over $75 a share two years ago. I think envy drove Shaq and Kobe apart and effectively dismantled the Lakers dynasty — at least temporarily. I also think envy causes the average investor to get swept up into bull markets and decimated in the subsequent crashes.

4. Invest with low conviction.
Doing a lot of research doesn’t help much if you don’t stick around to reap the benefits. I think investing without conviction is like marrying someone you just met a week ago. After the initial honeymoon phase, failure awaits after the first set of speed-bumps.

When investing in stocks, I can almost guarantee you won’t catch the bottom. There are just too many random factors involved in the collective buying and selling activities of millions of people around the globe.

In fact, I think investing without conviction almost guarantees failure. Let’s say you were smart enough to figure out that Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) was a bargain back in 2001, and bought in the $10-12 range. The stock had cratered more than 70%, so investors could reasonably think that was the bottom of the barrel.

Unfortunately, everyone who invested in Apple’s stock in 2001 would’ve seen their investment fall around 20%-30% over the next year. They’d also have to wait nearly two years just to get back to breakeven. Many investors would not have the conviction to ride out this storm, and would have bailed out at a loss. However, those with conviction who held on would be sitting on a 20-bagger, with the stock currently above $210 per share.

5. Fail to separate price from value.
Oddly enough, we have no problem distinguishing between price and value at the mall. We don’t say, this Gucci handbag is worth $3,000. We say, wow, that handbag costs $3,000. What a rip. At the mall, we know that the price people want us to pay, and the value we receive, can be two very different things.

The same rules apply to the stock market. For most companies, share prices move around a lot more than intrinsic value. Sometimes the two move together, sometimes they don’t — but they’re two very different things.

The investor who fails to discriminate between price and value fares no better than the tone-deaf contestant in American Idol. Both lack vital ingredients for success.

Final thoughts
So there are a couple of examples of what not to do. If you eliminate as many bad investing habits as possible, you might just turn into a great investor.

Source: Fool.com

1. Sales director
“If you are interested in a career change, but do not want to commit to further education, consider a sales career,” says Sharon Reed Abboud, the author of “All Moms Work, Short-Term Career Strategies for Long-Range Success.” Sales directors oversee sales staff to help meet objectives, plan and implement sales programs, and work to maintain budgets, among many other duties. While formal training is not a requirement for this position, sales experience and an outgoing personality are vital, according to Abboud. “Successful sales persons can often have the opportunity to climb the career ladder to increasingly lucrative management positions,” she explains.

Sales director: $91,900/ $44 per hour

2. Security administrators, computer network
“As technology increases its reach, cyber crime is becoming a major concern for companies,” says Debra Yergen, author of the “Creating Job Security Resource Guide.” Security administrators work to prevent, troubleshoot, and repair security breaches while educating network users on cyber safety. Certification or relevant experience is essential to entry to this field, especially in absence of a four-year degree.

Security administrators, computer network: $72,000/ $35 per hour

3. Elevator installer/repairer
Elevator assembly, installation and maintenance are the main responsibilities of this position. Participating in an apprenticeship program coupled with paid on-the-job training is the standard, and workers must pass a licensing exam. Union membership is typically required by employers, and unions can help to ensure “an excellent salary, benefits, and pension,” says Marky Stein, author of “Get a Great Job When You Don’t Have a Job.”

Elevator installer/repairer: $67,100/ $32 per hour

4. Real estate broker
Usually commission-based, real estate brokers’ salaries are sensitive to shifts in the economy. Despite the current real estate market, Yergen predicts “resurgence in salary in 2010 with the extension of the housing tax credit.” Brokers are tasked with understanding real estate markets, performing transactions, and advising buyers on their financing options. Additionally, real estate brokers must pass a written exam and maintain a license.

Real estate broker: $65,400/ $31 per hour

5. Nuclear medicine technologist
“Nuclear medicine technologists administer a type of drug called radiopharmaceuticals to patients and create diagnostic images that ultimately determine the presence of a disease,” explains Yergen. With an increasingly large middle-aged and elderly population and advances in technology, job growth for nuclear medicine technologists is likely to remain steady. A certificate or an associate’s degree is needed, and a license is a requirement for many employers and states.

Nuclear medicine technologist: $64,100/ $31 per hour

6. Radiation therapist
Administering radiation treatment to cancer patients is the main role of a radiation therapist. “As radiation therapists continue to be a critical part of the medical radiation oncology team, it will translate into an uptick of jobs,” predicts Yergen. There is also room for personal advancement in this field, with opportunities that include teaching and research. Training through an associate’s degree or certification program is necessary, and a license is required in many states.

Radiation therapist: $63,500 / $31 per hour

7. Construction manager
Construction managers oversee the construction of structures, facilities, and systems, and are often on call around the clock. On-the-job construction experience and/or completing a construction management certification program provide entry to this position.

