Physicians have long been aware that people with low levels of HDL are at an increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks.  And new data from a study to determine HDL’s impact on cancer risk, suggest HDL may play additional roles in health overall. A new study in the June 22^nd issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that low HDL can also increase the risk of cancer.  In fact, the study found that every 10-point increase in HDL corresponds to a 36-percent decrease in cancer risk.  Guidelines say that men should keep their HDL over 40 mg/dl, while women should be over 50 mg/dl, though, ideally, the number should be above 60 mg/dl for both sexes.

“The importance of HDL has long been overshadowed by LDL, its evil twin,” says Dr. Peter Alagona, M.D., Director of general cardiology at the Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute in Hershey, PA, who notes that he sees many patients who are confused about cholesterol, and whether they should be more concerned with lowering bad cholesterol or raising     good cholesterol—or doing both things simultaneously.  “There’s no one magic bullet to tackle blood cholesterols. Lifestyle changes, sometimes combined with medications, are most effective,” he says.

So, what can people do to raise HDL?  According to Dr. Peter Alagona, M.D:

• Shed pounds: Losing weight not only increases HDL, but lowers LDL—bad cholesterol.  This is especially important for people who carry excess weight in their abdomens, a potential sign of heart disease.
• Exercise: Aerobic exercise that raises heart rates for 20 to 30 minutes—walking, running, stair climbing, bike riding, swimming–could be the key to raising HDL levels
• Stop smoking: Giving up smoking raises HDL levels.
• Remove transfatty acids from your diet:   Check the labels of prepared foods to see if they contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, which reduce HDL levels and raise LDL levels.
• Increase the right fat in your diet: Increasing monounsaturated fats, including canola oil, avocado, olive oil, and peanut butter, can raise HDL without increasing LDL.
• Eat more fiber: Eat at least two servings a day of foods that contain soluble fiber found in oats, fruits, vegetables and legumes, which will raise HDL and reduce LDL.
• Talk to your doctor: There are other potential treatments that can help.

For more information, visit  the American Heart Association

Related posts:

1. Top Five Superfoods for Women’s Health Month, from ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Melody Hart, ND
2. Celebrate National Oatmeal Month with First Aid Beauty!
3. An Affair of the Heart By Margaret Lewin, MD, FACP – Medical Director, Cinergy Health

An apple a day just doesn’t cut it anymore, and too many apples could make you fat.

That’s the advice of Iva Young, a nutritional expert who warns that the wrong kinds of fruits can actually do more harm than good.

“We really should be smart about the fruits we consume,” said Young, author of Healthy Mom (www.ivayoung.com). “After all, remember that fruits are very similar to breads, pastas, rice, and other high carbohydrate-rich foods in that fruits are high in carbs. That is one reason why we should only consume a certain amount, and choose the fruits that are lower in sugar. If you pick the right fruits and eat the proper portions, then you will give your body what it needs and it will benefit greatly from your efforts.”

So, which fruits offer the biggest health boost? Young named the following fruits, all of which are comparatively low in sugar, as her top five:

Raspberries – Raspberries are an excellent source of fiber, offering 30 percent of our recommended daily value, 8 grams per serving. Raspberries are also a rich source of vitamin C, with about 50 percent of our daily value. In addition, they are a rich source of manganese, delivering 60 percent of what we should have each day. Raspberries rank near the top of all fruits for antioxidant strength and contain many anti-disease properties if consumed regularly, helping to fight against inflammation, chronic pain, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, age-related cognitive decline and eyesight degeneration associated with aging.

Blackberries – Blackberries are notable for their high nutritional contents of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, and manganese. Blackberries are well-ranked for having strong antioxidant levels, and they also contain copious amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Kiwi – Kiwi is a rich source of vitamin C and vitamin K, which is a natural blood thinner. It’s also a good source of potassium, just slightly less than that of a banana. Potassium is one of those nutrients that’s absolutely essential for heart health, yet many people don’t get nearly enough. Kiwi also delivers a mild laxative effect, possibly because of the high level of dietary fiber.

Strawberries – Strawberries are low in calories compared to many other fruits, and are a good source of fiber. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids, promoting lots of antioxidant activity in the body.

