The John Tesh Blog

Head-To-Toe Guide That'll Keep You Healthy As You Age

You can’t avoid getting older, but you can take care of your body so you don’t feel older. Here’s a head-to-toe guide that’ll help you stay healthy as you age, from CNN and Real Simple magazine:

• We’ll start with your brain. How can you keep it healthy? Exercise. Swedish researchers found that subjects who exercised at least 20 minutes two or more times a week at midlife reduced their risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia later in life by 60 percent.
• Let’s move on to your eyes. To keep those healthy: Eat more spinach. According to Emily Chew – who works at the National Eye Institute in Maryland – people who consume high levels of antioxidants have a reduced risk of macular degeneration, a disorder that leads to gradual vision loss. Spinach is rich in iron and antioxidants, including lutein – which helps maintain healthy eyes.
• What about keeping your heart healthy? High blood pressure is the number one  culprit when it comes to heart trouble. That’s the word from Dr. Michael F. Roizen, co-author of You: On a Diet. Your blood pressure’s got to be 115 over 75 – no higher.To lower yours, cut back on the salt. Research shows that reducing sodium intake by 300 milligrams a day - about two slices of cheddar cheese - can lower your blood pressure by two to four points. Triple that reduction and you triple the benefit.
• How can you protect your muscles as you get older? According to Dr. Roseann M. Lyle – professor of public health at Purdue University – if you’re sedentary, you’ll start losing strength after age 50 at a rate of 2% to 5% per decade! However, if you keep using your muscles – by doing activities like weight training – you can maintain strength and flexibility even into your 90s! So include weight training in your exercise plan.
• To keep your feet healthy, know this:  Your feet may change size as you get older – due to water retention or ligaments that relax. Badly fitting shoes can lead to problems like bunions and hammertoes. So measure your feet every year to make sure you’re wearing the right shoe size.

Start your head-to-toe regimen tomorrow morning with a long, gentle stretch, with a heart healthy breakfast, then snuggle your feet into the best fitting sturdy walking shoes you have...come on- you know what comes after that, don't you?

Have a great, and relaxing weekend-

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

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Things you can't afford to skimp on

The recession has millions of consumers spending less, saving more and paying off debt. Jean Chatzky and Arielle McGowen have the full scoop for us from Oprah.com- there are essentials, my bargain hunter friend, which we should never skimp on.  There are items in any budget that can be scaled back easily, and the fact that we're adjusting to the reality of this economy is definitely good news; do your best, though, to draw a line in the sand, about where your spending shouldn't budge. 

Retirement Planning
The Pension Rights Center counted about 20 corporations in December that announced changes to their 401(k) plans. Many others have discontinued or downsized their traditional pension plans. If your company is still offering matching dollars, keep kicking in money to grab them.

"To get that free money from your employer is so important for the long-term growth of your retirement nest egg. Especially now, with the down market, when you're dollar-cost averaging in at lower prices, that free money has more value in the long run," said Derek Kennedy, a financial planner in Cincinnati.

If your company has cut back, it still pays to contribute. Also consider an Individual Retirement Account. You can get your money out any time and, after five years, use it without penalty for a first-time home purchase.

Insurance
Don't cut your homeowners insurance thinking that because home values have dropped you don't need as much coverage. What you're paying for is the amount it would cost to rebuild your home and replace your belongings. If you need to save, boost your policy's deductible. Raising it to $1,000 from $500 could shave 25 percent off the cost.  

Exercise
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota just completed a study that found that people who go to the gym at least eight times a month have significantly lower health costs than those who don't. Make a decision to drop your gym membership?  This, you can do.  Drop the exercise, since you aren't going to a gym?  Don't.  You can get those same benefits by going for a brisk walk, running or riding a bike or by spending less than the cost of a monthly gym membership on a pair of dumbbells.

Health care
Some cuts are fine—generic drugs instead of name brand, for instance. But skipping doctor visits is a bad idea, and so is canceling your insurance.  According to a recent Harvard University study (which was done before our current recession, by the way), medical problems caused 62% of all personal bankruptcies filed in the U.S. in 2007.  Another shocker:  78% of those filers had medical insurance at the start of their illnesses, including 60.3% who had private coverage, not Medicare or Medicaid.

