THE 30-MINUTE RUNNER
Smart Training for Busy Beginners
By Duncan Larkin
Foreword by Dr. Mike Moreno
The 30-Minute Runner takes a simplified approach to training, which is to break down everything into one thirty-minute session per day—a manageable segment for first-time runners and those who may be in decent shape but lead incredibly busy lives.
Everything in the book—including training schedules, techniques, and tips—is put forth purely in terms of minutes spent running, without any goal paces to worry about, mileage to keep track of, or anything to measure other than time spent out on the roads and trails. The book focuses on how to maximize those thirty critical minutes in order to achieve two primary goals: shedding extra pounds and completing a 5K race.
About the Authors:
Duncan Larkin has covered the sport of running for more than a decade. He’s a certified Army Master Fitness Trainer and was a top-300 American marathoner back in 2006. He has won the Himalayan 100-Mile Stage Race and the Mohawk-Hudson Marathon. His first book, Run Simple, was published in 2012. Duncan writes about fitness for Outside Magazine, Competitor Magazine, Runner’s World, ESPN, and Running Times.
Dr. Mike Moreno is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The 17 Day Diet. Moreno practices family medicine and serves on the board of the San Diego Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians. A graduate of the University of California at Irvine and Hahnemann Medical School, he completed his residency at Kaiser Permanente in Fontana, California.
The 30-Minute Runner
Smart Training for Busy Beginners
By Duncan Larkin; Foreword by Dr. Mike Moreno
Skyhorse Publishing hardcover, also available as an ebook
On Sale: January 2, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-5107-2132-6
Price: $24.99
BEST HAIR TIPS FOR GIRLS WITH NATURAL CURLS
International Stylist and Curl Master Creator of The Doux
Gets Real About Real Hair

People with wavy or curly hair are always looking for new products, tips and tricks to lock in their desired look. Whether they want to blow it straight, create looser curls or maximize their tighter coils, Maya Smith, Celebrity Hair Stylist, salon owner and creator of The Doux, the “Indie” haircare line with cult following which arrives at Target this month, is truly the master. Here she shares her best tips for girls with curls who want to revel in their natural hair and create a style they love.
Understand the battle between oil and moisture.
The first thing people must understand is that there are opposite things going on at the same time. “Due to the shape of curly haired strands, the hair tends to be under moisturized. On the other hand, the curly haired scalp can get very oily. Managing these opposite demands is the struggle of girls who wish to keep their curls. The key here is knowing how best to address both,” explains Maya who led the movement for women to transition from relaxers to natural curls.
Be gentle when washing curly hair.
According to Maya, kinky, thick, coiled textures tend to appear “tough” and strong enough to withstand heavy manipulation. “In my experience, these hair types are actually the most delicate, and should be handled with care, she recommends.”
Step One: Pick your products wisely.
Maya applied over 2 decades of research and development based on working knowledge of hair texture and listening to what people wanted. “I created The Doux™ SUCKA FREE Moisturizing Shampoo and FRESH RINSE Moisturizing Conditioner as the one-two step that delivers both deep cleaning plus exceptional nourishment necessary for styling.” It’s now available in Target stores and the full product line is available online at www.thedoux.com.
Step Two: Prep for shampoo.
Maya’s professional instructions for curl mastery begins with rinsing hair thoroughly with water for a minimum of 30 seconds. “This helps to eliminate any water-soluble product buildup, such as hair gel or heat protectant. It also helps you save shampoo! Assuming you’re shampooing in the shower, letting the water run over the hair in a downward motion helps prevent further tangling, and allows the hair shaft to swell and the curl pattern to fully rebound.” For those with extremely thick hair, Maya suggests separating hair into 4 sections prior to wetting the hair for increased manageability.
Once the shampoo is applied, Maya recommends light manipulation at the scalp, going from the crown of the head to the nape of the neck. “Squishing” the hair up toward the scalp is a no-no. “Shampooing this way can cause unforgivable tangling and matting. I recommend repeating the shampooing process at least once.”
