Better early than later

BREAST CANCER

When it comes to breast cancer, there are some patients under the age of 40 who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Of course, there are certain immutable factors like genetics, getting older, or just being born female, determine your risk. But still, experts say there is a lot you can do to protect yourself, from getting your mammograms on time to finding your ideal weight and sticking to it.

Here are some tips to prevent breast cancer.

Get a mammogram 
starting at 40 -   you can detect any early signs before symptoms occur.  

Keep your weight in check, and eat a healthy, mostly plant-based diet  
Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fiber. High-fat diets can lead to being overweight or obese, which is a risk factor for breast cancer.

Exercise
Women who exercise for 10 to 19 hours each week saw a 30 percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer. Women who exercise regularly appear to be less likely to develop breast cancer. Cancer survivors who are active may have less risk of cancer recurrence compared to those who are more sedentary.

Limit alcohol
The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer, If you do opt for booze, limit yourself to no more than one half to one drink a day on average. 

Know your family history
If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, get a genetic test to determine whether or not you have BRCA1 or 2 mutation, the so-called 'breast cancer genes.' Between 20 and 30 percent of those who develop the disease have a family history of breast cancer. 'If a woman is found to have a gene mutation, options are available to significantly reduce their risk of cancer.

xoxo,

The Straitsdeal Team

References:
http://lifestyle.xin.msn.com/en/health/wellbeing/five-ways-to-reduce-your-risk-for-breast-cancer-2#image=1

Keeping a promise to yourself

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

The perfect time for creating Resolutions is the start of the new year . It is a great opportunity to turn a new page, have a fresh start and to turn a new page. Definitely resolutions are much more easier said than done. Like most of us do, most, close to all of us have abandoned our resolution and return back to our old patterns.

Here are some ways of keeping your words to yourself! 

1. Choose a Specific, Realistic Goal

Every year, millions resolve to "lose weight" or "get in shape" during the next year. Instead of selecting such an ambiguous goal, focus on something more concrete that you can realistically set your sights on. For example, you mights commit to losing 10 pounds or running a mini-marathon. Choosing a concrete, achievable goal also gives you the opportunity to plan exactly how you are going to achieve your goal over the course of the year.

2. Pick Just One Resolution

You should pick just one and focus your energies on it rather than spreading yourself too thin among a number of different objectives.

Planning is an essential part of achieving any goal. You should spend some time planning out how you will tackle a major behavior change. You can start by writing down your goal, making a list of things you might do to achieve that goal and noting any obstacles that might stand in your way.

3. Start With Small Steps

Taking on too much is a common reason why so many New Year's Resolutions fail. Dramatically slashing calories, over-doing it at the gym or radically altering your normal behavior are sure-fire ways to derail your plans. Instead, focus on taking tiny steps that will ultimately help you reach your larger goal.

If you've resolved to run a marathon, start out by going for a jog two or three times a week. If you are trying to eat healthier, you can begin with replacing some of your favorite junk foods with food which are more nutritious 

4. Avoid Repeating Past Failures

Another strategy for keeping your New Year's Resolution is to not make the exact same resolution year after year. Ask yourselves, What have prevented you from keeping your resolution in past years? By changing your approach, you will be more likely to see real results this year.

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5. Remember That Change Is a Process

Those unhealthy habits that you are trying to change probably took years to develop, so how can you expect to change them in just a matter or days, weeks or months? It may take longer than you would like to achieve your goals, but remember that this is not a race to the finish. 

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6. Don't Let Small Stumbles Bring You Down

Encountering a setback is one of the most common reasons why people give up on their New Year's Resolutions. If you suddenly relapse into a bad habit, don't view it as a failure. The path toward your goal is not a straight one, and there are always going to be challenges. Instead, view relapses as learning opportunities.

If you will, write down important information about when the relapse occurred and what might have triggered it. By understanding the challenges you face, you will be better prepared to deal with them in the future

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7. Get Support from Your Friends and Family

Yes, the buddy system actually works. Having aconcrete support system can help you stay motivated. you could enlist the help of others by joining a group that shares your goal.

