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FRUIT

Dear Reader: I have received two requests to explain the importance of eating fruit on an empty stomach this past week. Whether you have missed those columns or if you are just hearing about this subject for the first time, it is important that you take a minute to read about this major step
to good health and feeling good.
I shudder when I read about food offerings that include fruit for dessert.
Blame it on my total belief that fruit needs to be eaten on an empty stomach for quiet digestion.
People begin to notice food combinations do not work well for them as they approach age 30 - 40 years of age and older. They can experience gas, flatuence and difficulty in digestion. An
interesting feeling can accompany this distress; moodiness or feeling depressed.
The medical profession tells us our bodies need at least 90 percent of glucose for the body to function properly without discomfort.The brain uses glucose daily. It does not use fat or protein. Glucose is taken from the bloodstream for the brain's requirements. If there is limited glucose
in the blood to satisfy the needs of the brain, bells go off in the form of symptoms.
Consuming too much processed sugar leads many down the road to trouble.
Those who are struggling with a weight issue and love their sweets need to pay attention to this.
What is bad sugar? A half pint of ice cream, or a couple of powdered sugar doughnuts.
What is good sugar? The right kind of sugar is found in fresh fruit. That is fructose and once
inside the body, it turns into glucose faster than any other carbohydrate.
POINTS
. Fruit should be eaten on empty stomach or will cause gas and discomfort.
. Fruit is not digested in the stomach. It is intended to go through quickly in a matter of minutes
into the intestines where it releases its sugars.
. If you plan to eat your fruit then solid food, I suggest you have fresh-squeezed fruit juice, wait 15 minutes, then have your solid food. Or, eat fresh fruit and 1 hour later eat your meal. Remember, bananas take longer to go through the system.
. Never eat fruit at the end of a meal. The elements will do battle. Do not kid yourself, a bloated tummy will speak louder than words.
. Question: Why do eating establishments offer fruit after meals if it is not good for you? Because in Europe and other parts of the world, dining is an activity that is enjoyed over a long period of time, not like here in America where we grab a bite to eat and run! If necessary, grab some fruit - and
run.
. Fruit offers good health for your heart, as well. It can be the best protection you have against
heart disease. Fruits contain bioflavinoids which keep the blood from thickening and plugging up
the arteries. It also strengthens the capillaries. We are told weak capilliaries often lead to internal
bleeding and heart attacks.
. Please put those cans of fruit you have in your pantry on your give-away list. Somebody can
use them in some way, but not you. They are a waste. When the process of canning uses
extreme heat, it automatically destroys food valuses and you are munching on - nothing.
Eat fresh fruit on an empty stomach and enjoy the fruits of life!

ENERGY BOOST

Dear Athena: Lately, I have been feeling my get-up-and-go takes a powder at least 3 - 4 times a week. Could you give me a few tips to charge myself up at those times? Thanks, Mel, Pembroke

Dear Mel: The first thing you need to do is see your doctor.
If all is clear with your health, then you might be experiencing a let-down, as many do, when tired or slightly depressed. The brain chemicals become depleted at the time there is a chemical change in
the body. It is time to re-energize your passion, whatever that may be.
If it is art, spend some time unwinding in a museum. If a new fashion piece will make your day, spring for it as it can be therapeutic. Also, there are quick ways to fix the problem.

SPECIAL BREATHING
Oxygen is one of our main energy sources and in Kundalini yoga from India, there are special breathing techniques to deliver life force to every cell in your body.
This is right nostril breathing to wake up the right side of the brain - the side responsible for efficiency and organization. I suggest you slowly, gently close your eyes and put your body into a relaxed state before beginning.
Press the left nostril with your finger, breathe 20 long, deep breathes through the right nostril. You will feel calmer and more alert after.

ENERGY THERAPIES
When we experience meltdown, it is a good idea to seek help for our discomfort by seeing an accomplished expert in Shiatsu. Make sure you find a good person.
Unfortunately, in all hands-on-health professions, there are people who are cut out for the field of their choice and they are a natural. Then, there are others who are just nice people, period. Obviously, you need to ask and search for this person who has the touch. Sbiatsu, a Japanese finger-pressure massage will free blocked energy in channels called meridians, which run to and between important organs. The Shiatsu therapist diagnoses which meridian has a stoppage and breaks up the block by pressing energy centers along it.

AROMATHERAPY
Energy can also be acquired through the sense of smell. Scents travel to the adrenal glands, which regulate our energy supply via the limbic system of the brain.
You can do-it-yourself with Aromatherapy products which are available in specialty stores like Aveda at the South Shore Plaza. At these places they will suggest the particualr products and how they can be used. You can massage this product into the solar plexis, the area beneath the breastbone, which contains many important nerves. The combination of the uplifting blend of natural fragrances and the calming massage will balance and refresh your nervous system.