Step Three: Condition and comb through like a pro.
If your scalp was properly shampooed, conditioning is easy. “This time, you’re focusing on your thirsty ends first, working upward toward the scalp. Gently detangle with a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush (our favorite is Felicia Leatherwood’s “Brush with the Best” detangling brush) before rinsing, starting at the ends, working up toward to the roots. Remember to rinse with cool water which snaps cuticles shut, locks in moisture, makes your hair shinier and reduces frizz.”
When it comes to “co-washing” or “conditioner washing” Maya equates the popular trend to washing your clothes with fabric softener. “In my experience, co-washing causes build-up on the hair, coating the cuticle and impairing the hair’s natural ability to absorb water. Oils, waxes, and product residue harden on the hair shaft, making it more brittle and less porous over time. When the hair can no longer effectively absorb water, the elasticity of the hair is compromised, leaving the hair “crunchy” and stiff, where it is more likely to break. The result is hair that feels dry and brittle, no matter what product you use to moisturize it,” explains Maya.
One of the things Maya Smith and her team of stylists are known for is their ability to restore hundreds of their clients’ curls, simply by getting them to trade in the co-wash for a gentle, pH-balanced moisturizing shampoo, like The Doux’s SUCKA FREE which properly cleanses hair of product residue. “Once you have the hair thoroughly clean it “drinks” up the necessary amount of moisture, and returns to its natural softness,” Maya clarifies.
Avoid alcohol and kick the crunch to the curb.
Styling products high in alcohol give curls a crunchy feel. They suck up every last bit of moisture. Hair spray tends to contain the most alcohol, while gels, mousses and anything that provides hold or lift come in second. “I recommend water-soluble gels that don't feel sticky on your skin, and aerated mousses or foams that resemble beaten egg whites, to give hair fullness, control, and non-brittle curls,” Maya says.
She adds that she created The Doux so it can be used on hair that is worn curly or straight. “Our clients purchase one set of products, and apply them differently to achieve the style they want. If you’re rocking curly hair today, you’re using The Doux’s Mousse Def and Bonita Afro Balm for softness and definition, and The Light for shine. If you’re wearing a blowout, you’re still using the same products, but applying them less liberally, and using the shine mist as a heat protectant. It’s super simple and easy to follow once you’ve seen the results each of them deliver,” Maya explains.
Blow-Dry with a diffuser or hooded dryer.
Maya’s first choice for curly styles is to air dry. “If you don’t have the time to air dry then dry with a diffuser or hooded dryer on a low heat setting. A regular blow dryer nozzle disrupts the curl pattern and focuses hot air on one small section at a time while a diffuser, dries curls evenly for a full, uniform look,” she explains.
Maya recommends always applying a heat-protecting product, then flipping your head upside down using a diffuser at the roots and mid-length making sure to dry the area completely to lock in volume. “It’s important to leave the ends for last, and leave them only semi-dry. Air drying the ends is your best option.”
Care for the curls you were born with!
About Maya Smith:
Maya Smith is an International Master Stylist and Founder of The Doux Salon and haircare line now available in Target. With over two decades of styling experience Maya dedicated two decades to cracking the code on curl care, maintenance and expert styling. When it comes to caring for one’s natural hair and styling it, Maya is the best there is.
While still in high school, Maya got her hair cutting license and graduated from beauty school. Soon after graduating high school, Maya began following her passion and worked as an assistant for celebrity stylist Tracy Johnson. She learned from Johnson and progressed as a hair stylist for celebrities and entertainers. Years later the military wife would relocate to Germany, where Maya opened up her first salon The HoneyComb, a mecca for textured hair care for women from all over Europe, The UK, and as far as Africa. Maya's unique system of textured hair styling sparked the development of The DOUX® haircare products, first launched overseas, and distributed throughout Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Currently, Maya leads a carefully selected team of stylists at The DOUX® Salon in Macon, Georgia and on Christmas Eve 2017, celebrated the arrival of The DOUX® in Target stores nationwide. Maya Smith, wife, mom of 5 and savvy business woman is an example not just for women of color but for all women who believe their gifts can impact the world, striving for entrepreneurial endeavors with grace, ease and hustle.
