I Can't Sleep and It's Affecting my Work!

By: Jodie Andre of JodieAndre.com

Ever have one of those nights when you just can't sleep?  Drink too much caffeine, too many adult beverages or maybe just too much going on in your life? Whatever the reason, lying in bed worrying about not sleeping just makes it worse.  

So what can you do? Here are 5 ways to get back to sleep.

Reaching for the stars         

While lying on your back with palms upward and feet slightly apart, inhale deeply to a count of five and exhale slowly to a count of eight. Repeat 20 times.

Warm milk

Milk contains tryptophan (amino acid) and our body converts to serotonin and melatonin hormones that improve sleep quality. Add some honey it is glucose rich and ideal for relaxing your nervous system.

Boring book

Get the most boring book you can find...the more boring the better and start reading it. It will tire your eyes and will induce drowsiness. It will also distract you from your anxiety that's keeping you from sleeping.

Soothing music

A Taiwanese study shows listening to an orchestral melody or soft jazz lowers your respiratory and heart rate and helps put you to sleep.

Light snack

A few slices of turkey or a handful of peanuts if you wake up hungry.

Remember, blue light can affect your sleep pattern. Blue light regulates our secretion of melatonin the sleep hormone. Exposed to blue light, we limit the production of melatonin and we stay alert and awake; in the absence of blue light, melatonin production ramps up and we get sleepy.

If all else fails...go on Facebook. You're sure to find other friends there to that can not sleep.

By:  Bill Shepherd (239) 463-5200 x110 

www.RTIInsuranceServices.com 

D & O Insurance is one of those coverages that most people will never need. This article will explain what it is and who needs it and when.  You may be involved with a church, business or non-profit organization that does need D & O Insurance.

First of all what is it?  D & O Insurance is a policy that is payable to the Director's & Officer's of a company, church or organization to cover damages or defense costs in the event they suffer such losses as a result of a lawsuit for alleged wrongful acts while acting in their capacity as directors or officers of the organization.

In short, D & O Liability Insurance insures decisions of director's and officers which often lead to claims by stockholders, investors, members or other interested parties in an organization.

Directors & Officers can be liable if they damage the corporation/organization by breaching their duties and contracts to the corporation or by mixing personal and business assets, or by failing to disclose conflicts of interest among other things.

D & O Insurance is usually purchased by the company/organization itself, even though it is designed to protect the directors & officers.  One reason organizations provide this liability insurance is to entice people to serve on their board of directors.  By providing D & O insurance, it protects the directors and officers personal assets in they event they make an error of judgement.

D & O insurance does not cover acts that the directors and officers know to be wrong.  Intentional illegal acts or any illegal gain or profit is not covered.

Why would a company/organization want to provide  

D & O insurance for it's directors and officers?  

1) Because by providing protection to it's board member's personal assets, you can recruit and retain the best directors and officers for an organization.   

2) If you try to recruit anyone without providing this basic protection to their personal assets, you may end up with directors who are reckless or who really don't understand the risks they are taking.  If you recruit this type of director or officer, your organization may be in jeopardy in more ways than one.   

3) Under State law their personal assets are at risk, and if they don't know that basic fact, you might not want them running your organization.

Friday, October 21  

Famous Dave's BBQ 11:30

Special Guest will be Marvin E. Collins, III Asst. City Manager Ft. Myers  speaking on 'How to do Business with the City of Ft. Myers'

Creating Anew

By Mary Anne Cipressy and David Trippany

ITSC Coaching

www.itsccoaching.com  

Sometimes we focus so much on what we are manifesting that we forget that everything is created energetically long before it ever manifests.  

Something then manifests and we look at it and then say..."but this is not what I want" and wonder what we did to manifest such a thing. We look at why it manifested, try to find that 1 thought or belief that manifested this thing we say we did not want. We try to erase it, undo it, reverse it and overall resist that it manifested. Well that is all wasted energy because once something manifests it is now part of you past. It has happened, it has already occurred and the only choice you now have is what you are going to do with it.  

