We’ve all had one at some time in our life. Some people experience them more than others. When discussing headaches, let’s be clear. We are not speaking of the occasional headache or the ‘morning headache’ after a, shall we say, ‘festive’ evening the night before. The headaches discussed here are concerning the more chronic or repetitive forms.

So, what are some of the most common causes of headaches and what can you do about them? There are essentially 3 types of headaches. If you do a search online you will come up with a bunch of listings, but this list of 3 will incorporate all those in some fashion. Let’s start with the most common type:  dehydration.  You’ve likely heard that almost 80% of your body is made up of water. Water is in your cells, your brain, your blood, your nerves, your organs and every tissue. When you are dehydrated, whether it is from exercise or any number of medicines and foods, your body’s physiologic processes are altered. Without adequate water, your kidneys must work harder, your balance of electrolytes in your blood gets out of balance and your cells begin to lose optimal function. When this cascade happens, your body is trying to send you a signal that there is a problem and it may result in a headache.

The next common type of headache is what we could call a chemical or toxic headache. This category includes headaches caused from a variety of substances that we eat, drink or breathe that can contribute to your body’s reaction in producing a headache. Many people are learning about the many ways that specific foods can trigger more sub-clinical allergic reactions (typically undetected in routine allergy testing) and cause biological imbalance that leads to headaches. Some common trigger groups include wheat, soy, dairy and - gasp - even chocolate (sorry, but it’s true). Many types of medicines also have headaches as their most common side effects. Even headache medicines can have ‘rebound headaches’ as their common side effects…hmmm. Although there are also several variations, migraine headaches would fall into the chemical/toxic headache group.  Some of the same trigger food groups that cause the allergy-type headache response are also linked to migraines, like red wine, chocolate and rich cheeses. Migraine headaches have specific categories based upon their onset, symptoms of visual disturbances, light flashes, intestinal disturbance and severe disability during an episode.

The third and final group of headaches is the tension or stress headache. This headache affects more people than the others and has been increasing in prevalence as our lives have increased in time and stress demands. These headaches most often occur by having the smaller muscle groups of the back, and more specifically the neck region, becoming over-stressed, then ultimately fatigued to exhaustion. When these muscles spasm and fatigue, whose job is to provide postural support to the spine and spinal cord, they cause the delicate nerve tissue to be stretched, compressed or irritated resulting in headache pain.  Headache sufferers of this type of chronic pain often find that relying on over the counter drugs or more stronger prescription medications to ease their headaches has little long-term benefit. Eventually, they don’t help you with your headaches, mostly, because they aren’t helping to deal with the underlying issue that stems from your body’s ability to adapt to the demands of your life at home and at work. This chronic form of headache requires you to develop new strategies within your body to more effectively and appropriately respond to your life’s demands. Proper stretching, enhancing your unconscious postural balance, through improved nerve function and optimal spinal alignment are essential to create lasting relief from this most common type of recurring headache.

For more information, you can go to www.infinitehealingarts.com or call Dr. Michael J. Funicello, DC at 480.558.1560 to learn more about what to eliminate your headaches.

According to Phoenix Magazine, Arizona’s top 25 things to do and places to visit are:

1. Lockett Meadow near Flagstaff
2. AZ Historical Society – Pioneer Museum in Flagstaff
3. Grand Canyon Music Festival at Grand Canyon during September
4. Horseback Riding near Mormon Lake
5. Hualapai Mountain Park in Mohave County
6. Woods Canyon Lake up on the Mogollon Rim
7. White Mountain Bluegrass Festival in Pinetop
8. The Yurt at Lyman Lake in St. Johns
9. Red Rock State Park in Sedona
10. Montezuma Castle National Monument in Camp Verde
11. Fiesta Septiembre in Wickenberg
12. The Phoenix Zoo
13. Hike the Superstitions in Apache Junction
14. Arizona Science Center in Phoenix
15. Downtown Phoenix Public Market (Wed. & Sat. 4-8pm)
16. Coronado National Forest in Southwestern Arizona
17. Sabino Canyon in Tucson
18. Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory in Santa Cruz County
19. Besch –Ba-Gowah Archaelogical Park in Globe
20. Cochise’s Stronghold n Douglas
21. London Bridge
22. Lake Mead Recreational Area
23. Kayaking in the Lower Colorado near Yuma
24. Yuma Crossing State Historic Park
25. Boat Regatta at Lake Havasu

