CANCER FIGHTING FOODS, HERBS & SPICES

The National Cancer Institute estimates that roughly one-third of all cancer deaths may be diet related. What you eat can hurt you, but it can also help you. Many of the common foods found in grocery stores or organic markets contain cancer-fighting properties, from the antioxidants that neutralize the damage caused by free radicals to the powerful phytochemicals that scientists are just beginning to explore. There isn't a single element... in a particular food that does all the work: The best thing to do is eat a variety of foods.

The following foods have the ability to help stave off cancer and some can even help inhibit cancer cell growth or reduce tumor size.

AVOCADOS are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. They also supply even more potassium than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientists also believe that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES - broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin that may help decrease prostate and other cancers.

Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety. Broccoli, especially sprouts, also have the phytochemical sulforaphane, a product of glucoraphanin - believed to aid in preventing some types of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer. Sulforaphane induces the production of certain enzymes that can deactivate free radicals and carcinogens. The enzymes have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in laboratory animals. However, be aware that the Agriculture Department studied 71 types of broccoli plants and found a 30-fold difference in the amounts of glucoraphanin. It appears that the more bitter the broccoli is, the more glucoraphanin it has. Broccoli sprouts have been developed under the trade name BroccoSprouts that have a consistent level of sulforaphane - as much as 20 times higher than the levels found in mature heads of broccoli.

Studies show that consumption of GREEN AND YELLOW LEAFY VEGETABLES has been associated with lower levels of stomach cancer.

CARROTS contain a lot of beta carotene, which may help reduce a wide range of cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast. Some research indicated beta carotene may actually cause cancer, but this has not proven that eating carrots, unless in very large quantities - 2 to 3 kilos a day, can cause cancer. In fact, a substance called falcarinol that is found in carrots has been found to reduce the risk of cancer, according to researchers at Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences (DIAS). Kirsten Brandt, head of the research department, explained that isolated cancer cells grow more slowly when exposed to falcarinol. This substance is a polyacethylen, however, so it is important not to cook the carrots.

CHILI PEPPERS and JALAPEÑOS contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutralize certain cancer-causing substances (nitrosamines) and may help prevent cancers such as stomach cancer.

FIGS apparently have a derivative of benzaldehyde. It has been reported that investigators at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in Tokyo say benzaldehyde is highly effective at shrinking tumors, though I haven't seen this report. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says figs, which contain vitamins A and C, and calcium, magnesium and potassium, may curtail appetite and improve weight-loss efforts. Fig juice is also a potent bacteria killer in test-tube studies.

FLAX contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. Flax is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to protect against colon cancer and heart disease. See Budwig diet for a specialized diet using flax seed oil and cottage cheese. For studies about flax seed and flax oil, go to our Important News or Archives Page.

GARLIC has immune-enhancing allium compounds (dialyl sultides) that appear to increase the activity of immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances. These substances also help block carcinogens from entering cells and slow tumor development. Diallyl sulfide, a component of garlic oil, has also been shown to render carcinogens in the liver inactive. Studies have linked garlic — as well as onions, leeks, and chives — to lower risk of stomach and colon cancer. Dr. Lenore Arab, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the UNC-CH (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) schools of public health and medicine and colleagues analyzed a number of studies and reported their findings in the October 2000 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. According to the report, people who consume raw or cooked garlic regularly face about half the risk of stomach cancer and two-thirds the risk of colorectal cancer as people who eat little or none. Their studies didn't show garlic supplements had the same effect. It is believed garlic may help prevent stomach cancer because it has anti-bacterial effects against a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, found in the stomach and known to promote cancer there.

GRAPEFRUITS like oranges and other citrus fruits, contain monoterpenes, believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body. Some studies show that grapefruit may inhibit the proliferation of breast-cancer cells in vitro. They also contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid.

RED GRAPES contain bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives. Grapes are also a rich source of resveratrol, which inhibits the enzymes that can stimulate cancer-cell growth and suppress immune response. They also contain ellagic acid, a compound that blocks enzymes that are necessary for cancer cells - this appears to help slow the growth of tumors.

KALE has indoles, nitrogen compounds which may help stop the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues. In addition, isothiocyanates, phytochemicals found in kale, are thought to suppress tumor growth and block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets.

