Sean Lannin asked:


Want to make changes to your diet and lifestyle but intimidated by the prospect of making big changes in how you live? It’s a common misconception that in order to make significant changes in your health it’s necessary to totally overhaul your lifestyle.  In fact, you can make great changes in your health and fitness levels just by making small changes to the way you already live.  Baby steps can equal big changes in your diet, fitness level and overall health. In fact, experts say that taking baby steps is the best way to create lasting change when it comes to diet and exercise.  Here are some small steps that you can take to change your diet and fitness level.

Take a Walk

Walk whenever you can.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk to work one or two days a week.  Park your car at the farthest end of the parking lot and walk further to get into the store. There are lots of small ways that you can get more active everyday without changing your schedule drastically.  Walk around the block after dinner, or even just walk in place in the living room while you’re watching your favorite show instead of sitting on the couch.  You don’t need to join a gym or spend thousands of dollars on exercise equipment to get more active. Just get off the couch. 

Add One Serving of Vegetables to Your Daily Diet

Diet is one area where people often try to make sweeping changes and then ultimately go back to their bad eating patterns because they try to change to many things quickly.  To start off with, just add one more serving of vegetables to your daily diet.  Drink a glass of vegetable juice in the middle of the morning for a quick pick-me-up instead of having a doughnut.  Have a salad with dinner.  Throw some tomatoes into your morning omelet or make a breakfast wrap with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, onions, and cheese in a low fat tortilla.  You don’t need to make any big dramatic changes, just add one serving of vegetables to your daily diet and you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel.

Drink Water

Replace sugary soda with water.  Invest a few dollars in a refillable plastic bottle and carry it with you.  There are lots of delicious sugar free drink mixes that come in individual portions so that you can put one in a bottle of water, shake it up, and have a delicious and refreshing beverage that is much healthier for you than a soda or fruit cocktail.  Our bodies are mostly made of water, and most people don’t drink enough water every day.  Dehydration can cause mental and physical sluggishness, so drink more water every day to feel better.

Take Vitamins

Most people don’t eat balanced or healthy diets.  Even when you’re working on eating better, a multi vitamin is necessary to make sure that you get all the vitamins and minerals you need everyday.  Investing in a good multi-vitamin and remembering to take it everyday is a great baby step everyone can take to start feeling better.  Put the vitamin bottle on the counter with the coffeemaker or next to the juice glasses so that you remember to take one every morning.

Stretch during the Day

Your body was made to move. Sitting at a desk all day causes the body to become sluggish and no one wants to exercise after sitting down all day.  Take little five minute breaks throughout the day to stand up and do some stretching at your desk.  It will help you stay alert and awake, and get you ready to walk the stairs and out through the parking lot at the end of the day.  Baby steps can add up to big changes in your diet, fitness level, and desire to exercise each day, so start taking baby steps to better health.

By following these 5 easy steps you will be well on your way to dramatic improvements in your health and wellness.  Remember it does not need to happen overnite, just take on baby step after another and soon you will be on a path to big health improvements.

Knut Holt asked:


By massaging your friend or living partner and let him or her do the same to you, you will both get emotionally closer to each other, and both get several health benefits. Massaging will benefit the mental state of the person you work on, the muscular condition, the blood circulation and the lymph drainage. However, what you want to achieve, will determine the exact technique you use.

MASSAGING ACROSS THE MUSCLE FIBRES

This type of massage is very good for relaxing tense muscles and a stressed mind.

You perform this massage by rubbing or gripping across the direction of the muscle fibres or across tendons. You take one area after the other. You begin by massaging each area lightly, superficially and slowly to warm up, and then proceed by massaging deeper, firmer and more swiftly.

According to the size and conditions of the area you treat, you can use different types of manipulation. You can use a couple of fingers at a small area, or to reach deep into a tense point. You can rub with all your finger tips or with the palm of your hand at greater areas. To get a harder effect, you can use your finger knuckles.

MASSAGE ALONG THE MUSCLE FIBRES

This type of massage will give the following effects: Stiffness will be reduced or cured, and the muscles will gain in mobility. The muscles will get better blood supply and drainage. The muscles will get a better drainage of tissue fluids into the lymph system, and thereby swollen muscles will normalize. These effects will in turn make tired muscles faster regain good condition.

