Be Ambitious

I went to the Jay-Z concert last night at the Frank Erwin Center here in Austin, TX, and just to say it was TOTALLY AWESOME is not enough. It was beyond awesome. Jay-Z has always been one of the few rappers I can tolerate, because for one, I can understand every lyric he says when he sings. Not only that, the words he sings are truly meaningful. I know a lot of people say that about their favorite artist, and more power to them, but Jay-Z comes from a hard background and shows it. He talks about it in interviews, and has put himself through a lot, through struggle after struggle to get to where he wants to be. And the CEO and Owner of Def Jam Records is not a bad spot to be in. ;)

Last night he said, "Don't late haters get in the way of your dreams - be ambitious, follow your dreams - FOREVER YOUNG." I really find that my generation is becoming more and more ambitious and dedicated to aspiring to be what they want to be. It's sexy, and to see that drive in people of all races, ages, etc., really is beautiful. I don't like routine, and am always looking for that next step or goal to move me forward, and that's what Jay-Z does. He took the time at the end of his concert to point out individual people in each section of the concert, and it was really cool. He let everyone know he takes nothing for granted, you never know when everything can be taken away from you. It's about working hard, being ambitious, and being forever young. Someone, maybe everyone who attended his concert last night may change our world in one small way or in a huge way, and hearing great messages like his will inspire them.

Scooping the Poop!

Lately I've been reading a lot on Scoop the Poop Austin's Facebook Fan Page about how unsafe dog poop can be in our water. Check out this link by the Clean Water Education Partnership, where they talk about how pet waste can make our water unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other types of outdoor activities we love to do. If dog owners do not dispose of their dogs poop, pet waste can be carried by stormwater runoff to storm drains that empty untreated into our streams, creeks, and rivers.
Pet waste contains a lot of bacteria and viruses that can contaminate waterways and make living things unhealthy. Check out the link above for more info! You can also find ways to sign up to volunteer in your local parks to help clean up the waste to keep our parks and water cleaner and safer!
I always make sure to bring a bag with me when I walk my dog Cappy to pick up after him. That's why he was chosen as one of the dogs showcased on Scoop the Poop's website!

I'm Becoming The Change I Want To See!

Wow it has been almost a month since I have written a blog post! This is absurd! Haha ;) Things have been going great! I am getting a new car tomorrow, which is probably the biggest news to share. I am getting a 2009 black Honda Fit Sport. Other than that, work is going great! I am bringing in new patients by going out to meet doctor referrals and PA's. There has been a lot to learn, but a lot to gain. I went to Dallas two weekends ago with the doctors I work with for a Marketing Summit, and was asked to speak on a panel about social media and marketing. I feel that my purpose has finally come through full force, and I know one day (in the next few years that is) I want to manage my own social media and marketing company. I already have a name picked out for it, but I will not be sharing that here ;)

Yoga Bear is rockin' in the ATX as well! Our volunteers and I are researching and writing new info sheets for yoga studios to be used across the nation. The purpose for these is to provide detailed information about cancer, and being able to work with a survivor more one-on-one than they have been. It's our goal to update our info sheets with as much info as we can, and make sure the statistics are current. On another note, the founder of YB, Halle Tecco was recently chosen as one of L'oreal's Women of Worth, so I just want to say how proud I am to see the great work she has done and dedication she brings to the table day in and day out for our team! ;)

I have a lot of blog ideas in mind coming up. I'm working with Sundara Yoga to do a series of Yoga and foot pain articles with the doctors I work with, and I want to continue working with Scoop the Poop Austin. Cappy, my handsome mini weiner dog, was chosen as a dog who scoops his poop, (or I should say I do) and his picture was placed on their Facebook fan page! They do a lot of cool stuff around Austin to help keep our grass and water clean. I would hate to see more cool parks such as Bull Creek shut down due to contaminated water. Well, that's all for now, but tomorrow is the big car buying day, and then off to Dogtoberfest!!! Yea!!!! TTFN!

Growing & Growing

I have some great news for our Austin Yoga Bear Chapter! We now have 5 new volunteers! Yesterday I met with one of the volunteers who is a UT grad student, and recently got a grant from the professor she does research for, so she has a paid job for the next 2 years! Our other volunteers are also UT grad students in an Oncology program, and I will be meeting with them next week to see how they can help our chapter.

