Farewell to AviLicious from the Owner

I’m very sorry that I didn’t have my farewell put together with everyone else. I just find it really hard to say goodbye at all. Yet, I do feel that there are some staff members that deserve a shout out for their faithfulness, dedication and friendship. You all really touched me with your farewell words and I just feel honored to have been able to work with all of you. I’m happy that I could be a positive influence for you all and I hope we will remain friends.

Miss Johaubannah: We’ve been friends for years now and I know we’ll remain friends after this. Thanks so much for sticking this out with me. I know there were many times when I wanted to give up but because of you, I didn’t. You are such an inspiration and a joy to work with. Your positive outlook on everything and dedication make you the kind of person that everyone needs to know! Love ya girl!

Ms BabiiBunnie: Thank you for having faith in me and entrusting me with your “baby” (which was then called Glamour Magazine). When I first agreed to take over, I wasn’t sure if I could do it; I didn’t even have faith in myself. I was really nervous and it was all new to me. Thanks for remaining with me and sticking it out and stepping in whenever I wasn’t around. It’s been a pleasure working with you. Just don’t contact me to take over any other magazines in the future LOL.

Miss Alessaismyidol: You’ve just been a breath of fresh air right from the start. You have been one of the most hard-working staff members at AviLicious. I thank you so much; I actually can’t thank you enough. You’ve been a great shoulder to vent to whenever I was going through something. You always listened and never judged me or made me feel bad. You are very strong. You’ve taken a lot of heat for stepping in and being Creative Director but you didn’t give up and you stuck it out! I applaud you; you’re a shining star.

Ms iRedeem: You are such a magnificent ray of sunshine. I love your optimism and positive outlook on life. You really stuck by this magazine and I’m grateful for you being here with us until the end. You can be on my team any day! I wish you the best of luck and I know that you’re gonna be someone great and magnificent! Just don’t forget us little people when you do! LOL.

Ms Sk8ergirl1031: Thank you for your hard work and dedication. I know that I could always count on you to be there and do your job. I don’t remember any time where you had to be reminded to do anything; you’re always on top of things. You amaze me. As a matter of fact, you kept me on my toes! You’re someone I’d definitely love to work with again.

Miss Moorrie: Its only been a short time since we’ve worked together but during that short time you’ve proven to be such a sweetheart. You always have an encouraging word and you’ve always sent it to me at the right time. You’ve been like a little angel of encouragement. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having you on the team. Thank you for everything. Your dedication is greatly appreciated.

Miss Queen: OMG! If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know where AviLicious Magazine would be. You’ve done so much for the magazine! You were always there and willing to lend a helping hand, all I had to do was ask and you delivered. You’ve done so much that there’s no way I could possibly cover it all here but I just want you to know that you are loved and appreciated. Everyone needs a “Queen” on their team to help them succeed! Thank you for being our Queen!

Miss You Know Who You Are: I’m sure you won’t believe me but, I don’t know what happened. Even though I know things will never be the same, I still wish you well. I wish things could have went differently. I feel like it was a huge misunderstanding that ended very tragically. There’s no way I could not say thank you to you though. I do appreciate everything you did for the magazine and definitely feel you helped to make it a success. Your guidance and support is what helped me get through many days and nights and kept me sane. I wish you continued success.

To all the readers, supporters, lurkers and even the haters, THANK YOU also because without you there would have been no AviLicious Magazine. You’re the reason why this magazine lasted this long. I love you all!

ChaCha Fance-Owner/Editor-in-Chief
http://avatars.imvu.com/chachafance

Ice Cream Recipes

I was trying to think of an ideal set of recipes for the dog days of August, when I realized – what’s better in hot weather than ice cream?  Especially ice cream you make yourself!  Sweet cream, sugar, fresh fruit – homemade is the way to go!  Now, some of you may be thinking, “OMG, that’s too much work!”  And it can be . . . or, it can be as easy as kicking a can!

First, though, to make sure the ice cream is safe from any egg-borne illnesses, you should make a custard base.  The following vanilla ice cream recipe tells you how to do that:

Ingredients:
4 egg yolks
1/2 pint (250ml) milk
1/2 pint (250ml) double/heavy cream
4 oz (100g) sugar or caster sugar
1 vanilla pod (sliced down the middle)

Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring it slowly to a boil. Place the vanilla pod into it and leave to infuse for about 20 minutes.