"I've seen so many people go through horrendous financial nightmares and even bankruptcy because they don't have health insurance. This is just not one you want to mess with," said Jonni McCoy, author of Miserly Moms: Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy.

Charity
Giving to others can make you feel better about yourself and your situation. If money is tight, donate items you no longer use, give canned goods, shop at thrift stores that benefit a charity or share some of your time. The big point here is not how much you can give, how many items you donate, but the fact that you continue to do so.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

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Ready to boost your credit score? Here's how-

Want to take advantage of some of the great new car sales prices this Summer- what's your score?  The house of your family's dreams is on the market for a price you really and truly can afford?  Again- what's your score?  No avoiding this question, friend. In an age of slashed credit limits, tighter credit-card restrictions, and anxious lenders, having strong credit is more important than ever. The average credit score is 692, according to credit-scoring agency Experian, but in today's market, those even slightly below average could be in trouble. "With the economy so down, 620 is the minimum for getting a loan, but people really need credit score around 700, preferably 720, to get something with decent rates," says Linda Call, vice president of Berkeley Mortgage in Richmond, Virginia. "It's very scary right now for anyone with a low credit score."  OK- enough said about that- It's muy important.  So let's see what you can do in the very near future to boost your score, with these 8 steps, from WalletPop's Christina Couch: 

1.  Keep the Balances Balanced
In a tough economic climate, keeping your credit balance under the limit -- but close to the limit -- could hurt your score, says Scott Scredon of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta. "If you carry a balance on your credit card, you need to make sure the difference between your credit limit and your balance is 50 percent or less," he says. "So if your limit is $1,000, you need to keep your balance at $500 or less. Not using all of your credit is a signal to card companies that you're managing your credit properly."

And keeping an even lower balance -- 30 percent or less -- will boost your score even more, Scredon says. Should your balance go over the 50 percent mark on one card, Scredon recommends focusing any available financial resources on cutting the balance down, even if it means sacrificing a few daily luxuries until the credit's in check.

2.  Eliminate the Mistakes
One of the fastest ways to lift your score is to make sure it's actually yours. An estimated 8.3 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year, according to a 2005 study by the Federal Trade Commission. Of those victims, 1.8 million have had new credit cards, loans, or financial accounts opened in their name without their knowledge.  Lesson:  keep tabs on your credit report (free every year from annualcreditreport.com- beware of scammers, too- this one's the real deal) and your credit score.

3.  Diversify Your Credit
"People don't realize that 10 percent of your credit score is determined by what types of credit you use," says Gail Cunningham, marketing director of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. "That's determined not only by how you manage revolving debt like Visa, MasterCard, and store credit cards, but also how you handle fixed payments, like your car payments or your mortgage payments, over time."

Instead of putting long term purchases on cards, Cunningham recommends taking out short-term one- to two-year loans, to build a diversified credit portfolio. In addition to receiving lower interest rates and more flexible payment terms, consumers who use loans over cards also build positive credit and gain better credit terms in the future.

4.  In With the Old; Out With the New
Another 15 percent of your credit score is determined by how long you've been managing credit. If you can manage your cards wisely, paying on time and keeping balances lower than your limits, you can improve your credit score by getting plastic early. It's up to you to figure out when the time is right.

"It's to your advantage to get a credit card as early as possible and start building credit early," says Call, "but you have to do that when you're ready. People who start building credit in their early 20s will have a significant advantage when it comes time to apply for a home mortgage." Though college students are statistically poor at managing plastic -- the average college student graduates with nearly $2,200 in credit card debt, according to Nellie Mae -- learning the basics of credit at a young age can benefit in the long run.

5.  Add Some Positives
Consumers in dire credit straits may be able to boost their scores simply by showing credit scoring services what they're doing right. "If the consumer has positive histories in things like rent and utilities, adding those histories can greatly help the credit score," says Mark Guimond, executive director of the American Association of Debt Management Organizations.