I also found out yesterday that I signed a great yoga studio here in town that we were tyring to get on board all summer. I'm very happy to see our yoga community giving back. ;) My number one goal for our chapter in Austin is to grow studio participation. We have had great success with spreading the YB word, and I want to ensure we relate the importance of YB, and what we do.

Our Share-A-Mat Campaign for studios provides cancer survivors with a social outlet and a relaxing place to engage in healthy physical activity. Yoga can be a key component in one's path to healing and recovery; but because of the high cost of health care, most cancer survivors don't have access to this wellness opportunity. Yoga studios who participate in the program benefit by giving back to the community, changing lives at little or no cost to their studio, acknowledgment on our website, and by attending Yoga Bear networking events with other studios and participants. It is a great foundation to be apart of! ;)

Big Lights Will Inspire You

If you click on the link to my blog title it takes you to the lyrics to "Empire State of Mind." I know the song has been out for a while, but I think the lyrics are really cool. I'm going to the Jay-Z concert with my best guy friend in November, and saw his performance on the VMA awards last week with Alicia Keys - AMAZING! I like how he says he's the new Sinatra. Do you think he just dreams about this stuff, or is sitting in traffic and is like 'yea - I think I am!' And you know what? I really don't think too many people would question him on this. He is a musical God. He has been "retired" for a few years now, and has produced 4 new albums snce then. Again...AMAZING. It just shows dedication. A person who has the passion behind what they do, no matter what it is, is sexy.

I have been at my new job for almost 3 weeks now, and it feels like I am doing the work of the entire team I was on at QuickArrow. But you know, I kinda feel like Jay-Z. I have that dedication to put my all into what I am doing. I feel pretty blessed to have found a job where the people I work with are nice, the environment is great, and the job itself is what I want to be doing. In today's economy not a lot of people can actually say they are doing what they want to be doing. A lot of people end up settling on a career path, which makes you fall into patterns and routines that you don't really like. Begin making choices that you want to make - I always have, and that's what makes me happy. Happiness is everything.

First Week Down...

I have completed my first week of work at my new job, and so far things have been great! I have begun to re-structure their website, set-up events for the fall to attend and sponsor, and look for opportunities for partnerships. There is a lot to be done on my end to grow the company where we want it to go, but I am ready for the challenge. I have a lot of training to get done over the next 2 weeks with the database, learning the medical industry, and getting the basics completed so that I can meet new clients and prospects. New beginnings are so exciting! Besides work, I'm loving the cooler weather, the rain we have seen in the Austin area, and the weekends where I get to spend time with friends and watch football. What a great start to a new season it has been!

Looking ahead...

I am starting my new job tomorrow as the Director of Marketing for the Foot Associates of Central Texas! I feel like it's the first day of school. I did a little Labor Day weekend shopping over the past few days, and bought myself a little gift for getting a job in a timely manner - an iphone. Totally loving it! ;) Next steps are to dive into my new job with full force, and have a fantastic week. We had our Yoga Bear event today, with little turnout, but will be having cancer survivor classes at Sundara every Saturday morning at 9am. I'm happy to see a balance of Yoga Bear, and being able to work within the medical industry. I have already been spreading the word about the company I will be working for, and networking to partner with yoga studios, shoe companies, etc for races, happy hours, and other ventures. I am very much looking forward to what the fall has in stored for me!

September: Cool Weather, Football & National Yoga Month!

It's officially nice outside! Living in Austin, Texas has always been a high for me, but this summer has been brutally hot. The lakes have reached a record low, and by just walking outside you could break a sweat. The past couple of days however have been really, really nice! I'm looking forward to this weekend - the first UT game, and a long three-day weekend for those of you who work ;) Monday is Labor Day, and I will be participating in the Free Day of Yoga in the afternoon at Sundara Yoga with Yoga Bear. We are hosting a therapy healing session from 2-3:15pm, and then I will be around town dropping off Yoga Bear info to various studios. We will hopefully be planning another small event with Sundara later in the month to show more support for the full month honoring yoga around the world. Check out Sundara's new schedule if you live in the North part of town. They are an amazing studio, and arrange their classes to accommodate their students at all times of the day. Their studio is really beautiful!

I also plan to be working soon - fingers crossed ;) I received my first job offer last Friday, and am still in the mix of interviewing in final rounds at a few companies I have a lot of interest in. Things are looking up - maybe it's that fall air? I hope so, I could certainly use a break from the heat. Looking forward to a fun fall season! Go Horns!