In a bowl, beat and mix together the egg yolks and sugar until thick. Carefully remove the vanilla pod from the pan of milk and scrape out the seeds into the milk. Pour the milk into the mixture of egg yolks and sugar while stirring. Pour the mixture back into the pan and heat gently, stirring until the custard thickens – do not bring it to a boil or it may curdle. When you can see a film form over the back of your spoon it’s time to remove the saucepan from the heat. Leave to cool. When the custard base is cold, stir in the cream. Transfer the whole mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Or, if you don’t have an ice cream maker but want to enjoy the yummy sweetness of your own homemade ice cream, you can use this method:

10 cups ice

1 1/2 cup rock salt (kosher salt or sea salt can be used too)

3-pound coffee can, emptied and rinsed

1-pound coffee can, emptied and rinsed

Duct tape

1. Place 1-pound coffee can inside the 3-pound coffee can and pour ice cream mixture into smaller can. Cover the smaller can with its corresponding lid and seal with duct tape.
2. Surround the smaller can with ice and salt by layering 5 cups of ice with 3/4 cup of salt.
3. Use duct tape to seal the 3-pound can with its corresponding lid and start rolling.
4. After 10 minutes, remove the smaller can and check the ice cream. The mixture on the sides of the smaller can will set up faster than the center. Use a rubber spatula to quickly scrape down the sides and give the ice cream one stir.
5. Next, reseal the lid on the smaller can with duct tape, and set it aside. Quickly dump the melted ice water from the large can, and place the smaller can into the larger can again.
6. Now you need to surround the smaller can with remaining ice and salt by repeating step 3. Once that is done, put the lid on the larger can and seal with duct tape again.
7. Roll the large can for 10 minutes more.
8. Open the cans again and serve the ice cream!

Or, for a cool way to make smaller servings, use the plastic bag method:

6 tablespoons rock salt

1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g. Ziploc)

1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag

Ice cubes

1. Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt. Seal the bag.
2. Put ice cream mix into the small bag, and seal it.
3. Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.
4. Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.
5. Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully. Enjoy!

The best thing about homemade ice cream is that you can add any flavor you want.  Strawberry?  No problem!  Chocolate?  You bet!  Experiment and find out what works best for you.  Have fun and stay cool!

Firework Safety

This month I wanted to talk to you all about firework safety. I know it is not the Fourth of July, but I felt the need to tell you about it. On the Fourth of July I was outside watching some kids playing with fireworks and noticed how close they were to them. It scared me. You see I have a child myself and I wouldn’t want her anywhere near the fireworks even if I was the one lighting them. Here are a few tips for adults on firework safety. I’ll have firework safety for kids next.

Tips for adults doing fireworks.

1. Use fireworks outdoors only.
2. Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
3. Always have water handy (a hose or a bucket).
4. Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.
5. Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
6. Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
7. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter”
8. Only people over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
9. Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: THEY CAN KILL YOU! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

Tips for firework safety involving children

1. Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparkler, considered by many the ideal “safe” firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
2. Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
3. Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
4. Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal one.
5. Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
6. Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check the instructions on the fireworks for directions.
7. Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.

I know this comes late, but some people still shoot fireworks on Labor day. So it all works out. Remember to always be careful when lighting fireworks. I would hate to see someone in the hospital with third degree burns. Or someone’s child in the hospital because the parent was not watching the child with a sparkler and it caught the child on fire. That would be very terrible. Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day!

Article written by Alessaismyidol Creative Director

SheDOE’s Poetry

This is some poetry from my “bestie” and a pro designer on IMVU, SheD0E.  She’s a terrific poet, so I thought I’d share some of her work with you.

“For My Father”

Dad, I want to thank you

For all the wonderful years,

That you knew just what to do

When you wiped away my tears.

Dad, I wish I had said more often

How much you really meant to me.

Through the years your heart did soften,

It was so very plain to see.

Dad, if you were standing here right now,

I would give you one last embrace,

And it would have to last somehow

Until once again I see your face.

Happy Father’s Day!

Until we meet again.

