Often around the holidays we forget to give ourselves gifts. Here is a list for you to consider. If you cannot afford any or all of them, perhaps you can work toward the goal of enjoying one or two that really appeal to you. As you read the list over, think how lucky you are to be alive and to be able to partake in life's little pleasures.

Enjoy life, strive to be - Happy, Joyous and Free!!!

1. Get your nails manicured. Ever try a pedicure? Both of these are very relaxing. I see so many men getting pedicures and their nails done when I am in the salon. Viva Metro Sexuals!!!

2. Go out for a dessert. You can order fruit or sugar free things, too but just get out and away from the TV. Invite a friend or partner to come along or ask to sit with someone who is dining alone.

3. Put some new seat covers in your car or van. Shop around; try auto supply stores like Auto Zone or Checker. Try shopping for seat covers on e-Bay, too!

4. Invite some one out to dinner. Do some research on menus and prices and be knowledgeable about the place you are going to. Treat another person that may need a little boost in spirits or perhaps cannot afford this luxury right now.

5. Purchase or adopt a pet. No cat or dog interests you? Try adopting a turtle, snake, fish or sugar glider. Visit a pet store and make a new friend. At least get a pet rock- talk to something!

6. Buy some Pot Pouree oil - simmer it on the stove. Using Pot Pouree is especially nice around the holidays. You can make your own mixture for the stove by using water, vanilla, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cut up apples and oranges.

7. Go out to a 'big screen' movie. Don't wait for it to come out in a video or 'Pay For View' - see it on the 'Big Screen'.

8. Buy a new CD. Go to the music store with no thought in mind as to what you want, just shop around. Try a used book store; they have a wonderful selection of CD's, too.

9. Buy cut flowers for the house or office. Get a big bouquet from the flower shop or grocery store. Do you grow them? Cut the flowers, bring them inside, arrange them, and enjoy the gifts of mother nature inside your home.

10. Go to a second hand store- Goodwill - Suzie's Closet, (Any local used store will do) Just browse and reminisce on some of the things you owned as a child. Look for an outfit to wear out to dinner or to a special event, you may be pleasantly surprised. Ask questions, some stores have themes and the owners can direct you to them.

11. Buy a new pair of glasses or get your hair colored or cut differently. Yes, men can change their hair style, too! Try it - change is good. Stay Open Minded - Do not resist change.

12. Add new vitamins or herbs to your daily regime. Please see three suggestions below.

Supplements Of The Month

Odorless Garlic

Odorless Garlic supplement is extracted from Allum sativum and is a specially made Japanese product. Garlic supplements have been the subject of numerous studies in the past decade and have been endorsed by celebrities and athletes alike. Our Odorless Garlic supplement is aged 18 months and concentrated in a 100:1 extract to yield high amounts of Scordiin, a unique sulfur compound which may be responsible for many of garlic's renowned benefits.

Garlic (Allium Sativum) may be beneficial for detoxification, immune response, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, heart disease, circulation, fatty deposits, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, asthma, cancer, candidia, infections of the eyes, ears, throat, respiratory infections, coughs, hoarseness, colds & flu, insomnia, digestion, fungal infections, viral infections, and colon health.

Beta Carotene

If you take a look at the produce section of your local grocer or market this time of year, you are likely to see it brimming with bright colored seasonal treats. These cooler months are the peak harvest time for rich orange, yellow, red and dark green vegetables-such as pumpkin and squash-so it is a great opportunity to experiment with these colorful treats.

Carotenoids are the plant pigments that are responsible for the rich colors that adorn the produce aisle. There are over 600 different plant pigments, but you may be most familiar with the carotenoid named beta carotene, which is most commonly found in orange vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkins.

What's so magical about the pumpkin? Pumpkins pack an amazing nutritional punch! Rich orange and dark-green fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkin, are very high in beta carotene, a key nutrient the body can convert to vitamin A.

In the last few years increasing numbers of reports have suggested that the use of Beta Carotene may act to prevent the development of various malignancies. Beta Carotene and other similar compounds have differentiating properties that appear to affect cell growth and maturation.

Beta Carotene is not toxic to the liver even in high doses in contrast to Vitamin A. Large doses of Beta Carotene will increase the body's demands for Vitamin E; therefore, those of you on 50,000 to 100,000 units of beta carotene per day will need to also increase your vitamin E to 1,000 to 2,000 units per day. The definitive role of beta carotene/vitamin E is yet to be understood, but there is sufficient reason to use beta carotene in a dose of 50,000 units per day.

There is no need to supplement this with carrot juice or vitamin A. Beta arotene, like vitamin A and E is stored in the liver. Current clinical trials in prevention of cervix cancer and cancer of the lung and breast are using beta carotene. This may also be helpful in the prevention of colon cancer and melanoma.