Construction manager: $63,400/ $30 per hour

8. Air traffic controller
“As an air traffic controller, your job will be dedicated to keeping the skies safe. It is a very demanding and rewarding occupation.” says Abboud. Providing an essential role in aviation, air traffic controllers ensure that planes maintain a safe distance between each other and help to coordinate efficient scheduling.

With most positions employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), air traffic controllers must complete a FAA-approved education program and pass a pre-employment test.

Air traffic controller: $63,000/ $30 per hour

9. Video game designer
Video game designers create the storyline and structure of a video game and determine the rules of play. They typically need to possess an understanding of software design and computer programming, and a degree or certification from a technical school can provide an advantage. Although currently at a point of high popularity, video games tend to go through phases of increased and decreased popularity, cautions Yergen.

Video game designer: $62,300/ $30 per hour

10. MRI technologist
MRI technologists train in programs available through hospitals, colleges and universities to earn a certificate or associate’s degree. With more doctors’ offices and clinics providing diagnostic services, demand is higher than ever, says Yergen. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Health care will generate 3 million new wage and salary jobs between 2006 and 2016, more than any other industry.”

MRI technologist: $61,000/ $29 per hour

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-9 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing. Hourly rates are calculated by dividing the yearly salary by $2080.

My modus operandi when it comes to avoiding illness? I wash my hands whenever I get to my destination (the office, restaurant or home) and eat plenty of citrus and antioxidants in berries, oranges, salads and more. I also like to tell coworkers, “If you’re sick, stay home!” and I’m not above rescheduling a meeting with an especially sneezy editor.

So far, my methods are working—I caught a cold earlier this season, but it was the first time in years. If you hate getting sick as much as I do, try these strategies for a healthier winter.

Be a frequent hand washer
Your mitts transmit infections, particularly cold and flu, more effectively than any other part of your body, according to doctors. That’s reason to hit the sink soon after you arrive at work and home, as well as after any event that involves a lot of handshaking (meetings) or high-fives (the soccer game). Keep your hands away from your face until you’ve gotten to a faucet—and even then, refrain from touching your mouth, eyes and nose. Learn when you do—and don’t—need to worry about germs.

Don’t forget your hat!
Mom was right when she urged you to bundle up. While you can’t catch a cold purely from being outside in cold weather, feeling chilly may lower your immunity, says Ronald Eccles, Ph.D., director of the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University in Wales. Volunteers who submerged their feet in icy water were 20 percent likelier to come down with a sore throat and runny nose than those who kept their dogs warm. If you live in a cold part of the country, buy the warmest winter coat you can find (I just got a purple puffy I’m wild about) and keep your gloves in your pocket, and hat and scarf in your sleeve, so you’re ready to go on morning dog walks no matter how low the temps dip. Get tips for staying warm in style.

Carry your own pen
Signing that dinner bill or store receipt could come at a high cost if you use the provided pen—it’s loaded with germs and bacteria, says Neil Schachter, M.D., professor of pulmonary medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Keep a ballpoint in your bag. Do the write thing in between signing bills, too—expressive writing may encourage the growth of white blood cells, which fight off infection, research shows.

Get moving!
Exercise helps your body look terrific, of course, but it can also help it work better, improving your immunity as well as your bone strength and circulation. Aim to work out for 30 minutes five times a week to feel as fantastic as you’ll look. Want to shore up your immunity even further? Spring for a massage post–sweat session (as if you needed an excuse!). People who follow intense gym sessions with a rubdown restore levels of molecules in saliva that stave off germs, a study from the University of Granada in Spain finds. Find a toning routine you can do anywhere.

Countdown to fun
Whether it’s a tapas dinner with pals or some well-deserved couch time with your pal Tina Fey, anticipating an enjoyable event lowers stress hormones and enhances your immunity, according to Lee Berk, Ph.D., a professor of pathology and human anatomy at Loma Linda University in California. Put fun first on your calendar—you might see fewer colds and more smiles!

Fill your cart smart
Your prescription for health is right in the produce aisle! Blueberries, green bell peppers, kiwifruit, strawberries and tomatoes all contain vitamin C, to help bolster your immunity. And avocado and spinach are major health improvers, especially when eaten together. Turns out that the monounsaturated fats in avocado release spinach’s nutrients: You’ll absorb up to 15 times more beta-carotene, which can strengthen the immune system and ward off infection, by pairing the two. A spinach quesadilla with guacamole might be just what the doctor ordered!

Source: Yahoo.com

While stress reduction is at the forefront of most of our minds these days, what can you do if your hair woes are already showing up on your head? Read on to find out the best ways to remedy graying hair, hair loss, and dandruff, and learn how to get a shiny, healthy head of hair!

GRAY HAIR
Here are recommendations for graying hair:

* Eat for hair health. The Chinese have long discovered that black sesame seeds, black beans, and walnuts reverse graying. For healthy and shiny hair, eat foods everyday that are rich in essential fatty acids and omega-rich nutrients: flaxseed oil, sesame oil, olive oil, virgin coconut oil, avocado, beans, nuts and seeds.

