Need Computer Skills

Dec. 26, 2016

Dear Cathy:

I am a senior level professional who has been out of work for approximately one year. Although I have been diligently seeking employment for this period of time, I am still unemployed and becoming more dismayed by the day. I need some skill sets - my huge one is computer skills. Do you have any suggestions or guidance? Anything will be welcome. Need Computer Skills, Alabama

Dear Need Computer Skills:
Everyone today need at least a certain amount of computer skills if they expect to make it in this world. Even though my background is not in computers, I have learned what I needed to know about computers either online, in private computer sessions or in books.

Amazon.com has every book in America on there so if you learn best by reading books, I advise you to go in search of what you need there. There are also many people, especially today with social media, willing to teach these skills online, at night school, in your home or in their home.

To seek these individuals out just ask others for referrals. Website designers and graphic artists seems to know who these individuals are with computer skills. Also check out Chambers of Commerce and business groups including the Small Business Association (SBA.gov) in your city. Also many churches have computer labs and are teaching these skills in their churches.

Boyfriend Refuse to Allow Mate To Bring Belongings Into Home

Dec. 22, 2016

Dear Cathy:

After retiring I downsized before moving across the country to be with my new mate, who is also retired, a man I had known for several years. So it’s not like I have a lot of stuff to begin with because of the downsizing, however, the stuff that I do have, is very personal to me and I would like to have it around me to keep inspiring me as I age. 

But my new mate want me to get a storage unit for my stuff. He has his stuff everywhere in the house and even have another place, a building where he goes everyday, where he can store his things and provide me with more space in his home. So what should I do? New Mate, Connecticut

Dear New Mate:

Your belongings are a part of you and like you said, you had already downsized, probably enough before you moved so he should understand that.

When many young couples get together, they have to decide together what they will keep and what they will get rid of and usually the woman, will have the final say, since she will usually become the homemaker or remember the phrase “Happy Wife, Happy Life!” 

However, when older couples get together, many times one or both of them will be too set in their ways, which means they want everything their way, so obviously, he is having problems with your stuff.

Sometimes it's important for couples to invest in a storage unit together, if they don't have space in their home, but if the home does have space for your things and he just don't want to make changes, then he is just being downright selfish or controlling.

If he has set his house up a certain way and don’t want you to come in and change it, it sounds like he might have a little OCD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Common symptoms include having things symmetrical or in a perfect order. So there is a good chance, you won’t make it as a couple because even if you put all your things in storage, he will probably come up with something else that he can’t tolerate.

This is why women should never move in with men or even men with women, they should get a new place together. People like this will probably have a hard time changing. He will always think only his things can occupy his space and will never give you the space that you need as a woman.

So take your things, your belongings and yourself and keep moving. A relationship like this is not worth investing in.

I Have Breast Cancer So Should I Get A 2nd and 3rd Opinion?

Dec. 15, 2016

Dear Cathy:

I just found out I have breast cancer so should I get a 2nd and 3rd opinion? I really like my doctor, however, I have heard you still need to get a 2nd and 3rd opinion, especially when you are diagnosed with any type of cancer.

Repeatedly, cancer like every major disease, is misdiagnosed, therefore, it is recommended to obtain a “second” and even “third” opinion from a “board-certified” oncologist, a cancer specialist.

This is a critically important step that is not to be overlooked. If at all possible, the second or even third opinion should be completed prior to starting any treatment program.

The second and third opinion should come from an independent oncologist, who is not in a working partnership, formal or informal, with the doctor who made the initial diagnosis.

Second and third opinions’ consultations are that important that many people travel to major cancer centers to obtain them. Second and third opinions are standard procedures, which will not alienate your doctor.

Ask the doctor or staff for a complete transcript of your medical records. Then take the records with you or have them sent ahead to the second or third opinion doctors.

The cost should be reimbursed by all insurance programs. Even if you are not covered, get a second or even a third opinion, anyway.

One of the best places to get second or third opinions or get more questions answered about cancer is at the National Cancer Institute’s Center Information Service (CIS), Phone: (800) 4CANCER 422-6237, website: http://www.cancer.gov or American Cancer Society (ACS), Phone: (800) 227-2345, website: http://www.cancer.org.

To learn more about cancer and especially to heal yourself naturally, read my book “Cancer Cures: Heal Your Body and Save Your Life” available as an e-book and paperback at http://www.AngelsPress.com.

Should Women Choose a Breast Mastectomy Over Holistic and Natural Healing?

Dec. 14, 2016

Dear Cathy: 

My cousin choose to have a mastectomy after she and her sister both came down with cancer. However, her sister chose to go the natural route with holistic healing. Could genetics have played a role in both of them coming down with breast cancer? Breast Cancer, Mississippi

Dear Breast Cancer:

I believe eating toxic diets, living in toxic environments and having a weak immune system are the big reasons women come down with breast cancer in the first place. 