By this massage you stroke along the direction of the muscle fibres, and always in the direction of the blood stream towards the heart.

Also now you take one area after the other, but try to reach the whole length of a muscle or muscle group at each stroke. Also by this massage, you begin massaging at each area lightly, superficially and slowly to warm up, and then proceed by massaging deeper, firmer and somewhat faster.

Also by this longitudinal massage, you can press down and stroke with your finger tips, with all your fingers, or grip around a muscle or muscle group with your fingers.

MASSAGE WITH AN ELECTRIC MASSAGER

Most electric massage devices are vibrating up and down. This vibration mostly gives the same effect as the massage across the muscle fibres. If you also stroke with the device head along the muscle in the direction of the blood stream towards the heart, you will simultaneously also achieve the effects of longitudinal massage.

COMBINING THE MASSAGE WITH STRETCHING

The effects of the massage can be increased by also stretching the limbs and body parts of the person you work on. Stretch in the natural movement directions of the limb or body parts until you reach some resistance. Do not stretch hard to go beyond the resistance point. However, by holding the limb some time at the resistance point will often cause the limb to relax, and then you can go some way further.

HOW HARD SHOULD YOU PERFORM THE MASSAGE?

Tired and stiff muscles are often tender and aching. Working at a tender point will always cause some temporal pain. However, if you use the right degree of firmness, the effect of the massage should cause an immediate release of pain and tenderness when you have finished working at a point. You should never work so hard that the pain is felt nearly unbearable, or so hard that pain remains after the massage is finished. If you do so, you can hurt or aggravate already existing tissue damage.

To achieve the right firmness you should monitor the reactions of the person you work at and listen to his comments. You should also never perform a massage on an area with a distinct inflammation or a distinct injury.

USE OF MASSAGE OILS

By applying a massage oil or ointment at the area you work at, you ease the massage work and increase the effects of the massage. Your fingers glide more easily upon the skin covering the area. The blood supply of the skin and muscles will be stimulated. You get a sensual and exciting scent on the area and in the air. Ingredients in the oil will ameliorate muscular ache and pain. According to the composition of the massage oil, there will be various stimulating effects upon the muscles, for example faster regeneration of tired or hurt muscle tissue.

MASSAGING FOR MUTUAL JOY AND PLEASURE

You can use each of the two main techniques, but you let the pleasure of the person you massage decide the technique, the area you massage and the firmness of the massage. Usually gently touching and caressing will be the right manner.

Also your own pleasure shall decide. Do not work so hard that you get tired out yourself, and the person that you give the massage should be willing to repay you by doing the same favour to you.

Veronica Eng asked:


As I believe in improving health naturally, it is crucial to boost our pet’s immune system to prevent illnesses and allow their body to heal itself.

Here are some things we can do to boost our pet’s immune system.

• Regular optimal amount of Vitamin C. Though dogs produce their own vitamin C, it may not be sufficient to maintain optimal health. Vitamin C is safe and there is no harm in overdosing Vitamin C as excessive amounts will be flushed out of the body. Personally, I prefer powdered form Vitamin C as I can add it into their meals easily without stuffing tablets in them. Solid gold has powdered Vitamin C or you can purchase the human version of vitamin C from pharmacy. Just go slow when introducing Vitamin C and keep to the optimal level amount daily. Too much at one go can cause diarrhea onset as the body purge the excess Vitamin C. If you cook or warm your dog food, add the vitamins & supplement last after the food is cooled and ready for feed. (Avoid microwaving your dog food to warm it as it will destroy the goodness of the foods. I prefer to give my dogs chilled food rather then microwaving it. All I need to do is boil some water quickly and pour some hot water into the food to make it at room temperature, than add the supplements accordingly.

• Healthy meals. Cook for or feed BARF diet, buy fresh meats and vegetables. Daily healthy fresh foods selection is essential for good health. Instead of giving dog treats which can be laden with chemicals and sugar, give your dog fruits and dried meats as treats instead.