Tell us your favorite thing to do or place to visit in Arizona…

GREENSBORO, N.C. (July 30, 2008)— As gas prices climb, the value of homes fall, and stocks plummet, online retailing continues to see a surge in growth, as evidenced by data from the U.S. Census Bureau that online sales rose 19 percent and topped $136 billion in 2007.

Greensboro based Market America, an Internet Marketing and Product Brokerage Company, will hold its annual International Convention Aug 7-9 at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex to a sold out crowd of over 25,000 to detail how the company is leveraging the Internet to ensure its over 180,000 Distributors are in position to take advantage of the growth of online retailing.

Throughout the three day event, Market America executives and industry leaders will document how Market America is investing in Internet technology to create the ultimate online destination. Representatives from Google will be on hand to discuss their partnership with Market America and the grouping of over 50 million products on marketamerica.com. Market America’s website, which will soon be powered by Google, represents the largest categorization of online product search that the search engine giant has undertaken.

Market America is partnering with some of the world’s hottest stars such as Kimora Lee Simmons, Alejandro Sanz and Paulina Rubio to continue developing quality, top of the line products and to change the face of the music industry. “Market America will be to the music industry what Amazon.com was to books,” predicted JR Ridinger, president and CEO of Market America.

Simmons, former model turned business mogul, will present her new Fabulosity Bath and Body Line available exclusively through marketamerica.com. The product launch consists of a sugar body scrub, body butter, lavish firming lotion, and silky cleanser. In February, Market America and Simmons launched a Fabulosity Cosmetics line that sold out within weeks of its release.

Sanz, a 16-time Grammy award winning artist, and Rubio, who has recorded 12 number-one hit singles, will be announced as the first two artists to sign on with MA My World, an entertainment website that will allow visitors to purchase CD’s and products associated with their favorite artists, buy concert tickets for upcoming shows, download music, and will be a platform for interaction between fans and their favorite artists.

Other partnerships and services being highlighted include comparison product shopping, customer reviews, a universal shopping cart, product videos and demonstrations, and the launch of Market America’s new social networking site, MA Chatterbox

Market America will also unveil a number of new products, including a line of multivitamins geared towards children who need neurological, metabolic and digestive support, a new line of Motives cosmetics, called “Gossip,” Heart Health™ Citrus CoQ10 which is a natural citrus-flavored chewable tablet that provides antioxidant protection for the cardiovascular system, and a number of new products for Market America’s Transitions Lifestyle System®. In all, there are over 100 new products being launched in product categories ranging from telecommunications, website sales, health and nutrition, weight management, pet care, and auto care. On Sunday August 10, Distributors will have the opportunity to see the products and demonstrations first hand at a tradeshow held at the special events center at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.

The three day event will culminate with Ridinger’s final address on Saturday August 9. Ridinger will tie in how the new product releases, services, partnerships, and investments in Internet technology will help each Distributor maximize their Internet based business. Ridinger will detail how Market America is in the perfect position to sell and market the products of traditional brick and mortar stores that are transitioning to the Internet by giving them access to 180,000 entrepreneurs who are selling to over 6 million customers on marketamerica.com. With multiple partner stores being added daily, retail leaders such as Barnes & Noble, Bloomingdales, and Best Buy have all seen the advantages that Market America’s One-to-One marketing plan offers to their bottom lines.

2008 marks the 16th consecutive year Market America has held its annual Convention in Greensboro. The convention provides Market America Distributors from across the world with business and product training, product demonstrations, and advice and leadership from the company’s executive team, field leaders and industry experts. Previously the event has drawn funds in excess of $20 million for the city of Greensboro, making it the top event in the city in terms of attendance-based revenue.

About Market America, Inc.