Think about those times when something manifested that you say you did not want and look at how you handle that. What questions are you asking yourself? What rationalizations are you using?  The biggest part of this whole process is thinking that what manifested in the first place is something that you did not want. Oh sure you may not think it is what you wanted but it is. The problem is in the perspective that this experience is a negative one. It may feel negative because the energy used to create it was of a lower vibration but that it is your judgment of the experience that makes it a negative not the experience itself.

We fail to ask the most important question..."What is this experience telling me?" "What did I create this experience for?" We would rather look backward to try to figure out why this thing manifested as opposed to looking forward. When you look forward we begin to understand who we really are and what wonderful and master creators we are. The manifesting part takes care of itself when we realize we are creators not manifesters.    We focus so much on manifesting what we want and manifesting faster that we lose sight of the fact that we are creators. Change what you are creating and you will change what is manifesting.

You can begin to create something new right here in this very moment without ever having to look backwards. You need to keep your focus present centered. Empower yourself as the creator you are. What has already manifested only tells you what you created in the past and has no bearing on what you can create when moving forward. What you are creating today are your manifestations of the tomorrows to come.

By Michele Andre

Before walking into a dealership, do your homework.  With the internet, the consumer can find much needed information about the vehicle they want.  You can go to the manufacturers website and find the invoice for any vehicle.  You can also use the VIN number of the used car you want to run a Car Fax to see if it has been in an accident. 

When buying a car, your salesperson will know everything about the car...or they should.  They are your tour guide helping you find the right car to fit your needs.  No matter if you are buying a new or used car, the salesperson will be analyzing if you are an emotional, safety or payment buyer.  Once he/she figures it out, he/she will be selling to you in that manner.  

The automotive industry uses 3 books to determined the value of used cars.  Most often this is the case:  Retail price of a used car is based on the Blue Book value.  Banks use the NADA value when reviewing the loan request and the car you trade in will be valued by using the Black Book.    

If you see an "As Is" FCC sticker on the car, it most likely did not got serviced through the service department.  You will find this with older cars that need lots of repairs.  In some cases, but not all, the repairs would cost more than the car is worth.  Franchise dealers usually wholesale these cars to used car lots or take to the auction.     

If you see a 30 day Limited Warranty FCC sticker on the car, most likely this car was serviced by their service department.  The salesperson will be able to show you the service records, so you know what has been done.  In order for the dealer to sell you an extended service agreement in the finance office, the car must be serviced per the warranty company.  Note, service agreement prices can be negotiated.     

New cars will have a MSRP sticker.  The invoice will be in the managers office.  The more features/extras, the more of a mark up the manufacture will have on that vehicle.  If you have a 5 speed, no A/C vehicle know that the mark up is low.  Many new cars will offer the consumer a rebate.  Did you know the manufacture may also offer the dealer a rebate too?  This most likely will not be disclosed to you.   

If you are trading in a vehicle, do not show or tell them until you have agreed on the price of the new car.   This way you will know exactly how much you are getting for the car.  You may decide to keep it or sell it yourself.   

Do not negotiate on the monthly payment of the new vehicle.  Only negotiate on the price of the car.  You can calculate payments on your computer or use a standard safe figure of $18 per $1,000 if it is a late model car.   All will depend on the bank's rate, term, days to first payment, after market products, service agreement, GAP, credit life & disability and other options offered in the finance office.   

Indirect leading will almost always have a lower rate than direct banking if you have good credit.  And yes, you can negotiate the rate too. If your credit rating is poor, you may find the rate lower at your local bank.  Yet, your bank may not approve you, but know the dealership will have finance options for you.   Do not try to purchase a vehicle if your Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy is not discharged.  The bank/finance company will require it to be discharged.   Please note, a dismissed Bankruptcy may cause issues with the finance company. 

If you are dealing with a non-confirming financing, the finance company will be more in control of the vehicle, price, rate, etc. than you or the dealer.  Please note, if you do purchase a vehicle with non-confirming financing, you will most likely need to keep the vehicle for at least half of the term before trading.