Smart tech could help pets keep healthy New Year’s resolutions
BURLINGTON, Mass. – The use of wearable fitness tracking technology is expected to play an increased role in helping people achieve their New Year’s resolutions, and PetPace, the provider of innovative health monitoring technology for pets, wants pet owners to know how technology can benefit their pets’ health in 2018.
With a few remaining days until the start of the New Year many people have made resolutions to get healthier, and will rely on technology like a wearable fitness tracking device to monitor their progress. This strategy can also be beneficial for pets.
Resolutions like losing weight, getting more active and making healthier dietary choices are long-term goals that can help improve a pet’s quality of life and increase the likelihood of a longer lifespan. Similar to human devices like Apple Watches and Fitbits, health monitoring technology from PetPace can be a useful tool towards keeping these resolutions on track, and more.
PetPace’s Health Monitoring Solution allows pet owners to track vital signs like temperature, pulse, respiration, plus heart rate variability, activity and calories. Through PetPace’s mobile application pet owners can get an in-depth look into nearly every metric of their pet’s health. Recorded data is displayed in easy to understand graphical interface, making it easy to monitor specific aspects of a pet’s health and wellbeing over time.
“Making health conscious resolutions for a pet is a great first step towards improving their health and enriching their life. With a PetPace device pet owners can keep track of daily fitness goals like activity levels and caloric burn and see their pet’s progression over time,” said Dr. Asaf Dagan, chief veterinarian at PetPace. “Speaking with your pet’s veterinarian to create an action plan and set the right goals, in addition to using health monitoring technology to track progress, is a great way to start off the new year.”
In addition to fitness tracking, PetPace is also a powerful safeguard for helping to protect a pet’s health. The device’s biometric sensors constantly monitor a pet’s vital signs and can notify the pet’s owner via a smartphone alert in the event of a medical emergency. This technology has allowed pet owners to quickly identify impending health concerns and monitor existing medical conditions affecting their pet.
For more information about PetPace or PetPace products, please visit www.petpace.com.
About PetPace
PetPace creates innovative technology that delivers peace of mind to pet owners. The smart IoT pet collar continuously monitors the wellbeing of elderly, sick, healthy, and at-risk dogs and cats, alerting caregivers remotely and immediately of changes in key health parameters. In the home or in the clinic, PetPace leverages data gathered non-intrusively from on-board passive sensors and advanced cloud-based analytics to keep all pets healthier and happier.
Founded in 2012 and privately-held, PetPace is headquartered in Israel, has a U.S. headquarters in Burlington, MA, and a global sales presence. For more information, please visit www.petpace.com.
Expert Offers New Addiction Treatment Solutions with Holistic and Spiritual Approach
Author Ellen Gardner, L.I.S.A.C., provides new tools and resources for those suffering from addiction as well as their families in new book
COTTONWOOD, Ariz. – Author Ellen Gardner, L.I.S.A.C., a semi-retired substance abuse counselor and founder of a former residential treatment center, has released her new book, “The Truth About Your Addictions: A Holistic Solution” which contains holistic and spiritual approaches to the treatment of addiction. Gardner provides insightful information regarding different approaches to addiction treatment for not only addicts, but the loved ones of an addict as well.
The book incorporates Gardner’s nearly 25 years of experience in working with people with various addictions and destructive lifestyles due to substances such as drugs and alcohol. Each chapter discusses the different parts of addiction, from understanding the concept of a holistic and spiritual treatment, to how to spot warning signs if a loved one is experiencing addiction.
With her insight, Gardner hopes to create awareness about the tools and resources one can use to live a healthier, and substance-free lifestyle.
