"Go to you bosom: Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know."
- Shakespeare, Measure for Measure Act 2 Scene II

February is not only filled with valentines but it is also American Heart Month. Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation’s No. 1 killer. Since 1963 Congress has asked the president to proclaim February “American Heart Month.”

I have had many friends and family members pass from heart related issues. The Mayo clinic states that this accounts for 40% of all deaths in the United States. Let’s take a moment and refresh with the warning signs of a heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease. Print them out and post them in your homes or places of business.

“When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what angels eat.”
- Mark Twain in Pudd’nHead Wilson

Imagine eating a crisp, juicy slice of seedless watermelon on a summer’s day and receiving health benefits at the same time. We do. And now due to the magic of agriculture (and transportation) we can eat this wonderful fruit year round. An all-American favorite, watermelon is highly nutritious and packed full of the phytochemical lycopene. It has more lycopene then any other food on earth. Lycopene acts as a powerful antioxidant and studies show it is one of the worlds most heart healthy foods.

A diet that includes tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and watermelon fights heart and cardiovascular disease.

Let’s start eating right.

I am honored to be your friend, and am looking forward to hearing from you soon..

Your friend,
-Paul Draper
paul@mentalmysteries.com
801-541-2976

Websites:
Mental Mysteries
Mental Mystery (agent friendly site)

”Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly.”
- Rose Franken playwright and novelist

Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare
Tallahassee, FL
February 10

Wonderground
Las Vegas, NV
February 17

Charity Event for the Inclusion Center
Salt Lake City, UT
February 19

World Magic Seminar
Las Vegas, NV
February 27 - March 3

Mandalay Bay Minus5 Ice Lounge
Las Vegas, NV
March 1

Medical Conference Keynote Speaker
Orlando, Florida
March 4

DISNEY'S FAMILYFUN MAGAZINE

Grab your current issue of Disney's FamilyFun magazine. I appear this month talking about my study about how learning magic can help shy children break out of their shell and gain confidence.

Think you can’t pull confidence out of a hat? Read on. A recent study at the University of Hertfordshire in England revealed that learning how to perform magic tricks had an almost, well, magical effect on kids’ self-esteem. Researcher Richard Wiseman attributes the effect to the emotional rewards that come from mastering a trick and performing it successfully in front of others — both of which require practice and self-discipline.

Another benefit: "Performing tricks encourages kids to interact with family and friends, which hones social skills," says Paul Draper, a cultural anthropologist and professional magician in Las Vegas, Nevada. To help your kids master some tricks of their own, turn to page 82 -86. Magic Boosts Kids' Confidence

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

IAs we think of our loved ones this February. Let us all remember to tell them how beautiful they are, and perfect they are, just the way they are.

Director Darryl Roberts' provocative documentary examines America's fixation with outward appearance and the unrealistic standards of beauty dictated to the public by the media, pop culture and the fashion industry. Featuring interviews with fashion experts, media personalities, and celebrities such as Mena Suvari and Aisha Tyler, the film looks at everything from plastic surgery's growing popularity to widespread concerns about eating disorders.

See America the Beautiful today.