"There are companies designed to get positive information on your credit score and that can have a significant impact," he says. Organizations like PRBC in Annapolis, Maryland, can help consumers add day care, insurance, rent, and cable credit histories to their score, and set up online bill pay services to make sure those debts keep getting paid on time.

6.  Test Your Negotiation Muscle
If you see trouble on the horizon, nip it in the bud. "Making a late payment could affect your interest rate -- not just on the card you're paying late on, but on all your credit cards," says Scredon. "If you know you're going to have trouble making payments, get in touch with your lender and have a discussion about it. We are hearing more and more from our counselors that lenders are willing to look at whether you can put together a different payment plan." Since even one late payment could lower your credit score, preventing disaster before it happens can protect your credit for years to come.

7.  Prioritize the Debt 
Those who are already in the plastic trap can begin digging out by creating a debt attack plan. Start by making a list of all of your credit debts. Then pick out which is harming you the most.

"If you have a card where you owe more than 30 percent of your credit limit, pay that one down first, to keep your credit score intact," recommends Cunningham. "After that, I tell people to pay off their largest debts first, unless it's just too daunting. If so, tackle your smallest bill first while making minimum payments on everything else, and once you've paid it and have that sense of accomplishment, move on to the next one."

By focusing your financial resources on eliminating one problem debt at a time, Cunningham says consumers can keep long term out-of-control debt from hurting their credit score.

8.  Research the Bargains
Credit inquiries prevent consumers from comparing loan rates and terms. While inquiries on your credit report can lower your score- as much as five points, according to Lendingtree.com- consumers have a 30-day window before choosing their loan, when all mortgage and auto-loan inquiries only count once.

An easy way to avoid racking up inquiries on your account, says Guimond, is to comparison-shop before filling out an application. "Don't just apply to ten different lenders- talk to lenders, talk to customer-service people, get as much information as possible," he says. "It pays to do the research."

And now, I hope, you have a start on it.  Just remember:  this isn't golf- we want the higher, the better!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

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5 simple steps...in 5 little minutes twice a day- your uncluttered house!

OK- this is short, which is exactly the philosophy behind this plan is to keep your home clutter-free in five minutes a day, through five simple steps! We're into the work week now, but this is so quick, so manageable, and beautifully underwhelming... I kid you not- I can do this, too! Got something that looks like this?  It doesn't have to stay that way.  Here we go, from It's All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff by Peter Walsh, professional organizer from TLC's Clean Sweep, and frequent contributor to Oprah. 

Daily Purging
You'd be amazed at how much you can accomplish in ten minutes. Every day, take five minutes to straighten up and five minutes to focus on cleaning out the clutter in a drawer or on a shelf or flat space, and your house will always be in order. Think about it -- if you do this five days out of every week, you'll have purged 260 small areas in your home at the end of a year. Those small projects really add up. 

It's best to use the same time slot every day. If you're a stay-at-home mom, do it when the kids nap or leave for school. If you're a morning person who either works from home or never has trouble getting to work on time, then make it part of your morning ritual. If you're always in a rush in the morning, pick a time when you get home -- as soon as you walk in the door, or after dinner, or after the kids are in bed -- whatever makes the most sense for you. Like the idea of coming home to a clean house?  Try taking the 5 "straightening" minutes in the morning before work, and save your 5 "purging" minutes for the evening to be sure to finish up. These small steps really make a difference!

The Five-Minute Purge
Here's what the five-minute purge looks like:

1. Set the kitchen timer for five minutes.

2. Grab a medium-size garbage bag. You'll use this bag to throw things away or to drop them off at your charity of your choice, whichever makes more sense for the times you're purging.

3. Pick your target. Make sure to keep it small so you can be thorough. It's one drawer in the kitchen, one shelf of video tapes, the floor of the coat closet, etc.