“I want to provide a solution to the current epidemic of substance abuse and other destructive addictions,” said Gardner. “Deaths due to drug overdose is at an all-time high and this book brings different options to one’s struggling. Understanding that everyone is a child of God is the foundation of this teaching.”
A unique approach to the sensitive topic of addiction, “The Truth About Your Addictions” shares real-life success stories and is the conversation starter needed to guide someone suffering from addiction in the right direction.
Gardner is available for interviews and review copies are available upon request. To learn more, please visit TheTruthAboutYourAddictions.com.
“The Truth About Your Addictions: A Holistic Solution”
By Ellen Gardner, L.I.S.A.C.
ISBN: 978-1-5245-9212-7 (sc); 978-1-5245-9213-4 (hc); 978-1-5245-9211-0 (e)
Available at the Xlibris Online Bookstore, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the author
Ellen Gardner witnessed addiction in loved ones in her work as an ordained minister and licensed independent substance abuse counselor. In 1991, she founded Arizona Pathways of Life, Unity and Love, a non-denominational church and treatment center where she developed a holistic spiritually based residential treatment program believing that freedom from addictions is possible. Due to a severe stroke and open-heart surgery in 2013, Gardner had to close the treatment center. Feeling physically healthy again, she believes that it is time to share what she has learned about freedom from addictions. Gardner has two adult sons and grandchildren that live in Washington and she and her husband Daniel of 50 years reside in Cottonwood, Arizona.
TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. – Experts from Footprints Beachside Recovery Center, a rehabilitation facility specializing in alcohol and opioid substance abuse and addiction treatment in the Tampa Bay area, are encouraging people struggling with substance abuse and addiction to make positive changes for the New Year.
According to a new report published in Nov. by Trust for America’s Health, an estimated 1.6 million Americans could die from drugs, alcohol and suicide in the next decade. This estimation represents a 60 percent increase over the past decade.
“We are witnessing a surge in substance abuse across the nation. The most alarming statistic is the increase in deaths due to these issues,” said John Templeton Jr., president of Footprints Beachside Recovery Center. “We can’t express how important it is for people to get help before it’s too late.”
To help people in need, recovery experts from Footprints Beachside Recovery Center are offering treatment tips for dealing with addiction.
- Alcohol - While cutting back can be a good start, heavy drinkers may need medical intervention, as the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can include seizures and even be life threatening. This should never be attempted cold turkey. Medical intervention like a detox followed by a minimum 30 day treatment program with individual therapy can be very effective.
- Opioids - If you or someone you know is abusing prescription pain killers or opiates like heroin, treatment should be sought quickly. Treatment for opioids is very effective and should include a medical detox to ease the symptoms and inpatient treatment to remove the user from their environment. Even for someone who is not intending on misuse, they should have a plan to get off of their prescription safely and that shouldn’t just be “quitting” once the medication runs out. We always recommend speaking with your doctor or an addiction medicine doctor who understands the pharmacology of substances and the effects on each person.
- Stimulants - Prescription medications like Adderall and Ritalin are often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but like all medication, they can be misused. Cocaine and methamphetamine are two of the most addictive street stimulants and can be snorted, injected or smoked. People who abuse stimulants should seek treatment due to the acute adverse physiological effects to the respiratory, cardiovascular and central nervous symptoms, and altered mental states, like suicidal ideation and neurological problems.
- Smoking - Medications like Chantix and Zyban, as well as nicotine replace products like the patch, inhaler and nasal spray have also shown to be effective. Counseling and medication are both effective for treating tobacco dependence and using them together is more effective than using either one alone. The good news is that there are effective treatment options for smokers. In fact, there are more former smokers than current smokers.
About Footprints Beachside Recovery Center
Founded in 2008, Footprints Beachside Recovery Center is a small, private, holistic substance abuse treatment center for adults and is located in Pinellas County, Fla. Footprints provides specialized treatment plans for patients from throughout the U.S. and around the world. Opioid addiction recovery programs at Footprints focus on ensuring safe withdrawals and often combine holistic treatment with medication assisted therapies to reduce cravings and provide more successful recovery outcomes for patients.
