New diabetic-safe sweetener helps manage weight, blood glucose levels

A new natural sweetener has been discovered which may prove to be an effective deterrent against diabetes and obesity. Made from the same plant as tequila, the sugar substitute lowers blood sugar levels and provides a source of dietary fiber. Considering almost 26 million Americans struggle with type 2 diabetes, and countless others battle obesity, the sweetener could very well play a significant role in curbing disease.

Police violence is not inevitable: four ways a California police chief connected cops with communities

By Steve Early

(Yes! Magazine) In the wake of a Missouri grand jury’s decision not to indict Darren Wilson, the police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown, it can be difficult to imagine a place where law enforcement and a racially diverse population work together productively in the United States.

Kindness contest bears fruit for all

When I was little I wondered why neighborhoods didn’t invest in edible landscaping to build community, promote health, and promote collaboration. As adults, my husband and I decided the right way to answer this question was to do it ourselves, so we transformed our front yard with edibles, adding blueberries, strawberries, limes, pomegranates, and oranges.
Every crop brought us closer to neighbors and strangers. The food was an excuse to commune. Kids in the neighborhood (including our sons) learned patience and gentle timing. When we had extra, we'd share it. Then, we received a powerful lesson; a gift hidden as a loss. Our first-ever crop of pomegranates had ripened. But at harvest, they were all gone, stolen in the middle of the night. We were shocked, sad and angry. Friends had fun suggesting deterrents. One even suggested we post a sign to curse thieves who stole our fruit.

A loving, joyful heart shown to encourage vibrant health

Living life by the wisdom of the heart not only feels good, but also sustains and improves health. Numerous studies have proven that positive inner emotional states create increased harmony and balance to the nervous system. These positive states help to reduce stress on the heart and bodily organs which further promotes overall wellness.

The Institute of HeartMath in Boulder Creek, California is the leading non-profit research center for studying the science of the heart and how it affects health and well-being. The center discovered what it calls heart rhythm coherence which is triggered by positive emotions such as love. Rhythm coherence has important implications for not only emotional harmony, but also for physical health. The researchers found that when the heart has a steady, balanced, and smooth rhythm, blood pressure is lowered and the bodily systems work efficiently. When the heart rhythm is erratic and stressed, numerous health consequences of the nervous, cardiovascular, hormonal and immune systems occur.

Could a hug a day keep infection away?

By Dr. Mercola

Infants deprived of touch typically experience developmental delays. Their growth is often impaired, as is their cognitive development. Rates of serious infections and attachment disorders also increase in children who have been deprived of this apparently innate need.

Join us for Random Acts of Kindness Week February 9-15 2015

Did you know that February 9-15th is Random Acts of Kindness week? Imagine if for one week, all of your social media feeds were flooded with kindness. Uplifting news stories, inspiring quotes, kind comments…for one week everyone united to focus on the positive. That’s the goal of ‪#‎RAKWeek‬

Whenever you post anything inspiring, make sure to tag it with #RAKWeek so we all can keep count.

http://youtu.be/8mcIwwr8Dik

A daily dose of gratitude encourages health, happiness and vibrancy - researchers assert

With all the insanity in the world, it is easy to become bogged down with negativity. Destructive weather, economic meltdowns, a toxic environment, GMOs. The list could go on forever. It is natural to become disillusioned, depressed and hostile in light of such bad news. But researchers have discovered that even when the environment around us is cloaked in apparent darkness, we can still be happy, healthy, alert -- and make a positive impact. As we become more appreciative, vibrancy and energy returns, stress is reduced and we are able to connect with others in a beneficial way.