4. Clear out anything you haven't used for the last six months to a year. Remember? That's becoming a pretty standard rule of thumb for Spring cleaning every year. Thing is, keep this in mind- a home is a living thing and what you felt you needed to keep yesterday, you may be able to let go of today. This is a constantly evolving project- it's not a one-time event in your life.  Ready? Now be ruthless. The more you get rid of, the longer you can wait before you revisit this area.

5. When the timer goes off, stop. If the bag is full, put it in the garbage (or in your car trunk so you can drop it off the next time you drive past a Goodwill or other charity). If the bag isn't full, put it with the garbage or recycling in preparation for tomorrow, when you'll surely fill it up in your next purge.  

That's all, my friend- let's both try it today- deal?  Deal. 

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

The best nutrition for your eye health...it's way beyond carrots, but don't give those up, Bugs!

There’s no substitute for the quality of life good vision offers.  Adding certain nutrients to your diet every day – either through foods or supplements – can help save your vision. Through the American Optemetric Association, we know that researchers have linked eye-friendly nutrients such as lutein/zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc to reducing the risk of certain eye diseases, including macular degeneration and cataract formation.  Munch on your carrots all you like- believe me- they're still a strong nutrient for your eyes, and you body, but keep these nutrients in mind, too:

• Lutein & Zeaxanthin- Lutein (LOO-teen) and zeaxanthin are important nutrients found in green leafy vegetables as well as other foods such as eggs. Many studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that filter harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light and act as antioxidants in the eye, helping protect and maintain healthy cells. Your best bets to get these: cooked kale, spinach and collards, as well as broccoli, grean beans, peas, eggs and orange juice.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables.  Scientific evidence suggests vitamin C lowers the risk of developing cataracts, and when taken in combination with other essential nutrients, can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and visual acuity loss. Vitamin C helps to promote healthy capillaries, gums, teeth, cartilage and the absorption of iron. Virtually all cells of the body depend on it, including those of the eye where it is actively concentrated in all tissues.  Vitamin C also supports the health of ocular blood vessels. Our bodies do not synthesize the vitamin C needed, which is the reason citrus fruits and juices are essential to good nutrition.  Grapefruit and orange juices are your best bets.
• Vitamin E in its most biologically active form is a powerful antioxidant  found in nuts, fortified cereals and sweet potatoes. It is thought to protect cells of the eyes from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals, which break down healthy tissue. Studies indicate that vitamin E reduces the progression of AMD and cataract formation. Vitamin E also plays a significant role in the immune system, the health of cell membranes, in DNA repair, and in other metabolic processes. The human body does not synthesize the vitamin E it needs, which is the reason nuts, salad and vegetable oils are essential to good nutrition. More great sources for you vitamin E intake are wheat germ, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts and peanut butter.
• And what is seeming like a superhero component in recent years, dietary fat, especially omega-3, is an important source of energy and is a necessary part of the human diet. Fatty acids are a component of fat molecules, and help support the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems. Two omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be important for proper visual development and retinal function – Docosahexaenoic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid.  Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is found in the highest concentration in the retina, suggesting it has an important functional role. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is used in DHA biosynthesis. Studies in pre-term and full-term infants have suggested that a dietary supply of omega-3 fatty acids may be essential for optimal visual development. A number of studies have shown that, in animals, dietary deprivation of DHA results in visual impairment and retinal degradation. Dry eye syndrome also has been linked to omega-3 deficiency. Additionally, low levels of DHA and EPA have also been associated with eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and retinopathy of prematurity. You may not think of yourself as a "fatty fish" kind of guy or gal, but that's exactly where your best bets for beefing up your omega-3 intake are.  Give these top billing:  salmon, tuna, mackeral, and even think about adding anchovies to your next pizza!
• Finally, keep your eyes peeled...sorry, had to! for zinc, an essential trace mineral or "helper molecule." It plays a vital role in bringing vitamin A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. Zinc is highly concentrated in the eye, mostly in the retina and choroid, the vascular tissue layer lying under the retina. Impaired vision has been linked to zinc deficiency. A deficiency of zinc can result in poor night vision and cloudy cataracts. Other known effects of zinc deficiency include alopecia, or a loss of hair from eyebrows and eyelashes, along with mental sluggishness and increased susceptibility to infection.  Oysters take the absolute top billing as a great source of zinc, followed by beef, lobster, pork, as well as eggs.

