So, you didn’t follow our advice on staying healthy at work and now you feel miserable. Or maybe you did, but those little viruses were stronger than your immune system. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are some remedies that may help alleviate symptoms and get you back on your feet quicker. Which, as any woman entrepreneur knows, is vital to keeping your small business or home office running smoothly. Here are some of our favorite tips for treating a cold:

• Rest, rest, rest! A day or two of total rest can work wonders. It may be tempting to try to work through your illness, especially if you have deadlines to meet. But if you can take just one or two days to lay on the couch and lose yourself in “Grey’s Anatomy” re-runs or a good book, you will get back to being 100% much faster. Not giving your body enough time to rest and heal itself will only prolong your cold.
• Drink hot liquids. While you’re resting, boil yourself some hot tea or even just hot water with a little lemon and honey. It will soothe your sore throat and help get rid of that stuffiness. If you’re so inclined, an old fashioned hot toddy just may do the trick. Here is one we Douglas Adams fans like.
• Use a mentholated salve under your nose or on your chest. The vapors from menthol or eucalyptus can help keep those sinuses clear, making breathing much easier.
• Eat chicken soup. It’s not just an old wive’s tale! Chicken soup has been found to have certain properties that can alleviate cold symptoms. Try this recipe, which also includes an ancient Chinese herb believed to strengthen your immune system.
• Use an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. There are several OTC medications that you can take. Some are intended for a singular purpose, such as to treat a cough or a simple decongestant. But many have a combination of ingredients to treat a variety of symptoms at once. About.com has an overview of different OTC medications and their purposes to help you decide on the best one for you. Look it over before you head to the pharmacy; not knowing what you want or need can leave you overwhelmed in an aisle of choices.

Colds can linger for weeks. So if you feel one coming on, don’t hesitate! Start treating it right away so you can get to feeling better–and back on your A-game–in no time!

When you run your own small business, you have enough on your to-do list without adding doctor’s visits or downtime from a cold. But as any busy women entrepreneur can tell you, catching a bug is almost an inevitability, especially for us Mompreneurs who have little darlings at home who like to share their germs. Following these 6 tips will help prevent and/or minimize the damage caused by cold and flu viruses:

• Wash your hands. A little common sense can make a huge difference! Washing your hands with soap and warm water is still the most effective way to get rid of germs that can be spread everywhere. Just remember to use a moisturizer afterwards to prevent cracked skin. *Helpful Hint: To be most effective, you should wash for at least twenty seconds, or the time it takes you to hum “Happy Birthday” to yourself.
• Use alcohol-based sanitizers. If you can’t get to a sink right away, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the next best thing. Many even come with moisturizer built-in their formulas, to help keep your hands from drying out. Keep a bottle on your desk and carry a travel-sized one in your purse or pocket; use it after shaking hands. *Helpful Hint: After putting the sanitizer in your hands, scrape your fingernails across your palms to get a small amount under them and eliminate any germs that might be hiding out.
• Wipe your desk, keyboard, phone, and mouse with antibacterial wipes. Did you know that the average desk has 400 times more germs than a toilet seat? And you still want to leave your half-eaten cookie on your desktop?! Cut down on the viral invasion by frequently wiping down your work surfaces and equipment, especially your phone. This is true even for home offices! *Helpful Hint: If you work with others, avoid using their desks and equipment to keep germs from spreading. If you must, use a sanitizer on your hands afterwards.
• Eat healthy. Another common sense solution! The more vitamins and minerals your body gets, the better its immune response will be. So drink that water, take those vitamins, and eat that apple! *Helpful Hint: For more tips on eating healthy to stay well, check out this article on About. com and this one from the Girl! Get Strong blog.
• Get plenty of sleep. Experts say we need about 6.5 to 7.5 hrs of sleep per night, but how often do you get that much? If you’re busy entrepreneurs like us, probably not often. But as this WebMD article tells you, sleep is crucial to staying healthy. *Helpful Hint: Don’t check email or Facebook, or watch TV, for at least half an hour before you plan to go to sleep. Read a book or do some calming meditation instead. You’ll fall asleep faster and have a more restful sleep if you give your brain a chance to unwind.
• Don’t forget your vitamins. We all know about the benefits of Vitamin C in preventing colds, but there are several others that are just as important. Livestrong gives a great overview on the which vitamins are important in maintaining your immunity. *Helpful Hint: Take your multivitamin with a small meal. Your body uses the fat from the foods to help absorb the vitamins and minerals from the pill.