So cleaning up your diet and environment, which will boost your immune system, should be first options versus a mastectomy, especially if you are in an early stage of the disease.

Having any type of surgery should never be a first choice. There could be complications from any type of surgery, especially when you are put to sleep.

Mastectomy is surgery to remove all breast tissue from a breast as a way to treat or prevent breast cancer. For those with early-stage breast cancer, mastectomy may be one treatment option.

Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), in which only the tumor is removed from the breast, may be another option but how great are genetic factors.

Genetic factors by themselves probably account for only a very small fraction of cancers. Less than 10% of cancer in humans is attributable to genetics.

Genetic factors do have an important influence on an individual’s chance of developing cancer when combined with outside factors (your diet, your environment, and your mmune system).

So if someone in a family ate the same toxic diet, lived in the same toxic environment and also had a weak immune system, then their chances of coming down with cancer would be greater.

These factors are either voluntary (such as cigarette smoking, diet, and sexual behavior) or involuntary (such as breathing polluted air or drinking contaminated water).

Even those with genetic markers indicating a high probability for developing cancer, often do not get the disease. 

If cancer is prevalent in someone’s immediate family or if gene testing indicates the likelihood of cancer occurring, then for them preventing cancer should be paramount. 

Even so, preventing cancer needs to be a goal for everyone so it's important to eat a good, natural and holistic diet, use only natural cleaning body and cleaning products, which will boost your immune system.

To learn more about cancer and especially to heal yourself naturally, read my book “Cancer Cures: Heal Your Body and Save Your Life” available as an e-book and paperback at http://www.AngelsPress.com.

Victim of Workplace Discrimination

Dec. 13, 2016

Dear Cathy:

Hi my name is Angela. I feel like I am a victim of discrimination at the workplace. I'm very afraid to lose my job. I filed a FMLA leave for a condition I have been having along with my periods and my boss told me to get a hysterectomy. I made a complaint with the labor board. I'm so afraid because I have so many people against me. She is retaliating really bad. Workplace Discrimination, Nevada

Dear Workplace Discrimination:

Filing any type of workplace complaint has now put you on their radar, which means they will watch everything that you do from now on. If you have to file another complaint then do so.

Carry a small notebook with you at work and document everything that they do to you. So if they do fire you down the line, your case is well-documented.

Now that they are watching you, you have to make sure you dot your i’s and cross your t’s. Come to work on time and be exactly where you are suppose to be at all times.

You would think a woman would be more sympathetic to your female issues, but it’s unfortunate that many women bosses in the workplace are sometimes worse than men.

Filing a Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave was your right as an employee and a good first start but you need to understand when you file these types of leave, your job will not be supportive of you.

All they want is productive employees and they feel you can’t be productive as long as you have health issues, even when these conditions are probably caused by working in “hostile work environments” – which they caused.

If you don’t take control of your health issue, it’s a condition that will flare up again down the line and you might end up having a hysterectomy, which you definitely don't want to do. 

Two of the main causes of these types of womb issues are stress and your diet. If you are having a hard time healthwise with a condition with your period, then you should definitely look at your diet.

Processed foods are toxic foods that causes womb issues to flourish, so think about changing your diet to a more natural and holistic diet. 

Even read the book “Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type” and start eating foods specifically for your blood type. The goal is to make sure you eat a good diet, engage in a regular exercise program, and get plenty of sleep.

Also read my health book “How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide to Becoming Healthier Over the Next 30 Days” at www.AngelsPress.com, which is 12 chapters and 12 steps. As many of those steps that you can implement in your life over the next few days, weeks and months, the better you should start to feel.

If you would like to stay in the workplace in the future then you need to learn your rights by reading my 3 workplace books “The Workplace Survival Guide: How To Fight Discrimination, Whistleblowing and the Workers’ Compensation System” and “Discrimination 101: The Complete Guide To Recognizing and Surviving Discrimination in the Workplace (Volume 1) and (Volume 2)." These 3 books are available as e-books only at www.AngelsPress.com.

New Business Website for the New Year

Dec. 8, 2016

Dear Cathy:

I would like to get a business website for my new business for the New Year. What do I need to look out for when choosing to work with a company? New Website, Colorado

Dear New Website:

Try to get referrals from business groups when you are seeking to work with a company. Ask the business owners, if they were satisfied with the work of these website builders.

As a business owner, even though it’s a good idea to spend 90% of your time honing your own skills, it’s also important to learn how websites are built so you won’t be left totally in the dark when these businesses starts giving you a set of fees to build your website.

So it’s always a good idea to browse how to build website books at “The Complete Idiot’s Guide” and “Dummies.com” books. Compare fees and see what each company offers. 