Bon appetit!  Your sparkling and twinkling eyes will thank you for honing your culinary/nutritional knowledge...for many years to come.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

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Everyone feels the impact of a layoff- especially a wife.

Getting laid off is a highly stressful event, and not just for the person losing their job, but for the entire family. According to an article in Time magazine, wives really feel the  impact. Take Sarah Janosek, a 47-year-old hospice nurse and mother of three in Austin. Her husband, a software engineer, was laid off earlier this year. She says when she first heard the news, it was devastating. Like many wives who work, Janosek brought in about one-third of the family’s income. Now, she was the sole breadwinner. She was able to increase her work hours, and her husband got a little contract work — but she says it’s hardly solved the problem, and she’s still angry about it.

Recent data shows that more than two million American women are married to someone who’s been handed a pink slip during this recession. Compare that to the 1.4 million women who’ve lost a job, and it seems that the majority of women are battling the recession not as a laid-off worker - but as the spouse of one. In the last year, over 71% of layoffs fell to men.  Alan Pickman is a psychologist and author of The Complete Guide to Outplacement Counseling. He says a wife’s response to her husband’s lay-off may be even more intense than his. That’s because often, wives feel powerless — both about the job loss as well as the family’s future. She can’t pick her husband’s next job for him – he has to get it himself.

Wives who work have a bit more control over their finances - but not much. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, not only are married women working fewer hours per week than before the recession began, but their hours are at the lowest point since 1964 - the year these numbers started being tracked. So, women are finding ways to cut the family budget. Air-conditioning is used less, trips to the movies are cut, new clothes are postponed, and family dinners are eaten at home. This all adds up to extra work for wives. For example, more home-cooked meals means more dishes to wash, and keeping worn-out clothes means more mending. So if you’re a man looking for work, just keep in mind that your wife does understand the stress you’re feeling. Probably more than you know.

Keep in mind- hard as it seems sometimes, that what you're both going through is temporary.  A husband getting back to the same kind of work he had may not be in the cards just yet; in fact, it may still be some time before he is back to work at all, but keep in mind that you are a team, which absolutely requires working together FOR one another, and not against.

Believing in one another, and your future prospects, is always an option; despair takes up way too much room in our hearts.  Have a great weekend- 

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Buying organic on the cheap- it IS possible. Here's how.

With food costs rising over the last several months, you might wonder if adding organic milk to your grocery cart is really worth the extra money.  It is.  Yes, organic food is more expensive, but when it comes to the staples of your diet, and your family's- organics are indeed a worthwhile investment, and the payoffs might surprise you:  benefits that influence your health today, and long-term.  Prevention magazine clues us in about which foods are worth the splurge, which we can skip, and how to save money while keeping your diet nutritionally and ecologically sound:

Organics 101
First- 3 ways organics benefit your health:

They Have More Nutrients:  Reports of organic food not being better for you are way outdated.  A brand new analysis of about 100 studies, including more than 40 published in the past 7 years, found that the average levels of nearly a dozen nutrients are 25% higher in organic produce.

There May Be Weight Benefits:  Research in rats found that those fed an all-organic diet (versus conventional food) had lower weights, less body fat, and stronger immune systems.  Plus, the "clean diet" animals were calmer and slept better.  (How'd you like to be the researcher into that particular study??)

You Consume Fewer Toxins:  Eating the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables exposes you to about 14 pesticides a day.  A study supported by the EPA measured pesticide levels in children's urine before and after a switch to an organic diet.  After just 5 days, the chemicals decreased to undetectable levels.