HYDROTHERAPY
A marvelous way to transport your fatigued body back to its primal element - water.
Look for a hotel or spa that has the facilities of jet nozzles in their health club facilities. There is nothing like getting into a tub of bubbly water, focusing on the problem areas of tension and a foam grid will buoy you and float you away from that energy-draining feeling. Or, if worse comes to worst you can create your own therapy pool. Draw a warm to hot bath and add some sea salts (which will exfoliate dry skin), pour a cup or two of Epsom salts (which will relax aching muscles), and a handy scrub-brush to finish the treatment as you revive your circulation. If using a firm brush jolts you, let me tell you this is one of the most beneficial things a person can do for themselves. The dry cells will sing and dance as you release them from your body, then enjoy the smoothness and glorious touch
of your skin.
Finish off with a body lotion, well-massaged into the lower half of the body that does not get much attention.

YOUR NAVEL

Dear Athena: I think you wrote about a person's navel and how a person can read them, very much like reading a person's palm. Would you please tell us about our navel? R.C., Taunton

Dear R.C.: Happy to oblige.
In ancient cultures there were specialists of that time that "read" the body.
The shape of the head, the hands, the particular features of the face, contour and lines. This was a means of determining an individual's true character. You have heard about fortune telling, but
have you heard about - omphalomancy? This is fortune telling by the navel, the shape, size,
position, in relation to the total body. An eye-opener in this aspect of character reading.
The ancient Greeks strongly believed the navel meant the absolute identity of a person. This
was the universal center of a person's world.

Position
The position of the navel, or depression in the abdomen, indicates the point of the umbilical cord
at birth. The exact placement of the navel in the belly, relates to the balance of the body, mind
and soul. When the placement of the navel is high or above the center of the body, you
have an individual who usually has a lack of attachment to worldly goods. He may be thought as
"a bit removed" from reality. Their preoccupation and idealism make them good at astrology or theology.

Low
These people are capable of loving a person in many different and sensitive ways. They are deep thinkers. Unfortunately, they can be emotionally tormented souls. Self-doubt causes
indecisiveness. Their wonderful enthusiasm is dampened by all of those questions surrounding
their potential to accomplish much.

Off-Center Right
This is interesting. If the navel is situated off-center on the right side of the body, you have here, a very aggressive person. Their love life is apt to be rocky. Constantly on the go, this person can
"go get-em" and with luck succeed. They can be hustlers of sorts, promotors, political operatives. They difinitely have survival instincts.

Off-Center Left
These people live through many struggles. They are apt to be involved in quarrels, or
disagreements constantly with loved ones. Somehow, their mental and physical sufferings seem to be broughton by themselves. Difficult to deal with, they manage to make life miserable for all involved.
Notice: If a navel is left-sided and placed high on the body, above the center, the negatives are not so profound; not so much suffering.

Shape
The shape of the navel is thought to be the face of the person's inner being.

Outline
Circle: Takes love to a mate, seriously.
Cloven: Split or divided. Can cheat or lie without guilt
Heart: Bliss is the essence of this person.
Triangle: Tempermental. Can be very selfish.
Mountain: A blessed person. Can tackle problems and conquer them.
There are other shapes and sizes, but this is a sample of this kind of fortune-telling, for now.
Too bad this area of the body is under wraps when we first meet people, it would save us a lot of time and trouble sizing them up, fast.
Have fun!

YOUTHFUL

Dear Athena: How about some ways we guys can help ourselves stay younger, I am 49 and feel old age is not far away. Just a thought, what do you think? Jay, Bridgewater.

Dear Jay: A great idea! Men, as a rule, seldom talk about getting older, until they notice a new
wrinkle that wasn't there, or trying on a favorite shirt that is too tight. We all know aging is a fact of life. A gradual decline is expected, but when we suddenly notice changes, men and women, both do not like the fact it has happened to them.