8. Keep Working on Your Goals

After dealing with the reality of dragging yourself to the gym at 6 A.M. or gritting your teeth through headaches brought on by nicotine withdrawal, your motivation to keep your New Year's Resolution will probably start to dwindle. When you face such moments, remind yourself of exactly why you are doing this. What do you have to gain by achieving your goal? Find sources of inspiration that will keep you going when times get tough.

Consider keeping a resolution journal, where you can write about your successes and struggles. Write down the reasons why you are working toward your goal so that you can refer to them during times when you feel uninspired and unmotivated. By sticking with it and working on your goal all year long, you can be one of the few able to say that you really did keep your New Year's Resolution.

xoxo,

The Straitsdeal Team

References

American Psychological Association. (2009). "Making your New Year’s resolution stick." Found online at http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/resolution.aspx

The Guardian. Found online at http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2006/dec/29/psychology.uknews

Cut off those extra pounds

FESTIVE SEASON DOES NOT MEAN EXTRA POUNDS.

Do you have a love-hate relationship with the festive season? Gaining a muffin top or love handles?
Well, this time its not going to happen! Here are some tips to avoid gaining those extra kilos.

Going for a short burst of exercise 
During the holidays, we tend to just scrap exercising in all. Its is not a very good idea though. However, if you have committed this 'crime', try exchanging your longer workouts for a shorter but more intensive work out. During your busiest times, doing so can help you maintain your waist line and it will not take up too much of your time.

Try to relax
It may be rather exciting when it comes to this time of the year. But...but... it may be stressful for some of us. It will impact the enjoyment you have for this festive season and also increase the storage of fats around the mid section. Thus, try doing some relaxing techniques into your daily activities for example, deep breathing and meditation or the use of essential oils to have a stress free festive period.

Get involved
You may think that exercising is all about heading to the gym and sweating it out for long hours. Fret not, that is is not the only way to shed those cakes and candy you had. You could give a helping hand around the house with carrying of boxes and hanging of decorations. Even wrapping of gifts can burn off the calories and    can help you with staying slim over the holidays.

Have your fruits and vegetables
Festive food usually ends up with intake of excess calories. You can indulge on your favourite festive food but have a little instead of a whole lot. There are healthier options to stay trim and lean into the new year. Instead of having chocolate, have dried fruits or unsalted nuts which are rich in healthy fats that aids weight loss.

Say no to alcohol 
A drink can just add up to a few hundred calories which may wreck you weight loss plan.Try going for spirits such as gin or vodka with low calories mixers like soda water with a slice of lime.

Proportion
Portion at restaurants during the festive season tends to get larger. This does not mean you can't enjoy your meal, it will not be enjoyable. Just keep an eye on your stomach, stop eating at the first signs of fullness.

Savour 
Many of us just gobble down what they have in front of them. However, taking more time over your meals and focusing on eating ( No Television people! ) could make a big difference to your weight. By eating more slowly, you get to pay attention to your stomach for the signs of fullness.

Good night sleep
All of us, young or old needs at least seven hours of sleep. Having enough sleep can help you keep those kilos from putting on. If so, you would not crave for foods which are high in calories and carbohydrates.

Have breakfast
Skipping breakfast will lead to rumbling tummies. Which means, we are more likely to indulge in unhealthy foods later in the day and with this festive period, you will just consume larger portions. To avoid this have low-GI foods in the morning. It helps to keep your stomach satisfied longer it also releases energy slowly throughout the day so that you will not have cravings. Try having porridge with berries, yoghurt with fruits or oats with an egg.

Follow these tips for a healthier, slimmer you!

Straits Deal Team,

XOXO

POST CHRISTMAS CARE

Get back diet tips to recover from festive feasts. 

During this festive period, I believe most of us have had a few indulging meals. Thus, leading to overeating. Festive foods such as roast turkey, or any poultry with skin, stolen cakes, cookies, pastries, salted nuts and seeds and processed meat contains saturated fats, trans fat. You may not have noticed, but we have intake too much salt for our daily consumption during the festive season.

Here are some dietary tips to take care of your health POST CHRISTMAS

To cut saturated fats:

• Trim off fat and skin from poultry.
• Opt for fresh, lean meat, poultry without skin and fish
• Intake take lesser processed meat and food cooked with coconut milk and palm oil.

