VIRGIN has dropped its Blue name as it upgrades services to compete against Qantas, unveiling its new business and economy-class cabins.

Sir Richard is here, rebranding Virgin again. One step ahead - change when necessary.
The Herald Sun ran a great article about Virgin Australia today

Always a step ahead of its competitors, Virgin CEO John Borghetti confirmed that ".. Virgin Australia would relaunch its frequent flyer program, Velocity Rewards, later this year."

I am want this to be the opportunity for Hot Tips for the Business Traveller.

Purpose written for Virgin icon Sir Richard Branson, and for the Business traveller, Hot Tips for the Business Traveller is a book giving TIME and MONEY saving TIPs for Business Travellers.

Author Sam Beau Patrick, wrote and published the book 2 years ago after being a corporate traveller for 10 years. It is the GUIDE on :

• how to sleep on long haul flights
• how to network in lounges without being a pest
• how to manage sex temptations away from home
• and how to pack !

Sam wants to meet with Sir Richard during his stay to Australia to discuss the charity, business and cutting edge point of differentiation her book can make to Virgin Australian Customers.

Contact Details
Sam Beau Patrick
Sam@healthqueen.com.au

An injection of fuel

Attended a Chris Howard seminar this week-end and discussed the book. I would like him, Richard Branson, Oprah , Donald Trump, Warren Buffet, Nelson Mendela and Bill Gates to put 1 quirkly travel habit that they have and 5 other HOT TIPS . Everyone can sell the book through their channels, aircrafts, hotels etc..... and the price will be capped.
I will receive $1 per book and the remainder go towards charities - and possibly split it amongst the charities that these great leaders have established. Or we may all decide to open a $1 bank account for every orphan that we can find starting with Asia, Africa, South America.
It's becoming more real and only a matter of time away.

Weather warnings!

With so many bizarre weather patterns striking the world at the moment – you need to check ahead your flights are still leaving and also that the destination is not expecting a cyclone, flood or other catastrophic disaster.

Think and plan a head!

FREE teleseminars for business mothers

Discover the 7 Essentials for Guilt-Free Living for Business Mothers

Sam Beau Patrick is one of 7 entrepeneurial women sharing their powerful and practical secrets and strategies for guilt free living for mothers who are serious about growing thier business and being there for their children!

click here for more info: http://www.newnorma.com/

Bridget

GIVING is one of the strongest symbols of Christmas, but research suggests a majority of Australians don't think too much about donating to those less

PRESS RELEASE

According to the Westpac Community Markets Give Differently survey, just 21 per cent of respondents say Christmas is a time when they most think about making donations to charities.

While 92 per cent of people say they have donated to a charity in the past 12 months, only 33 per cent say it was during the holiday period.

More than half of all the donations were in reaction to national disasters such as last summer's Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

Sole parent of 3, Sam Beau Patrick from the Gold Coast would like to change these statistics and encourage others to follow suit. Sam has written 2 books in 2009 and is donating part proceeds of the sales to her 2 favorite charities: Paradise Kids and Bravehearts.

“. . I want to help as many people as possible but being a sole parent means I have to be smart about how and where I divide my time and energy. Writing the books and then donating part of the sales to charity is a great win-win for the charities, the people purchasing the books and I know I am helping people who have a genuine need…” Sam said.

Sam organised for 2500 boxes of clothes (boxed, washed and sorted) to be shipped to the Victorian Bush Fire Survivors and FNQ flood survivors in February this year, so donating to charity is strong in her heart and passions.

Sam would like to see other businesses follow her lead and donate part of the sales profits back to charity. With 92% of Australians donating to charity this year (and over 50% being the Bush Fire Appeal), Sam would like to see the generosity and act of giving continue.

Sam’s 2 books can be purchases on line from www.byebyebridget.com.

