http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/ A community blog from the residents of West Boynton. en Copyright 2008 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:04:16 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss WEST BOYNTON ADULT PROGRAMS Tickets for all Wednesday programs (limit of two per person) are available at the reference desk. Tues., Sept. 9, 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. Summer Book Discussion - Judy Kamiat will discuss some of your favorites and you’ll be introduced to new ones. (90 min.) Preregister. Thurs., Sept. 11, 18 & 25, 6:30 p.m. English Exchange: Join Paula Alexander in this interactive program where you can practice speaking English while talking about everyday situations and current events. Basic English speaking skills are needed to participate. Seating is limited. (2 hr.) Call 561-649-5473 to preregister. Tues., Sept. 16, 2:00 p.m. Remembering When: A Fire & Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults Elyse W. Brown, from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, will explain how you can avoid becoming a fall or fire statistic. Get fire safety information and a home safety checklist. (60 min.) Preregister. Fri., Sept. 19, 2:00 p.m. Things You Need to Know About Running a Business but Forgot to Ask Ted Kramer, from Florida Atlantic University’s Small Business Development Center, will teach you how to set up your business correctly to avoid costly mistakes. The seminar also covers some basic book-keeping. (2 hr.) Preregister. WEST BOYNTON YOUTH PROGRAMS Continuing until Oct. 10 Child Fall Story Time Reminder Be sure to sign up, in person (except for Lapsit) for Fall Story Time sessions. Preregister. Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. Child Chess Class. Volunteers give tips on how to play chess better. Sign up each Wednesday afternoon. Ages 8-12. (60 min.) Mon., Sept. 8-Dec. 8, 4:00 p.m. Child Book Buddies Book Buddies are teens or senior citizens who help children struggling with reading. Register your child at the youth services desk. Grades K-5. (60 min.) Preregister. Thurs., Sept. 11, 3:30 p.m. Child Firefighters Are Friendly. Meet a real firefighter, see their special clothes, and learn what to do in case of fire. Then make fire with paint and watch it grow. Ages 5-7. (60 min.) Preregister. Fri., Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m. A Visit with Ronald McDonald. Our favorite clown will read a story, tell jokes, do magic tricks, and amuse us all. Ages 4-10. (60 min.) Preregister. Sat., Sept. 13, 1:00 p.m. Child Sunprints Create nature prints and photo-like images with sun-sensitive paper. Ages 6 & up. (45 min.) Preregister. Thurs., Sept. 25, 3:30 p.m. Child Beginning Karate Gary Horner of the Karate Center will host a beginners' class in which kids experience a little bit of everything as an introduction to this sport. Ages 5-12. (45 min.) Preregister. WEST BOYNTON COMPUTER TRAINING Sept. 23 – 2:00 p.m. INTRODUCTORY INTERNET (Lecture) A basic introduction to the Internet, covering the World Wide Web, browsers, Internet service providers, and e-mail. For beginners. (2 hr.) Preregister. ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/09/west_boynton_library_sept_08_e.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/09/west_boynton_library_sept_08_e.html Enjoy Boynton Beach Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:04:16 -0500 On August 19, 2008, the American Chemical Society's national meeting was held in Philadelphia. One of the topics presented concerned new findings that common fruit juices - grapefruit, orange and apple - can interfere with drugs. The interaction diminishes the body's ability to absorb numerous medications. Lack of absorbtion was noted in drugs prescribed for life-threatening diseases such as cancer, heart disease and organ transplants. Research by David Bailey, a clinical pharmacologist and professor at the University of Western Ontario, originally uncovered the interaction with a patient's medication and grapefruit juice. Now, he has further discovered that fruit juices can also block the body's ability to absorb or limit the beneficial effects of needed medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the medications you are ingesting can be taken with fruit juice - OR - just to be safe, try a glass of water. I know I will from now on. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/09/fruit_juices_and_medication_do.