Austin Yoga Bear Chapter Taking Off!

Taking over as Chapter Director for Yoga Bear has been a great challenge so far. We have 3 new participants who have joined the program in Austin in the last week, and I'm happy to see the Texas chapters continue to grow in not only studio and participant relations, but also in events and press. In the past week, I have had three articles written about our Austin Chapter, the work we have accomplished, and our exciting event taking place on Labor Day with Sundara Yoga. Please check out our mention in Pam LeBlanc's Fit City blog about upcoming fitness events! Pam has a daily online blog where she writes about health and fitness related stories in the Austin area. Her blog is very informational for anyone in the Austin community searching for upcoming events, stories on health issues, or just news or tips to live a healthier lifestyle.

Yoga Bear was also mentioned in a national online Yoga Journal called the National Yoga Examiner. Jordann Rawls writes for the Examiner, and did a wonderful article about the Free Day of Yoga we are participating in, as well as the Austin Chapter and the program we have been growing here. Her article is truly worth the read for anyone looking to join the program not only in Austin, but nationwide.

A good friend of mine, Taylor Shanklin, works at Convio here in Austin. Convio has been awarded one of the best places to work in Austin, and I have actually applied to work there! They have an online blog called Connection Cafe, and Taylor is one of their featured bloggers. She did an article on our Austin Yoga Bear Chapter today, and mentioned our healing therapy session with Sundara Yoga during the Free Day of Yoga on Labor Day. Thank you so much Taylor for the the wonderful mention!

Feeling & Living Green!

I have been on a serious yoga kick for a few years now, and have changed my workout routine over the past couple of months to include weights, running, and pilates. It feels really good to see changes in my body over the past year, and also to feel like I am in shape. Usually people workout once a week, and pretend like that may be enough to say they are trying, but it really is about a nice balance of working out, eating right, and maintaining a healthy mix of happiness in your life.
I would say when I can afford to, I buy mostly organic foods, but with the economy the way it is, and needing to stay on a budget as much as possible there are ways to work around that. I eat a lot of salads, and instead of choosing fatty meats, I buy leaner turkey meat or fish for protein. I also drink a TON of water! I live with my twin sister, and the one thing we consume the most of is water. We have been doing a lot of our grocery shopping lately at Walmart, and it has been saving us close to $15-20 every time we go. We usually shop at HEB, and saving this much is for sure a deal breaker for us. $1 for a large box of toothpaste? Sold!
A few tips I have to go organic without going broke are to go generic (look for USDA organic seals on generic products), try foods before you buy them (Whole Foods and Central Market let you test foods at certain counters), search for coupons (go online and print coupons, or cut a few out of local health newsletters).
Just remember - the key to feeling and living green is balance. Paying attention to everything in your life will bring you a more well-rounded, 'greener' outcome!

Change is in the Air....

Today I had a meeting with our now former Austin Chapter Director for Yoga Bear, and she officially turned over the reigns to me as the new Chapter Director! YEA!! I'm very excited to take on this role, and opportunity. There are a lot of challenges that will come my way as the program continues to push forward, but as Kelly has already planted the seeds for me, I am ready to take charge and lead the path for Yoga Bear and its participants in Austin to have a lovely place for wellness and healing. September is National Yoga Awareness month, and we already have goals set, with our first big event on Labor Day, participating with Sundara Yoga on the Free Day of Yoga, and hoping to look into a few other events or seminars to participate in during the month as well. I'm truly excited to apart of this wonderful non-profit, and hope to give it my all. I cannot wait to plan more events, and watch the program grow larger in Austin!

Taking on Challenges!