What are some your tried-and-true methods for staying healthy? Do you have a favorite multivitamin or home remedy? Share with us in the comments below!

Happy New Year Folks.

If you recall from last year, to the day, I declared my 10 of 2010  list.  So how did I do?

1. Stay healthy or else the rest of this list won’t matter. Bad allergic reaction at a party. Long story. Health is always a work in progress.
2. Either upgrade or buy a new desktop computer.
   I actually brought a laptop and I won an iPad.
3. Finally get my driver’s license (I’m a native New Yorker, so driving hasn’t been a priority.)
4. Schedule informal Coffee Conversations with friends and colleagues.
5. Spend more time with my family (especially my growing niece.)
6. Write more with pen and paper I have been writing & blogging more especially thanks to #reverb10,  Evernote and the iPad.
7. Speak or attend at more conferences than I did last year. Attending yes, speaking not so much. Does being a Genius at WordCamp NYC count?
8. Look for collaborative opportunities with resourceful people
9. Find clients that I enjoy working with so that work doesn’t feel like “work”. Like my health this is also a work in progress?
10. Achieve one more internet certification. Actually 2 more thanks to certain developments in the industry, but that’s what make this all the more fun:)

So this year, instead of adding more goals. I’m going to focus on the ones I didn’t finish and work from there.

A couple of tools that are helping me through this are:

O Dream Board. If you are familiar with The Secret DVD, and the Law of Attraction you probably know about Vision Boards.You don’t have to go to the supply store to start your vision board. You can now create a vision board online.  I have already created 2 online boards and I’m more focused now than I was last year.

I also found a tool via the #reverb10 resources called How to Conduct Your own Annual Review by Chris Guillebeau.  You can adjust the categories and goals as you see fit. It can be also be a great tool for some to use to see measurable results.

Do how did you fare with your goals from last year? What did you learn? How are you going to use it to propel you forward in 2011?

Whether you are a mom, who is an entrepreneur, or a single woman trying to fit everything in, it is difficult to find the time to get to the gym.  Entrepreneurs are busy bees, and the order of prioritization tends to place working out after business and family life.

That being said, the following tips and tricks can help you to keep your mind and body in working order when you just can’t find the time to get on the treadmill:

1.   Start each day with a series of stretches: When you get out of bed in the morning, make an effort to perform a menu of stretches that makes you feel good.  Whether they are sun salutations (raise your arms over your head until your hands meet) or simple calf stretches, warming your body up before you get moving is a great way to get a positive start on the day.  This blog describes why and how stretching is helpful to weight loss.

2.  Choose green tea instead of coffee: I love coffee, can’t live without it.  And that is a problem.  Coffee is highly addictive and causes the ever dreaded noontime crash, if you become dependent.  I suggest switching off coffee with tea at least a couple of times a week, if not more often.  Green tea, both caffeinated and packed with antioxidants, is a great solution.  I like Tazo tea for its unique flavors and blends.

3.  Eat fruit: believe it or not, fruit is a very satisfying choice to satisfy your sweet tooth.  Instead of going for the Oreos, snack on some pineapples or strawberries.  I suggest these fruits because they are used in several desserts for its sweet taste and acidic content. So, this might assist in any mental block you have about satiating your sweet tooth with health food.

4.  Add fruit to breakfast food: Speaking of fruit, I’ve found that replacing syrup or butter with fruit atop my french toast or pancakes is a highly successful way to add nutrients and flavor to a carb-filled breakfast.

5.  Practice your posture at your desk: While immersed in work each day, we all become guilty of slouching, hunching or shoulders down, or generally treating our body’s alignment like garbage.  Be mindful of this.  Set your monitor high enough so that you don’t have to come down to your computer (use a monitor stand; Staples has very cost-friendly versions).  Wear reading or prescription glasses if you need them, so as to prevent sticking your nose into your screen.  Utilize an ergonomic gel wrist pad and mouse pad.  Most importantly, perform a posture check:  Head up, shoulders back, chest out, feet flat on the floor, and legs in a 90-degree position.   This website describes the benefits of good posture, and provides an alternative standing posture-benefiting exercise.

6.  Utilize a stability ball: My friend Shannon learned to use a stability ball not only for crunches, but also as a way to check her posture during work hours.  Sit on the ball with legs at a 90-degree angle, and keep your back upright and straight as if a puppeteer was pulling you up like a string puppet.