LICORICE ROOT has a chemical, glycyrrhizin, that blocks a component of testosterone and therefore may help prevent the growth of prostate cancer. However, excessive amounts can lead to elevated blood pressure.

MUSHROOMS. There are a number of mushrooms that appear to help the body fight cancer and build the immune system - Shiitake, maitake, reishi, Agaricus blazei Murill, and Coriolus Versicolor. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides, especially Lentinan, powerful compounds that help in building immunity. They are a source of Beta Glucan. They also have a protein called lectin, which attacks cancerous cells and prevents them from multiplying. They also contain Thioproline. These mushrooms can stimulate the production of interferon in the body.

Extracts from mushrooms have been successfully tested in recent years in Japan as an adjunct to chemotherapy. PSK is made from the Coriolus Versicolor. Maitake mushroom extract is PCM4.

NUTS contain the antioxidants quercetin and campferol that may suppress the growth of cancers. Brazil nut contains 80 micrograms of selenium, which is important for those with prostate cancer. (Note: Many people are allergic to the proteins in nuts, so if you have any symptoms such as itchy mouth, tight throat, wheezing, etc. after eating nuts, stop. Consider taking a selenium supplement instead or work with someone on how to eliminate this allergy.)

ORANGES AND LEMONS contain Iimonene which stimulates cancer-killing immune cells (lymphocytes, e.g.) that may also break down cancer-causing substances.

PAPAYAS have vitamin C that works as an antioxidant and may also reduce absorption of cancer-causing nitrosamines from the soil or processed foods. Papaya contains folacin (also known as folic acid), which has been shown to minimize cervical dysplasia and certain cancers.

RASPBERRIES contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants known as anthocyanins that may protect against cancer. According to a recent research study reported by Cancer Research 2001;61:6112-6119, rats fed diets of 5% to 10% black raspberries saw the number of esophageal tumors decrease by 43% to 62%. A diet containing 5% black raspberries was more effective than a diet containing 10% black raspberries. Research reported in the journal Nutrition and Cancer in May 2002 shows black raspberries may also thwart colon cancer. Black raspberries are rich in antioxidants, thought to have even more cancer-preventing properties than blueberries and strawberries.

RED WINE even without alcohol, has polyphenols that may protect against various types of cancer. Polyphenols are potent antioxidants, compounds that help neutralize disease-causing free radicals. Also, researchers at the University of North Carolina's medical school in Chapel Hill found the compound resveratrol, which is found in grape skins. It appears that resveratrol inhibits cell proliferation and can help prevent cancer. However, the findings didn't extend to heavy imbibers, so it should be used in moderation. In addition, alcohol can be toxic to the liver and to the nervous system, and many wines have sulfites, which may be harmful to your health. Note: some research indicates that alcohol is considered a class "A" carcinogen which can actually cause cancer - see http://www.jrussellshealth.com/alccanc.html. You should probably switch to non-alcoholic wines.

ROSEMARY may help increase the activity of detoxification enzymes. An extract of rosemary, termed carnosol, has inhibited the development of both breast and skin tumors in animals. We haven't found any studies done on humans. Rosemary can be used as a seasoning. It can also be consumed as a tea: Use 1 tsp. dried leaves per cup of hot water; steep for 15 minutes.

SEAWEED and other SEA VEGETABLES contain beta-carotene, protein, vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as chlorophylones - important fatty acids that may help in the fight against breast cancer. Many sea vegetables also have high concentrations of the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine.

SOY PRODUCTS contain several types of phytoestrogens — weak, nonsteroidal estrogens that could help prevent both breast and prostate cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes. There are a number of isoflavones in soy products, but research has shown that genistein is the most potent inhibitor of the growth and spread of cancerous cells. It appears to lower breast-cancer risk by inhibiting the growth of epithelial cells and new blood vessels that tumors require to flourish and is being scrutinized as a potential anti-cancer drug. However, there are some precautions to consider when adding soy to your diet. Eating up to 4 or 5 ounces of soy a day is probably ok, but research is being done to see if loading up on soy could cause hormone imbalances that stimulate cancer growth. As a precaution, women who have breast cancer or are at high risk should talk to their doctors before taking pure isoflavone powder and pills, extracted from soy.