• Fatty acids (e.g. Flaxseed oil/powder). Purchase flaxseed that is organic and bottled in dark container. Alternatively, quality supplements such as Missing link for Canine has all the essential vitamins, minerals and omega oils a dog needs. Missing link for Canine supplement is a balanced supplement encompassing omega oils, minerals and vitamins. If you purchase this, you no longer need any additional supplement. When buying any supplements, ensure your pet is not allergic to any of their ingredients.

o Purchase your pet supplies including Missinglink from this site Pet Rescue Petstore. 10% of all purchase goes to animal rescue purposes. Purchase Missinglink with joint support if your pet is elderly or if she has joint problems. Otherwise, the regular Missinglink is good enough for most dogs.

• Colostrums are cows “pre-milk” that is secreted prior to producing milk. Colostrums are given as supplement to provide antibodies, nutrition and to strengthen the immune system. Purchase children’s version of colostrums that is chewable. Dogs love the taste and give them once a day on empty stomach for better absorption.

• Filtered water is preferred. Ensure water bowls are changed, washed and refilled daily.

• Fresh air daily. . Bring your pets to the park regularly to ensure the fresh air and greenery. Going to natural environment has higher levels of anions in the air which inevitably help boost your pet’s immune system and improve blood circulation thus higher level of oxygen in their body. It is necessary to avoid high traffic areas as fumes from the vehicles are bad for their respiratory and can accumulate toxic buildup in their respiratory track. At home, ensure the home is well ventilated. If you are unable to walk your pet daily at natural environment, consider purchasing air purification system or use Lampe Berger (a century old product from France) to ensure good air surrounds the whole family. With daily good air therapy, it aids in boosting your family and pet’s immune system.

For more precious health care tips for pets, visit my site and subscribe to the newsletter today! www.dogcarezone.com

Veronica Eng @ www.dogcarezone.com

www.dogcarezone.com/blog

P.S. No amounts of the information should be duplicated in any website or ebooks or books without the author’s permission. Email to pets.for.life@gmail.com if you want to do so. Alternatively, include the author’s website www.dogcarezone.com as a reference site to your book or article. Thank you for your kind co-operation

Si101 asked:


Many people suffer from depression and it is one of the most difficult phases to through. There are several causes of depression such as failed relationship, career-related problems and school pressure. Depending on the intensity of the difficulty, depression can sometimes lead to serious medical conditions.

According to studies, depression is a condition that exists in the mind and many cases are psychological. People who are going through this situation can easily get out of it if they can realize that they are indeed in need of help. They must be open to the idea of treatment or lifestyle change. On the other hand, those who want to survive depression but do not wish to undergo extensive medical and psychological treatment must consider self-help tips about depression. Many books offer self-help tips on different subjects and if you are in need of one about depression, here are some self-help tips that will provide you the basic things to survive the condition.

You need to have hope. Be optimistic in life and do not let negative thoughts control you. It may seem difficult but you can ask help from family and friends for support.

Have time for exercise. Physical training tends to be an antidepressant, help in proper blood circulation, and increase the oxygen in the brain. Exercising can help you avoid thinking about bad things and stay away from depression. Keep yourself motivated and having any kind of exercise that makes you healthy and strong can be a very good therapy for depression. You can have discipline through doing exercises and discipline is known to be an important aspect in dealing with depression.

It is important to maintain a healthy diet. Having good nutrition is vital for the brain and body to be able to work well. A balance diet is necessary and it is advisable to consume organic food to prevent health problems caused by preservatives and chemicals.

Have a positive outlook and laugh as much as you can. Laughing can bring many benefits and helps in the production of body chemicals, which puts you in high spirits. Watching comedy films and television shows can help you feel better.

Learn breathing technique. Whenever you feel stressed, just close your eyes and breathe well. Slowly inhale through the nose and slowly exhale through the mouth. Do this technique five to ten times so that you will feel more relaxed.

You need to have enough time of rest. The quality is more important that the hours of sleep. It is necessary to have a habitual sleeping schedule and commit yourself with it. One of the signs of depression is not being able to sleep therefore; having proper sleeping patterns can be a good start to survive depression.

Be creative and make use of your right brain. You can attend creative schools such as cooking, painting or dancing classes. Focusing your attention to creative activities can give you the opportunity to meet new people and gain more friends. Keep yourself busy with different enjoyable activities and eventually, you can no longer think about depression that once controlled you.