Her books are: HOT TIPS for the BUSINESS TRAVELLER

And BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WITHIN

Cabin Baggage 3 tips

After having a chat with Jetstar staff, it appears that cabin luggage size recommendations are often exceeded. 3 tips are:

1. Check the bag size prior so that it is not confiscated at the boarding gate. Allow for the expandable compartments

2. Pay the extra $10 when you purchase your ticket - so you have the option of putting luggage underneath. It costs $80 bucks if it is confiscated and is put under the plane at the gate

3. You don't need the kitchen sink - take essentials on board - and remember for international flights to comply with the 100ml liquid restrictions (LAG regulations).

one nice one-star staff member

Here are some hot tips from Jetstar staff

1. Any Qantas or Onestar flight number under 399, leaves from Sydney International
2. Always check the departure terminal (there are a few domestic flights that leave from International in Sydney ie T1)
3. Carry medications with you incase your luggage is lost or you need them
4. Cheaper flights always Saturday afternoon, Tuesday and Wednesday

3 Reasons not to travel with Jetstar - Ever

The 3 most compelling reasons to NEVER EVER fly with Jetstar (unless to leave a war-ravaged district and there is no other options) are:

1. They have the rudest staff of any organisation that i have ever encountered. Even decent people say "hello". And as for the niceties such as "can I help you", "you're welcome" etc... don't even hope

2. They appear to try to not-get you on their flights, where as Virgin will do anything in their powers to get you on the plane

3. They have stupid anomalies such as one domestic flight, which leaves from the International terminal in Sydney and wonder why people like myself , turn up at the normal terminal . They treat you with disdain. Maybe warn us when we book!

Seat selection

Choosing your seat on a plane can make a difference to your flight. These are the things you need to take into consideration when booking on line or at the check-in counter.

• try to be close to the exit doors (either front or rear of cabin if the airport allows disembarking off the rear of the plane)
• on International flights, try to have a seat away from the toilets (to save endless interuptions with people, lights flashing in your eyes)
• on International flights, ask your travel agent to book a seat that will have the least interuptions (this may be down the rear of the plane, where there are only 3 seats in the middle aisle)
• If you have a taller frame, are over weight, or suffer with anxiety, request a seat with extra leg room. It's worth it for the extra money paid!
• Window or Aisle - this is one of those individual preferences. I love a window seat going into new cities so I can have a good aerial view on arriving and departures. However domestically I usually opt for an aisle seat so I don't feel so hemmed in.

Cheers Sam

My essential travel items

Domestically I travel at least twice a fortnight.
My 2 top must-travel-with-items are
1. water bottle
2. Sudoku or brain trainer books

How to avoid jetlag

Sometimes avoiding jetlag is very hard, especially if you don't sleep well on the plane. Remembering that in a normal 24 hour period you would normal achieve 6-8 hours of sleep. When you fly you may only have nil to a few hours, so naturally you will feel fatigued, regardless of the time zones crossed.
Many people become dehydrated while flying and this also makes you feel fatigued and apathetic.
To assist in minimising with jet lag you can try the following:
- set your clock (and mental attitude) to be in sync with your destination when you board.
- make use of the inflight personal signs (ie do not disturb) if you plan to sleep
- use the ear phones (even if off) as a signal to everyone that you are not interested in talking
- use the eye patches to block out light
- drink plenty of water
- avoid lots of alcohol
- discuss your sleep routine with your travelling partners so they appreciate your plan (and not take offense)
- try to push through as long as possible at your destination (if it is day-time) and go to sleep when the locals do.

Jet lag

Jet lag is very common when travelling across time zones.
Jet lag is the feeling of profound sleepiness, fuzzy head and sometimes fading in and out with your surroundings.
It is caused by the abrupt reversal of your melatonin/cortisol levels as you leap across time zone.
During the day time your body produces a hormone called cortisol, which peak mid to late morning. This is when your energy levels should peak. Then as the cortisol levels taper off over the after noon, you prepare for bed, around 8-9pm. At this point the opposite hormone melatonin is produced in higher doses . This brings on sleep. Over night cortisol production is decreased. This 24 hour cycle is referred to as your circadian rhythm.
If you travel across a time zone your hormone levels become confused. Your body suddenly receives light (day time) when it has been producing melatonin (which is the night hormone). And vice versa with cortisol - hence why you often feel awake and have problems sleeping at night when you travel across time zones.
Your body can take up to 2 weeks to correct itself.
Read tomorrow about how you can manage jet lag

Travelling with Medicines or Supplements part 2

Natural supplements
85% of people in USA and Australia have tried natural medicines at one point. Maybe the number is 100% as natural medicines are any substance that exerts a benefit and is from a natural source. This broader understanding of natural medicines would include water, fish, vegetables and fruit!