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/09/fruit_juices_and_medication_do.html Health and Medicine Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:11:42 -0500 Chocolate is a complex food with over 300 compounds and chemicals in each bite. Dark chocolate has far more antioxidants than milk or white chocolate, since it has 65 percent or higher cocoa content. Recent medical research indicates that cocoa rich in cholesterol-battling antioxidants helps ward off some of the factors associated with heart attacks and stroke. The antioxidants in chocolate are called flavonoids, (compounds also found in tea, red wine and some fruits and vegetables). They slow the processing of "bad" LDL cholesterol into material that clogs the arteries, and at the same time make blood platelets less likely to clump and cause clots. Since standard chocolate manufacturing destroys up to half of the flavoniods, chocolate companies have formulated ways to make dark chocolate that keeps up to 95% of its flavoniods. While a little dark chocolate is good, a lot is not better. Chocolate still is packed with calories. If you're going to eat more chocolate, you'll have to watch your caloric intake. Exercise and a balanced diet is the best way to keep a healthy heart. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/chocolate_love_to_eat_it.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/chocolate_love_to_eat_it.html HOW IT AFFECTS US Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:39:19 -0500 LDL is "bad" and HDL is "good" Cholesterol. What does that mean? Cholesterol is a waxy substance made in your liver. The more products you eat that are animal products (cheese, meat), the more cholesterol your liver produces. Over time, cholesterol builds up in your blood vessels and clogs them. This may reduce the blood flow to your heart, which cold cause a heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol can’t dissolve in the blood. It is carried to and from the cells by lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as “bad” cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as “good” cholesterol. These two types of lipids, along with triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol, make up your total cholesterol count, which can be determined through a blood test. LDL (Bad) Cholesterol When too much LDL (bad) cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. It can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, heart attack or stroke can result. HDL (good) Cholesterol About one-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol, because high levels of HDL seem to protect against heart attack. Low levels of HDL (less than 40 mg/dL) also increase the risk of heart disease. Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from arterial plaque, slowing its buildup. Triglycerides Triglyceride is a form of fat made in the body. Elevated triglycerides can be due to overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption and a diet very high in carbohydrates (60 percent of total calories or more). People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including a high LDL (bad) level and a low HDL (good) level. Many people with heart disease and/or diabetes also have high triglyceride levels. Information for this article was taken from The American Heart Association and American Dietetic Association. If you would like more information, go to: 1) American Heart Association.org 2) www.healthcentral.com/cholesterol/ 3) familydoctor.org http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/cholesterol_what_exactly_is_it.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/cholesterol_what_exactly_is_it.html Health and Medicine Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:56:49 -0500 Four years ago, my husband and I finally decided to remove the carpeting in three of our bedrooms, due to my sudden onslaught of air-born allergies. Many weeks of preparation were needed to move everything out of these three rooms into our living-dining room areas. Stacks of cartons and furniture were piled into the center of those rooms and covered with huge tarps. Next, three "tile men" literally moved into our home for a week. Of course, having workers in your home means (to me, any way) that I am their host. So, I always made sure that they had water to drink. By the second and third days, they were also having cookies, a taste of my meat sauce and even some of my chicken soup. That's what I was providing them. They were providing us with tales of their artistry and a little of their ancestry. All of the tile men came from Portugal. Their parents, uncles, and brothers all knew how to lay tile. In their country, their families also knew how to make tiles. We enjoyed hearing their stories about their family pride of their trade. For the past three weeks, my husband and I observed the artistry of a young man from Argentina who was an excellent cabinet-maker and carpenter. He spoke to us about his extended family (8 brothers and brothers-in-law) who all built furniture back in Argentina and here in the U.S. He emphasized his thankfulness for being in America, where he could use his skills. After our kitchen cabinets were completed, the two men who installed our granite were from Colombia. They, too, were proud of their trades and were happy to tell us about their family's history of working with stone. All of these experiences makes me think about young Americans who are so busy looking for careers in marketing, computers, human resources, etc. Of course, we will always need doctors, lawyers and shopkeepers, but we also need artisans. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/appreciation_of_artistry_talen.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/appreciation_of_artistry_talen.html What's Gone Sat, 16 Aug 2008 08:07:56 -0500 The Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service, Boynton Beach Senior Center, located at 1021 S. Federal Highway , Boynton Beach, is offering free counseling on Mondays, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Call for an appointment - 561 742-6570. This counseling service is strictly confidential. Howard Horowitz is a licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of counseling experience. He provides information, referral and counseling. Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service is a non-denominational agency, serving seniors in south Palm Beach County. In addition to free counseling to seniors, they also offer free counseling for caregivers. There are two other locations. The main location is Boca: 21300 Coleman Blvd. , Boca Raton , FL 33428 . 852-3333. In Delray, at the Weinberg Center, 14620 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach. 470-2006. (Howard Horowitz’s free counseling takes place at the Boynton Beach Senior Center.) More information can be found at: info@rrjfs.org, or visit: www.ruthralesjfs.org. ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/free_counseling_ruth_rales_jew.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/free_counseling_ruth_rales_jew.html Focus on Your Community Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:34:52 -0500 How do you select fruits and vegetables, when you are at the market? Do you smell the melons? Do you squeeze the tomatoes and peaches? Do you tap on the watermelon or pull the top of the pineapple? My mother taught me to smell the fruit, and to ask the produce "man." Somehow, if fruit doesn't smell the way it should, it probably doesn't taste right either! I see other shoppers "sizing up" their produce. Almost everyone touches, turns and squeezes a little. There really is a guide book to help you choose produce: "Field Guide to Produce: How to Identify, Select, and Prepare Virtually Every Fruit and Vegetable at the Market." The little stickers on fruits and vegetables have digits that let you know whether they are conventionally grown, organic, or if they are genetically modified (GM). A four digit number means it is conventionally grown. A five digit number beginning with "9" means it's organic. A five digit number beginning with "8" means it's genetically modified. Check out the website: Ideal Bite. There is a wealth of information to help you find the best food grown in America. There are also tips on shopping, storing and cooking your produce. Happy eating! http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/supermarket_label_codes_what_d.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/supermarket_label_codes_what_d.html HOW IT AFFECTS US Sun, 10 Aug 2008 08:16:35 -0500 Have you noticed that you are spending more for food and receiving less for your money? Manufacturers and suppliers of food have been reducing the number of ounces in a container or the number of items in a box. Some examples: Cheerios - previously 10 box, now 8.9 ounces Tropicana Orange Juice - 96 oz container, now 89 ounces Wrigley's Chewing Gum - 5 sticks in a package, now only 4 Hellman's Mayonnaise - always 32 ounces, now only 30 ounces Publix 'Lite" yogurt = always 8 oz., now 5 oz. and no plastic cover So the manufacturers are preserving loyalty by presenting the same "face" of their package, only the contents have been reduced, rather than raising the price. Well, in the case of Cheerios, that is one serving less; same for the mayonnaise. While it is not illegal to downsize, it is like a new "shell game." We are not getting what we assume should be there! What we can do: Buy store brands; shop at wholesale clubs; use coupons; really look closely at the unit price (per ounce or per pound) of each product. Be an educated consumer. Don't be an impulsive shopper. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/incredible_shrinking_packages.