Cross out trans fat:

• Down-size your serving of cookies, cakes and pastries.
• Look for trans fat-free biscuits and magerine
• Go for spreads made from avocado, 100% peanut buter ( low salt ) if possible, no salt and non-dairy spreads made from olive oil.

Reduce you salt intake

• Chose unsalted nuts and seeds.
• Add less salty and sauces to dishes. have a smaller portion if you are eating out.

HERES TO HEALTHY EATING!

CHEERS!

xoxo,

The Straitsdeal Team

Are you looking FAB for Christmas...Eve?

Time to celebrate Christmas! Yes, it is this time of the year where we are at one of our busiest moments! There are so many things to check off our lists. In addition, juggling work at the same time. I'm sure all of you are busy decorating your homes with beautiful lights, putting the star on top of the Christmas tree and getting presents and wrapping them. Some of us also are preparing a wonderful feast and inviting close friends over to celebrate this joyous period. Oh... I can just imagine the smell from the food aromatizing  the whole house. Yum!

The moment when you think everything is going well, OH MY GOODNESS - what will the outfit be tonight?! What are you going to put on? Scared of going over-the-top or dressed like Plane Jane? During these last minute preparations, even your most well dressed friends may end up looking like a mess. Thus, the Straits Deal Family will give you some tips and tricks to jazz up your outfit, elegantly. 

Dress chic, the right amount of bling and colour is essential.

Just because you are in a festive mood doesn't mean you have to look like Santa or a Christmas tree. One of the biggest mistake that people make is drssing up like a glittery disco ball. You would not want to blind your friends, would you? If you want to stand out? Choose one statement piece of contrasting colour and keep your other colours in sync. Try dressing with complementary colours and let your statement piece be the focus of attention. 

Subtle make-up

Most of you, including me are very excited for special gatherings. Be cautious when doing make-up, we tend to put more make up- over doing your brows, heavy eye shadows that your eyes can barely open and more often than usual, the tendency of looking like Pikachu is higher. If you decide on going with a stronger colour, remember to brush around the cheeks than leaving a lump of pink.

Shoes

Like a saying goes, your shoes make or break the outfit. Talking about a statement piece earlier on, make your shoes the statement piece. They are great for starting a conversation. As socializing goes with gatherings , try getting the right support: a hidden platform when you opt for those sky high heels. theyu will do you justice when you are about to stand or walk in them for hours.

Tight is not right

You may just pick and go and choose a bodycon dress. Spend a little more time when choosing your outfit, and avoid wearing body-conscious dresses that will show your figure. ( even when you are Spanxed ) Your tummy bulge will show within a few hours. You wouldn't want to be looking back at your photos and regretting what you wore. Try a slim fit dress or a shirt and pants combo.

Accessories

A clutch bag is just too big and floppy, so rather than adding bulk to your outfit, try a structured case that is either rectangular- or oblong-shaped. It will look sharper and daintier with your choice of outfit. Best bets are those that are gold-trimmed or have some metallic sheen in its detail. 

Have a wonderful day! 

XOXO

Christmas Gift Guide

The Gift Guide for Guys

1.Your guys best friend from Coolmaterial.com

This may be your guy's best friend. A 10 in 1 cocktail mixing kit. Just slip it in your pocket and bring it everywhere. SUPER HANDY. It comes with a knife, stirrer, zester, cork screw etc...

2. Cocktail Revolution from Molecule-R.com

This ''Do it yourself'' molecular mixology kit lets you get discover a whole new side of this art. Get to create a modern and trendy atmosphere in the comfort of your home. You will also look great when you invite some of your close friends over!  
It includes five pre-measured food additives, 3 specialised molecular tools as well as 30 recipes DVD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=F3LNM6tHS9Q

3. Boomphones from Boomphones.com

Get the party started when this headphone instantly becomes a speaker with a press of a button. Start JAMMING! 

4. Icade from thinkgeek.com

This is for the gamer in your life. icade is an arcade cabinet for ipad. Just hook up your ipad via Bluetooth to instantly play!  Bring back you childhood days with over 100 classic games to chose from.