Oranges – Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin A and C, along with powerful antioxidants. Oranges also provide a good source of fiber when the pulp is consumed. The white pith of the orange also contains flavonoids, and some doctors are even using extracts from the pith to help fight certain types of cancer.

“Sugar is also something that you should keep your eye on, because it affects the health of your teeth and the functioning of your hormones, specifically leptin,” she added. “Leptin is the important hormone responsible for telling the body that you should stop eating. With excess amounts of sugar in your body, the amount of leptin is diminished, which causes you to overeat. Excess sugar also has been known to cause intestinal issues increasing the chances of bloating, which causes your stomach to stick out and look like you have extra fat. That’s how consuming too many sugar-rich fruits can actually make you look fat, and make you feel less healthy than if you didn’t eat any fruits at all.”

About Iva Young

Iva Young was born in Munich, Germany, and her family moved to Toronto, Canada, when she was two years old. Her parents grew up in Croatia, so she grew up eating traditional high-fat Croatian and German meals. That upbringing helped spark her passion for nutrition and natural health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and health promotion from California Polytechnic University. Visit online at www.ivayoung.com

Related posts:

1. Top Five Superfoods for Women’s Health Month, from ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Melody Hart, ND
2. Dull, Dry Skin? Change What You Eat! The 10 Best Foods for Your Skin
3. Vitamin C Isn’t Just for the Flu! Checkout Professional-C Serums from Obagi Medical Products

“There are more knitters than golfers in America, so it really shouldn’t surprise people that we’re launching a magazine dedicated to sock knitting,” says Sockupied editor Anne Merrow. “Socks were some of the earliest items made by knitters. Knitting experienced a resurgence in the ‘40s and ‘70s, and today, after a long hiatus, sock-knitting has returned to popularity. If you knit socks, you know exactly what it means to be Sockupied.”

“This is not a magazine or an app or digital version of a magazine,” says John Bolton, Vice President and Publisher of Interweave’s Fiber Division. “This is an entirely unique digital product to help knitters learn new skills and develop their abilities alongside some of the best designers and instructors at Interweave and in the knitting community.”

Sockupied is available as a digital download exclusively from Interweave’s eCommerce website, www.Interweavestore.com, for $14.97, beginning today. The eMag is actually a 365-megabyte application that users download and install to a Macintosh or PC computer; once installed, the application runs on the Adobe AIR platform.

The eMag has 15 instructional and entertaining videos, ranging between 1-6 minutes in length each, embedded throughout the articles. All in all, there is more than 40 minutes of video content, including three videos with sock designer Cookie A, five videos of cast-on methods for sock knitting, a video with reviews of six different types of double-pointed needles, and fun videos of sock knitters and their stories.

Video is just one of the experiences that set this eMag apart from printed magazines and books. The eMag also offers three downloadable sock patterns, knitted sock photo galleries with zoom capability, an in-depth tutorial on customizing a sock pattern for the perfect fit, reviews of cashmere sock yarns, and a lot of playful, interactive elements that you won’t find in a traditional print publication, like the animated cartoon from knitting humorist Franklin Habit.

FACTS ABOUT SOCK KNITTING:

There are 53 million knitters in North America today, and one in three knitters are now knitting socks, according to the Craft Yarn Council of America. Devoted fans say handknit socks are portable, fairly quick to knit, a great small project for trying out new techniques, and universally wearable and functional.

Visit online at www.Interweavestore.com

Related posts:

1. Lands’ End FeelGood: Knitting To Help Homeless

“I was inspired to launch the company after non-recyclable plastic and toxic materials made up the majority of party supplies I used for my own celebrations,” said Monica Garg Singhal, Owner and Founder of EcoPartyTime.com. With a passion for reducing waste in her own life, she felt party-planning consumers needed a place where they could shop with awareness and decorate celebrations without guilt – and now they can!

In an effort to serve as a model for a new trend in greener celebrations, EcoPartyTime.com features party products and supplies that are natural, organic, recycled or sustainable. Consumers can find everything from tableware made from organic bamboo and 100% chlorine free recycled paper, to decorations, goodie bags, party hats made of reusable felt, 100% cotton and silk costumes, and favors such as organic cookie favors and personalized seed favors – all in one spot.

