THE BODY PART THAT WANTS YOU TO GO GREEN

Your knees love it when you go green – eating green, that is. Filling your meals with this color can go a long way toward preventing arthritis. Here's what to reach for: Read More>>

SIGNS OF A STROKE

We know how dangerous Strokes can be but what’s really unnerving is that their symptoms are difficult to identify.

Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

How can you tell? Read More>>>>

Fiesta Relish

Ingredients:

2/3 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons dried yellow bell pepper
3 Tablespoons diced plum tomato
1 Tablespoon red bell pepper
1 Tablespoon minced shallots
1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne


Directions:

Combine all nutritional ingredients in a bowl. Serve relish chilled or at room temperature. Great for salad toppers, for a side relish, or for good ole fashioned dip for tortilla chips.

SIP THIS FOR SUPERHEALTHY TEETH

Can't get to your toothbrush? Try sipping a cup of green tea instead. Research shows that drinking green tea may be a good way to impress your dentist. In a study, the more green tea men drank, the better their gums fared during dental exams.

Green for Great Gums

You know that part of the dental exam when your dentist pokes and prods your gums to see how healthy they are? The study showed not only did frequent green tea drinkers have better results during the exam, but also their gums bled less. A bonus for drinking green tea…better tooth enamel.

Polish Your Pearlies

Researchers think it's the catechins in green tea that somehow prevent cavity-producing plaque from forming, which in turn protects teeth and gums. Catechins may also help reduce gum inflammation. Remember: There is a link between gum inflammation and heart disease.

NEED TO RELAX AFTER A TOUGH DAY??

Here’s your answer:

Meditation Class: Every Monday evening at 6:00 pm

Dolkar Wellness Center

7021 East Dreyfus Avenue

Scottsdale, AZ 85254

480-313-3726

With: Tara Hoffman – 20 years of experience

Fee: $5

Just Bring your cushion.

Meditation is the best thing you can do for yourself….

Join us and see for yourself!!!

Other Classes: Weightloss/Wellness Consultations –You WILL shed unwanted pounds and you WILL feel and look healthier than you have in years!!

Vegetarian Cooking Instruction: Call Center for availability and more information

We Also offer: Massage Therapy

Aromatherapy Massage

Reiki Healing & Attunement

Reflexology with aromatherapy

ALL SERVICES 50% OFF FOR THE SUMMER

www.dolkarwellness.com

FIESTA RELISH

Ingredients:

2/3 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons dried yellow bell pepper
3 Tablespoons diced plum tomato
1 Tablespoon red bell pepper
1 Tablespoon minced shallots
1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Serve relish chilled or at room temperature. Great for salad toppers, for a side relish, or for good ole fashioned dip for tortilla chips.

For more delicious vegetarian recipes.....http://www.dolkarwellness.com/

CHEW MORE....WEIGH LESS

Next time you grab a handful of nuts to snack on, count to 40. A recent study revealed that when people ate a small serving of almonds, 40 chews quelled hunger better than 10 or even 25 crunches of the same amount of nuts.

Not only did the extra chews help curb hunger best, but also the feelings of fullness lasted longest when people gave the nuts the extra chews. And the practice may work with other foods, too, because researchers suspect it may simply be the mere act of chewing that switches on your brain’s satiety center. Read More>>>. Make your almonds extra special with this Spicy Almonds recipe.

http://www.dolkarwellness.com/

MAUI MADNESS SMOOTHIE

2 Tablespoons French Vanilla ShapeWorks Shake Mix
1 tablespoon shredded coconut
1 Tablespoon crushed pineapple
1 scoop non-fat vanilla frozen yogurt
Fresh Squeezed orange juice
3 ice cubes

PRESS "PLAY" FOR A BETTER MOOD

Want to feel less stressed? Happier? More energetic? Spend more time with your stereo. A small study suggests that music typically affects people’s emotions for the better.

Melodic Mood Makeovers

Study participants who reported hearing music 37 percent of the time during a 1-week period were clearly influenced by the tunes they experienced. Most of the time, the music influenced how they felt, often making people feel happy or nostalgic. AND bad moods can be contagious.
More Than the Sound of Music

Other factors -- such as the personality of the listeners, whether they were alone or with friends during music exposure, and how much they liked the music -- did play a role in the music-induced emotional responses. But the emotions were most often positive and tended to match the motivation of the listeners. For example, listening to music to relax, to counter boredom, or to boost energy tended to lead to the desired response. Check out these other musically induced health benefits:

§ Listen for pain relief .
§ Take the toil out of exercise. Music makes exercise a whole lot easier.
§ Sharpen your noggin..
- Real Age

5 REASONS TO DITCH THAT SKIN PRODUCT

Choosing the right skin product is like picking the perfect mate: Look for the good things they offer, but be aware of red flags.