I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to the new Konecta from SoundWhiz. The Konecta is a small Bluetooth transmitter / receiver which allows user to transmit audio wirelessly via Bluetooth from any device that has a standard audio or headphone jack so that it can be enjoyed on wireless headphones or speakers.
They recently sent me one to try which I just received int he mail and I will let you know how it works for me!
They say that it is perfect for listening to the TV in the gym without being tangled by wires tied to the fitness equipment, or watching a late night movie without disturbing family or a roommate; the Konecta converts any standard 3mm or 5mm audio jack into a Bluetooth connection. When using the Konecta, it only takes seconds to enjoy wireless connectivity from non-Bluetooth enabled devices including; TVs, TV sound systems, IPod Classic and other MP3 players. Konecta will automatically choose the highest transmission quality available based on the device and includes support for APTX and APTY-LL high definition audio. Both APTX and APTX-LL have rapid transmission speeds, meaning there won’t be a lag between moving pictures and the sound which is common with traditional headphones.
While most Bluetooth transmitters assume users only need a standard 3mm jack, the Konecta includes accessories to connect to 3mm, 5 mm and 2-pin airplane audio jacks as well as a RCA cable splitter for stereo sound. The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours of playtime, and can be used while connected to a power source for interruption-free enjoyment.
Company Name: SoundWhiz
Product: Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver / Adapter 
Website: www.soundwhiz.com
Category: Technology-Gadgets
Product Description: The Bluetooth Transmitter / Receiver Adapter is a portable accessory that provides all the accessories needed to be completely wireless with any audio source. Included is a 3MM connector cable, 5MM jack converter, RCA cable splitter, and a 2-pin airplane adapter. Pair your phone, tablet, PC, TV or IPod and listen to music, watch movies or play games with perfect audio clarity.
Price: $33.97
Looking to showcase your workouts while you get in shape 2018?
Share your favorite moves or
follow along with your favorite workouts easily to achieve your New Year's resolutions. Record, stream and post your progress to all your friends with one easy device… your phone! Eliminate additional, bulky devices, wires and charger by turning your phone into your motion camera device! Check out this innovative Magnetic Smartphone Mount with Bluetooth Remote by ShowOff Your Life!
The ShowOff Super Mount is the most versatile phone mount on the market, transforming any smartphone into a personal photographer, body cam, dash cam, and more instantly. Highlight your hikes, stream your hardest routines at the gym or snap progress pics from anywhere with one easy-to-use device!
Entrepreneur and adrenaline junkie Josh Holder, invented the ShowOff Super Mount to bring simplicity and affordability to those trying to capture their active lifestyles on tape.
“I didn’t want to have to purchase a whole new piece of equipment that I would—honestly—probably forget to charge or end up leaving at home,” said Holder. “My phone already does everything, and I never leave the house without it—it just needed a boost.”
The ShowOff Super Mount uses an innovative magnet system to secure phones to clothing, motorcycle tanks, rearview mirrors, and more. There are no tangled cords, chargers, or memory sticks, and users don’t have to learn new software in order to access and edit their videos. In fact you can share your adventures immediately! The pocket-sized Bluetooth remote enables you to take hands-free pictures and videos from up to 30 feet away with an easy, safe, and residue-free removal.
A sleek and thin design, and advanced magnetic technology enabling you to mount your phone to just about any surface, in any situation. The new anti-slip and anti-scuff pads are explicitly designed to keep your phone secure – while capturing unforgettable moments!
“I am constantly doing something that should be caught on film, but the devices I was accustomed to using were just too cumbersome,” said Holder. “Playback was never easy, editing was always a pain, and keeping track of chargers, cords, and memory sticks was not my strong suit. I needed an easy way to use my phone the same way I would typically use a body-cam, which is how The ShowOff Super Mount was born.”