“Untitled”

Sometimes sleep won’t come

Words come into the mind

Dreams that have passed

Lives now lost

Time moves on

Slowly slips away

Drifts through the days

Melts with the years

Days turn to weeks

Weeks turn to months

Months turn to years

Years turn to decades

The world slowly turns

History repeats

Do we grow?

Do we learn?

Only time will tell . . .

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­“A Little Bird Told Me”

A little bird told me

You needed a smile today.

A little bird told me

It would make you feel okay.

This little bird flew in today

To tell me you needed a smile.

She told me all the words to say

And it would all be worthwhile.

And after the little bird flew away,

I watched her in the distant sky.

I wondered what it would be like

To have wings like hers and fly.

And then it came to me,

Quite suddenly it seems,

That I could be like the little bird

And I too could spread my wings,

And share the joy and laughter

Of what in life God gives,

To bring a smile to everyone

On this earth who lives.

So today please share some smiles

With everyone you see,

And you will find yourself

Feeling wonderful and free!

Dear Aimi: Child Abuse

Dear AIMI: Another Informational Issue

This month, since I didn’t get anyone who had an issue to talk about, I thought it necessary to do something that hits me close to home: child abuse. It is a topic near to my heart because I am a product of child abuse. I was not physically, but emotionally abused. My mother and father got a divorce when I was seven years old. My mother never liked my father and I had always wondered why she had kids with him if she didn’t like him to begin with. When I was seven, I was supposedly molested by my father, but I don’t remember that. Then I didn’t get to see my father for fifteen years. Eventually, I got into contact with my grandmother (my father’s mom) and found out that my father had never been alone with me or my sister. I told my grandmother that I wanted to see my father. I met with him and his wife; it was a very good meeting. I was a little frightened, not because of my childhood, but because I didn’t know how I would react to him after fifteen years.

I found out later that my mother had made me say those things to get my father out of our lives. I also discovered that my father was never charged with molestation, but sexual battery on a minor and that was for my aunt. He let my mother have custody of me and my sister, but he didn’t know that what we were going through would be what we considered our own problems. I didn’t realize how messed up I was until I marred my husband. Here is what happened to me while I lived with my mother: she was remarried to a man who I had to call “Dad” even thought I didn’t like him then, nor do I now. This man was a very abusive one. He called my sister and me all kinds of names like fat ***, retard, stupid, dumb, and plain old fat (though I was really skinny then). We never had enough food in the house, so I would go days without any. In fact, all throughout middle school and high school I weighed 114 pounds. You could see my collar bone and rib cage – that was how bad I looked.

You don’t believe me? Well, my stepfather became the focus of all my hate. He took my daddy away; he favored my little half brother more than me; he made fun of my little sister because she was mildly mentally handicapped; he beat my fiancé a few weeks before we got married; he took my money from me when I started working. He just wasn’t the type that I wanted to have as a father. I made a vow when I was younger that when I had kids I would try my hardest not to be like my mother and stepfather.

Child abuse comes in all kinds of forms: sexual abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse and physical abuse. I am a product of the emotional and mental abuse. I am now starting to see things that I hadn’t seen before I was brainwashed and manipulated by my mother and stepfather. They tried to make things worse for me when I got married. I told them they wouldn’t be able to see their grandchild if they didn’t accept my husband. They couldn’t accept him. My daughter is almost two years old and she has my father and stepmother as her grandma and grandpa, but when she gets older she is going to ask about my mother and I am going to tell her the truth: I was abused by my mother and stepfather, but not physically.

I have since had to fix my mind. I have problems that I didn’t know I had until I went to see a psychiatrist. I am glad I did, for now I can finally fix my mind. If you know someone who has been abused or you are being abused, here are a few things that you can do.

1. Tell someone you trust (teacher, principal, friend), someone you know who can help you.
2. Call a child abuse hot line.
3. Don’t wait until it is too late.

I waited until it was too late for me and now I have to straighten myself out. If you are being abused in any way, don’t wait until it’s too late. That can only make it worse.

This has been an informational Dear AIMI.