That’s because certain ingredients in skin treatments may irritate or damage your skin. If your skin’s been acting up, check your products’ labels for any of these five red flags:

1. Smell-good fragrances: They may tickle your nose, but these little molecules set off allergic reactions in up to 14 percent of people. Symptoms could range from itching and redness to vomiting and convulsions. READ MORE>>>

LIVING IN THE PRESENT - SOME PRACTICAL TIPS

One more reason why it is difficult for some people to live in the present is that they don’t know themselves well enough, and they secretly don’t love themselves. This is why they are in a rush, trying to escape from themselves. Once we get down to the core of this issue, once we know and accept ourselves, many of our pressing problems will be resolved. When we stop behaving in an ignorant and unfriendly way toward ourselves, our life transforms. Use the tips below to transform your life.

Be mindful of your breath. There is no need to use sophisticated breathing techniques - just pay attention as you breathe in and breathe out. Try to breathe deeply and slowly. Try to enjoy this process. This is such an easy thing to do, and yet if you will try it for a certain time, you will find yourself to be more peaceful and calm. If will be much easier for you to stay mentally present – not dwelling on the past and not dreaming of the future.

Be mindful of your physical feelings. Ask yourself: “How do I feel right now? Am I sitting in a comfortable position? Do I feel comfortable with the shoes and clothes I wear, and with the things around me? What is my body trying to tell me?” Again, this is an easy thing to do - but so many people go through life ignoring their feelings until their bodies begin to scream. When we get in touch with our feelings on a day-to-day basis, we open ourselves to its guidance and valuable suggestions.

Do not rush. Sometimes we are so afraid to be late for something that we don’t realize that the world does not depend upon us for its survival. Of course, it is good to be on time - but a wise person knows that it can be better achieved not by intensity of efforts but by careful planning. As you plan your day, give yourself more time to do the important things and eliminate the non-important things as much as possible. You might do them if you will have spare time, or don’t do them at all. If you have an appointment, try to leave in time to easily be on time. But if you are still late, don’t feel guilty about it. Next time, you will be even more wiser.

Be grateful for the delays. When you are in a traffic jam, or if you are standing in a line, try not to be angry or upset like some others. Rather, realize that this delay is a gift. You have a chance to be alone with yourself for a minute or so, without being distracted. Watch for your breath and for your physical feelings, try to become relaxed. Say a simple affirmation or two. Smile to yourself. Look at people around you with sympathetic eyes. In an instant, your tension will go away, and you will get in touch with joyous spirit of the present moment.

Essential Oils - Our Partners on the Spiritual Path

When we think of the word “healing”, we normally consider that we are speaking about the physical body. But true healing, in my opinion, doesn’t take place on the physical level. The physical body is the most dense of our bodies. In fact, it is the end result of our thoughts, worries, and experiences. Therefore, it’s only logical that trying to heal the physical body would be like the little dutch boy who runs from place to place – trying to plug up all the holes in the dam. Successful healing, then, would take place in the most subtle body we have….the light body or spiritual body.

We can either be the dutch boy who runs frantically back and forth and never really resolves the core of the issue. Or we can go right to the source and apply our healing efforts where subtle changes ripple through out the entire being. Because of their high vibrational properties, essential oils are really a spiritual approach to healing.

We all talk about spiritual development – the ascension of consciousness to higher levels of all-pervasive awareness but most of us (the masses) don’t really spend enough time in this pursuit to really understand what it means. However, the time is ripe for humanity to really begin the process of spiritual development and essential oils can assist us.

Essential oils and the process of anointing have always been used to advance humanity into a spiritual reality. In the writings on the temple walls in Egypt, we see people smelling the lotus blossom.

As a Buddhist, the lotus flower holds a lot of spiritual meaning to me. However, the rose has replaced the lotus in our society. It has the highest frequencies and stimulates an increase in energy within the center of the brain where the “control center” of our physical body resides – the Limbic system and can be activated by smell. It is by raising the frequency within our physical body that we raise the frequency within our spiritual bodies.