Happy Monday! I just took a look at my calendar and realized it has almost been a month since I have been unemployed. It honestly does not even feel like it has been that long. Maybe the power of positivity has kept me from realizing the hours and days flying by. Since the end of July I have turned 28, watched several close friends turn another year older, gone to a few movies, signed up my first studio and event on Labor Day for Yoga Bear, and have had several interviews and networking meetings for my next hopefully soon-to-be job! The past couple of weeks have been a great learning experience for me. Being able to get to network, and meet amazing people in Austin has been wonderful. Having the time to dig in deep on the Yoga Bear plans for Austin has been my biggest accomplishment. Aside from our upcoming event with Sundara Yoga on the Free Day of Yoga on Labor Day, I plan to pull together a series of speaking events and seminars for the fall for cancer surviors and their caretakers. We are also looking into participating at the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure this fall, and hope to sign on more participants into the program after the race.
I hope to land my next big gig soon, and am ready to take on the challenges I feel are coming my way. New beginnings are always exciting. They bring new energy, new blood and new flow into your life. I'm very excited to continue my work with Yoga Bear, and begin a new role...as soon as it comes my way! ;)

How To Use Social Media Effectively

I recently had a discussion with a few friends about how often they use social media outlets, and which ones they used. Is there a right or wrong way to go about maintaining your narratives on these sites? Is it bad to put up a block or privacy shield between yourself and the outside world on these sites? After our talk, I remembered a few articles I had read about exposure in the realm of social media being the best way to reach your audience. By sharing you and your personality you are creating buzz about who you are on a personal level, and on a business level.

I posted an article this morning on my Twitter page titled 25 Powerful Social Media Tips You Can Use Now. The article lists important tips on what to remember when having profiles on various social media sites. Keeping in mind it's not about making friends, it's about maintaining your personal and professional profile at a nice balance. Hosting profiles on over 5 sites may be too many to handle, and making sure you put time and energy into each of your profiles is what's key. Make valuable connections, stay aware of trends and best practices in each of the sites you are on, and within the world of social media itself. Take a look at the article, and be sure you are following the guidelines to a healthy social media relationship.

Yoga Bear Class for Cancer Survivors on Labor Day

On Labor Day there will be a Free Day of Yoga in the city of Austin, where several yoga studios and instructors will be teaching classes for free. As the Outreach Director for YogaBear I saw this as a great opportunity to reach out to the studios who are already involved with YB, and get to know those who have had interest in the foundation, and those who still do not know about us. We will be passing out information packets to several studios, as well as hosting our own event with the wonderful people at Sundara Yoga from 2-3:15pm. The topic of our session is "Theraputic Yoga for Cancer Survivors." The class is an open session, and we will have literature about YogaBear, and take a few minutes to talk about the nonprofit and what we are about, what we are doing in Austin, and upcoming plans for the fall.
September is National Yoga Month! Join us in educating, inspiring and building awareness of the positive impacts of yoga on health. In 2008, the Department of Health and Human Services designated September as National Yoga Month. That same year, thousands of yoga and health enthusiasts participated in a 10 City Yoga Health Festival Tour featuring yoga classes, lectures, music, entertainment, exhibits.This year, people across the country will participate in free events and activities, designed to build awareness of the mind and body benefits of yoga practice. In nearly every city, hundreds of yoga studios, teachers, individuals and event organizers will create National Yoga Month events. Please visit http://www.freedayofyoga.com/ for a list of classes for the Free Day of Yoga in Austin.
Whether you’re trying it for the first time or are an experienced yogi looking to deepen your practice, there’s never been a more opportune time to practice yoga. The economy and job loss are always on our minds these days, causing anxiety and fear. But yoga provides an accessible way to manage stress for anyone.
The best reason yet to participate in National Yoga Month? It’s free – something you don’t hear a lot these days. Just follow these steps to enjoy one free week of yoga in September:
1. Visit yogamonth.org to find participating studios and teachers2. Print out the Yoga Month Card 3. Redeem it at the participating location most convenient to youThe Yoga Month campaign is produced and administered by the Yoga Health Foundation. The foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization registered in the State of California. All funds benefit the national awareness campaign and yoga health education.

One Year. One Million Bags.

When I met with Mary Dean last Monday she told me about this cool eco-friendly start-up here in Austin called Blue Avocado, founded by women. I recently looked them up, and I must say what they are doing is truly amazing. They are a small group - 3 moms and one 'green' guru, who have changed the way they shop. They no longer choose what is convenient, but what is right, or eco-friendly. Over the past few years I have seen a change in my friends and myself in this direction, and it feels really good to see more companies, small and large, taking steps in this direction as well.

BlueAvocado is a lifestyle products company. They help newbies who are not sure how to get the ball rolling on the 'green' track. They want it to be as easy as possible, which is why their mission is "to make it easy to do and get it done." BlueAvocado has released the gro-pak, an eco-chic system of sustainable and reusable grocery bags (patent pending). By carrying their system an average shopper will replace up to 1,000 plastic bags every year. Take a look at this youtube video which explains more about their fight against plastic bags, and the great accomplishments their team has already achieved in the past year.