Conduct a google.com, youtube.com and “Better Business Bureau” www.bbb.org search on the company to make sure they don’t have complaints.

Also the most important thing beside the fees is what dates and times they will have the work finished. If you can -- try to sign some type of contract with this company because many times when you exchange money with these businesses, they might disappear on you.

So it’s important to learn when the work will be completed. And by all means, don’t pay all these fees upfront without seeing any of the finished work.

Most legitimate companies will charge you 1/3 or one half up front, until they show you some of the finished work and many will not just forward you sample websites upfront but if they don’t have anything to hide, they might even send you a list of potential client’s websites they built so reach out to these business owners on the pros and cons of working with that company.

For more questions on business websites read my book “How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide To Starting Your Own Business” (Series 2) at www.AngelsPress.com.

Husband Can’t Stand the Smell of Sardines

Dec. 2, 2016

Dear Cathy:

I got married to a beautiful man 6 months ago, however, he can’t stand the smell of sardines, which I eat because it’s healthy for me. Eating this one food is causing tension in our relationship so what do I need to do? I really would like to keep eating this food. Eating Healthy, Virginia

Dear Eating Healthy:

Sardines are one of the healthier foods that you can eat. You should not have to give up anything that you ate before you were married. 

Marriage is about compromise, however, giving up a healthy food to please a spouse is never a good idea. Many couples get married and they become unhealthy because they start eating unhealthy food. 

I congratulate you on trying to stay healthy, despite the fact that it displeases your spouse. So again, stand up to your spouse and let him know how you feel. Also you can try to eat the food when your spouse is nowhere around, if that will help the situation.

Why Do Men Find Most Cases of Breast Cancer?

Nov. 28, 2016

Dear Cathy:

I have heard time and time again that men find most cases of breast cancer. Why is this? Breast Cancer, Missouri

Dear Breast Cancer:

Most women will put on expensive clothes on the outside but sometimes never do what they are suppose to do for their bodies, especially feed their bodies good, organic and natural foods, which can prevent cancer in the first place.

Many men in relationships will touch a women’s body more than she touches her own body. So therefore, most men actually find lumps in women’s breasts during their love making sessions.

I think all of this stems from women not loving their bodies enough. Negative body image of women is a very hot topic these days. Even as young as five to eight years old, over 99 percent of little girls owns a Barbie doll, which the media display as the ideal woman. 

So therefore, many women grow up dissatisfied with their own bodies and exhibits signs of self-hate at a very early age. There are too many direct messages associated with body weight in the media, with celebrities, fashion models and show hosts, which are often seen as role models, especially by teenagers.

And today because GMOs have turned most women’s brain off, they experience more self-hate than ever before. Women have to get back to loving themselves again and it all starts with their brains. It’s important to eat brain food and take brain supplements because when your brain works right, you work right.

To learn more about cancer and especially to heal yourself naturally, read my book “Cancer Cures: Heal Your Body and Save Your Life” available as an e-book and paperback at http://www.AngelsPress.com.

The Best Time Conduct A Self-Examination of Your Breasts

Nov. 27, 2016

Dear Cathy:

When is the best time to conduct a self-examination of your breasts? Breast Self-Examination, Alabama

Dear Breast Self-Examination:

Most doctor’s offices that deal with women’s breasts will have pamphlets and other hand-outs that explains why it’s important for women to do self-examinations. They will even give you a plastic hanger to hang in your shower so you will know the correct way to do a self-examination.

Most doctors who read mammogram results or who examine the breast by touching -- will also tell you how important it is to do self-examinations. However, many women never do these exams and later many find out they have cancer.

A breast self-examination (BSE) is a technique which allows an individual to examine his/her breast tissue for any physical or visual changes. It is often used as an early detection method for breast cancer. Both men and women should perform a Breast Self Examination at least once each month beginning at age 18.

Do your breast self-examination at the end of your monthly period. If you are pregnant, no longer have periods or your period is irregular, choose a specific day each month.

This should be performed in the shower or with lotion on your skin or fingers. If you find a lump or notice other unusual changes, don’t panic. About 80% of lumps found are not cancerous. See your doctor promptly for further evaluation. Again, many times breast cancer can be treated if caught early by a breast self-examination.

To learn more about cancer and especially to heal yourself naturally, read my book “Cancer Cures: Heal Your Body and Save Your Life” available as an e-book and paperback at http://www.AngelsPress.com.

Breast Cancer Statistics

Nov. 26, 2016

Dear Cathy:

Is it 1 out of 8 women or 1 out of 5 women who will come down with breast cancer? Breast Cancer Statistics, Oklahoma

Dear Breast Cancer Statistics:

First of all you need to understand that no one – not even the National Cancer Institute (NCI) know exactly how many people are coming down with cancer.

The bottomline is there is no real statistic for people who have come down with cancer because many people are curing themselves holistically. 