Rose ~ (rosa damascene) Because the rose has the highest vibrational frequency, it important for spiritual development. It is considered a supreme healer of both the body and spirit, and it is very easy to use with basic natural healing techniques. True rose oils are the number one choice for opening the heart chakra - the first step in spiritual pursuits. Trying to live a spiritual life without opening our hearts is like pouring water into a vase that has a hole in the bottom.

Read More about Essential Oils >>>

FETTUCCINE WITH SHIITAKE MUSHROOM & BASIL

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced (1 1/2 cups)
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
8 ounces whole-grain fettuccine or spaghetti
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1 ounce)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, divided

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil for cooking pasta.

2. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Add mushrooms and increase heat to medium-high; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.

3. Meanwhile, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 9 to 11 minutes or according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.

4. Add the pasta, the reserved cooking liquid, Parmesan and 1/4 cup basil to the mushrooms in the skillet; toss to coat well. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining basil.

MORE RECIPES>>>

Relax and Recharge Completely

Regular relaxation is essential for a long life and personal effectiveness. Here are some techniques for relaxing physically that are used by the most successful and highest paid people in America.

Take Time Off Every Week
First of all, work only five or six days per week, and rest completely on the seventh day. Every single study in this area shows that you will be far more productive in the five or six days that you work if you take one or two days off completely than you ever would be if you worked straight through for seven days.

On the days that you work, make sure you set aside time for at least 15 minutes of meditation in the morning and at night before going to bed.

Get Your Mind Busy Elsewhere
During this time off, do not catch up on reports, organize your desk, prepare proposals, or do anything else that requires mental effort. Simply let your mind relax completely, and get busy doing things with your family and friends. Maybe work around the house, go for a walk, engage in physical exercise, watch television, go to a movie, or play with your children. Whatever you do, discipline yourself to shut your mental gears off completely for at least one 24-hour period every seven days.

Get Away on Mini-Vacations
Second, take one three-day vacation every three months, and during that time, refrain from doing any work. Do not attempt to catch up on even a few small things. If you do, you keep your mental gears in motion, and you end up neither resting nor properly doing work of any quality.

Read More>>>

GIVE THE MIND A VACATION

Meditation is a wonder. It can bring health to the body, peace to the mind, and freedom to the spirit. Many physical and mental issues can be alleviated by soothing the mind with meditation. Therefore, Dolkar Wellness is sponsoring - Beginner’s Meditation Program:

When: Monday evenings at 6:00 pm beginning April 6
Where: 9600 N. 96th Street–Ste. 102, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Cost: $5 a session – pay as you go

During the first session, Tara Hoffman, President of Dolkar Wellness, will give a brief explanation of what meditation is and why it is important to practice on a regular basis. We will participate in a simple meditation and still have time for questions. Ongoing classes will be held Monday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 so feel free to have friends and family join at any time.

Wear comfortable clothes and bring a cushion if you wish to sit on the floor. Distance is not an obstacle – we can conference you in to participate with the group.

Contact us at 480-313-3726 to register or for further information.

http://www.dolkarwellness.com/

DOLKAR WELLNESS KICKS BUTT IN WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

Tara Hoffman, President of Dolkar Wellness, kicked off a Pilot Program for a NeoWellness Cellular Level Approach to Weight Loss on February 2 and concluded the 6-week session on March 16, 2009. The average weight loss for the group was 10 pounds and all participants said they would never eat unhealthy food again - choosing to eat vegetables over cookies. Read more>>>

Next Session begins:

When: Monday, March 30, 2009 begins a new 6-week session.
Where: Dolkar Wellness Center
When: 7:15 pm
Contact: Tara at 480-313-3726 to enroll

Don’t wait another day to sign up. You too can begin to learn the holistic techniques to shed weight once and for all! Sessions will be ongoing so you can begin at any time. Distance is not an obstacle!

Referrals available upon request
www.dolkarwellness.com – tara@dolkarwellness.com

BANANAS - MORE THAN JUST A TASTY TREAT

A professor at CCNY for a physiological psychology class discussed the effects of bananas on the brain. He said the expression 'going bananas' is not just a random saying.

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!! After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars: sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet. Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. Read More >>>

THE LEGUME THAT LOWERS CHOLESTEROL

There's a certain bean that may have powers to lower cholesterol. Where can you get it? Try a creamy side of hummus. Research shows that chickpeas, the luscious legume that's pureed for hummus dips, could go a long way toward improving your cholesterol profile.