A Man's Guide to Yoga

Is yoga targeted too much towards women? We hear and see so much about yoga and women -the flexibility, energy, open-mindedness and empowerment it gives females, but what about men? What are the benefits of yoga for men? Doing outreach for Yoga Bear this topic has been apart of several discussions recently. We have a 98% participant rate for females, and only 2% are males in the program. I started wondering why men may be turned off from yoga, or are they? Would men of any age take a yoga class? What are the reasons for and against yoga from their perspective?

After talking to some of my close guy friends, and a few of my friend's dads I quickly learned it's not about the practice of yoga at all, it's about the way yoga is marketed. Most of the articles, pictures, magazines about yoga are about 99% targeted towards females. All of the guys I spoke to said they would be very willing to take a yoga class, but just need to see more marketing for their gender.

A few great examples of men who practice yoga are the Tennessee Titans offensive line, Tiger Woods, LeBron James...to name a few. "My athletes see huge performance enhancements through these moves," says Hilary Lindsay, who teaches the ancient art to the football team. LeBron James prepares and maintains his body by practicing various types of yoga. "Yoga isn't just about the body, it's also about the mind and it's a technique that has really helped me," James said. "You do have to focus because there's some positions that can really hurt you at times if you aren't focused and breathing right."

There are numerous benefits for males practicing yoga. Yoga works your entire body, so it gives men a great core workout. Yoga also restores your energy, helps with concentration, stability, decreases muscle soreness, and helps with breathing for those guys who are runners, or active in any type of sport.

Once you experience your first yoga class as a male or female, you will soon see the benefits transform before your eyes.

Planning for the Future of Yoga Bear!

I had a very productive weekend meeting with Kelly, the Austin Chapter Director of Yoga Bear, along with the Founder, Halle Tecco, and 3 other directors/board members who flew in from around the country for a planning session to discuss the future of Yoga Bear. After only being apart of this great group for a little under 2 weeks now, it was fun to get to meet the core group who have made the foundation such a success. Being able to work with Kelly here in Austin is going to be a challenge, but she has already made great connections, orchestrated events, and began the process to get the ball rolling for our chapter.

On Saturday I met up with the group, and learned about where they want to take the foundation, what areas we are doing really well at, and what still needs to be worked on. I plan to focus on yoga studios with the Share a Mat program Yoga Bear has done so well at executing. In Austin, we are looking to gain more studio awareness, participation, and focus on growing our chapter so that participants can have a studio that they feel most comfortable going to. On Sunday we had an informational healing therapy session led by Halle and Kelly McGonigal, PhD, at Sundara Yoga. The session was really lovely, and had a great Q&A follow-up. Nicole Reed who is the Director of the Arizona and Southern California Chapters put together this montage of the directors meeting in Austin this weekend! Take a look!

Yoga Bear is dedicated to to providing cancer survivors with more opportunities for wellness and healing, through the practice of yoga.

Searching for a Job Using Social Media

As we are all aware, the unemployment rates are increasing, and as of Wednesday of this week NetSuite bought the company I was working for, QuickArrow. As thoughts and emotions continue to decompress, I continue to relate the same message to my now former co-workers which is that thoughts become reality. If we are proactive in searching for a new job, following up on our leads, networking, staying active - then something wonderful will come our away.

There are a lot of people searching for jobs today, so why not use social media to find one? Use Twitter. Send out Tweets letting people know you are looking for a job. You can use your bio and profile keywords to let users know you are job hunting. Use Facebook. Write daily updates on your status to let friends know you are job hunting. Be more specific in your About Me section describing the type of job you are looking for. Use LinkedIn. There are a lot of recruiters on this social networking site who are looking to hire. Make sure your profile, contact info and resume are up-to-date.

Knowing someone is the key to landing an interview, getting someone on the phone, and getting a job. Building relationships through social media is the ticket to your career and ultimate success.

Realizing You Already Have The Solution...

