New Year...Time to Reflect [from Issue 2012-1]

2012 is here! It's new and it's a whole 12 months of new goals, new mistakes, and dreams. When thinking of dreams and the New Year, we discussed what important tidbit or article would convey this message to you. After much thought, we decided to open up this topic to our BeeAlive family; we asked for quotes, messages, or tidbits. Here is what we got!

When I think of New Year I reflect on challenges, new hopes, and dreams. This is a quote I repeat to myself when times get rough... "The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough. They're there to stop the other people."
- Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture; contributed by RoseMarie, Wholesales Sales Rep

"The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand."
- Vince Lombardi; contributed by Vicki, Quality Control Manager

Throughout my life there have been a couple of quotes that have helped me get through the rough times; one of them is, "Everything happens for a reason" and the other, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" There have been many valleys in my life but my faith has helped me through them, I have become very strong because of them!
- Contributed by Mirella, Call Center Supervisor QAS Specialist

"It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."
- Harry Truman, contributed by AnnaMarie, Administrative Assistant

When I think of the New Year, I'm reminded that it's an opportunity to renew our minds. It is said "When we change the way we think we can change our lives!" I like to reflect on the previous year to do a check list on the overall theme. I ask myself, "what's was the main thought process I had and did my thoughts produce what I expected?" So how do I renew my mind? The best way I believe is to meditate on all the good, be thankful, read positive books and anticipate the great New Year!
- Contributed by Sheryl, Outbound Call Center Consultant

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."
- Robert Brault, contributed by Aimee, R&D/Legal Supervisor

"Reach for the moon and even if you miss you will be among the stars."
- Anonymous, contributed by Rose, Director of Marketing

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Give Thanks by Giving Back [from Issue 2011-12]

With the Holidays quickly approaching, we can't help but think of all our blessings and also what it means to give back. Surely, we can all sit back and think of all the things to be thankful for – most important of all, our wonderful families. Although we may attempt to become masters of the hustle and bustle of the season, it's good to take time to reflect on those things, no matter what comes up – shopping, parties and all. At BeeAlive, we have incredible employees who make it possible to give back, and we strive to touch lives everyday. With so many things to be grateful for, it makes it that much more important to give back.

John and Jeanette Murphy are the head of a very
special family that began with their own four children,
and they have opened up their home to 17 other
children with special needs.

BeeAlive has been helping the Murphy Family, from Georgia, since 1994. BeeAlive employees work together to send gift packages to help ensure that the Murphy children have a Christmas that is extra special. John and Jeanette Murphy are the head of a very special family that began with their own four children, and they have opened up their home to 17 other children with special needs. These children have various disabilities, including Down Syndrome, autism and heart defects. Despite their special needs, John and Jeanette strive to teach their brood independence, teamwork and the skills necessary to grow into thriving adults, while experiencing as normal a childhood as possible. The "Murphy Angel" project is one of the most eagerly anticipated causes all year, in which we participate collectively, as a company. We hope that you will also be inspired to volunteer your time at a soup kitchen, drop off non-perishables at your local food drive or simply hold the door open for someone. Explore the possibilities of giving back, not only during the Holiday Season, but throughout the entire year. It's hard to express the feeling you get from helping someone else; it's something that everyone should have the pleasure to experience for themselves. There are always ways to help, and remember that there's also something in it for you, too. Doing good feels good.

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Healthy Thanksgiving Eating Tips and Tricks [from Issue 2011-11]

If you're trying to watch what you eat, Thanksgiving can be one of the most challenging times to maintain the goals you've set for yourself. The average Thanksgiving meal can contain over 2,000 calories! But do not despair! There are multiple ways to prevent that dreaded post-holiday bulge.

Eat breakfast: Rather than saving calories for the big meal, eating a small but satisfying meal prior to the main Thanksgiving feast will prevent the overeating that often occurs when a person has deprived themselves of food for any extended period of time.

Eat smart: It's absolutely possible to enjoy all of your favorite Thanksgiving foods without ruining your healthy eating plan. However, before you fill your plate, look over the buffet table and make a thoughtful decision about what you're going to choose. Keep portions of those decadent "no-no's" modest, and allow your body at least 20 minutes to digest and let you know it is full. Avoid a second helping. Easy swaps, such as skinless light turkey meat rather than dark, and a pie with only a bottom crust -such as pumpkin -- instead of top and bottom, will make a difference.

Eat slowly: Eating quickly will nearly always result in overeating. Take time to savor the flavors, smells, and textures of your favorite Thanksgiving foods. Rather than keeping your head down and continually moving your fork from plate to mouth, take time to put your fork down, take a sip of water, and strike up a conversation with your friends or relatives whom you may not have seen for some time.

Drink plenty of water: Drink calorie-free water throughout the day to help fill up your stomach and keep you hydrated.

Get moving: After dinner, get active with fun indoor, or outdoor activities, like taking a walk to get your metabolism going instead of lying on the couch.