Not much has changed in the last 30 years. Statistics for dying do vary with different types of cancer and especially with the different locations or stages. Race, blood type, age and an individual’s health are additional factors.

I found out that cancer ranks as the number 2 cause of death in the United States. Cancer does not discriminate! It ravishes the body of the young and old, black and white, whether you are an athlete or a couch potato.

About one in six persons will die of cancer. Almost half with cancer will die within 5 years. No one knows the exact number of new cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year because no nationwide cancer registry exists.

To learn more about cancer and especially to heal yourself naturally, read my book “Cancer Cures: Heal Your Body and Save Your Life” available as an e-book and paperback at http://www.AngelsPress.com.

Employees Shown Favoritism at McDonald’s

Nov 25, 2016

Dear Cathy:

I'm a manager at a McDonald's. My general manager and the owner changed my schedule to 3:00-11:00 p.m. I told them I can't do this shift because I have kids and they said okay but they both show a lot of favoritism, especially when it comes to the general manager’s sister, who got my old schedule. She has the power to say she doesn’t want a certain shift. Is there anything that I can do about this? Unfair Workplace, New York

Dear Unfair Workplace:

It’s unfortunate but most workplaces today are polluted with nepotism, cronyism and favoritism. These unfair workplace policies has been happening for years and companies like McDonald’s especially are polluted with these types of practices.

You can do two things here. Go along to get along and just get babysitters and work the other shift or file an unfair workplace practice EEOC.gov complaint.

If you file a complaint, all they will do is dig their heels in and you will probably end up terminated, so again, you have very little options here. There is no way that you can force these people to do the right thing in any workplace today.

Remember that most laws in most workplaces were written by men over 20 years ago and they could care less that you have children.

Alarming Workplace Statistics include:

·        Over 85% of workers are unhappy with their jobs.

·        Over 85% of workers are one (1) paycheck away from being homeless.

·        The goal of abusive managers is to “break the spirit” of good hard-working, honest employees.

·        Because of the weak economy -- nepotism, favoritism and cronyism have polluted MOST workplaces in America.

If you would like to stay in the workplace in the future then you need to learn your rights by reading my 3 workplace books “The Workplace Survival Guide: How To Fight Discrimination, Whistleblowing and the Workers’ Compensation System” and “Discrimination 101: The Complete Guide To Recognizing and Surviving Discrimination in the Workplace (Volume 1) and (Volume 2)." These 3 books are available as e-books only at www.AngelsPress.com.

I would also suggest you start investigating the possibility of starting your own business on the side. If you have a youth ages 12 or above, then they can start a business and you can manage them. 

So read my books “The New CEO: 185 Easy-To-Set Up Businesses for Youthand Adult Entrepreneurs” and “How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide to Starting Your Own Business.” They are both available as e-books and paperbacks at www.AngelsPress.com. 

Sisters With Breast Cancer

Nov. 23, 2016

All 3 of my sisters have had breast cancer so do that mean I will also have it?  Breast Cancer, Connecticut

Dear Breast Cancer:

No not necessarily. Genes have very little to do with family members coming down with the same illnesses. In order for an individual to come down with cancer, you would need to have a weak immune system, eat toxic food and live in a toxic environment.

The reason that members of the same family might come down with cancer is because of the 3 reasons above …again genes have nothing to do with whether an individual come down with cancer.

Everyone has cancer growing inside of them. They might have had this taking place for 30 years and many times the cancer will only manifest when you have a weak immune system, you continue to eat toxic foods or you continue to live in a toxic environment.

So decrease your chances of not coming down with cancer by eating good, organic and natural foods and clean up your environment by using natural products to clean your home with and natural products on your body, which in turn will boost your immune system.

To learn more about cancer and especially to heal yourself naturally, read my book “Cancer Cures: Heal Your Body and Save Your Life” available as an e-book and paperback athttp://www.AngelsPress.com.

Why Are Children So Big Today?

Dear Cathy:

I volunteer at a school and I was wondering why are children today so big? Big Children, Texas

Dear Big Children:

Most kids today were born in the computer and video age, where they participate in very little exercise. Because of leading sedentary lifestyles today, this generation is less healthier than their parents or grandparents and may live shorter lives as a result.

Children are also big today because over the last few years, GMOs were introduced into the environment so GMOs are not just in foods but also in toxic living environments, which can affect everything including air quality, cleaning and body products. 

And because most people’s livers, which is in charge of obesity (also emotions and energy), is only working at 30%, their livers can’t break down GMO foods or clean up their environments, which again can cause childhood and adult obesity. Over 80% of kids who are overweight will also become overweight adults.