SWEET POTATOES contain many anticancer properties, including beta-carotene, which may protect DNA in the cell nucleus from cancer-causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane.

TEAS: Green Tea and Black tea contain certain antioxidants known as polyphenols (catechins) which appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. Green tea is best, followed by our more common black tea (herbal teas do not show this benefit). According to a report in the July 2001 issue of the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, these polyphenols that are abundant in green tea, red wine and olive oil, may protect against various types of cancer. Dry green tea leaves, which are about 40% polyphenols by weight, may also reduce the risk of cancer of the stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas, study findings have suggested.

Tapioca is derived from the CASSAVA plant. It is one of the many plants that manufactures cyanide by producing a chemical called linamarine which releases hydrogen cyanide when it is broken down by the linamarase enzyme. Spanish researches have been studying the cassava and attempting to clone the genes from the plant which are responsible for producing the hydrogen cyanide and then transfer it to a retrovirus. However, funding for the project has run out. http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_317000/317467.stm for more information on this.

TOMATOES contain lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks roaming oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, that are suspected of triggering cancer. It appears that the hotter the weather, the more lycopene tomatoes produce. They also have vitamin C, an antioxidant which can prevent cellular damage that leads to cancer. Watermelons, carrots, and red peppers also contain these substances, but in lesser quantities. It is concentrated by cooking tomatoes. Scientists in Israel have shown that lycopene can kill mouth cancer cells. An increased intake of lycopene has already been linked to a reduced risk of breast, prostate, pancreas and colorectal cancer. (Note: Recent studies indicate that for proper absorption, the body also needs some oil along with lycopene.)

TURMERIC a member of the ginger family, is believed to have medicinal properties because it inhibits production of the inflammation-related enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), levels of which are abnormally high in certain inflammatory diseases and cancers, especially bowel and colon cancer. In fact, a pharmaceutical company Phytopharm in the UK hopes to introduce a natural product, P54, that contains certain volatile oils, which greatly increase the potency of the turmeric spice.

Consumption of FRUITS AND VEGETABLES has been associated with decreased risk of cancers of the colon and rectum.

There are many good books on this topic, including Vern Verona's book on "Cancer Fighting Foods."

Source: cancure.org

Where are our black leaders?

When I was a little girl, my parents were very Afro centric.  They were pretty cool in the 70’s with their afros and were always up with the fashions of the time.  More importantly, they were socially conscious and I often found myself in the midst of some heated conversations about what was going on in the 70’s – politically, socially and economically.  We were far from rich, but we never missed a meal, always had fun things to do and even received a weekly allowance.  My mom always said we were poor but her kids would never know it – and we didn’t.

My mom was very politically active and “up with the people”.  She was always at the forefront of voter registration drives and anything that had to do with the city workers union,  that’s where you could find her.   She had a burning passion for justice and equality for all people.  So at an early age, I decided that when I grew up, I was going to be a Black Panther or work for the NAACP or some other “black” organization where I would work hard to help black people obtain the equality that America promised to all of its citizens

When I became a teenager and was forced by my mother to attend a predominantly white catholic school I couldn’t believe it!  Here this racially conscious, dare I say even “radical” black woman who raised me that way is making me go to the white institution?   The same institution where I had attended a fun fair kinda thing with my older brother (who attended that institution at the time) and my cousins, only to be put off the premises by the priest because of an altercation between my brother and male cousins and some sloppy looking white football players who were clearly plastered!  That didn’t matter.  Another thing about my mother:  when she decided on something that was it.  Period.  So off I went for 4 years at a predominantly white institution where I learned that while not  all white people were not mean and nasty towards blacks, racism and prejudice were definitely still alive and kicking in the late 70’s and early 80’s.  I had a hard time during those 4 years, but somehow still managed to graduate with 2^nd honors, but was always on disciplinary probation; mostly because of my outspokenness.

The years went by – 80’s, 90’s and by now, I’m a mommy myself.  On the surface, it appeared that blacks had progressed, but when you pulled back a layer, you could still see major disparities in the areas of employment, health, education, access to healthy food, etc..  Even if you were employed there was still a disparity in the income level of blacks vs. whites.  Even if you were blessed to live near a supermarket, there was still disparity in the quality of food sold.  None of this affected me directly.  I lived a sheltered life that was primarily focused on raising my children.  I drove all over and shopped all over, just like my mother before me.  Blacks were in good political positions in where I lived (Philadelphia, PA) Blacks were beginning to open and operate their own businesses.  Life around me personally was good.   It really wasn’t until I ventured back into corporate America that racism and prejudice knocked me clear upside my head again – and it was now the dawn of a new millennium.