* Chinese herbs for graying hair. “Shou wu” (also called “fo-ti” or polygonum root) is a hair nurture supplement available in Asian herb stores, used to restore hair growth and reverse graying. Rich in vitamin E and the B-complex vitamins, Shou wu has many other health benefits: It supports healthy estrogen profiles in women, stimulates red blood cell production, builds your immune system, maintains healthy cholesterol levels, and improves intestinal regularity.

* Color your hair naturally. If you want to dye your hair, use the following natural colorants: Henna works well for shades of light brown and red, coffee or black tea may be used by brunettes, and chamomile and lemon juice can color light hair.

HAIR LOSS
Hair growth is affected by the hormonal system, in particular the androgenic hormones, which include testosterone and a derivative of testosterone called DHT. It is normal to lose around 100 hairs each day, which are replaced within days. However, as we age, our hormone levels fluctuate and start to decline. This reduces the stimulus to the hair follicles and results in hair loss. In Chinese medicine, hair loss is thought to be caused by activities that deplete your vital essence: stress, physical and emotional strain, an unhealthy lifestyle, and alcohol–all of which hasten your hormonal decline.

Here are some hair replenishing remedies:

* Ginger juice helps hair loss. Massage your scalp with fresh ginger juice. Squeeze a 1-inch chunk of ginger root in a garlic press to yield juice. Rub the fresh ginger juice into affected part of scalp. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse it out–or leave it on overnight to stimulate the hair follicles.

* Arbovita replenishes hair. Apply the Chinese herb arborvita to stimulate follicles, improve blood flow, and strip away root-clogging oils. I have used this herb for my patients over the last twenty years with very good success. It is found in Hair Tonic, a topical solution. Other Chinese herbs traditionally used for hair loss include eclipta, shou wu, ginger, and sesame. For a natural herbal blend that combines all these herbs to nourish hair follicles and promote healthy hair, try Hair Nurture Formula.

* Stimulate blood flow. Try this Dao In Massage exercise, which I recommend to all my hair-loss patients. This local stimulation can help invigorate blood circulation. Sit comfortably on a chair. Using the tips of all 10 fingers, gently tap the head all over, stimulating the scalp for about one minute. Begin with light force and gently increase to moderate strength. Then massage the scalp with both hands for 2 minutes, gently at first and then more vigorously taking care not to pull out hair. Straighten the fingers of your right hand, and with the palm side of fingers gently tap all over the scalp 36 times. Repeat with your left hand, another 36 times. To get the best results, do this exercise twice a day.

SCALP PROBLEMS
It’s normal to have some degree of dandruff. Your scalp undergoes regular regeneration and dead skin is shed to allow new skin to grow. This flaking can become worse when hormonal imbalances, stress, and improper diet come into play. Dandruff is at its worst during winter and fall, when the air tends to be dry.

Remedies for scalp issues:

* Apply aloe gel. Squeeze aloe juice directly from the stem of the plant and massage into the scalp once a day, preferably before bedtime, for an entire month. You can get better results by leaving the aloe on overnight and rinsing it out in your morning shower.

* A baking soda head scrub. In the shower, wet your hands and scrub baking soda vigorously into your scalp. After rinsing it out, massage Tonic Oil- containing the oils of wintergreen, eucalyptus, and menthol-into your scalp. Leave this on for 10 minutes before shampooing.

* Soak your scalp in green tea. Prepare a mild green tea, and soak your scalp in it for 10 minutes, shampooing out with olive oil, avocado oil, or hypoallergenic shampoo.

For extremely flaky dandruff and dry skin, I often recommend to my patients our Exquisite Skin Chinese herbal formula.

TIPS FOR SHINY, HEALTHY HAIR
Whatever your hair issues, these will boost your overall hair and head health:

* Nourish your hair. For shiny hair, mash a ripe avocado, massage it into your hair and scalp, and leave it on for 1 to 2 hours once a week.

* Brush bad hair days away. Be like a renowned Chinese empress who had a full head of beautiful hair at the end of her long life, the result of a daily 500-stroke hair brushing. Using a natural-bristle brush, spread your hair’s natural oils with full strokes from the scalp down the to tips, 100 strokes every evening. Studies show steady massage and brushing over time stems hair loss, promotes hair growth, and generally improves hair quality.

* Less stress. For all hair and scalp problems, a daily program of stress reduction exercises and meditation can help regulate your energy and strengthen your essence.

* Go natural. Eliminate hair care products that contain harsh chemicals, which can damage hair roots and strip vital nutrients from the follicles. Use only products with natural ingredients.

Source: Yahoo.com

An Explanation of the Process
A Realtor will not take it for granted that you know all the ins and outs of the buying/ selling process. Instead, he or she will provide you with a full explanation of what to expect and that’s important so you’re not faced with any surprises along the way.

An Assessment of Your Needs
One of the first questions a Realtor will ask is, Why are you moving? A REALTOR® will also explore any time constraints you might have (perhaps imposed by the need to relocate for employment), your financial situation and any future plans.