Laurel Levine asked:


Skincare cosmetics should be good for your skin’s health. If you have started to see some of the signs associated with aging skin, it is particularly important that you avoid certain ingredients, because they are damaging. Here’s a look at the bad, the good and the best.

Bad ingredients make a bad product, but there are so many of them in skincare cosmetics, that it is hard to know where to begin. I came up with this list, although it is surely incomplete, of ingredients to avoid when you are shopping for beauty aids.

• Added fragrances or essential oils, whether natural or artificial, because they are toxic to the skin’s cells and prone to cause allergic reactions.





• Artificial preservatives of any kind, because they are the number one causes of allergic and adverse reactions. Natural vitamin E is an effective preservative, but cosmetic companies like artificial preservatives because they are cheap.





• Oxybenzone, benzophenone and other sunscreens designed for use on a daily basis, because studies have shown that many of them increase free radical production and activity. Free radical damage is one of the primary causes of the appearance of aging skin.





• Mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin wax, petroleum jelly, liquid paraffin, because they clog the pores and interfere with natural rejuvenation processes.

There are lots of other bad ingredients in skincare cosmetics, but if you avoid the ones listed above, you’ll see your appearance start to improve, as your skin’s health improved. Now, let’s look at the good stuff, starting with a word about good nutrition.

Poor nutrition plays a role in all of our health problems. People who focus on good nutrition throughout their lives live longer and look better than others in their age group. The signs of aging skin can be corrected with the proper supplementation.

If you are not taking a good daily multivitamin and an omega3 fish oil supplement, then you should start. But, your appearance and the health of the epidermis can be greatly improved with topical creams and lotions that contain nutrients.

If properly formulated, your skin’s cells can absorb those nutrients. If you have aging skin, the cells will literally “soak up” this nourishment, because it has been “starving” for it. The ingredients to look for in skincare cosmetics include:

• Peptides, tiny protein fragments that are the building blocks for new cells. Research has shown that creams containing peptides encourage the production of new cells and fibers.





• Vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and other antioxidants, because they prevent and repair free radical damage.





• Kelp extracts because they contain vitamin A, calcium and other minerals that balance moisture content. Wakame kelp has been shown in clinical studies to correct an amino acid deficiency that is normally present in aging skin cells.





• Avocado oil, for use at night, because it is rich in essential fatty acids (not to be confused with essential oils)

The best skincare cosmetics contain all of these good ingredients and more. Get you skin healthy again and your appearance will improve, almost like magic.

Robert Baird asked:


In response to criticism of the american diet, the US department of Agriculture (USDA) and department of health and human services (DHHS) established the following recommendations that are the basis for the dietary guidelines for Americans

Eat a Variety of Foods

The best way to plan a nutritionally balanced diet is to eat a variety of foods according to the food guide pyramid . This helps to ensure that the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of essential nutrients-substances that cannot be made by the body and must be supplied through the diet are provided. Rdas represent sufficient amounts of the more than 50 essential nutrients necessary to meet the needs of nearly all healthy people in the population . The food guide pyramid is helpful for determining how many servings from each food group should be included in your diet.

The foundations of good nutrition are variety and moderation. No one food or food group provides all essential nutrients in adequate amounts. Furthermore, you should consume a variety of foods within each food group. Potatoes are a good example of how foods within a group vary in nutrients and calories: ounces of baked potato yield 98 calories, whereas 3 ounces of potato chips yield 470 calories. Similar examples within food groups include skim milk and ice cream, beans and bologna, olive oil and butter, and whole-wheat bread and doughnuts.

Balance Food Intake With Physical Activity: Maintain or Improve Weight

The achievement and maintenance of a desirable body weight or composition are complex issues and are treated separately in this text. For a complete discussion of principles for maintaining desirable composition by balancing food intake with physical activity.

Choose a Diet Low In Fat, Saturated Fat, and Cholesterol

Perhaps the greatest shortcoming of the american diet is the abundance of fat. The dietary guidelines call for no more than 30% of total daily calories in the form of fat, of which no more than 10% comes from saturated fat. A good percentage ratio is 10: 10: 10 for saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fat.