My Children Refuses To Have Children

Nov. 4, 2016 Dear Cathy: I raised two children, a daughter and son, by myself and thought they still had great lives but both today said they don’t want to have children of their own. They both have found life partners and they feel the same. What can I do to fill this hole in my heart about wanting to be a grandmother? Longing to be a Grandmother, New York Dear Longing to Be Grandmother: First of all my heart goes out to you. However, you can’t really blame anyone today for not wanting to have children, especially with the world in such an uproar, many simply prefer not to bring children into this world. Many others are too busy with their careers and just don’t have time for children. This is your life and what you need to do now is accept that you will not be a grandmother and move on. There are plenty of opportunities for you today to get out there and volunteer and be around kids -- if that is what you truly desire. These kids do not necessarily have to be related to you. One of the best opportunities to work with children and teens is to volunteer for “Big Brothers Big Sisters of America." Another program you might enjoy is Foster Grandparents, which is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Hospitals today are packed with sick children so volunteer to read to these children. Also check out CASA for Children, where you can become a court-appointed advocate for abused and neglected children and teens, which may provide the emotional satisfaction that you need. Good luck with all your endeavors and in process of trying to work and be around children, don’t ignore your own needs for companionship. Start a hobby, a business or travel. You can meet others at www.meetup.com in your area, with similar interests.

Why Do You Dislike Melaleuca?

Oct. 29, 2016

Dear Cathy:

I have a question for you. Why do you dislike Melaleuca? I've read your opinions about MLM's and I understand your disdain for them. However, when I read your article and get to the "Guideline" portion, Melaleuca has all of those blocks checked. 

I'm definitely not trying to sell you on Melaleuca, however, you don't have many other MLMs listed at all and they have tons of black people involved with their organization.

I respect all your work and will take all your advisement, but I was just curious about why you dislike Melaleuca particularly. Melaleuca Dislike, Atlanta

Dear Melaleuca Dislike:

First of all there are tons of Network and Multi-Level Marketing ventures (Pyramid Schemes) out there and I am not the "Network Marketing Police" -- which means I don't purposely go around looking for these illegal and unethical pyramid schemes. 

And just because there are tons of other black people involved in these schemes, doesn't mean you should also jump off a cliff along with them.

I am very familiar with Melaleuca because back when I lived in Atlanta for 20 years, beauticians tried to sell it in their beauty shops, so like you said, I do classify it with all the other unethical pyramid schemes.

They use the same unethical practices to market it and it probably has poor quality. As a holistic and natural healer, I can think of tons of other holistic products, which would be better than Melaleuca, but again I just don’t have time to list these because despite what I say in this email, you will probably continue your endeavor with this product until somewhere down the line when you are feeling despair and hopelessness for getting involved with this pyramid scheme, you will probably ask yourself, "why didn't I listen to Ms. Harris when she told me of her dislike for Melaleuca and other Network Marketing products.

I was also involved in a product so I am not telling you all this information at the drop of a hat. I have seen people that I really care about get involved and they too had major regrets after months and some -- after years of still trying to sell these products. It's nothing but a total waste of your time and life. Is this really what you want for your future?

I try to keep my responses to these Network and Multi-Level Marketing schemes to a minimum when people ask me about them, because it’s just so depressing to keep repeating myself over and over again about Network and Multi-Level Marketing (aka Pyramid Schemes). 

So the only advice I have is to read the article again “Tainted Movement – Network and Multi-Level Marketing” - http://www.cathyharrisspeaks.com/MLM.pdf

Again, if you have time to get involved with these pyramid schemes, you have time to get involved in a LEGITIMATE business so read my business books, which are available as both an e-book and paperback book.

If you don't know which business to start read "The New CEO: 185 Easy-To-Set Up Businesses for Youth and Adult Entrepreneurs." If you know which business you would like to start because it's your passion, read "How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide to Starting Your Own Business" Series 2, which list EVERY STEP you need to take to start and build a LEGITIMATE business.

Good luck with all your endeavors and again, don't let your story be "I told you so" when you realize that you have had enough of trying to push a product, that you simply don't care anything about. 

Get involved with your passion. Tell the world how wonderful you are. "Toot Your Own Horn" -- but do it with a LEGITIMATE business.

The New Workplace Law of the Land for Exempt and Non-Exempt Employees

Oct. 28, 2016

Dear Cathy:

I have a question about rights as an employee for the state. I'm in Alabama, but any advice you can provide will be helpful. Can the state department of health change a person’s status from exempt to non exempt? Without my consent, my job made us aware of new changes on my job and now we have a ‘clocking in’ system. Shouldn't I at least be getting overtime pay rather than just compensatory time? Confused, Alabama

Dear Confused:

Compensatory time off is:

• Time off with pay in lieu of overtime pay for irregular or occasional overtime work, or 
• When permitted under agency flexible work schedule programs, time off with pay in lieu of overtime pay for regularly scheduled or irregular or occasional overtime work. 