The best day of the month to buy a car is always the last day of the month.  The salesperson, manager and dealer need to make their goals.  That is when you will get the best price.    

Which vehicle can you get the best deal on?   The vehicle that has been on the lot the longest.  Most dealers will have a floor plan, which means they are paying a bank each day the vehicle is on the lot.  The vehicles marked "SALE" most likely will be old day units.  Dealers are even know to take a loss on these vehicles.  Also, if the 2012 vehicles are in, you will get a better deal on the 2011 year models.      

A lot of people are are leasing new cars.  It is a great way to get more car for less money.  One of the most important products to get with a lease is GAP insurance.  You will also want GAP insurance if you are burying negitive equity into the new car.   The dealer will have a set price for this, but know you can negotiate this price in the finance office. 

Remember, the salesperson wants you to buy a car, so he/she will be "on your side" when checking with the manager on figures.  So don't shot the messenger if you don't like the price.  You can always counter the offer.   Try not to come up with excuses that are not true.  A seasoned salesperson has heard them all and knows how to respond.    

Each dealership will be different, but most of the basics are the same.  Use the above only as a guide not a fact.  This information is based on a good credit rating. 

In all fairness to the dealers, please note, I can also write on how to sell a vehicle based on the consumers personality. 

FASHION TIPS FROM EILEEN

*Larger earrings can take 10 lbs off your appearance.

*Be sure earrings compliment the shape of your face.  If you  

don't want to emphasize the shape of your face, don't  

repeat the shape with jewelry.

*Are you wearing the right color? 

Cool skin undertones wear Silver

Warm skin undertones wear Gold

For more great tips or to change your appearance with Premier Designs Jewelry, call Eileen today for a free consultation  

(239) 541-7168 or esnider1@aol.com. 

Thursday, October 6

Mini Trade Show, Networking & Buffet Dinner 

Wine & Roses Italian Restaurant 5-7pm 

Special guest will be Honey Archey, Environmental Recreation Specialist for the city of Cape Coral.   

Honey is a Paranormal Investigator that leads Ghost Hunting 101.

 Everyone is welcome.  No RSVP is required 

BRIDGE ADVERTISING SERVICES

 

Newsletters, Website, Social Media, 30 Second Commercials, Ads, SEO, Press Releases, Event Planning, Sponsorships, On-line Advertising, Logo, Business Card Design, Articles, Bios, and much more.

Call Michele (239) 225-5019 if you are looking for professional marketing in 2011.

HEALTHY LIVING  

Florida Hand Dryers are NOT Inspected 

 By:  Michele Andre  

We touched on this subject in June and decided to investigate further. 

You may find many restaurants are now using the Hand Dryer system instead of paper towels in there restrooms.  But do they clean them weekly?  

Hand Dryers are NOT "cleaner" than paper towels if they are NOT properly cleaned weekly.

Did you leave a restaurant and a few hours later feel like you may have food poison?  It may not have been the way they stored or cooked the food.  It may be how the employees dried their hands.  Or because you washed your hands in the restaurant and used the Hand Dryer.  

Employees are thinking their hands are clean, but in fact they may have many bacterias and/or viruses on their hands and infecting your food. 

What happens when you use a Hand Dryer after washing your hands? 

*) Bacteria living in your skin is brought to surface when wet hands are rubbed together under a hot dryer. 

*) Hand dryer filters must be cleaned weekly, if not, germs, bacteria, and viruses grow on the filter and will blow on your hands.    

Inspection Agencies in Florida

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) inspects restaurants.  1-850-487-1395 

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services inspects convenience and grocery stores.   1-250-488-2221

The Health Department inspects the schools, institutions, civic/fraternal organizations, bar, lounges and theaters.   

We checked to see if agencies are testing the Hand Dryers for dangerous and deadly bacterias.  The answer is NO.   

Here is our point of view:  Any school or business or restaurant that have only uncleaned Hand Dryers are spreading germs that may make people sick.  That means you may be paying for more trips to the Doctors or Emergency Rooms just because the school, business or restaurant had only a Hand Dryer.   