The solution exists before the problem. This is a truth that saves a lot of worrying, and people tend to worry on a frequent, every day basis. So often in life we freak out because we don't think there is an answer, a cure, a way out. We need to stop worrying so much. It's there, right in front of us. We just need to find it. The question is, how do we find it? The first step is owning this truth that whatever issue you are facing, the solution exists. No matter what problems we think we are facing, we just have to stay calm, focus on the people around us, and practice what we already know. We are our own teachers. We can teach ourselves to stop worrying at the drop of a hat. Become involved in a hobby - run, bike, practice yoga, walk your dog, do something that calms you and just remember that if you think positive, positive things and people will attract towards you!

Reasons Why I Love Bikram Yoga!

When I started practicing yoga I never knew how many styles of yoga there were. I fell in love with bikram yoga, which is also known as Hot Yoga. It was developed by Bikram Choudhury, and is ideally practiced in a room at or above 105 degrees with a humidity of 40%. At Yogagroove, where I practice bikram, the classes are a 26 asana series designed to warm and strengthen muscles in the order in which they should be stretched.
With every class I have taken at Yogagroove I have felt more flexible, released toxins to purify my core, felt stronger after each class, and have felt more energetic throughout the day.
I had a knee injury last year, and by going to bikram classes on a regular routine, I no longer have any pain in my knee, and can bend it without any strain. I have also gained tonement in my arms, stomach and legs from the deep postures involved in the class. When you go into a class after a busy day of work, you are not only thinking about what just happned throughout your work day, but you are cycling your mind about what may happen later in the evening or the next day. In bikram I have found a true relaxation spot to calm, breath deeper, let my mind rest and concentrate on the yoga practice. By doing each of these, I am getting the full benefits of what bikram is about.
Being in the heated room not only helps to clear my mind and soul, it also helps to burn calories and build endurance. I recommend everyone try a bikram class not only for the flexibility benefits, but to see an overall improvement in your health down to your core!

My First Yoga Bear Meeting!

I had my first Yoga Bear meeting today with Kelly, the Director for the Austin Chapter. It was very informative, and very interesting to learn about this unique and great foundation Halle Tecco founded back in 2006. Having a passion for yoga, and a history of various types of cancer in my family, her nonprofit really hit home for me. To be able to be apart of this amazing team feels really great.

I get to meet Halle and the other national directors from other chapters this Saturday, and on Sunday morning from 11am-12:30pm Yoga Bear is having an informational class at Sundara Yoga Therapy off of 183 near Oak Knoll. I hope everyone with a passion for yoga can make it to the class. Just click the link and RSVP, because space is limited! I'm very excited to see where the future of Yoga Bear will go!

Health Benefits to Practicing Yoga

I started doing yoga, primarily bikram yoga about 3 years ago here in Austin at Yogagroove. I noticed changes in my body within a few weeks of taking classes. From learning to breath deeper, relax and concentrate on the postures, I felt more open to the energy yoga brings into your soul. The benefits of yoga are enormous. Not only are you becoming more flexible, but your are burning a high amount of calories by breathing deeper, especially in a bikram class, and you are working on your core body strength. Yoga consists of various poses which open your internal organs up to release toxins and get your blood flow racing. Not only are you burning fat, lowering your cholesterol, and releasing nasty toxins from your body, you are also working on your inner being. Having the ability to clear your mind, and focus on the balance of body, mind and spirit is what every yogi truly believes in. It's a great experience!
Take a look at a Natural News article which talks more in depth about the health benefits to yoga, and how they can apply to you.

Yoga Provides a Sanctuary for the Unemployed

As the unemployment rates sky rocket across the nation, one place several people have found they can go to for a little peace of mind are yoga retreats. One in particular is the Himalayan Institute in Pennsylvania, which provies a workstudy set up for cash-strapped individuals who pay a small amount each month to live at the retreat, but help out with daily chores in order to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and also get to partake in the classes and seminars. Sounds like quite an exhange to me!
The purpose of the workstudy programs is what they call karma yoga- to foster selflessness and good will. Taking time out of your own life to help another is the energy you get out of yoga.

Tips for Preventing Canine Heat Stress this Summer

The summer temps keep climbing, and if your dog is like mine he loves to be outdoors with you at all times! Take a look at a few of these tips from The Whole Dog Journal about preventing your dog from suffering heat stress this summer. A few things to consider are gradually bringing your pup into the heat by taking them on long walks in the morning or evening hours. This way it's not at the hottest time of the day, but they can still feel the power of the outdoor temps. Try to plan your outdoor activities with your canine friend close to cooler climates such as parks with streams, or go down to Town Lake. Always remember to keep your pups hydrated. At this time of year, we should all be drinking lots of agua!