Top Produce Picks

Government lab tests show that even after washing, certain fruits and vegetables carry much higher levels of pesticides than do others. Between 2000 and 2005, the not-for-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed the results of nearly 51,000 tests for residues on produce. Based on the data, they created a "dirty dozen" list of the most contaminated fruits and veggies. Top offenders include: peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes (imported), spinach, lettuce, and potatoes. Always buying these foods organic is ideal, but if you can't, focus on those you eat all the time.  The saving tip?  Buy organic produce in season (preferably local), when it's most affordable--usually at half the cost. Not only does your wallet benefit, but so do the local farmers supplying the grub. You're guaranteed that the produce is fresh and little energy was wasted in its journey from the farm to your kitchen.

Milk:  Is it Worth the Splurge?  The experts say YES.  Per half gallon, organic milk is more expensive--about $4 versus $2.50--but it's worth the splurge. Recent studies revealed impressive findings on organic milk. Some highlights include: It contains 75% more beta-carotene, as much as a serving of brussels sprouts. It has 50% more vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that aids the immune system and fights cancer and heart disease. It provides 2 to 3 times the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, and about 70% more omega-3 fatty acids. Organic milk also contains more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). This good fat has been linked to numerous health benefits, including stronger immunity, less belly fat, a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and healthier arteries.  The saving tip?  Many organic dairy companies such as Stonyfield Farm and Organic Valley offer printable coupons on their sites for as much as $1 off a half gallon of milk or 16-ounce container of yogurt.

Is There More to Your Meat?
Again- research goes with organic here.  A study in the journal Meat Science compared the nutritional content of organic and nonorganic chicken meat. The researchers found that the organic samples contained 28% more omega-3s, essential fatty acids that are linked to reduced rates of heart disease, depression, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease. Animals raised organically can't be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or feed made from animal by-products (which can transmit mad cow disease.)  The saving tip?  Get picky about portion size.  The recommended portion size for meat and poultry is 3 ounces, the size of a deck of cards. Stick to this amount and round out your meal with less expensive whole grains and veggies to dramatically cut meal costs and improve nutritional balance. A pound of organic whole chicken for $4 can feed a family of four with brown rice and in-season veggies on the side.

Are There Organics You Can Skip?  You bet.  Step into any health food store and you're likely to find an organic version of just about everything, including cotton candy. While it's true that organic "junk foods" are better for the planet, they generally aren't better for you. A six-pack of organic soda costs $5; yes, it's made without high fructose corn syrup, but each can contains 160 calories (20 more than a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola Classic) and zero nutrients. Cutting back on sweets and nutritionally void extras altogether is the best way to get the most nutrition bang for your buck.

Another Tip To Save?  Buy generic vs. brand name, since nearly every mainstream supermarket now carries organic store-brand options.  Additionally, buy in bulk when possible.  Organic options can be found at the big name shopping clubs, or go local with a community health food store.  Does you live near a neighborhood co-op?  Try there- great support of local efforts, and a great money saver, too!  You can purchase many organic  grains (including brown and wild rice and whole oats), pastas, flours, dried fruits, and nuts in the bulk sections of stores for far less. Organic brown rice in bulk is about 99 cents per pound.

It may seem like a lot all at once- try one food staple at a time, perhaps.  Soon you may find shopping with a different, organic, mindset becomes a new habit that's easy to stick with!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Computer clean-up time...yes, you probably need to!

OK, it's not as critical as maintenance on your car...well, in most cases it isn't.  But it is super important- who wants to deal with a computer crash?  And what I found out is that what you don't know can hurt you - big time - when it comes to what's hiding in your PC.  This is a great checklist, from ARA Lifestyle.  From "naturally" occurring registry errors to more insidious threats like spyware, hidden problems can slow your computer performance to a crawl or even cause it to crash.

A little pro-active maintenance, however, can go a long way towards preventing problems. Keeping your PC "clean" and running at its best is as simple as establishing a routine maintenance schedule and using the right kinds of software to address the most common problems. The good news is, many of these maintenance tasks can be automated, thanks to software developers who understand how busy the average PC user is - and how baffling trouble-shooting can be.

Here are three key "cleaning" tasks that you should perform on a regular basis (at least once a week):

Run a Registry Cleaner

If your computer is slower now than when you first bought it, the problem may be registry errors. Installing and removing software, playing online games, application crashes and upgrades of software problems can all create "natural" errors in your PC's registry. They accumulate over time and the more errors you have, the higher the likelihood that you'll experience trouble.