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Kick Your Immune System Into High Gear This Fall! [from Issue 2011-10]

With kids back in school, and the weather turning cooler, immune systems are working
on overdrive to keep up the body’s defenses. Give yourself and those you love a
hand with a few of these tips:

Minimize and manage stress:
While the fast pace of the 21st century day may prove this to be challenging, stress wreaks havoc on an immune system. To help deal with the harmful effects of stress, practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga, prayer or deep breathing exercises. Laughter can also melt away stress and bring up endorphin levels

Rest up:
Just like every other part of the body, the immune system relies on being well-rested to function at maximum capacity. A consistent sleep schedule will help the entire body resist attacks.

Get outside!
While staying indoors during colder months may be instinctive, the stale, indoor air traps multiple immune system attackers. Putting on your favorite fall sweater and taking a brisk walk in the fresh outdoor air aids the body in multiple ways.

"Eat the rainbow":
Colorful fresh whole fruits and vegetables are packed full of naturally-occurring antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. In fact, it has been found that the more intense the color of the fruit or vegetable, the more potent the antioxidants it contains. Antioxidants are vital in maintaining a body's defense system.

Supplement your diet for increased immune support:
We know that B Vitamins, like those in our high potency B-12 Plus - B12, B6, B9 (Folic Acid) Formula - are very important for managing the harmful effects of stress and maintaining a healthy immune system. The unique blend of powerful herbs Echinacea and Goldenseal, such as in our Defense Formula - has been widely known for centuries to stimulate the body's immune-boosting properties. Additionally, our gentle-to- the-stomach Buffered Vitamin C works as an immune system nutrient and a potent free-radical fighter.

Click here to learn how to receive a bottle of Buffered Vitamin C at no cost, with the purchase of BeeAlive Defense Formula.

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Fall Health Tips [from Issue 2011-9]

Still feeling that Labor Day barbeque sitting in your stomach? Already panicking
about fitting into that dress for the office holiday party? Then why wait until the New Year to resolve to get into shape and become more health conscious? Fall is a great time to make new, healthier habits for the approaching holiday season. Here are a few tips to kick that lingering summer haze to the curb:

Exercise:
While exercise is an essential part of every season, the beautiful autumn scenery and cooler weather provide an ideal backdrop for a hike on that trail you’ve been meaning to explore, a bike ride through a park or a jog around a lake. Even raking leaves can be an excellent way to get the heart rate up and burn calories. Walking your children to school in the morning or parking your car farther away from your office are great ways to work in your daily exercise as you start your day. Keep in mind, that as the temperatures begin to drop, you should allow a few extra minutes to stretch and warm up your body before beginning your workout.

Stay hydrated:
Yes, even in the cooler months, it is essential to drink enough water and keep your body hydrated. A well-hydrated body works much more effectively to stay healthy. BeeAlive Rooibos and Honeybush Drink is a great option to add variety to your water bottle, as rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and is known around the world for its antioxidant activity!

Diet:
Fall is the time when many fruits and vegetables are in season and at their freshest and absolute best. Take advantage of Fall’s bounty. Various squash, Chinese long beans, apples, cranberries, radish, jalapeno peppers, mushrooms and pumpkin are just a few of the fresh fall finds to fill up on to keep your body healthy.

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Unused Land at O'Hare Airport Goes To the Bees

Commercial beehive at O'Hare International Airport.

The "airport beekeeping movement" has been growing in Germany since 1999, when scientists realized honeybees could be helpful for monitoring air quality, but O'Hare is the first American airport to get an apiary. In a way, it's a return to the airport's agricultural roots: O'Hare was founded on a former apple orchard, which lives on in the three letter airport code "ORD."

In May, the Chicago Department of Aviation partnered with a community group to start a 2,400 square foot apiary on-site. The project offers a creative, sustainable, and productive way to use otherwise wasted open space at mega-airports like O'Hare. The bees' new home on the east side of the airport campus had long stood vacant, so it was a natural spot for the bee program to begin. And if that's not enough benefit, the beehives provide employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated adults (similar to other projects that teach prisoners beekeeping).

Read more at GOOD | Environment.

BeeAlive to Sponsor National Honey Bee Day [from Issue 2011-8]

Building a Sustainable Future, One Flower at a Time
Saturday, August 20th, 2011

A DAY FOR HONEY BEES... A PROGRAM FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.
Plans are now fully underway for the 2012 launch of the BeeAlive Trees For Bees
Project™, whose mission serves to help restore the honey bee population. An
important part of this ambitious and much-needed initiative is the support of
environmentally-concerned organizations, which are actively raising public awareness
of the importance of the honey bee to the future of mankind. In keeping with this
goal, we are proud to announce that BeeAlive is becoming a sponsor of the National
Honey Bee Day Program. National Honey Bee Day is Saturday, August 20th and this
year’s theme is “Building a Sustainable Future, One Flower at a Time.”

Although the first official National Honey Bee Day didn’t take place until 2009, some say it was high time for the buzzing little honey makers to gain some public recognition. Indeed, the work that honeybees have done since their arrival on planet
earth has long been taken for granted. The founders of the National Honey Bee Day program were determined to bring some positive press for the often misunderstood creatures. Now including over 49 programs across 22 states, NHBD states three
goals to form their mission statement: promotion and advancement of beekeeping, educating the public to honey bees and beekeeping, and making the public aware of environmental concerns affecting honey bees. All the programs participating in
NHBD must embody these ideals, selling locally grown honey and recruiting new individuals to become beekeepers.

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