TIPS
1. Weight-training with a small amount of aerobics can strengthen your heart, boost energy levels and improve your whole life in many areas. Feeling young is up to the person who is dedicated to being strong physically. There is no substitute for this internal feeling. This has a tremendous effect on the choices a person makes, knowing the body is being cared for properly and feeling good, is the result. Exercise helps keep bones denser and stronger.
2. Posture is very important, how you stand and hold your body becomes a habit. Each day, slouching can become a curled-up, old-looking person. A bad posture begins at a young age. Men and women should be taught that a good posture can stand them in good stead through the years, start early on. Notice the men who were in the service? Most of them maintain their erect spine, for
the most part.
3. Diet comes next. Too much protein can make a person feel heavy, sluggish and not very active. Refine your choice of foods, it's never too late. Fruits, vegetables with plenty of grains is suggested for all of us. Take notice what foods you are drawn to and make the change for the better. Finding a
solid source to guide you, makes sense. We all are different and our choices occasionally can get us into a bit of trouble.
4. Dress younger. There are still a few people around who work out of a clothing store who are great at this art of suggesting certain clothes and colors for a man. Find someone like that and you can relax as you build your wardrobe according to your lifestyle. Not a lot of "stuff", but the pieces look
great when you put them on - including jeans.
5. Do deep breathing daily. This very important part of daily maintance cannot be ignored. The idea is to have the lungs of a young person while enjoyiing life in the 60s and 70s. This can only be done when a person invests the time and effort to have strong lungs. We always talk about deep breathing, whenever we have the chance to inform people - of all ages. I have a system or
routine of inhaling from the diaphragm for a count of five, holding for a count of twenty, then exhaling for a count of ten. You must do at least ten sets. I promise you will feel different, better for some strange reason. It energizes the entire system. If you would like a free copy of the deep breathing exercise, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to me, at the address below. Women are
extended this offer, as well.
6. Last, but not least, the way to maintain a young spirit in an older body, is to have a positive outlook on life. This is, perhaps, the most demanding of all the suggestions. People tend to become weary of dealing with certain demands placed on them. That combined with a general ho-hum attitude leads many to this place called boredom. If anything promises to make a person old, it
is the outspoken attitude they display in an unspoken manner. Watch for these little ways that can become a bad habit. The world is not a bed of roses, but we sure can help make it more pleasant when we look at the sunny side of the street, which reflects on us, just like a mirror.

EYE MAKEUP

Dear Athena: I need a touch of color on my eyes. I feel I am over-the-hill, but will not say that. Can you suggest something for me that is not too outlandish but in good taste, for my age? Thanks a lot, Terry, Raynham

Dear Terry: Forget about those expressions, as I say, "Just do it!"
What do you see as the perfect eye makeup for you?
We all form opinions, or ideas based on something we have seen. I am sure you see a particular look for you. Eye makeup colors range in the lilac, purple, light blue, dark blue, light green, emerald green, grape, raspberry, toast and bronze tones. A nude color is used to camouflage the shadows and imperfections before beginning. You can call this a base coat.
It is easy when you break it down to basic art work, or even painting a wall in a room. We are applying a shadow on your eyelid, as you would a primer on a wall before applying the color of your choice. Take a small amount on your applicator and gently sweep the applicator across the eyelid. Learn to take a small amount until you get the feel of the product. Gently wipe your finger across the eyelid giving it a smooth finish. Applying a basic eye shadow to any eye means you are covering the lower eyelid. That means the shadow does not go up any further than the crease of the eyelid.
If you are applying shadows all over the eyelid, apply the primer all over first, then carefully apply the colors.
The problems begin when we encounter skin that is loose and eyeshadow magnifies the condition. Better be confident, a little shadow done correctly is worth the effort.
As in all things fragile, easy does it. Less, is more, as they say. A woman who has a handle on the mascara brush has a good deal of confidence. The look is arresting, when done right. A mature woman needs to make the end result look as though a fine dusting of makeup breezed quickly by, on the way to dressing for dinner.
It never ceases to amaze me how a subtle touch of makeup can enliven a woman's face and make it exciting - no matter what age. I might add, there comes a time when we need to invest in a good mirror, as we apply our makeup. If you are avoiding the ordeal of putting on makeup, I can understand, but there are options.Our chart will show the different shades with the hair and eye colorings.
IF YOUR SKIN IS FAIR
Eyes - Blue or Green. . Dark Lilac . Mauve . Dark Rose
Eyes - Hazel or Brown. . Light Blue . Royal Blue . Lavendar
IF YOUR SKIN IS MEDIUM
Eyes - Hazel or Brown. . Emerald . Sapphire . Blue Topaz
Eyes - Blue or Green. . Grape . Raspberry . Magenta
IF YOUR SKIN IS OLIVE
Eyes - Hazel or Brown. . Bronze . Burnt Orange . Coral
Eyes - Blue or Green. . Wine . Burgundy . Deep Gold
IF YOUR SKIN IS DARK
Eyes - Blue or Green. . Bronze . Coral . Toast
Eyes - Hazel or Brown. . Emerald . Apple Green . Moss Green
These are ideas on how to use different colors in blending a natural look with shadows, to accenuate a person's coloring.
Use techniques artists use when painting a person's portrait. They create shadows where they normally form and highlight the brow bone to add dimension.
Do not get carried away with your art work, makeup is certainly complimentary when used in subtle ways.
I often hesitate to recommend a makeup lesson, unless the source is known to
me.
Less is more in many cases, especially when a mature woman wishes to enhance her features. More is not usually, better, unfortunately.