A Plan to Find Your Dream Home
A Realtor will help you identify what you want in your new residence. A pool? A garage? An extra room? A particular building design? What about the neighbourhood? Proximity to schools or work? A Realtor will compare your needs, wants and budget with what is available on the market and make recommendations that save you time and effort.

He or she will also accompany you as you view houses and help you assess their suitability and price. As an expert on a property, a Realtor can provide facts on the neighbourhoods, the cost of heating, the condition of the furnace, and so on. In other words, he or she will work with you to achieve your dream.

Access to Properties for Sale
Multiple Listing Service or MLS is an exclusive service accessible only through a Realtor and it can be a valuable tool. Through MLS, the details of a wide variety of listed properties are made available to the Realtor you work with. That can save you a tremendous amount of time and effort in your hunt for the right home.

Knowledge of Financing Options
Realtors have extensive knowledge of the financing choices available to home buyers and there options and obtaining financing at the most attractive prevailing rates and terms.

A Skilled Negotiator
Realtors are experienced in arranging fair deals. He or she will assist in negotiating an offer, acting as a mediator to head off potential conflicts between you and the seller, and draw up a legally binding agreement.

Honesty and Integrity
Most real estate professionals in our province are member of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and only members of OREA can call themselves Realtors

When you work with a Realtor, you can expect not only strict adherence to provincial laws, but also adherence to a Code of Ethics. And that code is very important to you because it assures you will receive the highest level of service, honesty and integrity.

Highest Professional Standards
Before receiving a real estate license, candidates must successfully complete an extensive course of study developed by OREA on behalf of the Real Estate Council Ontario. That is only the beginning: in the first two years of practice, licensees are required to successfully complete three additional courses as part of their articling with an experienced broker. In addition, all licensees must continue to attend courses throughout their careers in order to maintain their license.

Source: vlappo.ca

1.Fast food franchises
Fast food is such a integral part of many people’s diets that they will continue purchasing it no matter what. Others who usually don’t buy it will turn to fast food as a kind of comfort food in uncertain times. Old established fast food chains especially will profit from this kind of food nostalgia. Pick the right fast food franchise in the right place and this business opportunity could be a real money-maker.

2. Repair businesses
One obvious way that people save money is to make do rather than buying new, which makes businesses specializing in repairs excellent business opportunities. Auto repair and shoe repair are two examples of repair businesses that I speak of in Best Small Business Ideas for Tough Times. But they’re certainly not the only possibilities. What about furniture refinishing, furniture reupholstering and sewing and mending?

3. Collection agencies
When times get tough, more people have a tough time paying what they owe. Businesses hire collection agencies to help them get the money that’s owed them. If you don’t have any experience in collection yourself, the best way to get in on this best business opportunity is to hire experienced collectors to work in your agency. (Note that in Canada, all collection agencies have to be licensed and bonded according to legislation.)

4. Medical supplies
With our aging demographic, medical equipment and supplies are necessities for growing numbers of people, making providing medical supplies one of the best business opportunities around. Besides products that provide increased mobility such as scooters, wheelchairs, and walkers, bathroom safety products such as special toilet seats and bath lifts will be in increased demand.

5. Motivational speakers
What do people need more than anything else in tough times? Hope. That’s what the best motivational speakers provide and that’s why they’re going to be in demand in 2010. The most popular speaking topics will be those that speak to people’s concerns and offer them possible solutions such as getting more out of less. People who have personally overcome adversity will also be popular speakers.

6. Cleaning businesses
Remember what I said about necessity. Good times or bad, things get dirty and need to be cleaned providing a good business opportunity for those willing and able to do the cleaning. Residential cleaning services may drop a bit depending on employment rates but the demand for commercial cleaning will continue to be steady as institutions and businesses just need to get it done.

7. Discount/surplus stores
Throughout 2009 consumers will be looking for bargains, making discount and surplus stores a natural business opportunity. Obviously I’m not the only one who thinks so as discount stores are springing up all over. The best way to get in on this business opportunity is by buying into a franchise. Buck or Two and the Great Canadian Dollar Store are just two discount store franchises you may want to investigate.

8. Sports equipment
Selling sports equipment will continue to be a good business opportunity. Sports devotees will continue to do what they love to do as long as they can and will continue to be willing to pay for the equipment they need to do it. So skis, boards, skates and mountain bikes will all continue to sell. There will, however, be increased interest in used sports equipment, an interesting business idea in itself.

9. Senior care
On the list last year, this makes the list of best business opportunities again this year because of ever-growing demand. Business opportunities in senior care range from opening your own senior care home through providing in-home care or home services such as preparing meals, housekeeping or running errands. Senior care franchises are another option for getting in on this business opportunity.

10. Chocolate
The lure of chocolate is irresistible at the best of times and in uncertain times, people will eat even more of it. And that’s a lot of chocolate. In 2005, Canadians consumed 3.90 kgs per person, while Americans polished off even more – 5.58 kgs per person. While the market is dominated by the big manufacturers such as Hershey and Mars, there is still room for small businesses to specialize in producing premium gourmet chocolates. Of course, you’ll need to find an experienced chocolatier to turn this business opportunity into a viable business – or become one yourself.