If your child is getting ill often, ask him/her what they use at school to dry their hands.   If the answer is a Hand Dryer, call the school to ask if they properly clean the Hand Dryers weekly.  

If you would like to help make inspection of Hand Dryers part of the inspection process in Florida, please fax your letter of concern to 1-850-488-1514.   

Dry Eye Syndrome

By:  Dr. Tucker

Dry eye is a condition in which there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye.    

Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision.  People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or have poor quality of tears.  Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults.

With each blink of the eyelids, tears are spread across the front surface of the eye, known as the cornea.  Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infections, wash away foreign matter in the eye, and keep the surface of the eyes smooth, and clear.  Excess tears in the eyes flow into small drainage ducts, in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain in the back of the nose.

Dry eyes can result from an improper balance of tear production and drainage.  

People with dry eyes may experience symptoms of irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes, a feeling of something in their eyes, excess watering, and blurred vision.   

Advanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision.

Treatments for dry eyes aim to restore or maintain the normal amount of tears in the eyes to minimize dryness and related discomfort and to maintain eye health.

The development of dry eyes can have many causes.  They include:  Age, gender, medications, medical conditions, environmental conditions, and many other facts (long term use of contact lenses and refractive eye surgeries.)

Dry eyes can be chronic condition, but your optometrist can prescribe treatment to keep your eyes healthy, more comfortable, and prevent your vision from being affected.  The primary approaches use to manage and treat dry eyes include adding tears, conserving tears, increasing tear production, and treating the inflammation of the eyelids or eye surface that contributes to the dry eyes.

Adding tears in mild cases of dry eyes can often be managed using over-the-counter artificial tear solutions.  Preservative-free artificial tear solutions are recommended because they cause fewer irritations.

Conserving tears is an additional approach to reducing the symptoms of dry eyes by keeping the natural tears in the eyes longer.  This can be done by blocking the tear ducts through which the tears normally drain.

Increasing tear production by using prescription eyes drops that help to increase production of tears can be recommended by you optometrist, as well as omega -3 fatty acid nutritional supplements.

Treatment of the contributing eyelid or ocular surface inflammation by prescription eye drops or ointments, warm compresses and lid massage, or eyelid cleaners may be recommended to help decrease inflammation around the surface of the eyes.

Visit your optometrist.  Your dry eyes can be treated.

FRESH AIR THE NATURAL WAY 

Clean your indoor air the natural way with plants.   

Below are a few plants that will remove toxins from the air.   

Peace Lily

Bamboo Palm

Marginata

Warneckii

Chinese Evergreen

 Poisonous Plants 

Many plants are poisonous to pets and/or children.   

Below are just a few.  Find many more at   

www.HumanSociety.org   

Azaleas

Bird of Paradise

Day Lily

Easter Lily

Elephant's Ear

Lily of the Valley

Morning Glory

Oleander

Poinsettia

Sago Palm  

Wisteria

You can purchase your ticket for a chance 

go win at A Night in the Cape Oct 6.  

Drawing will be Oct 15 at Oasis High School.

Friday, November 11, 2011

6:00pm to Midnight

American Legion Post 38

 1857 Jackson Street,  Ft. Myers, FL  33901

Reception, Dinner, Special Presentation, Dancing, Live Auction, Portraits, Fun & More

Event benefits local Veterans programs through American Legion Post 38 and America Red Cross Florida's Southern Gulf Coast Region.   

This event is free, but you must reserve your seat via email Post0038@yahoo.com.   

Woman's Life #701 will be holding the auction and matching the first $500.  Please bring auction items to any Woman's Life #701 or Bridge Networking event.

Advertise your business in the event program and help local men and women fighting to keep us safe and free.   

Rates begin at only $25.  Click here for details.

To have your information/educational article considered for publication, please email the 750 words or less article to TheBridgeNetworking@hotmail.com.

To advertise in our publications, call