Choose a Diet With Plenty of Grain Products, Vegetables, and Fruits

Starch and fiber belong to the carbohydrate family of nutrients. Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for the brain and nervous system, and they are necessary for burning of fat at rest and during physical activity in other tissues. Dietary guidelines recommend that complex carbohydrates make up at least 45% of the diet. A 2000 calorie diet that meets the DRV of 300 grams achieves the even higher level of 60% of calories from carbohydrates.

Americans seem to be getting a message that carbohydrate intake needs to be increased. Ten year comparisons show that consumption of fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and canned vegetables are in a long-term upward trend. During the past 20 years, consumption of fresh fruit has increased from 91 pounds per person per year to 120 pounds; fresh vegetables (excluding potatoes) increased from 80 to 103 pounds; and canned vegetables increased from 97 to 111 pounds. Potato consumption has also increased from 68 to 77 pounds; the downside of this trend is that one third of potatoes end up frozen that means high fat french fries.

Carbohydrates supply energy in the form of sugar, or saccharides. The simplest form of carbohydrate is the monosaccharide, which includes glucose and fructose (fruit sugar). Fructose is the sweetest of simple sugars. Disaccharides are double sugars, meaning that they are pairs of monosaccharides chemically linked. Included in this group of sugars are sucrose, or table sugar; lactose, or milk sugar; and maltose, or malt sugar. The last group of sugars is the polysaccharides, which are composed of many single monosaccharides. Polysaccharides are also called complex carbohydrates. They include starch and several forms of fiber.

Beverly OMalley asked:


Of  all the positive attitude tips offered on the many self help resources available the best is to change the way you think. And if it was really that simple then this article would end here.

However, knowing what to do is different from figuring out how to do it. You cannot change the way you are thinking if you are not aware of how you are thinking, so any list of positive attitude tips must include suggestions for self analysis and emotional reflection.

Starting at the beginning it becomes self evident that positive attitude tips can only be offered if we first understand what the word attitude really means. In everyday common language the word attitude has many meanings, but it is mostly used to refer to a cognitive construct or in simpler terms a “pattern of thinking”.

Since we cannot see the way a person is thinking, attitude is usually inferred from behaviour. When a person’s cognitive construct or way of thinking is positive their behaviour will reflect what will be interpreted as a positive attitude.

A positive attitude allows a person to create the life they want because they are not afraid to see things as they really are and work to create their own reality. A positive attitude really reflects a lack of fear in moving forward and creating change.

There are many benefits of a positive attitude including:

better health improved relationships with others both at home and at work more opportunities for success improved productivity

How Do You Devleop a Positive Attitude?

It is a partially true statement that we get our attitude from our parents!  It is partially true because what happens to us in life is only part of the equation for developing a positive attitude How we interpret what happens to us is equally if not more important in creating our attitudes.

What is a cognitive distortion?

If you interpret what happens to you in a negative way you develop what are called cognitive distortions.  Cognitive distortions are nothing more that errors in interpretation and those errors can be changed if identified, examined, and re-interpreted in a positive way.

Positive attitutde tips must include the reccommendation to become aware of your own cognitive distortions and change them!  Cgnitive distortions keep you in a pattern of thinking which forms a barrier to creating the life you really want.

The cognitive distortions which would be behind a negative attitude would go something like this:

“I screwed up again.” “I am not smart enough to try that.” “It is not really what I want but it is good enough for me.” “If I ask for help people will think I am stupid and know that I cannot even run my own life”

The cognitive construct behind a positive attitude would go something like this:

“Even though this bad thing happened, I am still a good person.” “I am going to take this opportunity to learn as much about why this happened as I can because I do not want it to happen to me again.” “I think that perhaps I need some help with this because I do not seem to be able to help myself in a way that is helping to resolve this problem.”

The difference between these two ways of thinking is immedaately obvious. Think of it this way:

Developing a positive attitude means interpreting life’s events in a way that is truthful, honest, and self affirming and keeping a positive attitude means continuing with these positive and self affirming interpretations of life’s events, even negative events.

It is possible to change your attitude!  But it does require identification and critical analysis of your own beliefs about yourself and the life you think you deserve.

The best possible of all the positive attitude tips?  Change the way you think!