Why Are These the Best Business Opportunities?

Because these are business opportunities that have legs. Taking into account the economy, consumer and business trends, these are businesses that should be profitable not just for 2010, but for years to come.

But not every business opportunity is right for everyone. You always need to do your homework; writing a business plan is a good (and safe) way to find out if the small business opportunity you’re considering is worth investing your time and money in.

Source: about.com

Fueled in part by massive federal funding for environmental projects included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – green jobs have a bright future. There’s a broad range of occupations that allow you to make a difference, so there is likely a green job for you no matter what your interest and skills.

Below is a list of well-paid, green gigs with their median annual salary:

1. Regional sales manager.
When companies create new, more energy-efficient products, it’s critical that these products are accepted by customers, says Jim Cassio, career consultant and co-author of “Green Careers: Choosing Work for a Sustainable Future, and the Green Careers Resource Guide.” Sales managers for environmentally conscious companies make sure better products reach their target audience. With stimulus funds going to research and development of more energy-efficient goods, particularly in batteries, growth is expected in green sales-manager jobs, says Cassio.

Regional sales managers oversee sales within an entire territory, often supervising a sales team, providing training and guidance. Many are experienced sales reps who’ve worked their way up to this supervisory post.

Regional sales manager: $87,200 per year / $42 per hour

2. Environmental engineer.
This engineering specialty focuses on developing solutions for better water and air quality, says Laurence Shatkin, author of “200 Best Jobs for Renewing America.” Other fields for environmental engineers include recycling, waste disposal and environmental cleanup. With stimulus funding for many of these areas, demand for environmental engineers is expected to rise, Shatkin predicts.

Most engineers have a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a four-year institution, and participate in continuing education or graduate school to deepen their knowledge or a specialty or learn about emerging best practices in the field. Much of the work ahead, Shatkin notes, will involve devising solutions to clean up nuclear sites left over from World War II.

Environmental engineer: $68,600 per year / $33 per hour

3. Computer systems analyst.
Without systems analysts, Shatkin says, “We’ll never have a smart [electric] grid.” Technological savvy will be needed to design systems that will allow electric transmission systems and broadband networks to operate with greater energy efficiency.

Demand is so great for this IT expertise that the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts nearly 50 percent growth in the field from 2006-2016, despite the fact that the existing labor force for this job is unusually young, with few analysts nearing retirement age. Most analysts have a four-year degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems.

Operating systems analyst: $63,000 per year / $30 per hour

4. Urban/regional planner.
Urban and regional planners have a chance to dramatically impact the landscapes under their jurisdictions, says Shatkin. They aid governments in designing and locating schools, roads, and other infrastructure in a city or rural area, with an eye to minimizing environmental impact. They can also design zoning codes to help support environmental goals.

Schooling is rigorous — even entry-level jobs with state, federal or municipal agencies require a master’s degree in urban or regional planning or a similar field. As regulations grow more complex for meeting environmental requirements, more urban planners will be needed, he adds.

Urban/regional planner: $60,600 per year / $29 per hour

5. Hydrologist.
This scientific specialty centers on using your knowledge of geology to locate and study bodies of water and suggests methods for keeping it pure, says Shatkin. Hydrologists use advanced techniques and instruments to assess water quality.

Many work for consulting firms and are often hired to solve water pollution, flooding or other water problems. Entry-level positions may be filled with candidates with a bachelor’s degree in hydrologic science.

Hydrologist: $68,100 per year / $33 per hour

6. Construction project manager.
A great move-up job for workers with construction experience, project managers coordinate and oversee large construction projects. The field of construction management is becoming one where environmental concerns play an increasing role, says Shatkin.

“They’re using recycled materials in building new buildings,” he says, “and then recycling the old building.”

Construction project manager: $68,000 per year / $33 per hour

7. Nonprofit executive director.
This job recently topped a list of the Top 25 Green Dream Jobs compiled by Cassio and Rona Fried, CEO of SustainableBusiness.com. Chief executives at an environmental charity or advocacy group have the opportunity to shape their groups’ agenda, organizing their constituencies to improve the environment, preserve land or ocean habitat, or change environmental laws. It’s a chance to use managerial, marketing, and media skills for green ends, notes Cassio.

At smaller organizations, volunteers may move up into this paying position, while larger nonprofits expect professionally trained executive directors who often have a graduate degree in either business administration, public administration, or nonprofit management.

Nonprofit executive director: $60,000 per year / $29 per hour

Source: Yahoo.com

Soft drinks are hard on your health
Soft drinks contain little to no vitamins or other essential nutrients. However, it is what they do contain that is the problem: caffeine, carbonation, simple sugars — or worse, sugar substitutes — and often food additives such as artificial coloring, flavoring, and preservatives.