Natural supplements can bridge gaps that are present in “orthodox” (pharmaceutical/surgical approach to medicine). And are instrumental in keeping a person healthy and disease-free.

Some benefical natural supplements are:
a. immune boosters
During travel your body is highly susceptible to picking up bacteria and viruses. You can take preventative supplements and herbs to boost your immune system or treat yourself with Vitamin C and other herbs if you should come down with something. Prevention is better than cure and any down time is valuable. Take preventative measures if you fly/drive regularly.

b. energy enhancers
The most common complaint heard by doctors in their surgeries (and any healing modality), is the complaint of “low energy”. (Stress is not far behind). Low energy levels can be due to many things, the most common being not enough water. Other things to consider are mineral deficiencies, poor eating habits, not enough exercise and an underlying health problem.

Many reputable medical journals (based on medical research), recommend that people take a multivitamin every day. This will help with some energy problems. http://www.byebyebridget.com/ecommerce.php

c. memory, concentration and thought enhancers
Certain amino acids (protein derivatives) can augment brain function, and other herbs can assist with memory. If this is important for you work and function, make an appointment to see a naturopath who can best advice you on which ones to take.

Many natural medicines are available over the counter or from health food shops and supermarkets. But how do you know what you need? There are a range of supplements available and rather than waste your money on something you think you need, see a professional trained in the area of complimentary medicines. These may include a naturopath, nutritionist or herbalist. There are national registration bodies, listed in the back of the book, that you can contact to find a practitioner local to you. OR you can search on the internet. We recommend the on-line consultations offered by www.healthqueen.com.au

The essentials
As a minimum you should take the following on any trips with you:
any prescription medications
paracetamol /ibobrufen or natural pain killers
an immune booster
a multivitamin
an anti-oxidant

Always carry a letter for PBS and supplements if prescribed by a professional.
Avoid travelling with powders and liquids.

Travelling with Medicines or Supplements part 1

Taken direct from the PBS and medicare guidelines:

Taking or sending PBS medicine out of the country (Australia) may be illegal.

Before taking or sending medicine subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) oversease you should:
- contact the embassy of the country you are visiting to ensure the medicine is legal there
- carry or enclose with the medicine a letter from your doctor, detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking of sending and stating that it is for your personal use
- leave the medicine inits original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your name and dosage.

If sending yourPBS subsidised medicine by post complete a Customs declarations form available at any post office stating that it is PBS medicine for your personal use.

The Australian Customs Service may detain any medicine it suspects is being legally exported.

Giving PBS subsidised medicine to family or friends overseas is illegal and may endanger their health. For more info:
Ph 1800 500 147
www.medicareaustralia.gov.au

or read, HOT TIPS for the Business Traveller.

The easiest way to get from home to the airport

For easy, clean, on time and a relaxing way to arrive at the airport call these guys:

http://www.bct-transfers.com/welcome/page1.php

BCT - transfers.com

They are now in most parts of Australia (sorry Victoria - you are being added soon).

Select Mobile SMS notification-up-dates when booking

When booking your flights - check the box for receiving up-to-date information via sms. This way the airlines can keep you informed of cancelled flights, delays etc...

Dispose of your tissues before disembarking

Modern times have lead to virulent viruses (ie sophisticated new-age viruses, that are still simultaneously simple and perfect) and deadly bacteria . To avoid illness some simple health precautions will re pay you many times over through staying healthy.

For starters don't use hankerchiefs. They can become a micronutrient rich slimmy collection of virus spores that you spread obliviously to everything you touch!

Use disposable tissues. This is one of the most simple health strategies, (that was introduced in the 1920s, I think) that lead to an amazing reduction in the plague and influenzae.

If you use tissues on a plane trip... dispose of them on board before disembarking.

Start your trip without the hitch-hicking bugs and also help contain the spread.

Always wash your hands after blowing and coughing.

Treating Cholesterol naturally

These are some ideas to try to decrease your cholesterol. The sooner they become habits, the greater the protection you will have.