Usher in the year 2000 – the year when the most controversial presidential election of the U.S. occurred and ended with a questionable win (or steal) by George W. Bush.  Where were our black leaders and organizations?  I can’t remember hearing too much from them then.  My ex-husband and I were running a pretty successful construction company and my life was full.  Then…we began to feel racism at it’s best.  Ain’t nothing BUT racism in the construction industry - from the bottom to the top -  and boy oh boy did I get it up close and personal.

By now my passion for wanting to work for one of those organizations had begun to resurface.Long gone was Cecil B. Moore.  David P. Richardson had also been laid to rest.  These were two of my favorite local political heroes.  I’ve not had one since Dave Richardson.  There was no place for us to turn to help us with the economic murder plot that we were experiencing.  Everyone had pretty much sold out or just got out.

In 2001 I found myself working at the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA NJ and DE.  It was my dream job.   It was a place where I had a chance to meet people from all walks of life and where I felt I was making a difference in my community, city and world.  We worked with grassroots organizations and even successfully boycotted the Philadelphia Daily News because of their unfair news coverage of blacks.  II even got to work together with other “black organizations” and leaders and it was a good feeling.

2012.  We now have a President whose skin color and half of his ancestry hails not from a European descent.  The disparities are still there and may be even worse than before.   Where are our black leaders and organizations?  They haven’t gotten together with and agenda to present to the president to address the issues that are relevant to us.  Then when someone questions them their response is “He’s president of ALL U.S. citizens; not just blacks.”  WTH?  It’s beginning to sound like a pre-recorded and embedded message that they’ve been programmed to say.  Even the first POTUS must be wondering where our black leaders are.  He surly didn’t think they were at the most recent NAACP convention because he didn’t even bother to attend. 

And if our black leaders were not at the NAACP convention; the convention hosted by ( I think) the oldest black organization in these United States; and organization whose mission is "to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination".  If our black leaders weren’t there, then where are they???

Today, the little girl in me is sad.  Sad that there are still so many disparities in existence.  Sad that is still a need for black leadership.  But most of all she is sad about the lack of leadership among her people.

Interesting articles on this topic:

Black Agenda Has Fallen By The Wayside.
Making The Results Match the Rhetoric.

Finding remedies to health issues right in your kitchen

As I’ve gotten older, I begin hearing about more and more people suffering from cancer, kidney disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chronic pains, etc.  I myself suffer with high blood pressure and now have a slight problem with my kidney and now, I’m having knee pains.  I take 2 pharmaceuticals’ for HBP, and they just gave me something that I can take for the knee pain (Aleve works for me but not good for kidney). So, the older I get, I become more and more concerned about my health.  My mom was an 18 year breast cancer survivor when she suddenly passed away at the age of 63; I’ll never know exactly what killed her because there was no autopsy performed.  Cancer runs on my dad’s side of the family; he died from the disease in 2010 at the age of 73.

I hate taking pills.  I hate going to the pharmacy getting refills and having to make sure I take them every day.  I know there’s got to be a better way to maintain my health NATURALLY.  So I began researching and reading and learned that there are a number of natures “health care products” right in my kitchen!

Lemons.  Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol).  It’s also an anti-carcinogenic which lower the rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer.

Garlic and Onions.  Both reduce the risk of cancer and heart attacks

Turmeric.  This is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.  When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.  In laboratory tests Turmeric prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

This is just a few examples of preventive health care that’s found right in our kitchens.  For additional information, click here to listen to our radio broadcast on the subject.

Here’s to your health!

Elements of Inspiration

A night of encouragement, uplifting inspiration, laughter,fellowship, food & fun  with hostess Dezzie of Praise 103.9FM, . Tap into the Life of Brother Marcus on Friday July 20th at 7pm. While having the opportunity to meet Brother Marcus up close & personal you will also enjoy heavenly sounds from Special Guest Tamika Patton, awesome sounds of the Joe Dingle Trio, Mahogany Pollard, Aaron Thomas, Kee Kee Ross and many, many more.