B-100 Complex

B complex is a blend of key B vitamins combined with other nutritional factors for enhanced synergism. This formula provides recommended potencies of the most important B vitamins and is designed to supply your body's required daily intake in one complete supplement.

The vitamin B-complex refers to all of the known essential water-soluble vitamins except for vitamin C. These include thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin, folic acid and the cobalamins (vitamin B12).

Each member of the B-complex has a unique structure and performs unique functions in the human body. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and biotin participate in different aspects of energy production, vitamin B6 is essential for amino acid metabolism, and vitamin B12 and folic acid facilitate steps required for cell division.

Each of these vitamins has many additional functions. Most multivitamin-mineral products contain the B-complex along with the rest of the essential vitamins and minerals. Since they are more complete than B-complex vitamins alone, multiple vitamin-mineral supplements are recommended to improve overall micronutrient intake and prevent deficiencies.

Vitamin B Complex Benefits

Vitamin B1

•Supports nerve tissues and nerve function necessary for healthy muscle function, especially in the heart.

•Involved in the conversion of fatty acids and amino acids into hormones, proteins and enzymes.

•May help alcoholics metabolize alcohol more effectively, which may support recovery from addiction.

•Supports health in people with Alzheimer's disease.

•May also be of benefit to those suffering from a number of other neurological conditions including sensory neuropathy, sciatica and Bell's palsy, as well as insomnia. Anemia may be responsive to supplementation with thiamine.

Vitamin B2

•Instrumental in the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids while playing a key role in energy production for the body.

•Also an important antioxidant.

•Provides targeted protection for the eyes and may help prevent cataracts.

•Has also shown promise in the treatment of migraines.

•Riboflavin deficiency may be linked to depression.

Vitamin B3

•Effectively lowers elevated LDL levels while simultaneously raising levels of the 'good' HDL cholesterol.

•Use of inositol hexaniacinate has grown in popularity because it reportedly does not produce the side affects associated with nicotinic acid.

•Has been used to treat a number of complications arising from diabetes.

•May also help maintain proper blood sugar levels in diabetics when use in concert with chromium.

•May also be a potential treatment for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, as well as acne when used topically.

•May reduce the recurrence rate of heart attacks in people who are at risk.

•Combining nicotinic acid with riboflavin may also reduce cataracts.

•May improve symptoms of schizophrenia.

Vitamin B5

•Supports proper function of the adrenal gland and is required for production of adrenal hormones.

•Supports the production of healthy red blood cells and it may help the body rid itself of alcohol-related toxins.

•May also support health in people with allergies while speeding wound healing and recovery from surgery, especially when taken in concert with vitamin C.

•May also ease constipation.

•B5 deficiencies have been associated with acne and arthritis.

Vitamin B6

•Involved in the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells and neurotransmitters like serotonin, which plays a part in regulating our moods and preventing depression.

•Involved in energy production in the body, as well as the metabolism of homocysteine, the amino acid that is a risk factor for atherosclerosis.

•When used with vitamin B12 and folic acid, it can decrease homocysteine levels.

•Related to lower rates of related cardiovascular events including heart attacks and repeated angioplasty.

•Supplementation may be beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

•Asthmatics may experience fewer and less severe attacks when taking pyridoxine.

•Effective in enhancing cognitive performance in older adults.

•Also an important treatment for pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy.

•May even treat some symptoms of autism.

•May ease some of the nerve-related problems (neuropathies) that frequently develop in diabetic patients.

•Can reduce the severity and frequency of vomiting episodes during pregnancy.

•May also ease PMS symptoms.

•Required for the metabolism of monosodium glutamate (MSG) - supplementation with vitamin B6 often prevents or substantially reduces the severity of symptoms when people ingest MSG.

Vitamin B12

•Plays an important role in the replication of DNA while supporting growth of the body's cells.

•Vital for the function and maintenance of the nervous system and red blood cells.

•Instrumental in the body's metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates.

•Plays a key role in preventing elevated levels of homocysteine from building up in the body even when the levels are increased by lipid lowering drugs known as fibrates - elevated homocysteine increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

•Enhances cognitive performance in older adults - reduces risk of Alzheimer's disease.

•May treat certain symptoms of Crohn's disease.

•Has been used experimentally to suppress the AIDS virus and to support health in AIDS patients, who are commonly deficient.

•May ease symptoms for people with bronchial asthma while possibly supporting healthy brain function in diabetics.

•May also enhance sperm count and sperm activity in cases of male infertility.

•Can prevent allergic reaction to fruit sprayed with sulfites.

As with any vitamin or supplement, please consult your doctor before taking. Author Beverly Terhune speaks from 35 years of living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and shares her experience, strength & hope on how to lead a healthy, substance-free life.

VitaminBaron.com 'Take Your Vitamins' Natural Products - Wholesale Prices - Fast Delivery Visit us at: www.vitaminbaron.com Phone: 602-942-0118 Fax: 602-863-9020