Hello everyone! Here it is May again! And as we put May Day and Cinco de Mayo behind us, we gear up for the month’s next holiday — Mother’s Day — which has quite a history of its own!
Apparently, the concept of honoring motherhood goes back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptian goddess Isis was believed to be the mother of the mythological ruler of Egypt, Horus. In turn, Isis became known as the “mother of all pharaohs” and each year celebrations were held in her honor — marking the beginning of our traditional Mother’s Day.
Now in the United States, our official Mother’s Day was the creation of a schoolteacher named Anna Jarvis. According to American Enterprise magazine, she believed that on the anniversary of her mother’s death — May 10 — “all Americans ought to honor the women who gave them birth.” And in agreement, Mother’s Day was officially recognized as a national holiday by an Act of Congress in 1905.
So, to that end, let’s devote this post to Mothers everywhere — by suggesting three very different — and healthy — gift ideas for all the deserving women in our lives!
1. First up — something sweet, chocolaty and, yes — healthy! Indeed, we can have all three at the same time! And, of course, we’re talking about our Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Not, perhaps, a novel gift idea for Mother’s Day — but a gift that becomes a bit more special if you make it yourself!
If you joined me on Valentine’s Day, you’re already familiar with the nutritional value of BOTH strawberries and chocolate! Strawberries are packed with vitamins C and A, fiber, calcium, iron and potassium. And chocolate — especially dark chocolate — is loaded with antioxidant flavanols, magnesium and theobromine which reduces stress, increases energy, improves brain function and makes us feel — well — downright good!
And it’s so easy to melt a little chocolate in a pan or double boiler on the stove, letting the mixture cool slightly, dipping your strawberries in the mixture and placing them on a sheet of wax paper to harden! Couldn’t be easier, healthier or more delicious!
2. Next — how about treating the Mother in your life to a massage?? You see, beyond simple relaxation massage offers many health benefits. It’s a technique that has been used for thousands of years for a number of different reasons. Massage has been found to alleviate anxiety by lowering the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) by up to 50 percent. It also increases the level of neurotransmitters in our brain that in turn help reduce depression.
Massage can be very effective in reducing body aches and pains, including back pain and headaches — even decreasing the number of migraines a person experiences. It can improve function of the immune system, reduce pain and stiffness and improve sleep!
What’s more — there are many types of massage from which to choose, including full body massages, foot massages, head massages, pregnancy massages, hot stone massages and sports massages — just to mention a few! So you can tailor-make a massage perfect for the lucky person on the receiving end of your gift!
3) And, lastly — why not schedule a preventative cancer screening test for your Mom — or sister — or daughter?? Maybe a full body check with your dermatologist — or a mammogram at the local clinic or medical center. For ladies, you could even do this together — make a day of it, spend time together — share the experience of doing something important while enjoying each other’s company. It’s a gift that can help insure you and your loved one spend not just this holiday together, but many more in the future!
Now — I know, I know — a cancer screening test may not sound like the sexiest or most exciting idea. But honestly, I can’t think of a better way to say,
“I love you and I want you to be around for a long, long time!”
In any event, I know you’ll all find the perfect gift for the Mothers in your life — and I wish you all a very happy and healthy Mother’s Day!!
Thank you all and until next time…
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
Image courtesy of feelart at www.freedigitalphotos.net
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