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/incredible_shrinking_packages.html HOW IT AFFECTS US Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:39:14 -0500 Ma,am, these are coupons for Walgreen's and you are in a CVS, exclaimed the cashier." Feeling flushed, embarrassed and surely blushing, I edged as far away from the register as I could without hitting anyone or any displays. I returned my items to the shelves and exited the store. I could hear gentle laughter behind me, including several comments: "Oh, I forget stuff all the time." "See what happens when you get older, you get mixed up." Suddenly, I burst out laughing. I drove to Walgreen's on Jog and Woolbright. As I entered, I noticed a young woman with a counter full of baby products and diapers. The register total was already over $30.00. I handed the woman my coupon, told her, "Here's a gift," and I drove home. I enjoyed a nice glass of red wine, had supper, and waited to be picked up for my card game. ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/ability_to_laugh_at_oneself_or.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/08/ability_to_laugh_at_oneself_or.html Pleasantries Sat, 02 Aug 2008 07:46:06 -0500 Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center is located at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, west of Boynton Beach between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue. The wetlands are open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. August 5th: Round Robin Reading, 1:00 P.M. Blaise Allen, director of community outreach for the Palm Beach poetry Festival, invites people to bring short nature poems to read aloud, while overlooking the beautiful nature setting of Green Cay Wetlands. For more information, call 561-966-7000. Nature center hours are 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Tuesday through Friday; 8:15 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Saturdays and 1:00 to 4:30 P.M. on Sundays. On Tuesdays at 4:00 P.M., and on Saturdays at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. and 1:00 and 3:00 P.M., free guided half-mile tours are offered to visitors. There are no reservations required. For more information, call 561 966-7000. OR www.pbcparks.com/nature If you are looking for a lovely morning or afternoon walk with visiting relatives or if you need a destination to take your grandchildren, Green Cay Nature Center is a great refuge for the eyes and the soul. Bring your camera and your binoculars. There is a lot to see! The Nature Center has indoor exhibits, restrooms, and a lovely gift shop. Volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable. Hint: The alligators are often found by taking the path to the LEFT of the Visitor's Center. ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/07/green_cay_wetlands_boynton_bea.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/07/green_cay_wetlands_boynton_bea.html Enjoy Boynton Beach Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:31:35 -0500 MSN Health & Fitness, focused on Ten Tips to Protect Your Eyes. Using information from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Gazzaniga proposes the following 10 suggestions for maintaining healthy eyes: 1. Regular checkups: The AAO recommends an eye exam before age 5 to check for childhood problems like lazy eye or crossed eyes. It's normal for vision to change with age, plus serious eye problems like glaucoma and macular degeneration (deterioration of retina causing loss of detail vision) can be treated if detected early. 2. SPF for the eyes: Sunglasses block harmful ultraviolet and other rays than can play a role in cataracts and macular degeneration. Buy sunglasses that have 100 percent UV protection. The blue wavelengths affect the retina; the best filters against blue are in the amber-orange-brown range of commercial sunglasses. Always wear sunglasses outdoors, especially in high glare areas like snow or water. A wide-brimmed hat helps block harmful rays. 3. Eye protection: Wear clear plastic eye protection, if you are doing construction, manufacturing or any job with machinery and flying particles. 4. Contact care: Wearing your contacts when your eyes are irritated can turn a simple problem (irritation) into a significant problem (ulcers). Make sure you care for the lenses. Make sure your solutions aren't expired, keep your contacts clean, and don't put them in your mouth. 5. Eating for your eyes: Green leafy veggies like kale, collard and mustard greens, and spinach are good for the eyes because they contain lutein, which studies indicate can reverse symptoms of macular degeneration. Carrots are always a good vegetable, because of its high vitamin A content. 6. Eye lube: Our eyes get dryer as we age, because the tear film doesn't always have the right consistency of water, mucus and oil. The oil part of your tears comes from little glands around your eyelids. As you blink, oil is supposed to coat the eyes. But if you don't have a good eye slick, the tear film evaporates and eyes feel dry. This triggers extra tear glands, which is why your eyes tear up when they get dry and irritated. Omega-3 helps with this. Also, heat and air conditioning can cause dry eyes, especially if you sit near a vent or fan unit. Make sure your car's vent isn't blowing toward your face. 7. Stop smoking: Smoking increases the risk and accelerates the development of cataracts, macular degeneration and optic nerve damage. 