5. Biolite campstone from Biolitestove.com

This eco-friendly gadget allows you to cook you meals with the twigs you collect from your journey. So there is no need for polluting petroleum gas. You can also charge your gadgets as it converts heat  from the fire while you cook dinner.

6. Casetagram iPhone cases from Coolmaterial.com


The customized case is made from your Instagram shots and arranged in one of a few preset designs. And remember, nothing is more stylish than a phone case covered in photos of you riding your fixie and eating sustainable wild-caught seafood.

Hope this give you some ideaz!

XOXO

StraitsDeal Team

Christmas Gifts for your Little Ones.

Here is your gift guide for the kids!

1. Wonder Cleaning Cart and Vacuum form Giggle.com

Made with eco-friendly materials, this fully stock wonder cleaning cart comes with a full set of cleaning supplies like a mop, broom, hand brush, dust pan, and storage pouch. Plus, with a wheeled base, it’s easy to move the cart from room to room, as little helpers zip around the house tidying up. Parents, this is great for you to bond with your kids!

2. Playfully Delicious Shopping Cart from Giggle.com

This fun rolling shopping cart encourages pretend play and story-telling as they pretend to stroll through the grocery store — just like a grown-up!

3. Mustachifier Baby Pacifier from Fredlare.com

Is you baby dapper? This moustache will certainly will do it! Your precious little ones will definitely stand out! There are more designs available, check it out!

4. Sushi Time Booties

This Cutie Booties is enough for portraits but practical enough for everyday wear, these all-weather 100% cotton booties will be a real conversation piece when you bring your little ones out!

5.WII U Gamepad Console from Bestbuy.com

 Wii U is that it’s so much more than just a games console. The main reason for this is the incredible new controller that brings more choice and variety of gameplay to players than ever before.

It has a touch screen, as well as full motion controls, a built-in camera, a microphone and a Game Pad Stylus for more detailed screen use. It can also be used independently of your TV with some titles and as an interactive second window on the gaming world with others.

You can choose from a basic set and a deluxe set.

6. A Teepee to call your own from Nod.com

Everyone needs a little space just for themselves. These teepees are the perfect home away from home while trailblazing the playroom frontier. It also comes in blue!

7. RC Hotwheels Terrain Twister from Mattel.com

This cool gadget is like a remote control toy on steroids! This neat toy can run on most surfaces - snow, water, dirt or sand. It can tackle any adventure! 

8. Grime Writer from Coolmaterial.com

For young artists at heart, this Grime Writer comes with a cleaning solution, it allows you to create art where there is currently filth. When the young bud starts doodling, cleaning up later wont be a hassle!

9. DIY Tattoos from gama-go.com

Do it yourself temporary tattoos, 132 individual tattoos make it easy to craft your own design. Start personalising your unique tattoos, you won't find anyone with the one that you do!

10. Nail art pen & polishes set from Spoonsisters.com

 

For little fashionistas out there! With the Nail Art Do-it-Yourself set of Polishes. Three easy steps:  Draw, Paint, Decorate. Comes with one of each color: blue, green, orange, pink and yellow. Pack contains: 5 nail art pens, each with a micro nib for drawing and a brush for painting. Great for girls of all ages. 

11. Barbie Photo Fashion Doll from Mattel.com

This is not your typical Barbie. Girls can customize Barbie doll's t-shirt with original photos and change the pics to fit any occasion — all with the press of a button! This super-cute doll has a special embedded camera lens, so when girls point and shoot, the image projects onto Barbie doll's shirt, creating the trendiest graphic tee.  You will be Barbie's fan!

12. Little Mommy doll from Mattel.com

This doll comes very close to the real thing! Little mommies love giving this sweetie a snack and fixing her boo-boo. And at night, this little one will give you a kiss before closing her eyes. Nighty-night!  
Features:

• Incredible lifelike movement and sounds
• Tongue lights up green when she licks her juice bar
• You can "magically" wipe away her boo-boo, too
• Includes doll with lots of play accessories

13. Furby from Target.com

This year, Furby is back in town! This Furby is a new revised model. It is more accurate and sensitive, this means more interaction! How can you not resists this cutie pie!

I hope that these ideas i have shared will help you clear part of your Christmas shopping list!

XOXO

StraitsDeal Team