A lot of research has found that consumption of soft drinks in high quantity, especially by children, is responsible for many health problems that include tooth decay, nutritional depletion, obesity, type-2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Why the sugar in soft drinks isn’t so sweet
Most soft drinks contain a high amount of simple sugars. The USDA recommendation of sugar consumption for a 2,000-calorie diet is a daily allotment of 10 teaspoons of added sugars. Many soft drinks contain more than this amount!

Just why is too much sugar so unhealthy? Well, to start, let’s talk about what happens to you as sugar enters your body. When you drink sodas that are packed with simple sugars, the pancreas is called upon to produce and release insulin, a hormone that empties the sugar in your blood stream into all the tissues and cells for usage. The result of overindulging in simple sugar is raised insulin levels. Raised blood insulin levels beyond the norm can lead to depression of the immune system, which in turn weakens your ability to fight disease.

Something else to consider is that most of the excess sugar ends up being stored as fat in your body, which results in weight gain and elevates risk for heart disease and cancer. One study found that when subjects were given refined sugar, their white blood cell count decreased significantly for several hours afterwards. Another study discovered that rats fed a high-sugar diet had a substantially elevated rate of breast cancer when compared to rats on a regular diet.

The health effects of diet soda
You may come to the conclusion that diet or sugar-free soda is a better choice. However, one study discovered that drinking one or more soft drinks a day — and it didn’t matter whether it was diet or regular — led to a 30% greater chance of weight gain around the belly.

Diet soda is filled with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, or saccharin. These artificial sweeteners pose a threat to your health. Saccharin, for instance, has been found to be carcinogenic, and studies have found that it produced bladder cancer in rats.

Aspartame, commonly known as nutrasweet, is a chemical that stimulates the brain to think the food is sweet. It breaks down into acpartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol at a temperature of 86 degrees. (Remember, your stomach is somewhere around 98 degrees.) An article put out by the University of Texas found that aspartame has been linked to obesity. The process of stimulating the brain causes more cravings for sweets and leads to carbohydrate loading.

Carbonation depletes calcium
Beverages with bubbles contain phosphoric acid, which can severely deplete the blood calcium levels; calcium is a key component of the bone matrix. With less concentration of calcium over a long time, it can lower deposition rates so that bone mass and density suffer. This means that drinking sodas and carbonated water increases your risk of osteoporosis.

Add in the caffeine usually present in soft drinks, and you are in for even more trouble. Caffeine can deplete the body’s calcium, in addition to stimulating your central nervous system and contributing to stress, a racing mind, and insomnia.

Skip the soda and go for:

Fresh water
Water is a vital beverage for good health. Each and every cell needs water to perform its essential functions. Since studies show that tap water is filled with contaminants, antibiotics, and a number of other unhealthy substances, consider investing in a quality carbon-based filter for your tap water. To find out more about a high-performance filtration system, click here.

On the go? Try using a stainless steel thermos or glass bottle, filled with filtered water. Enhance the flavor of your water with a refreshing infusion of basil, mint leaves, and a drop of honey.

Fruit Juice
If you are a juice drinker, try watering down your juice to cut back on the sugar content. Buy a jar of organic 100% juice, especially cranberry, acai, pomegranate, and then dilute three parts filtered water to one part juice. You will get a subtle sweet taste and the benefit of antioxidants. After a couple of weeks, you will no longer miss the sweetness of sugary concentrated juices.

Tea
Tea gently lifts your energy and has numerous health benefits. Black, green, white, and oolong teas all contain antioxidant polyphenols. In fact, tea ranks as high or higher than many fruits and vegetables on the ORAC scale, the score that measures antioxidant potential of plant-based foods.

Herbal tea does not have the same antioxidant properties, though it is still a great beverage choice with other health benefits, such as inducing calming and relaxing effects.

If tea doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, try adding cinnamon or a little honey, which has important health benefits that refined sugar lacks. Drink up!

Source: Yahoo.com

Eggs – Muscle-Building, Immunity, Vision
One egg provides more than 6 grams of protein and 78 calories. They contain A and B vitamins to enhance immunity, nerve response, and vision. Macedonia recommends eating whole eggs only three times a week, because of high cholesterol content.

Crack it open: Make a minute omelet. Coat a microwavable plate with non-stick spray. Mix up a tablespoon of milk with 2-3 eggs, add a few shakes of garlic powder and basil, then spread on the plate. Nuke for 1-minute. When it’s still hot, add a slice of cheese and as many cooked vegetables as you wish. Serve with two slices of whole-wheat toast.

Waffles – Cardio Fuel
Waffles are great breakfast choice if players are going to be running in the morning, since eggs could turn stomachs. They provide carbs for quick energy, and make a nice “plate” for fruit. Skolnik recommends players top waffles with fruit and nuts, to sneak in important vitamins and more protein. The waffles should be cooked with enriched wheat flour, and go easy on the butter.