Market America is a product brokerage and Internet marketing company that specializes in One-One-Marketing. With more than three million customers and 160,000 Distributors worldwide, the company has generated over $2.4 billion in accumulated retail sales. Headquartered in Greensboro, NC — the company was founded by James Ridinger in 1992 and employs over 500 people globally with international operations in the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia. Through its revolutionary One-to-One Marketing concept, Market America combines the Internet with the power of people — creating the ultimate online shopping destination.

This is not meant to be another one of those quick fixes you read while in line at the grocery store, but proven methods to increase your likelihood of exercising. In a society that is becoming more and more aware the necessity of exercise, why is it that only 23% of the population meets the recommended exercise standard of 30 minutes each day. If you are unable to spend an hour in the gym, that is okay, however you still need to spend 30 minutes daily performing moderate physical activity that involves moving your whole body.

Following the tips below will assist you in reaching that target. Some of these you have possibly heard before, however they are all good.

1. Have a plan. Work smart and hard, not long. If you plan what you are going to do before you start you will limit your idle time.
2. Set short and long term goals. A short term goal can be, I will exercise three time this week or do 50 pushups today. A long term goal can be, I will lose 15 pounds this summer or lower my blood pressure. These goals are like carrots on a stick, they can keep you going when the going gets tough.
3. Eat. The body needs fuel to perform. Food is fuel. However do not overdue it.
4. Find activities that you enjoy. Exercise does not have to be grinding and unpleasant. i.e. playing basketball, kickboxing, fencing, walking in the park…
5. Schedule your workouts and stick to them. Be Consistent. Just like a business meeting or a date, if you write it down, and think of it as a mandatory encounter at a specific time you are more likely to get it done. Do not get in to the I will do it later habit, you would not say the same to your boss.
6. Stay away from the “All or Nothing Syndrome”. Just because you were not able to totally fulfill your plan, by not completing or even beginning your exercise routing for the day, this does not mean that you should give up entirely. Tomorrow is a day away and the sun will come out. It is a new opportunity to pick up where you left off. If you are injured and or have another nagging situation that totally forbids you from exercising for a period, upon healing or cessation of the pertinent drama, recommence. Life is full of interruptions, but you have got to keep on moving.
7. Find your inspiration. It might be that your wife, boyfriend or whatever is looking better these days, and you want to keep up, it could be that vacation that you are going on and you want the pictures of it to be tight, it might be that you generally want to be healthier. Whatever the source, tap into all of your inspirations to get you going on those days it is difficult to get through.
8. This is an opportunity for you to shop, or have someone shop for you. Always have the necessary attire, sneakers, your choice of top and bottom. Sometimes spontaneous opportunities to exercise may arise. Do not let your inadequate wardrobe prevent you from working out.
9. Be accountable to your goals. Hire a trainer or find a friend who has similar physical interests and is responsible. Individuals who exercise with someone are 5 times more likely to continue exercise than individuals who workout alone.
10. Try working out at different times of the day, and monitor what time your energy level is highest and at which time you are more able to commit to. Some like to exercise first thing in the morning, others like late nights. Do what is best for you.

Remember to first consult a doctor prior to starting any exercise program. Good luck and tighten up.

About James Andrews

James Andrews, a native of East Orange, NJ is the founder, of Move Fitness and Dance, a Gilbert, AZ based fitness consulting company. He has successfully worked with individuals and organizations for nine years, both privately and through numerous fitness facilities. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and a graduate degree from Howard University. James has is certified by The American Council on Exercise, APEX, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer and a sports fitness specialist. James, a former athlete, specializes in athletic and functional performance. James works with numerous clients throughout the East Valley and is currently working on building an athletic and dance training center. He does public speaking engagements and writes regularly for various blogs including movefitness.wordpress.com. Contact James with any questions or comments at james@movefitnessanddance.com or www.movefitnessanddance.com.

Most small business owners are in the business of selling meatballs—those tried and true products and services that we use every day. These items are mainstays of our lives but don’t call out for excitement, especially online buzz. But as we have all seen, online buzz builds businesses and brands and can make their owners rich. Don’t despair! All businesses can use online marketing to their advantage.