“Aiming to reduce waste at a party can be realistic and affordable; since once the party is over, many of these items can be re-used or re-gifted and some may even become keepsakes. Moreover, eco-party planning can set an example for attending guests, especially kids, leaving a lasting impression about environmental consciousness” added Singhal.

EcoPartyTime.com will continue to evolve its product offerings, bringing consumers the latest and most innovative eco-friendly party products on the market – so that even while being green, parties can still look their best. To inspire shoppers, the company plans to include information on every product page about the green benefits of each product, and bring to light the background stories of the suppliers who are going the extra mile in an attempt to green every aspect of their business operation. Additionally, EcoPartyTime.com pledges to organize yearly events in local communities to raise awareness and donate 5% of their profits to charities devoted to environment conservation.

“Celebrations are a huge part of our lives, but celebrating green can be a challenge because it’s not always easy to find eco-friendly items to substitute for non-recyclable paper and plastic throwaways. How great to discover a store that brings together a choice of items to help make any celebration eco-fabulous,” said Lynn Colwell, of CelebrateGreen.net and co-author of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family.

About EcoPartyTime.com

Launched in July 2010, EcoPartyTime.com is the premier online shopping destination for earth-friendly party supplies that are natural, organic, recycled or sustainable.

For more information on EcoPartyTime.com or to shop for earth-friendly party items for birthday, anniversary, baby shower and graduation celebrations, as well as for holidays like Christmas, Easter and Halloween, please visit www.EcoPartyTime.com.

Related posts:

1. Throwing Dazzling Holiday Parties for Kids and Friends With Lisa Kothar
2. Lisa Kothari’s Ten Worst Party Planning Mistakes
3. 2008 to be Breakout Year for USDA Organic Personal Care Products

“These trends are meant to inspire your back-to-school snacking,” said Kay Logsdon, editor-in-chief of The Food Channel.“But they also show how people are eating today, with smoothies and energy bars functioning as meal replacements, and grazing with small bites throughout the day—sometimes never even sitting down to a meal.”

According to foodchannel.com editors, the top ten snack trends are—

• Chip and Dip 2.0. New varieties and new flavors give us something different. It is likely that you will have hummus and falafel chips or pretzel crisps at your next party instead of the traditional chip-and-dip duo. The dips are healthier, spicier, and often served hot.
• Small and Sensational. We are eating more substantial snacks packed with protein as meal replacements, and eating them more often. For pick-me-ups, we grab a slider at Steak ’n Shake, or a Big Mac Wrap at McDonald’s. Come dinnertime, we may graze some more, but by today’s definition, snacks may be all we need.
• The Drink Shift. This trend is all about the “halo of health” around drinks made with fruit or antioxidants. We have a shift in snack beverages away from colas and energy drinks and more toward teas, lemonades, fruity organic waters, and carbonated fruit drinks with interesting flavor combinations. Plus, there’s the trend away from high-fructose corn syrup and back to sugar that some soft-drink makers are spinning as a “throwback” move. Additionally, smoothie shop chain Jamba Juice has just introduced a line of smoothie mixes that lets consumers make smoothies at home.
• Goin’ Nuts. Snacking habits are adjusting to talk about how good nuts are for you, with nuts and granola, nuts and fruits and smoked nuts. Unique flavor combinations give us the feeling that we are eating healthily: for example, cashews with pomegranate and vanilla, and dark chocolate with caramelized black walnuts.
• Fruits: The Low-Hanging Snack. The trend here is the mainstreaming of new types of fruit, and the redefinition of locally grown to mean locally sourced. When it comes to fresh, blackberries have been in abundance, and white peaches and white cherries have given us a choice when it comes to some old standards. Fresh fruit is now the number one snack among kids aged two to 17.
• Cruising the Bars. While it is mainstream that the granola bar is an acceptable emergency meal, bars are now offered in dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, organic, soy-free, cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, and casein-free varieties. There are even versions specifically for women and for kids.
• Sweet and Salty. Until recent years, the only way sweet or salty snacks mixed was when we ate something sweet then craved something salty, or vice-versa. What we’re seeing now is that the barrier is removed. We dip pretzels in Nutella and eat fruit with a side of popcorn. These tastes are filling up the new-style vending machines too, where our choices are increasing and more information is available.
• Yogurt, Redefined. The new gold standard for yogurt is the increased health value found with probiotics. Acknowledging our trend toward global flavors, there is Greek yogurt, among the healthiest snacks we can eat. Icelandic yogurt is starting to emerge as yet another world player and new self-serve frozen yogurt shops are popping up everywhere too. Although not new, yogurt continues to redefine itself and is definitely trending up.
• Bodaciously Bold. Bold flavors are almost becoming regular, satisfying an urge for something unordinary. How else to explain flavors such as Doritos First-, Second-, and Third-Degree Burn (Scorchin’ Habanero)?
• Nostalgia’s New Again. Any decent tribute to snacking has to mention the traditional Snack Cake. The Hostess Twinkie, the Ding Dong, the TastyKake, the Little Debbie. Anything that has lasted this long deserves a mention in the snacking hall of fame, even if it isn’t good for you. And, truth be told, we all snack on some of these from time to time.