 

This is a night of inspiration with "Your Brother Talking" sharing Elements of Inspiration and his life testimony. Come out and experience some of the benefits that of the new endeavors that Bro. Marcus is working on to help keep us focused and inspired.

 

Tickets are  $30.00.  You can obtain tickets by calling (856) 418-0329 or visit https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CBERDG425TBMU

 

A portion of the proceeds from the event will be contributed to Support the Children of Estel Orphanage;  an overseas mission in Africa providing the needs of the orphanages and the children that reside there. For information, please visit http://www.lostcoinintl.com/missions#!__missions

 

 If you are interested in representing your business or organization as a vendor call (856) 418-0329.  

How credit scores work

If you're applying for a car loan, a home mortgage, or a credit card to finance your next vacation, banks and other institutions will likely base their lending decision, at least in part, on your credit score. The higher the score (other things being equal), the more money lenders will offer and the lower the interest rate they'll charge. Credit scores are a relatively new invention. As credit cards became popular in the 1960s, card issuers needed a way to determine whether an applicant was likely to pay his or her bill on time. Although lenders used various means to assess that risk, their methods tended to be inconsistent and sometimes inaccurate. Around the same time, Congress started cracking down on discriminatory lending practices by passing several pieces of legislation that reined in lenders and collection agents.
All this didn't go unnoticed by a firm called Fair Isaac and Company. They developed a risk scoring model in the 1980s, a score that was widely adopted by credit issuers and banks throughout the United States. The FICO score was born. That score, which ranges from 300 to 800, is based on five factors that are considered good predictors of risk.

1. Payment history (35%). This factor is given the greatest weight. Lenders want to know how many bills you've paid late and how many were sent to collections. The more recent the problems, the greater the negative impact on your score.
2. Outstanding debt (30%). Rule of thumb: keep your credit card balances at 25% or less of their limits.
3. Length of time you've had credit (15%). In general, a longer credit history will generate a higher overall score.
4. New credit (10%). Opening several new accounts tends to impact your score negatively in the short term.
5. Types of credit (10%). Having experience with several types of credit — revolving credit, installment loans, mortgages — can push your score upward.

The FICO score isn't the only score used by lenders, nor is it the only factor they consider. In fact, some lenders may use a different scoring model altogether. Nevertheless, by keeping a watchful eye on the above five factors, you can certainly increase your odds of obtaining credit at reasonable interest rates. What's the best way to monitor your credit? Examine your credit report regularly and quickly resolve any inaccuracies.

contact: aconner@atconnercpa.com

Parenting 102: Censorship is good!

I am reminded today of a day many years ago when my now 25 year old daughter was about 4 or 5 years old.  My mom bought her the movie "Who Framed Roger Rabbit".  Typical grandmother...buying her grands all the latest in movies, toys etc.  My daughter loved watching Roger Rabbit and I loved it too; knowing she would be occupied for a hour and a half and I could  devote my total attention on her baby sister.  So, almost daily I would gladly pop in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" immediately upon her request.  I, myself had never really bothered to sit down and watch it all the way through, so I assumed it was an innocent cute little cartoon with human incorporated. 
Until one day...

One moring I was dressing her for kindergarten and she told me she didn't want to wear panties anymore.  Of course I was stunned by this sudden "decision" she made and told her that she has to wear panties.  "Everybody wears panties." is what I said.  Her reply: "Jessica doesn't wear panties."  Now, I'm truly puzzled because I thought she was talking about her little friend Jessica from school.  I replied:  "I'm sure Jessica's mommy doesn't allow her to come to school without any panties on."   My daughter looked at me as if I were the dumbest mommy on earth and says "Not Jessica Shirley, JESSICA RABBIT!"   It took a minute, but I realized she was talking about the character from her favorite movie! 

At that point I was almost ready to cry!  My little girl's mind was already curiously dealing with sexuality.  My mind raced as I funbled with words that this 4 yeear old mind would understand.  I couldn't just say "because I said so" I knew that wouldn't work with her and shuddered to think of her thoughts on the matter as her body would inevitable develop.  So I said, "Mommy always wears panties; they're a part of your outfit.  See how mommy matches her underwear with her outer clothes?"  I figured that might work because she was already a fashionista.  I added that "we wear underwear because we don't want people to see our private parts.  Just like mommy always tells you don't ever let anybody touch your private parts, we don't want people looking at our private parts either. ok?"  She sayed ok and seemed satisfied with my answer.  Thankfully that conversation never took place again, but from then on, when we shopped for outfits, she always had to get matching underwear.  Thank goodnes for those little pantie and mini undershirts they had for little girls!