Dietary Key points
Fats
Our bodies need fat! RDI = 30% of total diet.
Butter is better than margarine (cis fatty acids vs trans fatty acids)
Good sources of fat are: Flaxseed, linseed and olive oil
Fish oils are one of the best interventions a person can employ.
Supplementation with Omega 3 oils or eating fish 3-4 times/week has been shown to assist with cholesterol portfolios and decrease platelet aggregate times. Fish must be from the cold deep sea where they produce fatty layer around their body (this is rick in omega 3s which our Western diet is usually lacking).
Nuts (in particular almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts)
Avocados Organic or free range eggs
Bad fats are:Butter, Take away foods (eg Kentucky Fried Chicken), Saturated fats (usually from animals eg pork crackle, chops, sausages),
Palm and coconut oils are high in saturated fats and should be minimised (ie crisps, chips)

Carbohydrates
Vegies are good (although there is a distinction b/t high glycaemic index vegies such as potato that should be eaten in low quantities vs low glycaemic index vegies which are fine)
Fruit OK (1 –2 pieces/day)
Pastas, grains, cereals in moderation. I usually say to a maximum of ½ cup per meal, unless they are following this up with exercise. Australian are currently eating too many carbohydrates, hence the increase in BMIs, diabetes and CVD and cholesterol!

Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that the body doesn't breakdown. In the diet has been proven to actively assist with the excretion of LDL. RDIs are 30g/day, most people have approx. 10 – 15g/day.
Good sources of fibre are: porridge, other cereals, bran, grains, fresh fruit and vege, psyllium Lecithin 1tbs/day will dramatically improve LDL and triglycerides ·

Proteins
Proteins don’t adversely affect cholesterol management. Infact studies are now proving that a diet containing 25-30% protein is cardio protective and can assist with Type 1 and Type II diabetes.

Other Cholesterol lowering foods include:
Garlic – 1 clove /day will assist in lowering cholesterol
Plant sterols (new margarines) claim to lower cholesterol significantly. Some skeptism as it is a trans fatty acid and whether this out weighs the risk or not is debatable.
Sugar Cane Wax has been proven to lower cholesterol
Isoflavanones (soy products, linseed, red clover, some vegies) will lower bad cholesterol and raise HDL

If you take a cholesterol lower medication you should be adviced by your doctor to do the following:
1. avoid grapefruit
2. take CoQ10 enzyme as the drugs negate the body's production of this vital enzyme. You can order CoQ10 from www.byebyebridget.com (shopping section - health supplements).

If you would like a consult with Sam Beau Patrick, cholesterol management is one of her favorite things . She is a cardiac nurse, nutritionist and has sold medications (as a pharmaceutical reps) for 9 years. Contact her via sam@sambeaupatrick.com to arrange an on-line consult.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol
Cholesterol is used in the body for the following:
Making cell membranes
Conduction channels through the heart
Precursor for sex hormones
For skin and new regrowth
Is used in inflammation

The types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol or lipids (fats) are transported around the body on protein molecules called Lipoproteins. An increased in blood cholesterol (particularly LDL and triglyerides) has been associated with a greater risk of heart disease. In Australia, Lipid lowering drugs are currently the highest expenditure of all drugs. Modifying cholesterol does at times need medicating, however lifestyle (managing stress and exercising) and diet can play a dramatic role keeping it low.
HDL – high density lipoproteins are cardioprotective (protect your heart) and focus can be on raising these
LDL – low density lipoproteins are have a higher fat:protein ratio and are considered bad cholesterol
Triglyceride – fat ingested from diet, is considered to be bad cholesterol and is often elevated in diabetics.
(There are other forms of cholesterol, however the 3 mentioned above are the most commonly measured in blood tests.)

National Heart Foundation (2001) recommends:

LDL
< 4.0 mmols/L high risk
<>

HDL
> 1.0 mmols/L all
> 1.0 mmols/L all

Triglycerides
< 2.0 mmols/L all
<>

Total Cholesterol
< 6.0 mmols/L low risk
< 4.0 mmols/L high risk

Lowering Cholesterol
Exercise: Exercising should be part of your daily routine -Walking or low impact exercise min. 3-5 times/week will increase HDL significantly
Weight loss
Stress Management
Anxiety control

Can travel cause your Cholesterol to go up?

...travel can definitely lead to an increase in cholesterol levels, as can shift work.
This is beacause your body makes cholesterol in your sleep (generally) and production is augmented by cortisol. Cortisol and melatonin regulate your circadian rhythym (ie your body clock). If you throw your body into disarray, you can throw your cholesterol into disarray.

Read more info about managing cholesterol in the next blog.