For more information, visit www.foodchannel.com

Related posts:

1. Banana Chocolate Hemp Muffins
2. Soyfoods May Help Asthma Sufferers
3. The Best Foods to Buy Organic

Today, Reps. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., introduced the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010, (HR 5786), which gives the Food and Drug Administration authority to ensure that personal care products are free of harmful ingredients. Existing law, passed in 1938, granted decision-making about ingredient safety to the cosmetics industry.

“Harmful chemicals have no place in the products we put on our bodies or on our children’s bodies,” said Rep. Schakowsky. “Our cosmetics laws are woefully out of date—manufacturers aren’t even required to disclose all their ingredients on labels, leaving Americans unknowingly exposed to harmful mystery ingredients. This bill will finally protect those consumers.”

According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Americans use an average of 10 personal care products each day, resulting in exposure to more than 126 unique chemicals—not counting the many undisclosed chemicals in “fragrance.” Toxic exposures from personal care products add to our daily dose of hazardous chemicals from air, water, food and other consumer products.

“The cosmetics industry says the amounts of potentially toxic chemicals in their products are so small that they carry no risk, but we know that for some chemicals small doses can have big effects,” said Maryann Donovan, Ph.D., an expert on environmental exposures and biological effects from the Center for Environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. “We need to better understand the short- and long-term health effects resulting from small doses of toxic chemicals, repeated daily exposures, exposures during fetal or infant development, and exposures to mixtures of chemicals in personal care products.”

Major provisions of the legislation would:

• Phase out ingredients linked to cancer, birth defects and developmental harm
• Create a health-based safety standard that includes protections for children, the elderly, workers and other vulnerable populations
• Close labeling loopholes by requiring full ingredient disclosure, including the constituent ingredients of fragrance and salon products, on product labels and company Web sites
• Give workers access to information about unsafe chemicals in personal care products
• Require data sharing to avoid duplicative testing and encourage the development of alternatives to animal testing
• Provide adequate funding the FDA Office of Cosmetics and Colors so it has the resources it needs to provide effective oversight of the cosmetics industry
• Level the playing field so small businesses can compete fairly

Rep. Markey applauded the bill: “From lipstick to lotion, our medicine cabinets are filled with cosmetics that may contain potentially dangerous chemicals. This important bill closes a gaping hole in our Federal laws that allows potentially dangerous chemicals to remain in the cosmetic products we use every day.”

Rep. Baldwin concurred: “Scientists are increasingly linking chemicals in personal care products to cancer, learning disabilities and other widespread health problems in our society. I am proud to contribute to common-sense legislation that says it’s time to ensure the products we use are safe.”

To help generate support for the legislation, today the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics also launched The Story of Cosmetics, a 7-minute video produced by Annie Leonard and Free Range Graphics, creators of the viral hit The Story of Stuff, which has been viewed more than 12 million times. In the new film, Leonard reveals the toxic side of the beauty industry and explains that it’s not the choices we make at the store, but the choices made behind the scenes – by industry and the government – that affect the health of our families. The film concludes with a call for viewers to support legislation aimed at ensuring the safety of cosmetics and personal care products.