While browsing the bookstore one afternoon, I came across this crazy book with a picture of a meatball slathered in whipped cream on front. Of course, I picked it up. This newest book, “Meatball Sundae: Is your marketing out of sync?” from marketing guru, Seth Godin offers great advice on how businesses like ours can benefit from the power on online marketing.

Even if you already have a great website or blog or send out a monthly email newsletter, you probably are not seeing the results that you want. The simple reason? Online marketing is not about doing what everyone else already is doing. To stand out in a sea of websites, blogs, and online videos, you must rethink the core of your business. This new media demands better products, better services, and most of all better companies.

How do we become better? Godin talks about several principles in his book but the one that stuck with me was communication. Here are three easy ways you can communicate better with you customers:

1. Keep in touch
   Find some way to correspond with your prospects and customers on a regular basis. The easiest way is to send out an email newsletter every month or even every other month. Before jumping in feet first, read items two and three because they are key to seeing results from your communication.
2. Present an authentic message
   The days of business speak and marketing gobbly-gook are over. Speak to your customers in their language and be honest in what you say. Don’t be afraid to tell a story instead of using your same old sales pitch. If your story is compelling, it will connect your customer to you.
3. Add value to your message
   This one is easy—instead of selling to prospects teach them something. By offering a taste of your product or service for free, you are building trust and showcasing the superiority of your offering. Remember, that this not about a single sale but building a long-term relationship with another person.

I encourage you try out these tips out and see what happens. If you do them well, you will see your customer relationships change for the better. Should you have a really great success (or even a failure), email it to me, jasmine[at]910west.com. I would like to hear how my tips work for you.

For more insanely easy ideas for promoting your small business, check out my website or sign up for my newsletter which I send out every two months.

Read the amazing true story of how one woman, with no previous business experience, earned $436,797+ in 2002 and now earns MUCH MORE than that … just by selling other people’s stuff online!

In her down-to-earth, sincere and often humorous style, Rosalind Gardner guides you through the entire process of building an affiliate marketing business on the ‘Net.

Frequently revised and updated to reflect industry changes, the Super Affiliate Handbook now consists of 236 pages and 124 screenshots that will show you step-by-step how to become a Super Affiliate. You’ll learn how to pick the best affiliate programs, negotiate a commission raise and save time, money and effort on everything from affiliate software to web hosting.

To learn exactly how she does it, Click Here.

Spam is a bigger and bigger problem nowadays. Recently Ralph Wilson, Paul Myers, and other Net marketing gurus have written about the problems that spam is causing honest, hard working Net marketers.

Actually, while spam is the fundamental root of our problems, the anti-spam measures that large ISPs and
important free e-mail hosts (like Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail) undertake are what hurts legitimate Net marketers.

Much like tuna nets catch dolphins by mistake, their spam filters catch us. So the SiteSell SpamCheck Tool is a quick way for honest marketers to make sure that their e-mails are less likely to be considered spam by ISPs, by Yahoo! Mail and Hotmail (which tosses you into their Junk folders) and even by individual filters set up by an ever-growing number of recipients around the world.

—–

Here’s how it works…

STEP 1: Copy-and-paste your subject, but start your subject with the word “TEST” (without the quotes, in UPPER CASE) so that we know this is a test e-mail. (If the subject does NOT start with TEST, we’ll assume it’s REAL spam and delete it). Here’s a sample subject…

TESTFlower-Lovers Ezine #007: Peonies for the Yukon

STEP 2: Copy-and-paste the rest of your e-zine and simply send it, exactly the way you would send it to your recipient, to…

spamcheck-greatfx@sitesell.net

-OR-

Simply visit this URL and use the online form to spamcheck your e-mail…

http://spamcheck.sitesell.com/greatfx.html

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You’ll get a report back (in seconds, perhaps a few minutes if volume is heavy) telling you how good or bad your e-mail is, from a spam-detector’s point of view. You will receive a full, free report of all corrections that you should make to your zine, in order to stay out of the junk folders. It does NOT, of course, actually comment on WHAT you write — first, it’s not that smart. And second, the actual content is YOUR business!

