Marketers and advertisers have long known that if you subject us to an idea over and over again that before long we will come to believe it is truth. There is an agenda and the bottom line is profit. The expense for this profit is frequently our physical, emotional and spiritual health. Drugs, commercially processed foods, and fast food make up the majority of the messages flashed at us over and over again on TV, in magazines, on the radio and internet. This is compounded by sensationalized news with Fox on the right and CNN on the left. Where does the truth lie? We watch reality TV with increasing levels of humiliation. We hear of tyranny, death, rape and rampage. Where is the balance? Goodness just doesn’t sell. Here are my suggestions:

1. Do not watch negative TV before bed. Watch or read something inspirational. The last thoughts are those you process while you sleep
2. If you have sleep difficulties, re-visit the rest section, page 10
3. Stop reading the newspaper – O.K., the sports section, entertainment, and classified sections are fine
4. Stop buying magazines with drug ads. If we do this, the magazines will change their agenda and format.
5. Get your news from the internet and choose what you read carefully. Remember, someone’s agenda is at hand.
6. Limit TV viewing to no more than 2 hours per day. Read a book, play a game, listen to music, meditate, use guided imagery and clean your head space.
7. TV rots children’s brains. There are some good shows. They can watch 1 – 2 hours a day; choose wisely. Fantasy play is very important for children. Let boys be boys. They like guns and swords. You know, even a stick becomes a gun. It’s fantasy. Keep them healthy and off Ritalin and anti-depressants. Make sure they have free play and physical activity daily.