Each ShowOff Super Mount comes with the magnet pack, sticky mounting pads, and the Bluetooth remote. Customers can choose from singles, doubles, or a four pack for the whole family all while enjoying free shipping. The ShowOff Super Mount starts at $34.99 and is available as a bundled deal for extra savings.
This brilliant mounting system is perfect for highlighting your favorite workouts and take your exercise to the next level. ShowOff your progress, gain confidence and kick it up a notch with ShowOff Your Life!
A Holiday Inhaler for the Haute Couture of Cannabis
The Best Cannabis Innovation of 2017 - And the
Perfect Last Minute Stocking Stuffer
Did we say “inhaler”?! Yes, yes we did.
The Aero™ Inhaler by Quest Concentrates is the world’s first and only THC and live resin terpene-infused, pharmaceutical grade, cannabis aerosol inhaler.
Aero™ Inhaler uses a proprietary blend of THC distillate and terpenes (Fragrant oils that give cannabis its aromatic diversity. These oils are secreted in the flower's sticky resin glands, the same ones that produce THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.) The Aero™ Inhaler contains 1000 MG of THC and dispenses 10 MG per dose. Aero™ Inhaler flavors, thus far include Grape Ape, Super Silver Flo, Sour Diesel, Tangerine Haze and many more strain specific, live resin terpene-based blends soon to be released.
Aero™ Inhaler was designed to give conscious cannabis consumers a discrete, seamless way to consume cannabis. This delivery method of inhalation is fast-acting and produces a subtle, mellow buzz or lifted body experience.
Next on the Aerosol agenda for Quest in first quarter 2018 is Aero Mist - another first - a terpene rich, aerosol sublingual (under the tongue) spray, delivering a similar dose of THC and CBD concentrate, along with CBD-only inhaler options coming to market in 2018.
“the future of cannabis micro-dosing is looking just as bright as the LED lights used to cultivate high-yielding medical marijuana crops.” - DOPE Magazine
Don't miss the opportunity to experience cannabis via the healthiest delivery system on the market today. The Cannabis Revolution is here!
Please consider Aero™ Inhaler by Quest Concentrates for your last minute holiday gift coverage and general cannabis news inclusion. Further press information can be obtained by contacting Brittany J. Confer at EMRLDpr@gmail.com.
Image: Grape Ape Aero™
3-Minute Manufacturing Demonstration: R2 Aerosols manufacturing process using R2's proprietary formulation technology and aerosol equipment.
Click Here for Photo Assets
Video Asset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tneZzisQ6Tc
Vimeo Link: https://vimeo.com/242877019
**Currently only available in Colorado, coming to new state markets early 2018.
Must-see destinations, transformational vacations and multi-generational travel: Club Med reveals top travel trends for 2018
Closing off 2017, people are eagerly looking forward to the adventures that await in 2018. Experts on both beach and snow escapes,
Club Med shares its predictions for the upcoming calendar year. Pioneering the all-inclusive vacation, Club Med resorts are recognized as some of the top family-focused and upscale properties around the world. From must-see destinations to rejuvenating wellness retreats, multi-generational travel, and high-tech innovations, Club Med is making 2018 vacation plans that much more appealing.
“As we approach year end, our customers are always eager to see what is up and coming for the year ahead,” said Carolyne Doyon, Senior Vice President of Club Med Canada and Mexico. “We are thrilled to be able to share the forecasted trends for the upcoming year and assist in making their travel planning that much easier and exciting.”

Hottest Destinations
With Italy earning top rank as the most popular destination for summer travel in 2017, Club Med predicts the interest in this luxurious and romantic European country will only continue to rise with its highly anticipated
Cefalu resort, re-opening this year as the first 5-Trident Resort in the Mediterranean. Nestled atop rugged cliffs with a breathtaking view over the bay, this Mediterranean island gem is elegant, charming and ready to inspire.
For those looking for a more unexpected and experiential destination, Japan is quickly becoming the new hotspot for North American travel. Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido offers a selection of snow sporting adventures on the pristine slopes of Champagne Powder, complemented by sweeping mountain views of the Northern Japanese region.