And remember, this SpamChecker is just one feature of the E-zine MailOut tool, which itself is merely one part of the entire system of Site Build It! tools… guaranteed to make any small business succeed online… in a tenth of the time … at a tenth of price.

For more information about Site Build It!, please see…

http://buildit.sitesell.com/greatfx.html

What is Barter? Barter is a way of conducting normal day-to-day business without spending cash. Business owners use barter as secondary currency. Catherine says “It is the art of bartering what you have for what you want”. Conserve cash for the things you can’t barter for. Use barter to expand your cash business.
When you barter, transactions are paid or purchased in barter dollars that can be used with any other member in your barter group. That makes your barter possibilities virtually unlimited. A third party keeps all the transaction records, much as a bank would. When you are part of a formal barter group, you don’t worry about one-to-one trades. However, for the services the barter company provides, such as marketing, bookkeeping for your barter transactions and others, there is a fee.

In this Video Close Up we interview local Arizona Business owner Catherine Cohen of Premier Barter. For those of you that are not familiar with the Practice of Bartering to grow your business, we felt that conducting this interview would help. To learn more about Premier Barter please go to: www.premierbarter.com or Call (602) 470-8020 (AZ) or (619) 374-0208 (CA)

Meaningful change in life or in business must be dramatic. Minor change is easy to accomplish and yields minor differences. For example, to increase the sales of your business by 150% in three months will take massive changes in both your thinking and the way you do things.

In order to HAVE anything in life we all recognize that we have to DO something to achieve it. If you want wealth, you must invest. If you want love, you must give it first. If you want respect, you must earn it. No matter what you want, you need to DO in order to HAVE.

DOing is not the only thing you need to change in order to HAVE. You must BEcome the person who will have the things or persona that you desire. You must develop the identity, beliefs, and values that a person who posses those things has; we’ve all heard of the Lotto winner, whom within three years was broke. He/she didn’t become the “millionaire”.

Let’s talk a bit about BEcoming. Everyone has an identity that they’ve developed, usually at a very young age. That identity has values and beliefs that can limit you. Perhaps you believe that customers are always looking for a discount, hence you will attract that sort of customer to your business because of your belief. Maybe you believe that business owners are greedy. Who do you suppose will be attracted to your business?

In order to HAVE something like a million dollars, you have to develop the beliefs and values of a millionaire. In fact it is said that you will earn + or – 10% of the earnings of the three people you associate with the most, because you will develop the values and beliefs of these people.

Business is no different.

In order to HAVE amazing customers, you must develop your business into one that will attract amazing customers. What is an amazing customer? It is specific to your business. Only you can define for yourself the characteristics of your amazing customer. Perhaps it includes a customer who always pays cash. Maybe one who sends you lots of referrals? You must identify who your amazing customers are and what these customers want. You must know how these customers shop. You must BE the business where these customers want to shop, a place which consistently delivers more than your customer expects.

Once you are the business, then you must DO the things that make these customers know what the perfect business will do for them. If you want customers to come, you must BE the business that will attract them.

Just remember you must BE as well as DO in order to HAVE.

Now is the best time to make your dreams for your business a reality. For a free business diagnostic, call ActionCoach Del May at 480-636-8980 today.

On my blog It Does Compute, I asked folks whether or not they did online meetings. A few of them said yes, but most of them answered, “What is an online meeting?” To help clarify, I wrote a post defining online meetings and introduced a tool that makes online meetings easy to do and at no cost.

An online meeting can be defined as a session where you and at least one other person are collaborating on a project in real time via your computers. Say Bob and Jay are in two different locations. Bob wants to have a discussion with Jay about a presentation that is vital to their business. Bob can email the document to Jay with some notes, wait for Jay to review the document, add his own notes, and email it back to Bob so that he can add his changes and finalize the presentation. This process can take a few iterations before the presentation is considered customer ready. Read more about online meetings >