Gaga for Garbanzos

In a small study, people who ate roughly 25 ounces of chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans) per week for 12 weeks showed an improvement in their total cholesterol levels compared with when they ate a chickpea-free diet for 4 weeks. And that's not all: Their insulin levels also improved, and they lost a small amount of weight -- without dieting or exercising. All good reasons to fall in love with this legume! Start adding chickpeas to your diet, and take notice of the weight loss.

Pass the Chickpeas, Please

Researchers think the fiber, protein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in chickpeas should probably get the credit for the cholesterol improvements. Chickpeas are also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and phytoestrogens. Have chickpeas for dinner tonight with this Fragrant Chickpea Stew recipe.

For other cholesterol busting strategies, try these foods:

Sesame seeds – especially the black ones

Think Soy… it helps to lower cholesterol – and stabilize hormonal
levels.

Nibble on dark chocolate – it contains cholesterol-fighting antioxidants.

-RealAge

GIVE STRESS THE SOFT TOUCH

If your worries are following you around like a long afternoon shadow, here's a fun way to give them the slip: Spend 30 minutes cuddling on the couch tonight. Research shows that physical affection can help lower stress levels.

Happy Half-Hour

In a small 4-week study, healthy married couples that regularly held hands, massaged each other, and cuddled for 30 minutes at least four times a week showed significant changes in physiological systems associated with stress. Their saliva showed more anti-stress hormones as well as lower levels of enzymes associated with stress, compared with that of noncuddlers. Don't have a significant other? Snuggle with your kitty or your pup. Time with pets is a great calm-inducer, too.

Read More>>>

GROUNDING

Grounding is a process that helps the body to connect to earth energies via its root chakra. Because we are first and foremost spiritual beings the physical body sometimes gets neglected. It is important to respect and care for the "container" that houses our spirit during our incarnate lifetime. Grounding is typically done through visualization or vibrational exercises.

Body Scan

This is a scanning technique that I have used myself for years as I lay in my bed at night. I have called it a grounding exercise as it brings awareness back into balance. Aside from this body scan helping to clear the mind from clutter it is also an excellent tool in identifying physical stresses and upsets. Pain can be so overwhelming in one part of the body that the rest of the body gets neglected. The body scan is an exercise in assembling the larger hurts alongside the most minute details of stresses that you may have overlooked within your body.

Read About Details on the Grounding Exercise

CREAMY GOAT CHEESE DEVILED EGGS WITH HERBS

6 hard-cooked eggs, halved, separated
2 oz. soft goat cheese, crumbled
6 tablespoons mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
salad dressing
2 teaspoons minced shallots
2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon, chives,
chervil, dill or basil
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon sea salt & dash pepper

1. Place egg yolks in medium bowl; mash with pastry blender or fork until crumbled. Add cheese; mash until combined. Stir in mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in all remaining ingredients except egg whites.

2. Spoon or pipe mixture into whites.

12 appetizers

PER APPETIZER: 100 calories, 9 g total fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 4 g protein, .5 g carbohydrate, 110 mg cholesterol, 110 mg sodium, 0 g fiber

SELF-HELP FOR HEADACHES

Next time you get a nagging headache, try a little fingertip therapy. You might feel better more quickly. Massaging key acupressure points can ease the grip of a tension headache.

1. Your temporalis muscle: With your index and middle fingers, apply pressure to

your temporalis muscle. It’s that tender spot where you feel a muscle move

when you clench your teeth.

2. Behind your ears: Using your thumbs, massage in a circular motion the spots

just underneath the large bones behind your ears.

3. Between your eyes: With your middle finger and thumb, gently pinch the skin

just above your nose and press upward so you feel the pressure around your

eyebrows.

4. The web of your hand: Use your thumb and index finger to squeeze the fleshy

pad of skin between the thumb and index finger on your opposite hand.

5. Most of all….RELAX…don’t let the stress of the day do you in.

TEN KEYS FOR FINDING HAPPINESS

Use these Ten Keys for Finding Happiness in Your Life

1. Live on purpose. Joyful aliveness connects you with your purpose. Learn the skills you need to create happiness. Discover the activities and pursuits that make your heart sing! These engaging activities provide clues to your purpose and will assist you in finding happiness.

If you want to maintain desperation and unhappiness, then believe that life has no purpose.

2. Find Happiness right now. No other time exists for experiencing happiness. Only the present moment contains the spark of life!