To protect your system, you've got lots of options.  Try the steps offered on eHow- they're free, and pretty easy.  You can also install a one-click tool called Advanced Registry Optimizer 5 (ARO 5). The software ferrets out and corrects registry errors. Manufacturer Sammsoft offers free trials of ARO 5 so people can check their systems for errors, but it will cost you after the trial- be aware of that.  It's available at Sammsoft.com for the download of their free trial. Once the download is complete, just click "run" to install ARO 5. The program will scan and diagnose your PC's registry, tell you how many errors it found and then fix the first 20 errors for free. If you're satisfied with the trial version, you can upgrade to the full unlimited commercial system for around $30.

Out Spyware

Did you know that 61 percent of PCs have spyware on them? And of those infected, 92 percent of users didn't know spyware was present on their computers, according to a poll by AOL and the National Cyber-Security Alliance.

Spyware - software that gets installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent - is considered a serious security threat. Not only can spyware collect information about your Internet usage, it can install additional software, hijack your browser, change your computer settings and slow down your computer performance.

Scan for spyware daily if you are on the Internet often and download frequently. Many companies offer completely free anti-spyware software for download.

Be Vigilant to Viruses

With so many other computer threats cropping up, it may be easy to overlook virus protection. But viruses continue to be a major threat to computer security, costing consumers and companies billions of dollars worldwide each year to prevent virus transmission and clean up after infection.

The best defense is a good offense when it comes to computer viruses. There are reliable free protection services available, like AVG Free Anti-Virus, or Avast! Anti-Virus Free Home Edition, or you can subscribe to a virus protection software.  All will provide constant updates since new viruses emerge and old ones evolve into new forms every day- it's a matter of preference if you go for free or paid. Scan for new viruses at least once a week- more frequently if you are a heavy Internet user or receive large volumes of unsolicited e-mail.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

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The best interview you've ever had- here's the how-to

Almost any new situation for you- you're about to make a first impression.  And, whether it's a social or professional situations, that first impression counts! If we're talking here about an interview- make it a deal-maker...not breaker. Whether on the phone or in person, NESStaffing gives us some important things to consider for the impression you will make. For in-person interviews, here are some hints:

The Night Before

• Make sure you've done your research on the employer. Read the employer profile and visit the employer's website.
• Prepare a list of questions that were not answered by your research.
• Think about the possible questions the interviewer may ask and consider your responses.
• Put your list of questions, a copy of your resume, and the job description (if available) in a folder to take to the interview. Also bring original licenses, copies of diplomas and pertinent certificates, and names of references and/or copies of reference letters or performance evaluations.

The Day of the Interview

• If possible, wear a suit or, at least, a suit jacket. First impressions are lasting – Err on the side of overdressing.
• Be on time. Punctuality is all-important. If anything, be early.
• Be prepared to complete the employer's own application form when you arrive. (They may require an application form in addition to your resume.)
• First impressions count with everyone you meet, so be courteous and friendly with all the people with whom you interact.
• Go to the interview alone. Arrange babysitting, if you have young children, and if a friend or spouse accompanies you, they should not accompany you to the interview room.
• Don't be a no-show. If you are no longer interested or are unexpectedly unable to attend, be professional and give the employer the courtesy of a telephone call to say so.

