DON’T DIET

From TODAY, Voices
Friday November 7, 2008

By Dr Bill Maier

Tired of diets that don’t work? Why not blame your scale?

The scale is a good way to gauge your progress in a diet, but the fact that you’re constantly weighing yourself may be the reason your diets fail.

The problem is, dieting isn’t the answer to staying healthy. It’s just an attempt to temporarily fix an unhealthy lifestyle.

Studies have shown over and over again that most people who lose weight through a diet gain it back within a short time – usually with interest.

Only a small percentage of dieters ever maintain a healthy balance, and those are the ones who change the way they eat and exercise for good, not just during a diet.

The key to maintaining healthy weight is to change the way you look at food and to take charge of your health through proper nutrition. And then to add regular activity into your daily routine.

If you do that, the weight will usually take care of itself.

TEACH kids to live with in a budget

From TODAY, Voices
Thursday November 6, 2008

By Dr Bill Maier

Sometimes, it seems easier to just buy our kids what they need, rather than give them an allowance and expect them to budget.

But the easiest approach isn’t always the best.

Some friends started giving their kids weekly allowances during grade school. They taught their kids to set aside a portion for their tithe, and another for savings, then they could spend the rest on whatever they wanted.

It didn’t take the kids long to see their bank accounts grow, making them want to save even more.

The allowance was a small amount each week, but it taught the kids a great lesson about budgeting – not to mention the power of compounded interest.

Their oldest boy is about to get his driver’s license, and his savings will go a long way toward perhaps buying a good used car.

Everyone has to learn how to live within a budget, and kids who learn it when they’re young will have a huge advantage in life.

A regular allowance is just one of many good ways to do that.

MAKE YOUR WIFE FEEL SPECIAL (PART 3)

From TODAY, Voices
Wednesday November 5, 2008

By Dr Bill Maier

How can you help your wife feel special? My friend, Dr Kevin Leman, has some great ideas. First, grab a duster and start cleaning every once in a while. And don’t do it for the praise; do it because you know your wife needs help! Women work hard to keep the home running and anything we can do to ease the burden will say volumes about how much we appreciate them. Give your wife hugs throughout the day. We should never underestimate the power of a simple act of affection – and how much our wives need it.

When she shares a problem with you, don’t always try to fix it – just listen. Women don’t need to be lectured, and they’re not always looking for advice. Sometimes, they just need a listening ear. Also, accept her as she is. If you need to change someone, change yourself! But when it comes to your wife, accept her for who she is.