Employers are always trying to tighten their belts and save money, however, what you are now experiencing is the “New Law of the Land.”

It won’t be a picnic telling a worker who has long been salaried, never had to punch a time card and often worked after hours that all that’s going to change.

But when the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL.gov) publishes its final overtime rule, which happened on May 18, 2016, employers across the nation will have to notify exempt workers that their salaries don’t meet the federal threshold to remain exempt.

Employers can expect many employees to feel hurt and under-appreciated. Many workers place a premium on the prestige of being considered an exempt or salaried employee—no matter how much we emphasize that it’s just a categorization of pay and not a reflection of importance or level of contribution.

It may seem like they’re being demoted. The proposed changes to the overtime rule increased the salary threshold for employees who are exempt—and therefore not eligible for overtime—from $23,660 to $50,440. In the final rule, the level dropped to $47,476.

Employers can either increase an exempt worker’s salary so the worker remains exempt, or reclassify him or her as nonexempt. Many are likely to do the latter.

Reclassified workers will—perhaps for the first time in their careers—have to track their start times, end times, break times and meal times. It will be hard to accept and even implement. It'll be a cultural change to many and perceived as a step back in career growth, however, it’s now the “New Law of the Land.”

If an employer has different levels of benefits for exempt and nonexempt workers, that will have to be communicated as well. Many employers will have to make changes in time card requirements, vacation and sick time accrual, and bonuses for reclassified workers. 

All of these changes will be viewed negatively and there is no way to dress it up, again this is now the “New Law of the Land.” This would be a good time to start a business on the side. 

I have two business books, which are available as an e-book and paperback. If you don't know which business to start read "The New CEO: 185 Easy-To-Set Up Businesses for Youth and Adult Entrepreneurs." If you know which business you would like to start because it's your passion, read "How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide to Starting Your Own Business" Series 2, which list EVERY STEP you need to take to start and build a business.

Leaky Bladder at 40 Years Old

Oct. 26, 2016

Dear Cathy:

I am an African American female. I have a leaky bladder. I am only 40 years old so I am so embarrassed about this condition. I don’t want to take any medication for it so what are my other options? Leaky Bladder, Alabama

Dear Leaky Bladder:

Leaky Bladder is a condition called “overactive bladder” and you are not alone. Even at 40 years old there are tons of people today with this condition, where they have a sudden urgency to urinate that is frequent and cannot be controlled. These urgencies can sometimes lead to leakage or accidental wetting.

Many people are too embarrassed to talk about this, however, they plan their daily activities around being close to bathrooms to avoid urine leaks and accidents.

Work with your doctor and staying informed about your treatment is key to managing your symptoms. I never tell anyone to get on medications but remember that many times medications can be temporary. 

There are medications that you can take on a temporary basic, while you take the below steps:

1) Do kegel exercises to strengthen your muscles down there.

2) Get fit especially if you are overweight.

3) Work on training your bladder. The key is to learn how to put off the need to rush to the nearest bathroom. In the beginning, try to delay urinating by 10 minutes and build up to 20 minutes.

4) Take magnesium, an important mineral for proper muscle and nerve function, may also ease incontinent worries.

5) Take vitamin D which promotes calcium intake and good bone health. Research suggests that it can also reduce the risk of incontinence.

6) Quit smoking because nicotine can irritate the bladder.

7) Consider engaging in acupuncture.

8) Use hypnotherapy where the patient is put in a state of deep relaxation and heightened concentration. This state may help patients feel more in control of their bodies—in this case the bladder and muscle contractions.

9) Cut out caffeine, a diuretic, which can contribute to bladder irritation and stimulate muscle contractions, which can both cause incontinence.

10) Stay hydrated and drink enough liquids if you always have to go. Drinking enough water and other fluids is crucial in managing incontinence.

11) As a last resort get a pessary implant, which is a ring-like device that is inserted into the vagina to lift and support the vagina and bladder. It can help decrease stress incontinence, the type of incontinence associated with coughing or exercise.

Nagging Toothache

Oct. 25, 2016

Dear Cathy:

What do I need to know about taking care of my teeth? I can’t get to the dentist for 2 or maybe even 3 weeks so what can I do about this toothache? In Pain, Virginia

Dear In Pain:

No one wants to be in pain so you have to get to the root of your pain. Pain can also be caused by eating an "acidic diet" or having a toxic bowel, which comes from eating an acidic diet. Acidic means having the properties of acid.

Most people today do eat an acidic diet, especially if they eat the Standard American Diet, also called SAD, full of processed foods. The goal is to eat an "alkaline diet" and drink alkaline water because disease and sickness can't exist in an alkaline body and you are indeed what you eat.

Tooth decay is often the primary cause of a toothache. Other causes can be an infection, gum disease, grinding teeth, tooth trauma, an abnormal bit and a tooth eruption that happens in babies and school-age children.