Iron it out: Try this recipe for buttermilk waffles. Use a waffle iron. Top with blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and nuts instead of syrup loaded with high-fructose corn syrup.

Fruit – Hydration
Fruit is one of the most important components of the players’ diets because it helps them stay hydrated in the heat, while providing a great source of carbohydrates, potassium, fiber, and no fat.

Smooth transition: Smoothies are the best way for you to get in a lot of nutrient-dense calories in liquid form. Especially since heat suppresses appetite and you may not want to eat a big, hot meal. Pick up a large bag of frozen fruit, instead of letting it ferment in the fridge, and it’ll always be on hand. Here’s one of the Bengal’s favorite smoothie recipes.

Milk – Strong Bones, Muscle Contraction
Good for the obvious reason of building strong bones through calcium, milk also assists the players in muscle contraction through high magnesium and potassium content, which can control nerve function and prevent muscle cramping. That means less twitching at night when they’re trying to fall asleep after a hard day of training.

Instant Breakfast: If you’re going to work out, add a packet of chocolate or strawberry Carnation Instant Breakfast to a glass of skim or 1 percent milk, or a smoothie, for flavor and more nutrients, Macedonio says. Active people should do this because it provides extra energy, carbs and sodium, which you’ll need during a tough workout.

Chicken Breast – Lean Muscle, Energy, Memory
If you want to gain lean muscle mass, eat lean muscle mass. Grilled boneless, skinless chicken breast, is one of the easiest elements of any meal. One serving (about 3 oz.) is only 142 calories, yet it provides close to 27 g of protein, and only 3 grams of fat. It helps athletes retain muscle mass and is a good source of B vitamins, which provide energy and aid in memory, so players can memorize the playbook.

Easy does it: Smother chicken in spicy peanut sauce, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce, then cook on the grill. Skolnik and Bonci recommend topping chicken with pesto. Buy the pre-made version from Contadina. Keep it fresh by spooning two-tablespoon amounts into ice cube trays and freeze. Pop one out if you’re cooking a portion for one.

Fish – Anti-inflammation, Muscle Repair, Immune Function
Swordfish, tuna, salmon, and halibut are all big sellers with NFL players. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish will help their bodies recover faster from the wear and tear of strenuous exercise. “We encourage foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, because they help muscles repair faster, and improve immune function,” Macedonio says.

Protein power: Fish is an excellent source of protein and players usually eat big portions of 8-16 ounces, Bonci says. The cooking method is very important, as frying it can counteract the positive effects on the body. Always broil, bake, or grill. Here’s a recipe for pan-seared and baked halibut with sauteed vegetables, from the Bengals’ kicker, Shayne Graham, who, Macedonio says, is an excellent cook.

Vegetables – Hydration, Muscle Repair
Like fruit, vegetables are a staple food group for replacing water lost through sweat. Plant sterols also aid in muscle repair. Macedonio gets players to eat them by flavoring them using low-fat marinades like balsamic vinaigrette, or olive oil with garlic and onion. Broiling, roasting, or grilling are the easiest ways to cook vegetables to retain the flavor.

Skewer thing: Cut up big chunks of zucchini, summer squash, pepper, and/or onion. Marinate in balsamic vinaigrette for 20-30 minutes, then skewer on wooden or iron sticks. Preheat grill, then place skewers on grill for 15 minutes until vegetables are soft. You can add cut-up, marinated chicken and shrimp to the skewers for dinner on a stick.

Pasta and Rice – Energy, Speed Recovery
Whole-grain pasta and rice play a huge part in team diets because they’re easy to prepare for large groups and they provide excellent sources of carbohydrates to give energy for exercise and speed recovery afterward.

Stir it up: NFL nutritionists love stir-frys because they’re an easy, tasty way to sneak whole-grain products, numerous vegetables, and protein sources into one dish. To make simple stir-fry at home, Bonci recommends this easy recipe, a Steelers’ team favorite, over whole-grain brown rice.

Sports Drinks – Hydration, Prevent Muscle Cramping
Players are constantly drinking Gatorade on the field. Staying hydrated is a key issue for all teams, especially since the heat index is set to soar this week. Athletes lose pounds of body weight through sweat, and sports drinks replace lost sodium and electrolytes, which are crucial to avoid muscle cramping.

Drink it up: Everyone should know his sweat rate. Before exercise, weigh yourself. Afterward, get back on the scale, and determine how much water was lost by the difference between your before and after weights. In one hour, an athlete can lose up to two liters of sweat, Skolnik says. Hydrate by drinking 1-to-1.5 times the weight lost in fluid ounces.

Sodium-Rich Foods – Retain Water, Prevent Muscle Cramping
If you’re working out and losing a lot of fluids, it’s a good idea to include more sodium-rich foods to help you retain water and avoid muscle cramping. Skolnik recommends pickles, salted nuts, and pretzels. Macedonio suggests soup. “We serve soup at lunch and dinner, because the right amount of sodium prevents muscle cramping,” Macedonio says.