You may also create misery by constantly wanting to speed ahead to some other time. Most people live their lives wanting to exist elsewhere and elsewhen.

3. Accept total responsibility for your life! You create your reality and your emotions. Your power and focus exceed your wildest dreams.

You can choose to blame and whine, pretending that your life situation came from without, rather than from within. As within, so without. Accept total responsibility for all.

4. Act in boldness. Take on challenges and pursue lofty goals. Overcoming difficulties and obstacles provide some of the most exquisite joys in life.

To create misery, play it totally safe. Never do anything scary, risky, or out of the ordinary. Follow your fears and let them control your actions. For happiness and joy - feel the fear, and do it anyway!

5. Read More>>>

5 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
3 cups chopped peeled butternut, hubbard, red kuri or kabocha squash (1/2-

inch pieces)
2 cups shiitake mushroom caps, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads (optional)
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine or dry vermouth
1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1. Place broth in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat so the broth remains steaming, but is not simmering.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in squash and mushrooms; cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms give off their liquid, about 5 minutes. Add thyme, salt, pepper and saffron (if using); cook for 30 seconds. Add rice; stir until translucent, about 1 minute. Add wine (or vermouth) and cook, stirring, until almost absorbed by the rice, about 1 minute.

3. Stir in 1/2 cup of the hot broth; reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid has been absorbed. Continue adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring after each addition until all the liquid has been absorbed, until the rice is tender and creamy, 30 to 40 minutes total. (You may have some broth left.) Remove from the heat and stir in cheese.

Makes 4 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each

Does this sound delicious? Want more recipes? Visit Dolkar Wellness NOW!!!

ROASTED PEPPER AND EGGPLANT FRITTATA

Make sure to use an ovenproof skillet because the frittata goes directly from the stovetop to the oven.

Ingredients:

10 eggs1/2 cup milk, rice milk or soy milk

1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepper3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

2 cups finely chopped peeled eggplant1 (12- to 13-oz.) jar roasted red bell

peppers drained, chopped

1/4 cup shredded Feta cheese

1. Whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper in medium bowl until well-blended.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in large ovenproof skillet over medium heat until

hot. Cook and stir eggplant 5 to 8 minutes or until tender. Stir in bell peppers.

3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to skillet; heat until hot. Pour egg mixture over

vegetables. Cook, covered, medium to low heat 12 to 15 minutes. Read More>>

FOR MORE AMAZING RECIPES....contact Dolkar Wellness NOW!!!

A BREAKFAST THAT WAKES YOU UP

Dragging through your morning? Then try adding these breakfast favorites to your a.m. menu: yogurt and eggs. Starting your day with eggs can help you feel full longer too.

This little diet tweak could help you forget you even have a snooze button, thanks to the extra dose of tyrosine -- a building block for two important wake-up-your-brain chemicals.

Do You Feel Good?Tyrosine helps make the wake-up brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. Studies show that people tend to think more quickly and feel more motivated and energetic when their brains are producing large amounts of these chemicals.

In addition to eggs and yogurt, other food sources of tyrosine include almonds, chicken, avocados, bananas, and sesame seeds.

Two more energy sources to help keep you sharp in the a.m.:

Oranges and other citrus -- The vitamin C in oranges and other citrus fruits has been shown to help beat fatigue.

Amaranth and Quinoa – These cereals contain 16 and 18 miligrams of iron, a nutrient that’s essential for energy, especially in women. Both of these cereals for breakfast will kick the butt of cream of wheat (which has 10 miligrams of iron per cup). And with the sensitivities to wheat that many people have, these two grains are worth their weight in gold. Eat them….you’ll love them and their nutrition is amazing.

If you still need a pick-me-up in the morning, contact Dolkar Wellness for some of our amazing healthy energy drink called LIFTOFF. No sugar....lots of vitamins and minerals....DELISH!

SAGE ESSENTIAL OIL CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE

Salvia Officinalis, a highly versatile plant, has many other names such as Sage, Common sage, Garden sage, Kitchen sage, Culinary sage, Dalmatian sage, Purple sage, Broadleaf sage, Red sage and Spanish Sage It is a small perennial evergreen shrub with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is part of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is native to the northern Mediterranean region. There are several species, including garden or true sage (S. officinalis), the sage most commonly used in foods. Many varieties of garden sage are known, but the Dalmatian type possesses the finest aroma. Garden sage is native to France and other parts of southern and eastern Europe, and is still cultivated extensively there and in the United States and Russia.