Transformational and Wellness Travel
Multi-career lifestyles, packed schedules and on-the-go regimens have led to an increase in stress and limited time to get away from regular routines. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Club Med reports seeing a spike in transformative travel over the last year. Transformative travel focuses on shifting perspectives and disconnecting from day-to-day experiences, allowing travellers to return rejuvenated, relaxed and with a clear state of mind. Partnering with some of the world’s most luxurious spas and wellness brands, including L'Occitane En Provence and Carita Paris, Club Med predicts these wellness retreat experiences will be some of the top spots to unwind in 2018. Immersive and unique activity offerings, including Club Med’s flying trapeze, allow travellers to challenge their comfort zones and stir the senses.
Millennial and Multi-Gen Travel
Club Med reports that their largest growing market in recent years has been millennials, travelling an average of 35 days per year. Prioritizing ‘worry-free’ vacations, local cuisine and staying active, all-inclusive packages are a top pick for over 80 per cent of millennial travellers. Each Club Med resort offers authentic dining experiences, tailored to reflect the individual resort’s culture, alongside its comprehensive and thrilling activities lineup, including circus schools, tennis, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing and cycling. Millennials can have their locally-sourced cake and eat it too.
Another trend that is holding strong is multi-generational travel - three generations travelling together. Having a strong family-focused brand model and offering a wide selection of resort all-inclusive activities and excursions, Club Med expects to see a surge in larger family group bookings in 2018.

Travel Tech
With mobile platform traffic and bookings increasing by more than 50 per cent in the last year, it’s apparent that technology is reshaping travel behaviours and trends. Club Med recently launched resort apps for more than 49 of their most popular destinations, each offering designated resort maps, event schedules, restaurant or excursion bookings, online chat services and VR tours, allowing curious travellers to explore before arriving. Functional tech at its finest? The Club Med electronic bracelet serves as a room key, locker key, method of payment, and so much more.
Website: ClubMed.ca
Instagram: @ClubMed
Twitter: @ClubMedCA
Facebook: Club Med Canada
Hashtag: #AmazingYou
About Club Med
Club Med, founded in 1950, is recognized as the pioneer of the all-inclusive market, offering nearly 70 premium resorts in stunning locations around the world including North and South America, Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean.
Club Med operates more than 70 resorts. Established in 26 countries across five continents, the group employs more than 23,000 employees comprised of 110 varied nationalities. Club Med has had a corporate presence in Canada for over 40 years and employs a staff of more than 50 team members in their Montreal head office.
| Guilt is not a Traditional Christmas Dinner Side Dish
Dr. Ken’s 8 Easy Ways to Avoid Remorse while Seated at your Christmas Dinner 
1. Hold your posture the entire time. Proper digestion only occurs when we are sitting up straight. Good posture is defined as ears aligned with the shoulders and the “angel wings,” or the shoulder blades, retracted. In proper alignment, spinal stress is diminished. Recent studies show that gastric emptying is significantly delayed in the supine position when compared to a sitting position.
Furthermore, “If you’re slouched over your plate, food cannot travel to the stomach in time for your body to tell your brain it’s getting full; it can take twice as long; thus causing you to eat twice as much leaving you full and tired.
Dr. Christian Campilii demonstrates proper posture.

2. A brief family meditation for peace and happiness. Coming back together as a family means leaving many personal worlds of happiness, sadness and development behind. Take time out to honor and recognize this transition. Sit quietly together, perhaps hold hands and briefly recognize the personal worlds. Then state an intention to have a great family get together.
Dr. Ken says: Meditation is the process of calming the body and mind while allowing a connection with the universe. We are all so busy with our day-to-day activities and thoughts that we lose track of our goals, our vision, and our life plan. This non-stop grind prevents us from being thoughtful and performing the tasks necessary for our well- being and body maintenance.