Juliet Cohen asked:


There are many benefits to exercising in the cold. There are multiple exercise options one can choose to participate in regardless of what the outdoor thermometer reads. Exercise can help shake those winter blues. It improves your mood, increases your energy level and helps you sleep better. Try to set aside 30 minutes or more on most days of the week for physical activity. A proper warm-up is critical. Cold temperatures can make your muscles tight and therefore they are more prone to injuries. The best approach to dressing for outdoor exercise is with layers. Layering provides the most effective heating method, plus it allows you to remove the top layer if you get too hot. The layer closest to your skin should allow moisture to be wicked away.

Post exercise hypothermia is possible. This happens when your body rapidly loses its heating stores. If you exercise outdoors when it is dark, wear reflective materials to ensure. Drink plenty of fluids. Cold air has a drying effect, which can increase the risk of dehydration. People who are prone to asthma should make sure they carry Ventolin, as they are more susceptible to asthma with the cold air. Warm-up is important at any time, but particularly so during the colder months.Stretching is especially important in the winter months when it’s easier to cramp up or pull a cold muscle.Don’t assume that you have to sweat in order to get a good workout. Don’t strip when the get inside.

Winter Exercise Tips

1. Warm-up is important at any time, but particularly so during the colder months.

2. Stretching is especially important in the winter months when it’s easier to cramp up or pull a cold muscle.

3. Drink plenty of water.

4. People who are prone to asthma should make sure they carry Ventolin, as they are more susceptible to asthma with the cold air.

5. Don’t assume that you have to sweat in order to get a good workout.

6. Don’t strip when you get inside.

Step

2

Set aside time each week to help those less fortunate. You might feel as though your lot in life is poor but there are always others who need your help. Donate your time to read to children at the library or serve meals to the homeless. Call your local Chamber of Commerce to get contact information for volunteer organizations.

Step

3

Catch yourself when you’re thinking self-destructive thoughts and turn them around. This isn’t easy but when you find yourself thinking that nothing good ever happens to you, sit down and remember the good things. Summon the feelings you had during those moments.

Step

4

Make a list of your accomplishments. Anything you have achieved, counts. If you were in a kindergarten play, write it down. If you play the guitar, write it down. Write down every little thing that you’ve ever down that took even a tiny bit of talent or skill. The idea is to focus on your accomplishments and not the negatives in your life.

Step

5

Develop your spirituality. Whether or not you are religious, you may find comfort and support in a spiritual setting. Visit a different church every Sunday or if organized religion just isn’t your thing, check out some books on alternative spirituality.

Dr. Diana Kirschner asked:


Let’s face it: Dating is daunting. And when you’re a Boomer, it may seem next to impossible. You might be coming out of a long-term marriage, or emerging from a period of time where you were consumed with raising children or caring for elderly parents — or, perhaps you still are responsible for children and/parents. Have your “dating muscles” atrophied? You might feel like you don’t have the slightest idea how to go about flirting, meeting the opposite sex, much less handling issues of sexually transmitted diseases. You might feel like your body is old or unattractive. Disrobing in front of a romantic partner? Definitely not.

Plus, today’s dating world doesn’t remotely resemble the one you knew. How proactive are women supposed to be? Is the third-date rule (for having sex) still in effect? Just how do you handle an HIV discussion? Is online dating reliable, safe, or even effective? And all these questions and difficulties are magnified for female Boomers, who outnumber their male counterparts and also have to compete with younger women.

Yet many Boomers, including women, have gone out there and had the fun and excitement of their teenage years all over again (and with the wisdom of the years, it’s even better!). A 54 year-old artist recently e-mailed me about her new Boomer boyfriend:

Joe adores me. He tells me I am a treasure, a rare beauty. I make him feel alive after so many years of being dead. Joe loves my voice, my thoughts, my work. He bought riding boots and we went riding together. His 95-year-old mom in Miami wants to see my photo.

Many Boomers have created love in their lives — the kind of deeply fulfilling love that offers true friendship along with the chemistry of lovers. Love, of course, is good for us. Research shows that married people are healthier both emotionally and physically. And having *** is good for us, too. Research shows that an active *** life may lead to a longer life, a better immune system, greater heart health, improved mood, even the ability to prevent certain cancers and ward off pain. *********** typically burns around 200 calories, which is equivalent to running on the treadmill for 30 minutes! And both activities release endorphins, which elevate mood and lower pain levels.