Take care and God bless,

AIMI

Role-Playing Groups in IMVU

This series is on the role-playing (RP) groups in IMVU.  Many of these are based on books, like the Gor books by John Norman, or on oral traditions like the elves.  But before we get into each of the specific “worlds” of role-play, for those of you who know about as much as I did when introduced to RP (a.k.a. nothing!), it might be good to define what RP is.

RP, when it comes to games, is “a game in which the participants assume the roles of characters and collaboratively create stories. Participants determine the actions of their characters based on their characterization, and the actions succeed or fail according to a formal system of rules and guidelines. Within the rules, they may improvise freely; their choices shape the direction and outcome of the games” (Wikipedia).

So basically, RP is something where a group of players act out characters according to rules laid out either by a moderator or by the community.  The characters get to say and do whatever they like as long as it is within the formal rules of the RP.  Like, if it’s okay for a character to fight with a sword but not a gun, the character has to follow along with the rules.  Usually if the rules are broken, someone is empowered to stop the action and pass judgment on whether or not the rules were broken and what action should be taken.  It’s a bit like acting and a lot like improvisation – and for those who love RP, it is very addicting!

In the next few issues, I’ll be talking to some people who RP in IMVU and finding out more about the attractions and possible scenarios of RP.  If you know of any RP groups that you’d like to see featured, please let me know – send me a message in-world or care of AviLicious Magazine!

More Water Please

Researcher:  Johaubannah

Website:  http://www.poise.com/Learn/LifeAndHealth/BladderHealth/MoreWaterPlease.aspx

More Water Please

By Lisa D. Ellis

Wouldn’t you love an inexpensive miracle solution that could give you younger, smoother skin and shiny, healthy hair? Then look no further than your kitchen faucet. Water is one of the most effective, and accessible, beauty secrets out there and it not only helps you look great, but it also enables the rest of your body to function at its best.

Different Factors Exist

If you want to reap all of water’s beauty and health benefits, you may wonder how much you will need to drink on a daily basis. The experts say the amount you need all depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Your age
• Health status
• Activity level
• Climate
• Amount of time outdoors
• What else you eat and drink throughout the day

Further, if you are pregnant, nursing or a serious athlete, your water needs will probably be higher than some of your counterparts.

Something to Aim For

With so many variables that exist, the amount of water you need can change from person to person and even from day to day. But to give you some perspective, it can help to know that the Institute of Medicine recommends that women aim to drink nine 8-ounce cups a day.

If the thought of drinking this amount makes you worry you will end up floating away, you’ll be glad to know that drinking other liquids like milk, juices, coffee and tea, soda and even alcoholic drinks can count toward your daily goal and you probably already incorporate many of these regularly into your week now anyway. You can also count foods with high water content, including fruits, vegetables, dairy and even lean proteins.

Listen to Your Body

Better yet, you don’t necessarily have to physically count each drink to know you are getting enough fluids. Your body can also give you important clues regarding your intake. For instance, when you are well hydrated, you shouldn’t feel thirsty. In addition, when your body has the right amount of liquid, your urine should also be colorless or pale yellow. On the flip side, when you need to drink more, you could feel particularly weak and tired, which can be signs that you are getting dehydrated.

When you are unsure you are getting enough or need more guidance tailored for your specific circumstances, you should always talk to your doctor or check with a dietitian for personalized recommendations. Then drink up and enjoy all of the health and beauty benefits.

Farewell to AviLicious from the Community!

Ajaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
“This was a great group of people that allowed their positivity to shine and be an inspiration to a lot of others out there. Thanks so much for being sexy and classy. You have set the standard of being positive role models. Best wishes in whatever you do!”
-Alexandra

hwahma92
“First I would like to say that even though I spent just a few months working as a model and designer for this magazine, it was nice. . . . I feel so sorry because the magazine is closing and I feel that I was a bad part in it. Lots of the staff weren’t active and they didn’t check the community, never finished a task, and I really know how you feel when you work very hard and no one is helping or thanking you. I wasn’t very active in the group either, so that’s why I feel bad. :S Anyhow, this was the first magazine I ever heard of here on IMVU with your own community. I was amazed when I saw it and I thought, ‘Wow, that’s huge! Just if lots of people took this magazine for a serious place to share and talk, that would be awesome.’