Sage has been used for thousands of years for medicinal as well as culinary purposes. The word comes from the Latin “salvare” which means to “cure or heal”. Although the effectiveness of Common Sage is open to debate, it has been recommended at one time or another for virtually every ailment. In ancient times it was thought that if a person had a sage plant growing in his yard, he would be

prsperous and possibly immortal. Today we can readily use sage's properties through its blood essence - called essential oil. Read More>>>

Not Feeling Joyful? Grab the Mop

Cleaning isn’t on Julie Andrews’s melodic list of favorite things, but maybe it should be. When you feel a little down in the dumps, just 20 minutes of brisk housework could have you back to your happy, toe-tapping self. Worth a try, right?

Washes Away Stress

Hate mopping and sweeping? Go for a walk instead. As long as it lasted for at least 20 minutes, making the place sparkle or walking at least twice a week reduced depression by up to 20 percent in a study. Why? Because when physical activity goes up, physical stress goes down -- and your mood benefits.

Three More Ways to Beat Blahs and getting to a happier place:

Get your ZZZs. A lack of shut-eye can wipe the smile off of anyone’s face.

Make a budget. Money troubles are one of the most common forms of stress.

Eat true comfort foods. Ice cream? Nope. Avocado? Now that’s the ticket.

And berries and chocolate . . . these foods appear to calm people down.

Contact Dolkar Wellness for more information on How to Create a Happy Life.

CAN YOU GUESS WHAT THIS IS???

Any good guesses as to what this substance is? Millions of people eat this every day.

No, folks. That is not soft-serve ice cream. That is soft-serve chicken. AKA mechanically separated meat. AKA chicken nugget meat.

Does this still sound good to you? For help in eating a healthy diet, contact Dolkar Wellness NOW.

BIRD SEED CANDY

1 cup sesame seeds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup peanuts
½ cup agave syrup
½ cup organic raw sugar (OR stevia to taste)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ginger (diced)


1. Oil a half-size cookie sheet or double recipe to use a full-size sheet

2. Toast seeds and nuts for 10-15 minutes in an ungreased skillet placed over medium heat. Transfer nuts to a large heatproof bowl and set aside

3. In medium saucepan, simmer agave syrup, sugar and spices, stirring often. When mixture starts to boil, set a timer for 2 minutes. Allow mixture to boil for the 2 minutes. If should start to foam up at this point like it’s ready to boil over.

4. Slowly pour syrup over toasted seeds and nuts. Blend mixture well with a spoon and scoop onto oiled sheet.

5. Cool and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. TIP: A pizza cutter is the best tool for cutting this candy after it has cooled. Remove from cookie sheet with a spatula.

Contact Dolkar Wellness NOW for more nutritious vegetarian cooking recipes

BE LIKE A TREE

A common practice that is used by healers to assist clients who tend to be "spacey" to become more grounded is to guide them through a simple guided visualization. The healer will ask the client to imagine being a tree. By imagining that one is extending roots into the ground the client's anxieties are lessened and they are better able to draw healing energies from the earth source.

Contact Dolkar Wellness for a more advanced meditation utilizing a tree - to dissolve anxiety, worry and fear.

CHIA PETS PRODUCE AMAZING OFFSPRING

There's a forgotten discovery from the Aztecs that's making a resurgence and with good reason. It's filled with vital omega-3s, minerals, and fiber. In fact, I think it's the answer to some of the biggest dietary challenges we face today—since it gives you so much of what the modern American diet is missing.

The food I'm talking about is chia seeds. It amazes me that such tiny seeds, scarcely bigger than the tip of a pencil, can have such a huge impact on your health. Remember chia pets from the 1980s? Who would have thought the seeds would contain such amazing healing properties – one of the richest foods known to nature.

As the Aztec and Mayan secret to good health, chia seeds are rich in omega-3s which are vital fats that support your heart, blood pressure, brain function, immune system, joints, and more. But unfortunately, the average person today gets just one-sixth the omega-3s as people in the 1800s. Most of us today are eating too many omega-6s and not enough 3s but now we can get all the omega-3s we need with this tiny seed.

Chia seeds give you 3.4 grams of omega-3s per serving. In these tough economic times, it's nice to find a single food that gives you so many of these healthy oils. These tiny seeds are also an energy-boosting powerhouse. The outer layer of the chia seed is made of soluble fiber, which slows down the release of glucose into your bloodstream. Glucose is the primary energy source used by your brain, nervous system, and muscles.