Salt mine: Broth-based soups hydrate you through the liquid base and added vegetables. Because it is very hot outside, Macedonio recommends Gazpacho, a cold soup made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and onion. Here’s a delicious, easy recipe to get you started.

Ice Cream – Cool Down Treat
Because no diet plan would survive without something sweet, NFL players eat ice cream after dinner. It provides calcium, cools them off, and gets more fluid into their bodies. But there’s a limit. The Steelers grab ice cream to-go after dinner, Bonci says, that way they can’t pile it on or go back for seconds.

The scoop: Always choose frozen yogurt or low-fat ice cream. Ice cream is better than other treats, because it’s not as heavy, calorically, as cookies or cake, Bonci says. “Plus it takes longer to eat, so you enjoy it more,” she adds. Eat it on a cone, that way you can only take a small amount to avoid it from melting all over you.

Source: menshealth.com

1. Chestnuts bolster immunity
In both Asia and the Mediterranean region, chestnuts have been popular for centuries. Chestnuts differ from other nuts with their low fat content and high fiber. They have a mild, sweet taste and a crumbly consistency. An excellent source of potassium, folate, vitamins B6 and C, chestnuts strengthen the kidney-adrenal system and bolster the immune system to fight off the flu and combat infections. This flu season, introduce more chestnuts into your cooking: they are good roasted in the oven, cooked with chicken, lamb, beef, or pork, or in any dish with beans and legumes.

2. Stimulate your thymus
Your thymus is a fist-size gland located behind your sternum in the center of your chest. It plays a critical role in the functioning of the lymphatic and immune systems. It develops over time, reaching peak size when you are in your early 30s, then begins to physically diminish until it shrinks to the size of a pea around age 70. You experience the gland’s waning as waning energy in your body.

To support thymus health, the Chinese use astragalus root. Studies show astralagus is an adaptogen, which means it corrects both high and low metabolic imbalances, acts on invaders wherever they attack the body, and promotes overall vitality. The usual dosage is 100 to 150 mg per day in capsules or you can drink astragalus tincture or tea.

Another way to stimulate your thymus is to use acupressure. With your index and middle finger, gently tap against the sternum (midway between the nipples) 50 times, in the morning and evening.

3. Immune-supporting herbs
You can use the following herbs to help strengthen your immune system:

• Ligustrum has undergone much research recently, which has revealed this herb’s immune boosting functions. Its actions include increasing white blood cell production, phagocytosis, and T-lymphocyte help cell activities.

• Cherokee Rose is traditionally used to protect the body from external pathogens with its astringent properties. It is also one of the highest natural sources of vitamin C.

• Honeysuckle is a natural anti-microbial herb that has been used for centuries to increase resistance and fight against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

You can find these herbs in health food stores, online, and at the offices of acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists.

Or look into a formula that combines all of these herbs in one immune-boosting herbal formula, called “Perpetual Shield.”

4. Be healthy with bee products
Royal jelly has long been regarded in Asia as a longevity tonic that enhances energy, virility, and immunity. Rich in vitamins and collagen, royal jelly is used to feed queen bees. An antibacterial protein in the substance, dubbed royalisin, is effective against certain bacteria, including streptococcus and staphylococcus.

Bee propolis is rich in flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains terpenoids that possess antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoan agents. Not unlike some prescription antibiotics, propolis prevents bacterial cell division and breaks down the invading organism’s cell walls and cytoplasm.

Find royal jelly and bee propolis in enriched honey or in supplement form from herb shops and health food stores.

5. Beta-carotene Builds Immunity
Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that improves immune function and promotes mucous membrane health. In fact, a 1997 study conducted by the Institute of Food Research in the United Kingdom suggested that dietary intake of beta-carotene can enhance cell-mediated immune responses. How to get these beta-benefits this flu season? Eat more orange-colored vegetables, including carrots, winter squash, butternut squash, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and yams. Additionally, these are all an excellent source of Vitamin C, a famous immune support.

6. An all-in-one immunity soup
Cook up a broth of shiitake mushrooms, any kind of seaweed, cabbage, any type of squash, carrots, fresh ginger, oregano, and onion in chicken or vegetable stock. Shiitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides, sterols, and coumarin, as well as vitamins and minerals that increase your immune function. Seaweed cleanses the body, cabbage has ability to increase your body’s ability to fight infection, ginger supports healthy digestion, and the remaining ingredients promote general health and well-being.
Eat this soup every other day to build a strong and healthy immune system.

7. Treat Your Body Right
Encourage your body to fight flu and other infections by giving it the care it needs.

• Get at least 7 hours of quality sleep every night. Studies show that your immune system function drops by an average of 60% after just three nights of poor sleep.

• Keep your stress level low with meditation, tai chi, or yoga.

• Dry body brushing daily can activate lymph circulation that is important to clear out toxic debris and stimulate immunity.

• If you feel your immune system has already been compromised and illness is on the way, consider this Cold & Flu elixir, which supports recovery as it boosts your immune system.