“Maybe one day the same staff could open a new magazine . Some good advice I learned was if you wish to advertise, the Forums are a good place to start. I have no idea if you already advertise there but really as a developer, my sales increased in just two weeks, simply because I added my banner in the signature.

“In the end, again I apologize for not being that active, but the last year and this year it’s just hard to be active in all groups and activities here on IMVU. It’s my gradution year so I really have to work hard, and I apologize to ChaCha and Alessa because she asked me in the beginning to be part of this community. Good-bye! I’m going to miss all the people here.“

LOVIA1
“This group is the best. It made me open up a little more. It’s nice to have something to do every now and then. That’s why I remained a member of the AviLicious community. It was a great experience for me and our fellow peers, I’m sure. Farewell, have a great time.“

Msleeara
“Wow, I just recently joined the group. Everyone I spoke to seemed so nice and friendly, I hate to see The AviLicious Community come to an end. But I wish all my fellow group members success and happiness in all their future endeavors. So long, guys . . . muah!“

CerileneRain
“Sorry to be saying good-bye, but I wish everyone the best of luck in everything you do . . . it was fun.“

DaBossLadie
“I am truly sorry to hear that this group is closing its doors in September. Personally, I think AviLicious Magazine is the most organized, professional and well put together group in IMVU. To have access within the site and out was the most genuis idea! Most of the people that I have come across while being a member of AviLicious have been truly astonishing and well-rounded individuals. So many from around the world have come together as one here. No matter the distance between us, it always felt as if we were all close to home. May you all prosper in your endeavors. Keep the positive flow going because one good deed will flow to the next person and continue to bring sunshine, especially to those who come in here to get away from real life chaos.
“You – Staff and Management - have touched our hearts in ways that have made a heartfelt and positive mark. Therefore, you will be truly missed most of all. I hope that we can continue to cross our paths and let this friendship flourish.
“Much Love & Appreciation,
“DaBossLadie “

meetooyouu
“This magazine has been awesome. :]
“It’s one of the few magazines I’ve seen that looked really professional!
“I want to thank all the staff and members for all the things they’ve done to help the group, especially the sponsors who have contributed so much to help get the group badge.
“This has been an amazing group that has started to grow popular.
“I wish all the models here the best in furthering their careers here on IMVU. And to all developers, I hope to see you guys have further sales.

“Thank you once again for the oppurtunity.
“Much love,
“meetooyouu“

SweetKumita
“I’m sorry to see this wonderful group closing its doors soon.
“I wish very good luck to all the members here.
“Thanks to the owner for allowing me to be a part of this group and meet such wonderful people here.
“Best Regards,
“SweetKumita“

iiFUFi
“I am really going to miss this group. This was an amazing experience.
Farewell everyone.“

SyncopaTion
“Good luck in whatever you move on to; it was a great idea.“

mboylorraine2
“Oh my, when I received the letter telling me that the group was closing I was so sad, even though I’m not active in this group because of some reasons and a heavy schedule. I am at home and like to be part of this group. I hope if you form another group, please remember to invite me. Thanks.“

Valans
“I would truly rather not say good-bye to this group – in fact, I truly hope that it can be saved somehow. I have not been here for very long, nor as active as I have wished to be. However, I have been here long enough to see a good thing here, and lots of good and loyal folks here as well, and would truly rather see it stay together if possible. Know that you are all welcome with and to visit your friends over at DCS&P group – and that’s sincere, as are all of my sentiments expressed here, as I’m sure Noelle(Alessaismyidol) can certainly attest to. I wouldn’t know what to think if there wasn’t an AviLicious Magazine group here. But if it is to be so, then I will certainly wish all of you the best, and it’s been great knowing you people, even if but for all too short of a time.“

x0xTwillightgurlx0x
“Saying good-bye is sad but I wish everyone the best of luck in everything you do. I had fun in this group!“

Guest_Helltressa
“Wow, it’s sad you are leaving. Best wishes for all you do in the future and thanks for all the good times.“

Thank you all for making us be what we were and what we are today, and for sticking with us every step of the way! We really appreciate your support.

There will still be contests held (with credits you could win!) on the AviLicious site located HERE.