Moooooo!

A recent study claims young adults are not drinking enough milk - I've never been a big fan of milk, unless it was in my cereal, and even then it had to be fat free skim milk. The studys actual focus was on calcium. Interestingly enough, a few studies have shown the more calcium intake people have, you in increase your risk of heart disease, kidney stones, obesity, gallstones, among others.

Check out the article, they list organic foods that are supplemental to drinking pasturized milk, or popping a calcium pill. Organic is the way to go!

Sit, Heal, Stay and Doga!

Bonding With Their Downward-Facing Humans

I came across this really cute article on NYTimes.com about bonding with your dog in a yoga class, aka Doga as it is formally known as in the yoga world. There seems to be a mix of emotions towards the classes, but overall many people feel that having that bonding experience with you four-legged friend is a great feeling.

With the economy sitting the way it is, why not try something new? If your pup is like mine, he will just sit and chew on a rope the entire class, but if it helps you enjoy the benefits of the yoga experience then give it a try!

Running or Yoga?

Fun article comparing running and yoga. I've taken several different types of yoga classes around Austin, and the one thing several instructors have said to their students is to never think you have nailed down the technique no matter how often you come to class. Many people think yoga is "a breeze" because it seems like the only thing you do is breath and stretch, yet it's much more than that.
Whether you enjoy being in the heat on an outdoors trail, or in the heat of an indoors studio, both yoga and running can give you a good core workout.

Sun Safety 101

Check out this article from the American Cancer Society website on sun safety tips. With record high temps this summer, we could all use a good reminder on the importance of skin care!

Sun Safety 101
Tips to Help Minimize Your Risk of Skin Cancer
The good weather's finally here, and we're all eager to get out in the sun and fresh air. Spending time outdoors is part of a healthy, active life. But whether you enjoy tennis, hiking, gardening, or running, take some precautions when you're out in the sun.
More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States. That's more than cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas combined.
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Much of this exposure comes from the sun, but some may come from manmade sources, such as tanning beds.

Are you sun-safe every day? Check your knowledge with this Q&A.
What's Your Sun Safety IQ?
What are the two most common (and painful!) sunscreen mistakes?
Using too little and waiting too long to reapply. To be sun-safe, use a palmful of sunscreen and reapply at least every 2 hours, and even more often if you are swimming or sweating.
If I'm wearing sunscreen, I can stay in the sun as long as I want. True or false?

Bone up on your sun-safety know-how by reviewing our tips at www.cancer.org/sunsafety. Follow these practical steps -- they provide the best protection when used together.

Check out the link for Sun Safety 101 for more to this article, and other links about skin care!

Online registration is now open for the 2009 Race for the Cure - Austin!

2009 Austin Affiliate Race for the Cure
The 2009 Race date is Sunday, November 1, 2009!
Online registration is now open for the 2009 Race! You may register yourself, form a team or join a team and start your own personal fundraising program using our online registration system.

I AM THE CURE.®
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® created the I AM THE CURE. ® program to boost the educational outreach of the Komen Race for the Cure® Series by motivating Race participants to take an active role in their own breast health. I AM THE CURE.® is a rallying cry that is emotional, memorable and motivational. It speaks to the importance of early detection, and provides simple, action-oriented messages that Race participants can put into action.
On Race Day
On Race Day, you can visit our interactive I AM THE CURE.® booth to learn more about breast self-awareness. You can spin the wheel for prizes and ‘take-home’ educational information. You’ll also see our Rovers in the bright pink and green I AM THE CURE.® shirts; they’ll be sharing the message of early detection and will reward you for your participation. All throughout the Race, you’ll hear our ‘Cure Leaders’ cheering on Race participants and reminding everyone that we all have the power to be part of the cure!
The four key messages we want Race participants to remember are:
See your doctor, learn your risk! I AM THE CURE.®
Get mammograms and breast exams! I AM THE CURE.®
Notice changes to your breasts! I AM THE CURE.®
Start the fight by living right! I AM THE CURE.®
The I AM THE CURE.® program is a visual, engaging and powerful way for us to reach every Race participant with the important messages about proactive breast health. We hope you’ll be empowered to share this knowledge with friends and family – encouraging them to commit to positive breast health practices as well.