7.  Insert fitness blasts into your day: Need to go run errands?  Put on your walking shoes and hustle down to Kinko’s, Starbucks, the library, etc.  Power walk your way around instead of hopping into the car.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Small fitness bursts are better than no fitness at all!

8.   Volunteer: Volunteering at a shelter or soup kitchen not only performs a great service to your fellow citizens, but it provides a great way to get a physical workout.

9.  Weigh and measure your food: Oftentimes people think that because they are eating grilled chicken or veggies, their meal is healthy.  The reality is that we are only supposed to have 4 oz. servings of protein at a time, and veggies are often loaded with oil or butter when prepared.  Be conscious of the ingredients in your meals, and perform a quick calorie count before serving.

Keep your diet and cooking simple:  Speaking of veggies, a great way to insert veggies into your everyday diet is to keep your meals simple yet satisfying.  I’ve learned that a well balanced and easy-to-do meal consists of a lean protein (chicken or fish) and a bag of frozen vegetables.  Quick, painless, good for you.

This show is talking with SK Joun of Parents for Parents™ Magazine

or download the Podcast (.mp3)

3% peroxide

This was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana

"I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide, or they would lose thousands of dollars."

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out(I do it when I bathe). No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (Small print says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle)

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of "Peroxide" to keep them
free of germs.

3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and
leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you
wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it
to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years – until I sprayed a 50/50
mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every
night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten
minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that
would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in
peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water
and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your
septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50
mixture whenever you have a cold, or plugged sinuses. It will
bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes then
blow your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist
right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it
for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray
the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it
through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the
hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a
light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually
so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils,
fungus, or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load
of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on
clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a
minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, and there is no
smearing which is why I love it so much for this.

I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should
be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad
there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy
manner.

Wild WE President & Founder, Ja-Naéwww.webaddress.com

Timesaving Tips for Busy Moms!

We all wish we had alittle more time to get things done. This is especially true for Wild WE Moms. Here are a few tips for those busy moms out there:

Where do you waste time?

Keep track for one week of all the ways you waste time. Do you spend 10 minutes finding your keys? If so, make a key hook by your door, and use it. Do you forget "that one item" when you go to the store? Keep a list on your refrigerator and, each time you empty something, add it to the list.

Designate Days

Choose a day or night to do your grocery shopping and errand running each week. Choose a day to clean your home. Stick to your schedule and forget about these responsibilities the rest of the week.

Teach Your Child

Teach your child how to prepare a drink mix, do laundry, empty the dishwasher and clean his room. An extra set of hands goes a long way.

Remember, this is YOUR business!
Only YOU can Grow it, but Wild WE can help!

By Author Wild WE President & Founder, Ja-Naé

How to Relax!

I think it is safe to say, that we all need a little relaxation in our busy lives. Here are a few tips on how to achieve just that:

Eat Healthy

Sugar and caffeine are your enemy. They both cause severe ups and downs, upsetting your body and its ability to regulate energy. Instead of sugary, carbohydrate loaded snacks (like cookies (sugar-free) or granola bars), eat fresh fruits and whole grain breads or crackers (sugar-free). Make sure you get plenty of protein, like that found in chicken, lean beef, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

Breathe

Inhale deeply, counting to five, then exhale slowly, counting to five. Do this ten times.

Shiny Happy People

Avoid people who are constantly angry or complain. Stress can be contagious, so avoid transmitters.

By Author http://wwtw@thewildwe.com/

Looking for Comfortable Shoes?

If you are anything like me, you are on your feet a lot. So, why not find the right shoe (including heel) for YOU! Here are some tips:

Pump, Pump it up!

Hold the shoe at the heel and the toe area. The sole should be flexible and bend at the front of the arch but have a stiff bottom through the arch.
Make sure the toe area is wide enough through the ball of your foot.
Test a shoe for cushioning by pressing a finger into the ball area. It should have a little give or a slightly padded feel.
Avoid synthetics. Wear shoes with leather, suede, or fabric uppers. These materials breathe, which lessens the chance of blistering.

Flat like a Pancake!

Hold each end of a shoe and try to twist it. If the shoe bends too much, it won't be supportive.
Buy shoes with leather or rubber soles for optimum shock absorption.
Wear only shoes that have leather or suede insoles. Breathable and pliable, they help prevent chafing and blistering, and they mold to the feet.

Remember, this is YOUR business! Only YOU can Grow it, but Wild WE can help!