So….just two tablespoons give you an amazing supply of vital nutrients—and energy!

Contact Dolkar Wellness NOW for more Information about Chia Seeds!!

YOU CAN BE HAPPY NOW

I think Happiness is the most important thing in my life…don’t you? If we don’t have happiness….what do we have? We’re here in this world to be happy…to experience life to the fullest and realize who we are and why we’re here.

The sad part of life is when I see people delaying their happiness. I hear comments like “When I get out of college, I’ll be happy” or “When I get married, I’ll be happy” or “When I retire, I’ll be happy.” If we delay Happiness, then we will never be Happy and we will go through life on autopilot. We can be Happy right now….this very moment. The Buddha said, “There is no path to Happiness; Instead, Happiness is the path.

Think about it….what are the things that make you Happy. Treasure them and appreciate these things. This very act will make you a Happier person. Other things you can do:

Treat others with kindness
Be honest – don’t try to deceive others
Say something positive (or nothing at all)
Help others accomplish their goals
Live life to its fullest – experience your life for what it has to offer

BE HAPPY…..JUST DO IT!!!

Contact Dolkar Wellness NOW for more information.

SOME PRACTICAL TIPS FOR LIVING IN THE “NOW”

Why do so many of us have difficulty living in the present moment? One reason may be that we don’t totally know, love and accept ourselves We rush through our lives and never ask “Where are we rushing to?” No matter where we go, there we are! Once we get down to the core of this issue and learn to know and accept ourselves, many of our pressing problems will be resolved and our lives with be transformed. People will respond positively to us because we have become kinder to ourselves.

Here are some practical tips for living in the present moment and are very helpful for us to use in our daily lives:

1. Be mindful of your breath. There is no need to use sophisticated breathing techniques - just pay attention to your breath. Try to breathe deeply and slowly….and enjoy the process. This is such an easy thing to do. Try it and see that your life will be more peaceful and calm.

2. Be mindful of your physical feelings. Ask yourself: how do I feel right now? Am I sitting in a comfortable position? Do I feel comfortable about the shoes and clothes I wear, and about the things around me? What is my body trying to tell me? So many of us go through our lives ignoring our feelings. One day the body will refuse to be ignored another minute and we will get sick. When we get in touch with our feelings on a day-to-day basis, we open ourselves to its guidance and valuable suggestions.

3. Don’t lead your life in a rush. Sometimes we are so afraid to be late for an appointment, job, etc. that we don't realize the world does not depend upon us for its survival. Of course, it is good to be on time but a wise person utilizes careful planning instead of rushing. As you plan your day, give yourself more time to do the important things and eliminate the non-important things as much as possible. It you have time to do the less important things in your life, do them. Otherwise, don’t rush. And if you ARE late for an appointment, don’t burden yourself further by feeling guilty.

4. Be grateful for the delays. When you are in a traffic jam or standing in a line, try not to be angry or upset. Realize that this delay is a gift. You have a chance to be alone with yourself for a minute or so, without being distracted. Watch your breath and physical feelings and try to relax. Think about how precious your life is and appreciate it fully. Smile to yourself. Look at people around you and know they also have this precious human life. In an instant, your tension will go away and you will get in touch with the joyous spirit of the present moment.

Contact Dolkar Wellness NOW for more information on Meditation.

THREE SCOTTSDALE POWERHOUSES COMBINE FORCES ON TRAIL GUIDE TO HAPPINESS SEMINAR

Scottsdale, Arizona – Three Powerhouses in the Wellness Industry join forces for a Hands-On Approach to Spiritual Development. Attendees will learn how to find happiness in the middle of chaos and make peace within themselves.

The Seminar entitled “The Trail Guide for the Path to Happiness – Hands-On Approach” will be presented by three well-known local proponents of the Wellness Field: Shiang Chen Williams, a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist & Energy Medicine Practitioner; Dale Light, a Transformation Life Coach, Fitness Consultant & Health Educator; and Tara Hoffman, NeoWellness Health Facilitator & President of Dolkar Wellness.

The Trail Guide for the Path to Happiness will take place on January 24, 2009 from 1:30-3:30 pm at the Scottsdale Mustang Library on 90th Street and Shea. The seminar will take people from all walks of life through a practical process – guiding them to their natural state of HAPPINESS.