8. Eye strain: When you sit in front of a computer screen for lengths of time, you don't blink as frequently. Stop frequently to give your eyes a rest. Artificial tears can help with eyestrain and help lubricate your eyes. 9. Eye problems are often hereditary: If you are diagnosed with glaucoma or another eye condition, share that information with your immediate and extended family. Early intervention is always the best defense. 10. Maintain good health: Eating the right food, helps with eye health. Exercise can lower pressure on the eyes, which helps with those who have glaucoma. Getting regular overall physicals may lead to early detection of diseases like diabetes or other systemic conditions that can lead to eye problems. Read More About Eye Care from MSN Health & Fitness: Marin Gazzaniga lives in Brooklyn, New York. She writes about fitness, health and science, culture and women's issues. She has written for Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle and AOL Time Warner, and is the author of several books. ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/07/protecting_your_eyes.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/07/protecting_your_eyes.html Health and Medicine Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:45:11 -0500 Self-Defense for women or for the women in your life One Saturday morning, the Boca Raton Police Department conducted a self-defense class for women led by Sgt. Lawrence and Officer Pratt. They warned if the worst happens, chances are you'll have only yourself to depend on. It was excellent and I came away with a few tips in addition to the self-defense techniques they taught us. Don't make yourself vulnerable by not being aware - prevention is 90 percent awareness and avoiding risk. 1. Look confident and look people in the eyes so they know you are aware of them. 2. If you feel like something's wrong, it probably is. Don't ignore your 6th sense. If you are alone, try to get around others. 3. If you are suspicious about something call 911. Better to be wrong than a victim. 4. If you don't have a cell phone, get one. At home. 1. Use unbumpable (unbumpable locks can't be picked,) dead bolts locks for your doors; don't open the door to strangers; close your blinds and shades at night so others can't see you or your belongings. Parking lots. 1. Park under a light at night. If the parking lot is deserted, ask the security guard to escort you. 2. Be mindful. When walking back to your car, day or night, don't talk on your cell phone or be thinking about other things. Concentrate on your surroundings. 3. Look under your car as you approach it and look inside before you get in it. Driving 1. If someone is following you,in your car don't go to your house. Keep your doors locked, drive to the nearest police station or fire department, call 911 and honk your horn. If you don't know where the police station is, find out. ATM's 1. Avoid going at night or after dark. Elevators & stairs 1. Stand near the control panel so if necessary you can push the panic button. 2. When getting on an elevator if someone makes you uncomfortable, don't get on it. Conversely if someone gets on and makes you uncomfortable, get off immediately. 3.Avoid isolated stairs. Mary's suggestions 1. If you have an SUV, you cannot see in the Cargo area. Glue two mirrors on the ceiling in the cargo area and that will enable you to view the back of your car before you get into it. 2. Avoid public restrooms that are secluded. Thanks to Delray Beach Blogger, Mary Kay for all of this timely information. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/07/free_selfdefense_classes_for_w.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/07/free_selfdefense_classes_for_w.html Around Town Community Issues Focus on Your Community senior scene Sat, 19 Jul 2008 06:50:04 -0500 Wildmind It's an adaptation of a pranayama yoga breathing that is easy to learn. Meditation for Beginners: Techniques for Awareness, Mindfulness & Relaxation by Stephanie Clement - Body, Mind & Spirit - 2002 - 264 pages (Featuring step by step exercises, this book introduces different ways to meditate)- and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Meditation by Joan Budilovsky, Eve Adamson - are two books I'd recommend, if you have interest in learning more about meditation. It takes about a half hour or so to learn the basics, and, if you really concentrate, you will feel calmer, clearer, and more in control. Solutions to intense problems are often easier. Patience and tolerance for other people increase. I'm