The Interview 

• Shake hands, make eye contact, and smile. Sit straight and naturally in the chair.
• Let the interviewer direct the conversation.
• Think of the situation as being before a judge: don't talk too much – stick to answering the questions clearly. Ask your own questions, when they are relevant to the conversation.
• Use concrete examples to demonstrate your skills and experience.
• Be prepared to answer the following questions: Have you ever been convicted of a crime for which you haven't been pardoned? Can you show proof of your eligibility to work in this country? Can you perform the job's essential function? These questions are legal, and an employer has a responsibility to know. In the unlikely event that illegal questions (about your plans to have children, your sexual orientation, your religious beliefs, etc.) are asked, indicate as politely as you can that these questions are not relevant or legal (except in rare cases, such as in applications for overseas jobs; in these cases, if you don't answer, you may not be considered for the job).
• If you had difficulties at a previous job (with the work, the staff, the pay, the hours, etc.) and are asked, explain your position honestly and frankly. Your ability to get along with people will be a key consideration in the hiring decision.
• Unless the interviewer brings it up earlier, leave salary and benefits discussions to the end of the interview. At this time, do not be afraid to ask questions that are of real concern.
• In salary discussions, try not to be too specific regarding your expectations. If they are too high, you will eliminate yourself from consideration. If they are too low, you risk underselling your abilities. Don't make a final decision until you have considered the specifics of the job, the salary, the full range of benefits, and the cost of living. If you have to spend $300 a month in parking fees, the job may be less attractive than a job where parking is free or paid. If you want to do a Master's degree and an employer offers tuition reimbursement, then the perks can add up, particularly if it's on an after-tax basis.

The End of the Interview

• If you are interested in the job, but the employer does not make an offer during or at the end of the interview, inquire about the next steps in the process and when you might hear from them. Make a summary statement about the job and why it would suit your interests and abilities.
• If you are offered a position, thank them and ask for some time to consider the offer. Ask permission to contact them with additional questions. Even if you think you are not interested in the job, it would be best to consider your decision outside of the pressure of an interview – what is it about the job that is making you think it's not right? Is there a trade-off of any kind (e.g., a slightly lower salary but better hours)?
• If you are asked to come back for another interview, write down the name of the person with whom you are going to meet, the time, and the interviewer's telephone number and email address. (You will want all of this information at hand, in case you have to reschedule your appointment).
• Thank the interviewer.

After the Interview – Give Yourself a De-Briefing

• Make notes about what points you made, what points you wish you had made, and what points you wish you hadn't made.
• Ask yourself if you learned all you needed to know about the position.
• Did you talk too much? Too little?
• Did the interview go well? How do you know? Did you feel relaxed, confident? Did you share a laugh with the interviewer? Did you get the impression the interviewer was attentive, interested, enthusiastic, encouraging?
• Think about the interview objectively. Remember: practice makes perfect and interviewing is no exception.

Interested in the job?

Be sure to write a thank you- email at the very least!
Not Interested?

Write to the interviewer and make a summary statement about the positive aspects of the job, then clearly (and tactfully!) point out why it is not what you are looking for. Be explicit about what you are looking for. The interviewer may have such a job in the future.

Always do research in advance and take every interview seriously: show you have knowledge of the employer and the ability to articulate your experience, skills, and goals. Being prepared allows you to ask better questions and demonstrate your interest to the employer...which, could mean what for you?  Let's say it together:  THE JOB!

Good luck-

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

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Lessons from geese. Betcha didn't know they had any to give!

OK- your standard flock of geese may not be the first idea you come up with when searching for inspiration...well, geese may very well not make it into any idea you have in seeking life's lessons.  They're pretty dirty, noisy and all.  Fair enough, but just for kicks, let's see what we can learn from THE GOOSE.  You may be surprised.

1.  Fact:  As each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow.  By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson:  People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

2.  Fact:  When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone.  It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson:  If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go, too.  We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

3.  Fact:  When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Lesson:  It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.  Like geese, we are interdependent on one another's skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, knowledge or resources.

4.  Fact:  Geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to maintain the speed.  

Lesson:  We need to make sure our honk is encouraging.  In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater.  The power of encouragement(to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

5.  Fact:  When a goose becomes ill, or is wounded and going down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it.  They stay with their fallen comrade until it dies, or is able to fly again.  Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson:  If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

It's called "teamwork", my dear friend.  And think about it:  what places or situations could this encouraging teamwork spirit work for you?  Work- I bet.  School?  Of course!  Your spiritual center committee?  Absolutely!  How about your neighborhood, or as close to home as family members.  Give a honk to those in your life you care about today! 

Happy Monday-

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.