Did you know that exercise is one of the most effective measures in lowering cholesterol? Lowering your LDL (the 'bad' cholesterol) and raising your HDL (the 'good' cholesterol) AND lowering your triglycerides, too!

Did you also know that a few minutes of exercise can stop a panic attack dead in its tracks? Reduce anxiety? Decrease and even eliminate depression? Exercise does more than boost your mood and energy level, it also has a long-lasting calming effect. You don't need elaborate equipment or gyms. The best equipment you have is your own body. Studies show that people feel less anxious while they are exercising and then for the next several hours. You don't need to do an hour of heavy aerobics. A review of dozens of studies determined that you need to exercise for only 20 minutes for this natural tranquilizer to kick in. It's a known fact that the best exercise is walking -- even a twenty minute walk a day. The important thing is "consistency." So, if you do 20 minutes of exercise even three times a week, it can be instrumental in establishing optimal health

Brown Bagging It! how to handle anxiety/panic,
Increased anxiety, hyperventilating. Sure, there are herbs, vitamins, tranquilizers, antidepressants and the exercise mentioned above. However, also recommends brown bagging it, especially in emergency situations. You ask, "What is brown bagging it?"

Get yourself a small paper bag. Squish (yes, squish) the top together as though you were going to POP IT! Take the gathered top part of the bag and place it tightly over your nose and mouth, preventing outside air from getting in. Now, inhale deeply! When you feel you can't inhale anymore, inhale just a little... bit ... more. Next, slowly... exhale ... and when you feel there's no breath left ... exhale just a little ... bit ... more. Do this for no longer than 30 seconds and see how you feel. Should you feel light-headed, don't continue. However, most people have no problems and can do this exercise for one minute. The idea behind this is that by breathing into the paper bag, you're inhaling carbon dioxide, which serves as a relaxant to your body's organs, rather than oxygen which acts as a stimulant. Therefore, this exercise can be excellent for palpitations, anxiety, hyperventilation and general stress. Carry a brown bag in your purse. Stick one in your car's glove compartment. You'll be amazed at how simple and effective this procedure is!

Speaking of palpitations, should they hit, try taking 500 mg. of magnesium. They say, "If it spasms, give it magnesium." The same holds true for migraines. If you feel a migraine coming on, try 500 mg. magnesium

Become more aware of nutrition

Avoid processed foods, nicotine, caffeine, artificial sweetners and "junk" food