trying it to help me fall asleep at night. PREPARATION & ATTITUDE TIME AND PLACE: Make sure you've carved out a place and time in your day- about 15-30 minutes -- where and when you won't be interrupted. Take your phone off the hook and shut down all beeping things. POSITION & POSTURE: Find a comfortable chair that supports your back, buttocks and thighs and lets your feet touch the floor completely. Find a comfortable position in the chair. But try to be as symmetrical as possible: both hands on your thighs or crossed in your lap, shoulders and feet balanced. CLOSE YOUR EYES and take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for a bit, let it out through your nose. This is a cleansing breath. FIRST BREATHING EXERCISE Breathe in through your nose fairly deeply. Feel the air fill your lungs. Breathe out through your nose slowly and smoothly. When you finish exhaling the breath, Count "1." Say it in your mind. Repeat until you count to 10. Don't worry if your breaths are uneven in rhythm or depth. Focus only on your breathing and counting. Don't worry if other thoughts or sounds intrude. Repeat as many times as you wish... until you "Get" it or you're bored with it. SECOND BREATHING EXERCISE When you feel you understand the first exercise, move on to the second one. It's totally up to you when you feel you're ready to try it. Before inhaling the first breath, count "1." Say it in your mind. Breathe in through your nose fairly deeply. Feel the air fill your lungs. Breathe out through your nose slowly and smoothly. Just before you're ready to start the next breath, count the next number. Repeat until you reach 10. Start over and do repetitions as many times as you wish. When you feel you "get" this exercise, when you're ready, do the First Exercise and then do the Second Exercise afterwards. As you get good and comfortable, your sessions should start with the First Exercise before doing the Second Exercise. You'll quickly realize the first and second exercises are exactly the same but somehow completely different. You are performing the actions in the same order, except in the first you are counting AFTER the breath, and in the second you are counting BEFORE the breath. So what's the trick? I won't tell you because amazingly, you'll soon realize the difference yourself. But I'll give you a hint: the first is called "Closing" and the second is called "Opening." THIRD BREATHING EXERCISE When you feel you "get" (understand) both the first and second practices and can do them in a satisfying way together, you're ready to start this Third Breathing. Go through the First and Second Exercises patiently. Now do this third exercise, do the same as above two exercises, but don't count. At first you may feel a little lost, but instead of counting the ends and beginnings of each breath as your guide, now you should Follow the Breath. Stop when you feel satisfied. In fact, that's the name of this exercise: Follow the Breath. Don't worry if you don't understand at first. You will. Information and suggestions from David, Spongefish.com ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/07/how_to_relax_breathing_and_med.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/07/how_to_relax_breathing_and_med.html Pleasantries Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:05:47 -0500 Tai Chi An active exercise, sometimes called moving meditation, involving extremely slow, continuous movement and extreme concentration. The movements are to balance the vital energy of the body but have no religious significance. Studies are mixed, some finding it can reduce blood pressure in patients, and others finding no effect. It can help elderly people improve balance. Transcendental Meditation Meditators sit comfortably, eyes closed, and breathe naturally. They repeat and concentrate on the mantra, a word or sound chosen by the instructor to achieve state of deep, transcendent absorption. Studies suggest it can reduce blood pressure in some patients. Mindfulness meditation is easy to describe. Sit in a comfortable position, eyes closed, preferably with the back upright and unsupported. Relax and be aware of body sensations, sounds and moods. Allow your mind to settle into the rhythm of breathing. Try to maintain this for at least ten minutes. If a stray thought or emotion enters the mind, allow it to pass and return attention to the breath. The aim is to achieve focused awareness on what is happening moment to moment. After mastering control of attention, you may be able to face a threatening or troubling thoughts more clearly. Thoughts of anger and sadness are sometimes lessened. People who have tried mindfulness meditation say they feel relaxed and more able to deal with difficult problems. (Provided by RealAge): Could you boost your immunity with your own brainpower? A study involving mindfulness meditation revealed that the practice boosted immune system function in participants. Mindfulness meditation is the practice of becoming deeply aware of the present moment through meditation. The stress-reduction qualities of this practice may be the source of its immune-boosting powers. (Provided by Psychology Today): ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/07/mindfulness.