Dale Light will kick off the afternoon guiding us into the NOW by bringing POW and WOW to our lives. Together we will examine the possibility for creating a deeper purpose and power, thus a more peaceful life. Where else can happiness be found? Dale will guide us through 10 simple but powerful movements for calming the mind, freeing the body and elevating the spirit.

Once we understand how to live in the present moment, Tara Hoffman will take us for a walk on the Spiritual Middle Path. We will learn how to remain in a state of “At Ease” – not being too strict or too lax in our state of being and way of living. Only through total peace and tranquility can we hear our inner voice and realize our true nature. Understanding the Middle Path can help in that pursuit.

Shiang Chen Williams will finish up the triology approach with the technique and philosophy of where and how to locate true happiness. She will briefly outline the four parts of the brain and their functions as well as the law of attraction. Through guided meditation, we will learn how to “shift gears” properly to work with the emotions and avoid the pitfalls of negative energy entrapment.

Lots of audience participation will make this workshop exciting, dynamic and effective. Meditation techniques and experiential methodologies will make the experience unlike anything else you’ve attended. Come through the door dressed comfortably with an open mind and open heart and you’ll take away with you an amazing sense of freedom by utilizing the Trail Guide for the Path to Happiness.

For more information contact: Tara Hoffman, 480-313-3726 – tara@dolkarwellness.com

VEGETABLE STUFFED PEPPERS

4 large sweet organic peppers
3 Tbsp organic butter
2 Tbsp whole grain flour
1 cup organic low-fat milk or rice milk
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp finely chopped onion
½ bunch of organic parsley
½ cup organic grated cheddar cheese
1 ½ raw cashew pieces
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/3 cup grated organic parmesan cheese

Slice off top of peppers and scoop out seeds. Steam peppers until lightly cooked. The peppers’ colors should still be bright but they need to remain firm enough to be stuffed. Set aside.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add flour and stir. Gradually add milk and spices, stirring over low heat until creamy. Set aside.

Saute onion and parsley in remaining tablespoon of butter until wilted. Remove from heat. Stir together with rest of ingredients except parmesan cheese.

stuff peppers with mixture. Place in casserole dish with one inch of water on bottom. Sprinkle parmesan on top. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

For more delicious vegetarian recipes, contact Dolkar Wellness NOW!!!

EAT, DRINK, AND MAKE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR MERRY

All those holiday leftovers and New Year’s party plates can do a real number on your blood sugar. But here’s a drink that may help fix that: chamomile tea. There just might be something in chamomile that not only helps keep blood sugar stable but also guards against the damage high blood sugar can do.

A Floral PhenomenonThe flower-infused brew is already credited with a catchall of remedy powers -- easing anxiety, menstrual cramps, insomnia, and skin problems. The newest potential benefit of chamomile was that extracts of chamomile helped steady blood sugar and also guarded against enzymes involved in diabetes complications. More studies are needed but we already know that drinking tea is one of the best health habits around -- so it won’t hurt if you’re drinking chamomile ahead of the curve.

Blood Sugar BasicsWhen you’re looking for proven blood sugar control techniques, start with a balanced, portion-controlled diet that’s rich in fiber, veggies, and fruit and low in processed foods and sugars. Then rev it up with these easy tweaks:

1. Eat more spinach.
2. Keep vinegar in your kitchen as a staple. You use it for cooking, cleaning, gardening, and a hundred other household chores. But for your blood sugar? You bet. Seems vinegar -- the tart stuff in tasty vinaigrettes and marinades -- may help clamp down on blood sugar spikes from eating starchy carbs like potatoes and pasta.

Vinegar stabilizes blood sugar instantly, too -- stymieing hunger pangs, keeping your energy up, and keeping pounds off. To get the blood sugar benefit of vinegar, try pairing starchy foods with vinegar-based sauces or dressings. Or start a meal with a salad dressed in oil and vinegar.

3. Eat more peanut butter. It’s not chocolate pudding. It’s peanut butter. Adults in a recent study who ate this childhood fave at least five times a week reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes by 27 percent. Go NuttyResearchers speculate that the unsaturated fats in nuts -- and nut butters -- may partly explain the big dip in diabetes risk. These healthy fats may somehow improve insulin sensitivity and keep your blood sugar stable. The fiber and magnesium in nuts may also decrease insulin demand and resistance.

In a Nutshell: An added bonus of eating peanut butter? Staying slim. The study participants did, especially when they used nut products to replace other fatty foods, like chips. Here are even more reasons to dip into nuts and nut butters.

Contact Dolkar Wellness NOW for additional Information.