Once you take the dating plunge, you may be very pleasantly surprised at the possibilities, especially in online dating. This goes for female Boomers too. They often report that once they start, they feel more confident, more clear about what they want and therefore, more attractive! Female Boomers are more empowered and more affluent than ever before. The good news is that often, younger women cannot compete with them for a male Boomer’s attention. The thirty-somethings are too active and demanding in terms of nightlife and other activities, whereas a Boomer man may prefer the seasoned wise companionship of a woman who has been there and done that. In other words, both male and female Boomers are in a position to pick and choose who they want to date.

And there is plenty to pick and choose from. A recent survey showed that 70 percent of single baby Boomers actively date. And 45 percent of men and 38 percent of women between the ages of 40 and 59 have *** once a week. Boomers have taken to online dating in increasing numbers.

Lavalife.com, a dating site known for its younger clientele, reported a 39 percent increase in Boomer use from 2003-2006 and Match.com indicates that the 50+ singles are its fastest-growing segment.

Here’s what Shirley, a 50-year-old divorcee is experiencing:

I just met another amazing guy. This one actually was suggested by Match. I winked. He e-mailed. I e-mailed back. He called me and we had a fabulous conversation. He was so easy to talk to. He seemed honest and sincere. I asked some pretty blunt questions that he happily answered in good detail. And he’s tall! He created a business and sold it in 2006 because he had plenty of money and wanted to do something else. On the other hand, Bill, the writer, is coming out this afternoon. We are going to the beach. Bill says that he has written a poem for me…

So, what are you waiting for? Join the party!

The formula for successful Boomer dating

Tip 1: Bring out your charisma. Find activities that you truly adore and that create happiness and joy in your life. Ideally, pick activities that will transform both the inner and outer you. Take a personal growth course; learn to meditate; or start a spiritual practice.

Tip 2: Take care of you. For the outer (and inner) you, start a regular exercise program. It is definitely the fountain of youth. Give yourself a makeover so that you look great in your own eyes. Get that trendy haircut, go shopping and try out those clothes that your friend wears that give him/her a sexy, attractive or powerful look.

Tip 3: Don’t be shy to advertise. Then put out the word in your network that you are ready to date. Seventy-two percent of relationships come from a person’s network of friends, co-workers, and family. At first, don’t be picky — simply tell folks you are looking for a wonderful person.

Tip 4: Go where the singles go. Go where the opposite *** (or same sex, if you prefer) is. If you like what you see, smile, make eye contact, give a sincere compliment or ask for some help. Sign up for on-going classes/activities that interest you and that have potential dates in them. For example, courses on finance, investing, sports and leadership; snowboarding/skiing; hiking; and cigar tasting usually have a lot of men in them. If you’re a Boomer male, women are attracted to growth, craft, cooking, or spiritual courses. If you’re not sure, ask the enroller about the ratio of men to women. There are many other fun activities, classes, and clubs so Google any class/topic plus “your city” and “classes.”

Tip 5: Definitely do not miss out on online dating. Using the Internet is essential because it gives you a sense of the wide variety of singles that are out there right now. Sixteen million singles are dating online in the U.S. according to the latest independent research. You can partake of this smorgasbord of possibilities right there at your computer. Spend the time and work two sites. In addition to Match.com and Lavalife.com, Boomers can use sites like eHarmony or PerfectMatch.com (63 percent are 35 to 60) and PrimeSingles.net, a 50+ site whose membership grew 39 percent in 2005. Then there are more specialized sites like BigChurch.com for Christians, Jdate.com if you’re Jewish, or OurPersonals.com if you’re looking for same-sex romance.

Tip 6: Put some time into it. Most people spend more time planning a vacation than they do planning their dating lives. And they get great vacations and little-to-no love life! So if you want to date, get out your calendar and set aside 8 to 10 hours per week to spend on going to courses. Then work your online dating program so that you are actually going out on dates.

You have the basic tools for successful Boomer dating. You can learn the latest research on boomer dating and on creating love that is just right for you in my new book, Love in 90 Days: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Own True Love.

So remember, face down your fears and insecurities and get in the game. As the poet Kahlil Gibran wrote:

When love beckons to you, follow him, though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you, believe in him…