Later that day I sat down and watched the entire movie and realized what she meant.  Although Jessica Rabbit was a cartoon character, she was full of sex appeal and built like a brick house.  The clothes that were "painted on her" left no doubt that "Jessica doesn't wear any underwear."

I learned a valuable lesson that day and from then on I always watched tv shows and movies with my girls.  I would censor what they watched up till their teenage years.  Even then I let them know what shows I didn't like and why, but at some point, you have to allow them to begin making their own decisions and choices.

Oh yeah...that "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" movie got all messed up and the tape inside the video somehow popped. 

Good Housekeeping Tips For Vacation Savings

As a travel professional I often hear how people will put off going on vacation due to financial concerns. In fact, some people won’t take a vacation because they think it’s too expensive. Well, that’s where I come in!

Indeed some vacations, depending on where you are traveling can put a dent in your wallet. But, if you’re swift, flexible and willing to sacrifice, you can laugh at the dent while adding some extra cash to your wallet for spending.

When it comes to budgeting your vacation, travel is all about being flexible. If you are willing to travel, for instance, from week day to week day, you could possibly save as much as $500 on your vacation depending on where you are traveling to.

Try these tips…

For travel to Disney World   

When traveling to Disney World, try to stay from Wednesday to Tuesday instead of Saturday - Saturday. Doing so will save you a nice amount of money. Plus, you still get a weekend in the trip and won’t be charged for weekend rates. Another great way to explore Disney World is by lodging @ offsite partner resorts and hotels. For instance, rather than staying at Disney All Star Resorts(which by the way is an awesome resort!), stay off site in the Down Town Disney area, Lake Buena Vista or Kissimmee for more valuable resorts. Plus, you can still take advantage of the park hopper passes offered by Disney! If you stay off site, you could easily save up to $1000, depending on your family size.

For travel to the Caribbean Islands

Traveling to the Caribbean Islands? Try an All-Inclusive package! These packages are rewarding and you don’t have to worry about food, beverages or even activities. This is a plus for families, especially where the family size is greater than 4 persons. At most, an all-inclusive package will always come with hotel accommodations, all food, beverages, all non-motorized water sports and activities, tips & taxes. So you don’t have to worry about anything. Even tips are included!

Like many other things, travel too, requires sacrifices. Soooooo, you may have to limit or temporally give up night life, frequent dining out or even the mall and start sending those hard earn bucks to your travel professional for payments on your trip. Easier said than done, but at the end sits the ultimate reward of a much deserved vacation with family or friends.

 Anitra Byers

Travel Professional/Owner

Wallet Happy Vacations

Parenting 101: Plain and Simple

Parenting 101:  Input Output – What goes in is what comes out.

When my children were younger, we had a videos series called Psalty the Psongbook.  They had caseete tapes and movies.  One of my personal favorites was “The Computer”.  In this episode, Psalty taught a valuable lesson to the children.  He taught them that whatever they listened to or watched on TV would program their minds and warned them of the consequences of putting “bad programming” into you mind.

The kids loved watching Psalty, and so did i!!    I became very conscience of what my children watched and listened to – at least for as long as I could and controlled their lives as much as I could.  When they became teens I just prayed that I had bought them up in the right way and that they wouldn’t depart from it.  The lessons seemed pretty much like common sense, but now I realize it’s not.   Lots of parents themselves have been “programmed” by the likes of these “reality shows” like BB Wives, The Kardashians, music videos and audios, etc .   Unfortunately some take from just being “entertainment” and turn it into a way of life.  Then when children are in school acting up, imitating what they see on TV and hear in the music, we wonder what’s wrong.  Then they get misdiagnosed and labeled…for life…at the age of 6.

Listen.  Parenting 101 – GARBAGE IN GARBAGE OUT.  POSITIVE IMAGES IN POSITIVE IMAGES OUT.

Plain and Simple.