And don’t forget that sinus or ear infections, which can be caused by an acidic diet, and tension in the facial muscles can cause discomfort that resembles a toothache, but often these health problems are accompanied by a headache.

Pain around the teeth and the jaws can also be symptoms of heart disease such as angina. If you have a toothache, you may have a cavity or advanced gum disease. Over 95% of people do have periodontal or gum disease and don’t even know it.

The first sign of decay may be the pain you feel when you eat something sweet, very cold or very hot. If the pulp, the inside of the tooth that has tissue and nerves, has become irritated, this can cause pain in your tooth.

If you have any of these conditions contact your dentist immediately -- fever; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling around the tooth area and pain when you bit; a foul tasting discharge; and continuous lasting pain.

To temporarily eliminate the pain rinse with warm salt water; floss teeth to dislodge any food particles trapped between teeth; take over the counter Ibuprofen or Tylenol but not too much because they can damage your liver; apply a cold compress to the outside check to relieve pain or swelling.

Your dentist will conduct a complete oral examination to determine the location and cause of the toothache, looking for signs of swelling, redness and obvious tooth damage. He or she may also take x-rays to look for evidence of tooth decay between teeth, a cracked or impacted tooth or a disorder of the underlying bone.

Your dentist also may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to speed the healing of your toothache. If by the time you see your dentist your tooth has become infected, then treatment could require removal of the tooth or a root canal procedure, which involves removing the damaged nerve tissue from the middle of a tooth.

The key to preventing toothaches is establishing a regular oral hygiene routine and sticking to it. For example, failure to brush and floss regularly after meals can significantly increase your risk of developing cavities, which can cause toothaches. 

Also when you brush use “aluminum free baking soda” and a natural fluoride-free sensitive toothpaste and visit your dentist on a regular basis, especially if you are a smoker, pregnant woman, diabetic, have gum disease, and if you are prone to cavities or a build up of plaque.

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Problems With Wearing High Heels

Oct. 24, 2016

Dear Cathy:

I am in my 20s and absolutely love how my feet look in high heels. I can’t stop wearing them so what can I do to alleviate the pain and pressure of wearing high heels? High Heels, Ohio

Dear High Heels:

Every woman wants to have pretty feet when they take off their shoes at the end of the day. Some women rather have pretty shoes which can make their feet look really attractive -- but you can’t have both. Women who wear high heel shoes on a daily basis will have uglier feet than women who wear sensible shoes.

Not only do elevated heels make women vulnerable to an attack or a fall, but also to osteoporosis, prolapsed organs, tilted uteri, foot, knee, hip, back, neck and pelvic floor pain and dysfunction. And there’s nothing sexy about wearing adult diapers.

If you're wearing high heels on a daily basis, it's likely you've already experienced two more common problems such as corns and calluses. These thickened layers of dead skin usually occur on the toes or sides of the foot and are actually the body's way of defending your feet against assault.

Many develope corns and callus, or even ingrown toe nails. Other times it can be the result of a "hammertoe" -- a condition that causes the bone of the affected toe to curl under, leaving the top to rub against the shoe and you might have to have surgery to correct this.

As you age, you lose some of the fatty deposits that normally protect the ball of the foot and some of it also slides forward towards the toes. When we slip our feet into those strappy stiletto sandals and step down, our weight is thrown on the spot where we have less protection.

If you've worn primarily high heels for most of your life, you may experience shrinkage of the Achilles tendon, the area that runs from the back of the heel to the calf. This can result in pain when wearing a low-heel shoe or even the inability to walk barefoot.

The antidote here is stretching exercises like runners do. In rare instances, you may need surgery to lengthen the Achilles tendon. If you’re still going to wear heels take these steps and protect your feet:

1. Get the best-fitting high heel possible. High heels that don't fit properly cause the front of the foot to fly forward, creating more pressure and pain on toes. Look for narrow heels with a snug but not tight fit to correct the problem.

2. Cushion, cushion, cushion. While a full-shoe insert can help, if you have pain in the ball of the foot or you'll be standing in your heels a long time, invest in silicone metatarsal pads. They do a super job of shock absorption. 

3. Wear a thicker heel for stability. "A thicker heel will give you better balance and may help relieve some pressure by distributing the weight on your foot more evenly. Alternating heel heights can also help reduce problems with the Achilles tendon.

4. Pay attention to the "slope" or "pitch" of the heel. While some 4-inch heels will give you a straight drop down to the flatbed portion of the shoe, others will be a more gradual slope. This may be easier on the arch and might help relieve some pain in the ball of the foot.

5. Wear open-toe high heels to relieve pressure on corns and calluses. See a podiatrist to have corns and calluses professionally removed and correct the problem that’s causing them. But if that's not possible, opt for open-toe shoes to take pressure off inflamed areas.