“When there are cancer-causing chemicals in baby shampoo and mercury in skin cream, you know the regulatory system is broken,” said Janet Nudelman of the Breast Cancer Fund and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. “Industry self-regulation just isn’t working. The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 recognizes that consumers have a right to safe personal care products, that companies have a responsibility to understand the health effects of the chemicals in their products, and that we need government to helps us get there.”

For more information, visit www.breastcancerfund.org

Related posts:

1. Initial Breast Cancer Fund statement on FDA, BPA Announcement
2. Meet Owners of Terra Firma Cosmetics, Meri Yardley and Dori Patrick
3. Silky, 100% Vegan and 100% Natural Silky Cosmetics

R-U-VED is the locally-accessible and real-life embodiment of the ideas represented in Eat Pray Love. Both address the profound craving so many westerners today acknowledge: the need for holistic remedies to heal their bodies and improve their lives. Rather than just prescriptions, modern self-aware consumers want to eat, pray and love their way to wellness.

As Gilbert (Julia Roberts) looks to food, yoga, meditation, and a love that suits her true self for the balance and nourishment of her physical and spiritual life—she opens the door for millions of viewers to the very founding notions of Ayurveda, the guiding tradition behind R-U-VED Herbs. This 5,000-year-old medical philosophy (the roots of which lie in one of Gilbert’s three destinations, India) is one of the earliest forms of medicine and offers a personalized approach to health care.  Ayurveda’s individual, or “dosha,”-specific treatments (see “Know Your Dosha: Vata, Pitta, or Kapha” at bottom) comprise eating and diet regiments, meditation suggestions, yoga postures, and other personal lifestyle recommendations for a balanced, healthy and happy life.

In accordance with Ayurvedic practice, R-U-VED’s line of traditional Indian support cardiovascular, digestive, immune, and women’s health as well as common modern mental and emotional strains like stress or depression. The line also includes dosha-balancing teas, spices and oils.

Eat, Pray and Love Your Way To Wellness

EAT: Dr. Virender Sodhi, an Ayurvedic MD, Naturopath, and founder of R-U-VED, recommends diet adjustments based on an individual’s dosha. For instance, for Vata personalities, he advises a diet of cooked vegetables, while for Pitta personalities, he might suggest lots of cool leafy greens. In addition, he also suggests the natural herb Triphala for overall digestive health.

PRAY: Meditation, combined with breathing and yoga practices, is a founding principle of Ayurveda. To balance all doshas, Dr. Sodhi suggests this simple breathing exercise: 1. Turn head to the left and inhale through nose until reaching lung capacity; 2. Turn head to right and exhale through mouth; 3. Repeat 16 times, twice a day; 4. Repeat process, beginning on the right side.

LOVE: In Eat Pray Love the protagonist finds lasting love only after finding inner peace and balance. Ayurvedic treatments assist individuals in finding a healthy balance within, thus affecting their interpersonal relationships. Recommendations cover types of exercise, massage, herbs, foods, and more to deal with symptoms like irritability, depression, or anxiety. Dr. Sodhi would also recommend the herb Ashwaganda, or “Indian ginseng” for stress and cognitive support for all doshas.

Know Your Dosha: Vata, Pitta or Kapha

Vata – (Composed of the elements ether and air) Characterized by an enthusiastic and creative nature, quick movements and thoughts, and a light, thin build. Subject to anxiety, fear, constipation, gas,  dryness and a tendency to coldness. Vata types benefit from simple, nourishing food and a regular routine.

Pitta – (Composed of the elements fire and water) Characterized by a passionate, determined nature, intensity, intelligence, and a go-getter attitude, and a medium build. Subject to anger, irritation, inflammation, heartburn, and skin irritations. Pitta types need to balance their intense schedules with more leisure time.

Kapha – (Composed of the elements earth and water) Characterized by an easy-going, loving, nurturing, stable, methodical and trustworthy nature, physically strong and larger build. Subject to sleepiness, depression, a tendency toward obesity, and congestion. Kapha types need a spicier diet and stimulating activities.