Thank you again – From the AviLicious Staff

New Product Feature:

This month’s first new product feature is Alessaismyidol’s Watch me bleed female avatar. Part of her upcoming line “Watch me bleed.” The product line is based on a line from a song titled “Rock and Roll Razor blade.” The line that inspired these items is: “Watch me bleed rock and roll razor blade.” This avatar comes with ten body triggers and ten facial triggers. She also comes with animated red hair so that it looks like the hair is bleeding, white bikini, red eyes and pale skin with tears of blood and cuts on the hands and leg. You can find this item and more in the IMVU catalog.

Click here for her cata

ALM Dress with boots

This month’s second new product feature is AviliciousMagazine’s ALM Dress with boots. This dress is in the official colors of Avilicious Magazine.

The dress was designed by Alessaismyidol and is on sale by AviliciousMagazine. This product is for females only. You can find this dress and more in the cata linked below.

Click here for the official Avilicious Magazine Cata

This month’s final new product feature is a male product done by Alessaismyidol. This is called Asian Silk White Dragon. If you have ever wanted the feel of soft silk fabric then this shirt is for you. This shirt has Asian writing on the sleeves and on the back. It also has the legendary dragon on the front. You can find this and more in Alessa’s cata.

Click here for her cata

Multivitamin Mania

Researcher:  Johaubannah

Website: http://www.poise.com/Learn/LifeAndHealth/WomensWellness/MultivitaminMania.aspx

Multivitamin Mania

You may try to eat well, but when life is busy and you grab easy meals on the go, it can sometimes be challenging to get all of the recommended nutrients. While the foods you eat can provide the best source to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs, when you fall short of your goals or need to supplement what you are getting through the course of your day, taking a multivitamin can be a good approach to fill in the shortfalls.

Real Food is Best

The truth is that multivitamins aren’t a complete substitute for eating well. The latest research reveals that the way that nutrients naturally occur in whole foods is in the format that will benefit your body most. Often, it isn’t just the actual nutrients themselves but how they occur in conjunction with each other that provides the biggest advantage in a way that a multivitamin can’t quite replicate. Further, often a combination of the foods you eat can help improve the absorption of certain nutrients, making them even more effective. As a result, the experts say it is typically best to try to get as much of your nutrients as you can from the things you eat.

If not, though, you should look for a multivitamin or supplement that best meets your specific deficit, since even though this may not be the very best option, this can come in a close second in helping you to meet your body’s needs.

Taking Vitamins and Supplements

Even if you eat a very healthy, balanced diet, you may still benefit from taking certain supplements, depending on your age and health status. For instance, if you still menstruate regularly, you may need a vitamin geared specifically toward women that contains extra iron to make up for what you lose each month through your cycle. If you don’t eat red meat, you may also need to take a vitamin with iron to fill in for this need.

Most multivitamins offer a combination of vitamins and minerals that make it easy to take just one pill a day to get all of the recommended amounts. Just keep in mind that one exception to the rule comes in the form of calcium. The recommended amount is usually too big to contain in a multivitamin so you may need to take a separate calcium supplement for the best results. When calcium is taken in conjunction with Vitamin D, it helps increase the body’s ability to absorb the calcium efficiently, so try to get these together for the best results.

Differing Needs

It’s also important to realize that not all vitamins and supplements are created equal. You should read the labels on any brand and type you are considering and see what best meets your specific circumstances, instead of just grabbing the first thing you see on the pharmacy shelf. Multivitamins particularly come in a variety of formulations, and some are specifically geared toward certain ages and health needs.

For instance, women who are already in menopause may have a bit different dietary needs than their younger counterparts. This is because as people age, they have more difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food, so they may need to increase the amount they get in other ways. In addition, vitamin K can be helpful in preventing hip fractures. However, vitamin K can also interfere with some medications that thin the blood, so check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out exactly what is best for your specific circumstances and to avoid potentially dangerous interactions.

Learn More

To learn more about the different food groups and to find out exactly what vitamins and minerals you need to keep your body healthy and strong, you can visit the American Dietetic Association at http://www.eatright.org and see the dietary recommendations. You can also talk with your doctor about any concerns you have and, if necessary, consult with a registered dietician for guidance in selecting the best fit for you and your lifestyle.