3. Deep Belly Breathing: Deep belly breathing helps with digestion of food by enhancing motion of the belly and its food contents. Deeper yet though it serves to improve the motion of the spinal segments, spinal cord and nerve roots, and it increases the cerebrospinal fluid motion and distribution. Deep breathing might also decrease the swelling of the deranged spine joint and possibly the nerve root causing less pain. Deep belly breathing in itself will help you to feel better.
Dr. Ken Says” A deep breath of clean fresh air is as soothing to the body as a large glass of cool water o a hot summer day” so place your hands on your belly, and breathe deeply to feel your belly move. Repeat this all day.
4. Small bites and small breaks will allow you to enjoy a steady-paced meal without needing to slow down or stop eating entirely. Take small bites of the highly caloric sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing and cheesy casseroles, but load up your fork with Turkey and string beans. Take a 5-minute break between each helping to allow your stomach to catch up with your eyes.
5. Chat, “Take time out to engage in and enjoy the conversations around the table. When you are actively engaged and fully involved in a fulfilling conversation then you spend less time eating and more time feeling externally better. The craving for food and internal satisfaction diminishes” Ask each person how they are doing. Find out about their little inner workings in life. Your family will manifest happiness, and then you become happier leaving you with less of a desire to binge.

6. Savor your desserts. Use a demitasse spoon to eat. This spoon is diminutive, smaller than a teaspoon. Allow the dessert to sit on your tongue for a minute. Allow the two to 8 thousand taste buds on your tongue to delight in the vanilla or chocolate, cinnamon, and other contents. Feel the texture and temperature of each bite. Train your taste buds to enjoy and delight in the taste and textures. Otherwise you become involved in volume consumption. This is where you eat so much to feel that your belly is full.
Dr. Ken says, “Evening out the trajectory of a meal that can last 3-4 hours takes some purposeful technique. On average, it takes between 12-14 minutes for our bodies to recognize we’re full. Keeping this in mind, begin your dinner with small thoughtful fork-fulls and pay attention to your bodies signals. It will tell you when to take a break so you can save room for dessert!
7. Mini Chair Exercises (bends and twists) help you keep your blood pumping and metabolism working. Bending to the right or left (as if you were picking up a fork you dropped) and sideways twists (like you’re greeting a guest behind you) are two small, but effective ways to help your body digest.
Dr. Ken says, “Small range-of-motion exercises help ensure your body’s digestive functions keep up with your food in-take and your blood pressure remains stable. This will help ward off headaches, cramps and gas at the dinner table.
8. After Dinner Walk. Schedule a family walk after dinner. Walking helps digestion of food and builds a togetherness of the tribe. It is a great family routine to build. People start to feel better because the spine joints and the spinal nerves start moving with walking. One of the fastest ways to develop back or neck pain is to remain stagnant. When the spine joints and the spinal nerves do not move, then they can cause pain.
About Dr. Ken Hansraj:
Kenneth K. Hansraj, M.D. is a spinal and orthopedic surgeon specializing in cervical, thoracic and lumbar procedures, bloodless spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, laminectomies and spinal fusions. He believes in whole body wellness, preventative care and that the spine is a principal indicator of general health impacted by “human software and hardware.” Dr. Ken is the author of the internationally bestselling book, Keys to an Amazing Life: Secrets of the Cervical Spine, which he was inspired to write based on this concept. Dr. Hansraj is also the author of Bloodless Spine Surgery: Pictures and Explanations. His goal with each of his books is to bring years of accumulated expert medical knowledge to the public at-large in an easy-to digest format and to help countless individuals with ongoing spinal and health issues.
Dr. Ken Hansraj is TV and media trained and has extensive experience with national outlets such as CNN, HLN, CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, NPR and has been featured globally. Cision® estimates his current media impressions at 5.5 Billion.
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Personal Contact
Ken Hansraj, M.D.
Cell: 914-414-0458
Email: drken@drken.us
Web: www.realspinesurgery.com
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