ABOUT R-U-VED, INC.

The only Ayurvedic herb company in the U.S. owned and operated by practicing Ayurvedic physicians, who actually grow their own medicinal herbs, R-U-VED also offers formulations for cardiovascular, digestive, elimination, liver, metabolic, muscle and joint, stress and cognitive support, women’s health and more.  R-U-VED is a division of Ayush Herbs, blending ancient principles of Ayurvedic medicine with the latest scientific technology. The company is located at 2239 152^nd Avenue NE; Redmond, WA 98052.  Contact the company at (800) 925-1371 or visit www.ruved.net.

Related posts:

1. Making Love Sustainable Part 7 by Wendy Strgar
2. An Affair of the Heart By Margaret Lewin, MD, FACP – Medical Director, Cinergy Health
3. Health Matters: 8 Steps That Can Save Your Life—and Your Family’s Health by Taylor Grant

The nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that consumer can reduce their chemical exposure by some 80 percent by either avoiding the most contaminated conventionally grown fruits and vegetables altogether, or by eating only the organic varieties. To help us sort through what and what not to buy, the group offers a handy Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides, which fits on a small piece of paper that you can keep in your pocket and have handy on grocery trips. You can print it out for free from EWG’s FoodNews.org website, or you can download it as a free App for your iPhone.

To make it easy to use, EWG has distilled its analysis into two lists. The first, “Dirty Dozen: Buy These Organic,” lists foods that when grown conventionally contain the largest amounts of pesticide and fertilizer residues. These include peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, kale/collard, greens, potatoes, and (imported) grapes. Consumers should definitely spend the extra money for organic versions of these foods.

On the other side of the coin, EWG’s “Clean 15” list includes foods that contain the least amount of chemical residues when grown conventionally. These include onions, avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, mangos, sweet peas, asparagus, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potatoes and honeydew. It’s OK to eat conventionally grown varieties of these foods.

EWG analysts developed the “Clean 15” guide using data from some 89,000 tests for pesticide residues in produce conducted between 2000 and 2008 and collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). What’s the difference, you may ask? EWG found that by eating five conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables a day from the Dirty Dozen list, a consumer on average ingests 10 different pesticides; those who stick to the Clean 15 list ingest less than two.

Other foods you and your family eat, such as meats, cereals, breads and dairy products, might also be exposing you to unwanted chemicals. According to EWG, the direct health benefits of organic meat, eggs and milk are less clear, but you should play it safe by sticking with all-natural, free-range, grass-fed meats that are not fed antibiotics or growth hormones, and by choosing only organic dairy products.

Thanks to increasing demand, more and more food purveyors are putting extra emphasis on organics. This will ultimately result in both lower prices and larger selections. Natural foods market aisles are already teeming with organic choices—and chances are your local supermarket or big box store has introduced organic versions of many popular items. Consequently, there has never been a better time to take stock of what you are feeding yourself and your family, and to make changes for better health.

CONTACT: EWG, www.foodnews.org; USDA/FDA, http://usda-fda.com/articles/organic.htm.

Related posts:

1. 8 Foods to Love, 8 Rules to Live By Cooking Light
2. 2008 to be Breakout Year for USDA Organic Personal Care Products
3. The World’s Healthiest Foods by George Mateljan, Founder of Health Valley Foods

“We understand our customer wants romance and the opportunity to experience something new and adventurous,” said Hamanasi founder and owner, Dana Krauskopf. “When we scouted Belize for a place to build, we really wanted a beautiful beach location on the Caribbean Sea, as well as a property within reach of Belize’s inland landscapes, to allow for an environment that’s conducive to both high activity and leisurely, sensual pursuits.”

From romantic strolls on the beach to one-on-one time with Mother Nature–Hamanasi was voted Best for Romance in Central/South America by TripAdvisor® in 2010 with plenty to offer even the most discerning couples. Below is a sampling of why Belize’s first-ever beachfront property to receive Green Globe Certification, is the perfect choice for honeymooners, anniversary celebrants or romance rekindlers.

