Depression can zap your confidence. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) Go to the nearest hospital or emergency roomCall your physician, health provider or clergyNational Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nami.org
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)Some days you may feel like you can't even follow through with the smallest of tasks. Being grateful can do wonders for your mood.

This doesn't have to be elaborate or detailed. I suggest that you write down three things each day that you're thankful for. This can be three sentences or three words, the simpler the better. Keep paper or a journal by your bedside and jot in it daily. This can be at bedtime or in the morning, whichever works best for you.

What's so nice about jotting down why you're being grateful is that it doesn't take a lot of effort and is very powerful. Looking back over what you've written can help you to evaluate and learn where you've been and who you have become. This is a simple, reasonable goal that you can accomplish. This will build up your sense of positive self worth. You can do it, and you deserve to invest in yourself.

Please share your thoughts.

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Last year, we had a blog discussion on "How cancer changes you" and so many of you wrote in to share your experiences. With this post, I want to delve deeper into the positive side. I realize it might be asking a lot to do this; however, while having cancer is a generally negative occurrence, some positive things may come from it.

I'll share a story of a woman I met who was diagnosed with breast cancer. After her initial treatment, she decided to reduce her work schedule and pursue her love for painting. She traveled to places she loved and created incredible watercolor paintings reflecting on the beauty of each place.

She stayed active in her work life, but was able to balance it with her dream of painting again. She told me she wouldn't have done this if it hadn't been for her cancer diagnosis. Previous to her diagnosis, she was extremely focused on her career and had put her love for painting on hold.

I'm sure this story isn't unique. Many of you have made positive changes in your life because of your cancer diagnosis. I've heard so many stories of love, courage and strength. At times, it's hard to be positive, as having cancer isn't exactly easy and the physical feelings of the body usually have a strong influence on the mind and outlook.

I would love to hear about your personal experiences. How did you transform the negative to positive? How did this experience change your life?

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Having high levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol, may help men reach their 85oy birthday, claims a new study.

According to the American Heart Association, HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, unlike the LDL or "bad" cholesterol that clogs the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Researchers found men with higher HDL CHOLESTEROL was more likely to turn 85 (i.e. 28% less likely to die), 28% as compared with men with the lowest levels of HDL.

Published in the American Journal of Cardiology, scientists analyzing medical records for 650 veterans at the age of 65, and then put them into groups based on their HDL levels. Researchers have found men with low HDL was 14% less likely to live in 85 years. 375 study participants survived 85.

In addition, evidence showed that fewer men with higher HDL cholesterol was overweight, drank alcohol (not more than 2 drinks per day), smoked, or cardiovascular disease.

However, the researchers point out that it is difficult to increase HDL levels, saying that a drug must eventually be developed.

However, some experts point to diet foods like avocados, peas, lentils, oatmeal, and foods containing soy, Niacin-like tomatoes, chicken and mushrooms-help raise HDL cholesterol. Naicin (vitamin B3) helps block production of cholesterol in the body.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide. In 2004, the World Health Organization says 1.7 million people died from cardiovascular disease, such as stroke (5.7 million) and coronary heart disease (7.2 million).

Herbs and spices are natural products made from leaves, roots, flowers and seeds of plants. They have been used to preserve foods and add flavor and medicinal qualities. Many herbs and spices are excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamins and molecules that may help protect brain cells from aging and damage caused by toxins.
GARLIC
-Garlic can protect neurons from cell death.
-Garlic promotes the growth of neurons.
-Garlic increases the ability of learning and memory.
-Garlic lowers the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.
-Garlic Boosts antioxidants.
-Garlic inhibits inflammation.
-Garlic lowers cholesterol and platelet aggregation.
-Garlic lowers blood pressure.
-Garlic prevents brain damage associated with stroke.

ROSEMARY
-Rosemary contains a powerful antioxidant carnosic acid protects brain cells from oxidative stress and promote the dilation of the cerebral arteries.
-Rosemary can reduce blood glucose and increase serum levels of insulin in diabetic animals.
-Odor Rosemary reduces pulse rates and levels of anxiety.
-Perfume Rosemary can help improve memory performance.

SAGE
-Sage can help protect against some of the harmful effects on brain cells of beta-amyloid toxic.
-Sage appears to alleviate some symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, improve communication between the various regions of the brain.
-Sage is a powerful source of antioxidants.
-Sage helps fight inflammation.
-Sage is thought to have anti-anxiety effects.