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/07/mindfulness.html Health and Medicine Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:52:16 -0500 ADULT PROGRAMS for July 2008 Free Tickets for Wednesday programs(limit of two per person) are available at the reference desk. WEST BOYNTON ADULT PROGRAMS : July 15, 2:00 p.m. Women’s Self-Defense & Rape Prevention Gary Horner, master instructor at Karate Center, will provide tips on awareness and avoidance of potentially dangerous situations. This is not a martial arts class, but wear comfortable clothes and bring a partner to practice some easy physical techniques. (60 min.) Preregister. Fri., July 18, 2:00 p.m. Basics of Importing & Exporting Learn basic information on regulatory requirements, freight forwarding, and payment mechanisms. Presented by Florida Atlantic University’s Small Business Development Center speaker Parbatee Narine-Chang. (2 hr.) Preregister. Tues., July 29, 2:00 p.m. The Power of a Positive Attitude J.C. Stern, from Hospice of Palm Beach County, will discuss what will help you learn how to adjust your attitude and take charge of your life. (90 min.) Preregister. Thurs., July 31, 2:00 p.m. Whole Wide World @ My Library Summer Reading Wrap-Up Share your likes or dislikes about the books you read this summer with you neighbors, and discover new titles to put on your personal reading list. (2 hr.) Preregister. WEST BOYNTON YOUTH PROGRAMS June 9 - August 1 SUMMER STORY TIMES Summer Story Times began on Monday, June 9, and go through Friday, August 1. Call library to find out if there is still room for your child. Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. CHESS CLASS Are you interested in playing chess? We have volunteers who can give you tips on how to play. Come to the Youth Services Desk and sign up each Wednesday afternoon starting at 3:15 p.m. Ages 8-12. (60 min.) Sat., June 28, 11:00 a.m. GEDDY, THE GECKO Geddy teaches multicultural dances from around the world. Children will participate and learn Salsa, Cha-Cha, Tango, Greek dance, the Macarena and more! Super Geddy closes each show with his own breakdancing solo. You’ll have to see it to believe it. Ages 4 & up. (45 min.) Preregister. Thurs., July 3, 12:00 p.m. Happy Birthday, America! Celebrate the birthday of the United States with stories, songs, and a patriotic craft. Ages 3 & up. (45 min.) Preregister. Thurs., July 10, 4:00 p.m. Page Turner Adventures presents “The Great Pizza Contest!” Mayor Ann Chovi, of the town of Mozzarella, decides to throw a party and must choose between the two pizza makers in town. The townsfolk (the audience) are equally divided on who makes the best pizza. You decide! Ages 4 & up. (45-60 min.) Preregister. Fri., July 11, 10:30 a.m. Suzy Hammer as Millennia the Muse Wear your toga and visit with a classical Greek visitor from ancient times who’ll bring magical myths, fables, and heroic adventure tales. Ages 5 & up. (60 min.) Preregister. Wed., July 16, 2:00 p.m. Kamishibai for Kids! Kamishibai (kah-mee-she-bye), or, “paper theater” started in Japan in the late 1920s as part of a long tradition of picture storytelling. Enjoy a live performance of Kamishibai with a related Origami craft from the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens Education Department. Ages 7 & up. (45 min.) Preregister. Thurs., July 24, 1:00 p.m. Hamilton R. Head Visits In anticipation of “Library Night” at Roger Dean Stadium, the Jupiter Hammerheads’ mascot will visit to celebrate the Summer Reading Program. Bring your camera! Ages 3 & up. (45 min.) Preregister. Sat., July 26, 11:00 a.m. Prince & Princess Party Bring your camera and pose as either a princess or a prince with a fierce dragon. We’ll read stories, sing, dance, watch a short movie, and finish with a suitably princess/princely craft. Ages 3-6. (40 min.) Preregister. WEST BOYNTON COMPUTER TRAINING July 22 – 2:00 p.m. Look It Up! @ Your Library (Lecture) Learn how to access valuable information for free through the library web site. Join us as we explore our exciting electronic databases and then use our new web catalog to locate items, find book reviews, and renew your materials. For Beginners. (60 min.)]]> http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/07/west_boynton_library_july_even.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westboynton/2008/07/west_boynton_library_july_even.html Enjoy Boynton Beach Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:17:09 -0500