Check out these 4 exercises that makes it easier to walk in heels.

Prolapse in Younger Women

Oct. 19, 2016

Dear Cathy:

When I was in the military and had to lift heavy ammo boxes and other heavy weight, I use to stay on sick call because of pain from my womb area. I believe I hurt my insides. What is it that happens to young women who lift a lot of weight? Heavy Weights, Pennsylvania

Dear Heavy Weights:

It’s called prolapse, when your bottom falls out, and younger and older women can get this condition. You get prolapse when you lift a lot of weight or even when walking around in high heel shoes all the time.

Many women today are competing with men so they are engaging in all types of sports, such as weightlifting and other strenuous sports that put them at risk for prolapse.

The word "prolapse" means ‘to fall out of place’. In women, this refers to the uterus, bladder or rectum slipping out of place, and either protruding into the vagina or pressing up against the vaginal wall.

Your pelvic organs are held in place by ligaments and muscles, connective tissue and fascia, which are collectively known as the pelvic floor. Weakening of or damage to the pelvic floor means the pelvic organs are no longer snugly held in their usual position.

Given the number of organs and supporting structures tucked into your pelvis, and the stresses and strains they’re subjected to during pregnancy and birth, and sometimes just life in general, it’s hardly surprising that sometimes things loosen and fall out of place.

Having a prolapse certainly doesn’t mean you’re falling apart or you’re past your prime. Prolapse can occur in young women who’ve never had a baby, while there are plenty of elderly women who’ve had plenty of children yet never a prolapse problem in their lives.

Prolapse is a common problem for females of all ages, worldwide. This is a major problem with older women and one out of 4 women will end up in nursing homes due to prolapse but again younger women can get this too.

Yet prolapse is one of those conditions that many women are way too embarrassed to talk about, even with their closest friends. Some can’t even discuss prolapse with their doctor, choosing instead to put up with light bladder leakage, discomfort, a poor sex life and low self esteem rather than get help, advice and treatment.

In mild cases, prolapse can easily be fixed through a number of non-surgical treatments such as pelvic floor exercises such as "pilates" and "kegel exercises" as well as simple lifestyle changes such as improved diet and nutrition.

Squats also work very well to prevent this condition but most women have bad knees because they eat an inflammatory diet, so squatting will be extremely hard for them. Our ancestors never suffered from this condition because they were always squatting.

In more serious cases prolapse surgery is usually very successful, where a small silicone device fitted into the upper vagina by a doctor to provide support to the organs and their support structures.

Need to Lose 20 Pounds Really Quick

Oct. 17, 2016

Dear Cathy:

I am so desperate to lose at least 20 pounds as soon as possible. How can I lose 20 pounds really fast and keep it off? Losing Weight, Austin

Dear Losing Weight:

Since I recently lost weight and figured out a lot of things about how the human body operates, I feel I am in a position to advise you on some great weight loss tips. 

First of all a healthy waist size is 35 inches for women and 40 for men, so instead of just losing weight, try to concentrate on the size of your waistline. 

What you need to remember up front is that losing weight is a mindset and you need to also look at your lifestyle. It's not an overnight event. There are 4 things you need to look at in regards to weight loss. 

1. Keep A Food Journal: First of all keep a food journal of what you are eating. Most people don’t have any idea how much foods they eat everyday. The goal is to eat every 3 and a half to 4 hours throughout the day (small meals or snacks), which will keep your blood sugar at a level to give you longer lasting energy.

2. Learn Everything You Can About Hypothyroidism: The most common way to lose weight is by cutting down on how much foods you are eating and exercise more. However, even if you do this, there might be other issues at play, for instance, hypothyroidism, which can keep many women from losing weight.

It might be as high as 90% of women suffering from hypothyroidism, so read the article I wrote on hypothyroidism. So even if you join Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutri System or some other type of weight loss system, if you don’t correct your thyroid, not only will you not lose the weight, even if you lose it, it will come back.

3. Engage in a Regular Detox Program Especially For Your Liver: You also want to look at engaging in a regular full-body or 14 day detox program for your colon, liver, kidneys and a heavy metal detox program. Try “CleanStart” at www.NaturesSunshine.com. It’s one of the best full-body detoxes out there.

The liver is in charge of obesity, therefore, you need to GO NATURAL and live a natural and holistic lifestyle by only using natural cleaning products in your home and putting only natural products on your body.

4. Eat Foods for Your Blood Type: Also eating foods specifically for your blood type will help you lose weight and these foods will give you longer lasting energy throughout the day, so find out your blood type from your doctor’s office and read the book “Eat Right 4 Your Type.”

Again losing weight is about adopting a new lifestyle so learn more about how the human body works in my health book “How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide To Becoming Healthier Over the Next 30 Days” available as an ebook and paperback at www.AngelsPress.com.