Sublime Romance Found in Nature
From the second couples arrive at the eco-chic Hamanasi, they’re instantly immersed in a sense of serenity and romance. This 25-acre beachfront sanctuary named the #1 Eco-Friendly Hotel in the World in 2009, not only exudes sensuality, but also embraces the property’s lush landscape. Nestled in the coastal forest serenaded by birds and caressed by sea breezes, lies Hamanasi’s most popular rooms – secluded, intimate Treehouseaccommodations. Freestanding and raised on stilts, the Treehouses provide the utmost in privacy and comfort. King-size beds made of Belizean barba jolote wood are romantically draped and the large shower/tub design boasts expansive windows and skylights, perfect for bird watching and stargazing. Hamanasi’s special romance touches include floral-kissed turndown service, private dining, champagne upon arrival, in-suite massage andmore.

Adventure & Relaxation
Whether a couple opts to experience adventure together or individually – Hamanasi features dozens of diverse action-packed inland excursions, as well as a full-service five-star PADI dive and snorkel facility. Some of Hamanasi’s most exhilarating adventures offer guests the best of Belize both on and offshore including snorkeling and diving the Barrier Reef and Glover’s Reef Atoll, the Cave & Jungle Adventure and Mayflower Jungle & Waterfall Hike. Additional tours include Jungle River Kayaking & Canoeing, the Magical Mayan History Tour, theCockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve and Tropical Birding.

After an adventure-filled day, couples can relax by swaying under the palms trees in a hammock, taking a stroll through Hamanasi’s lush gardens or lounging poolside where full-service cocktail service is available. Alternately, for those still wanting to be a little adventurous and explore the area by land or by sea – complimentary bikes and sea kayaks are available.

Uncompromising Service
Recognized in 2010 by TripAdvisor® for Best Service in Central and South America, Hamanasi has thrived off a special service philosophy that encourages the resort’s staff to always go above and beyond, offering guests impeccable service.  Developed by the resorts owners, the program includes efforts like getting to know each guest by name and attending to every need, to ensure guests–looking to unwind at the resort or explore Belize–are treated like family.

About Hamanasi
Located south of Hopkins, Belize and nestled between the lush Maya Mountains and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Hamanasi offers guests plenty to explore, both onshore and offshore. The intimate property boasts 21 private Treehouses, luxury suites and spacious beachfront rooms, as well as an on-property Adventure Center, complete with a full-service PADI dive facility. As the first Belize beachfront property to achieve Green Globe Certification, and one of the top hotels for service in Central and South America according to TripAdvisor®, Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort is the ultimate blend of adventure and eco-luxury. For more information, visit www.hamanasi.com.

Related posts:

1. Green Cruising?

Eviana’s initial collection for hessnatur plays on classics, with a unique design sensibility. The thirteen-piece collection includes modular pieces for all body types. These pieces were designed to offer a cool, modern twist on the everyday wardrobe essentials that every woman wants and needs. Eviana created the perfect winter coat of dense yet lightweight pure virgin boiled wool, inspired by the classic motorcycle jacket; an ultra long and slim crew neck sweater with rib sleeves and a center back seam; an equestrian-inspired patchwork leggings of contrasting panels of ribbed and non-ribbed, ultra-thick and body-shaping jersey. Included in the collection are several pieces that provide multiple uses. The pure wool and cashmere oversized cardigan is an exaggerated take on the classic that drapes on the body, and can be worn asymmetrically, as a tunic, or even as a scarf. As Eviana says, “I love pieces that are extremely useful but elevated by unusual silhouette and detail.”

In addition, hessnatur continues to work with CFDA award winner Miguel Adrover, whose collection this season focuses on textured knits, ethnic knit patterns, and menswear-inspired pieces, all in hessnatur’s pure virgin wools and alpacas.

Visit online at www.hessnatur.com

Related posts:

1. hessnatur Launches Global Search for First Ambassador to Peru!
2. The Giovanni Raspberry Winter Spa Collection For Those Who Have Had Enough Cookies and Are Still Looking For Something Sweet!
3. Celebrate National Oatmeal Month with First Aid Beauty!