Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent. Western Christianity observes this 40 day period, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, and devotes it to fasting, abstinence, and penitence. According to the gospel, Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert before the beginning of his ministry, where he was faced with temptation, then he died for us. During Lent, most commit to giving up "easier" temptations (soda, candy, wine, etc) to insure they can stick with the commitment, Jesus didn't have that luxury.  Instead of sacrificing something you know you will return to on Easter Sunday, why not take the next 40 days and dedicate it to your health.  Make these 40 days the start to your Healthiest Life Ever; Self, Soul, and Space!  Sacrifice your unhealthy eating habits, fast from stress and negativity, and abstain from polluting the environment. Here are some ideas...

Venus Williams announced her withdrawal from the 2011 U.S. Open tournament on Wednesday after being diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome. The rare autoimmune disease (pronounced SHOW-grins) that forced tennis star and seven-time Grand Slam champion out causes debilitating joint pain, swelling, numbness and fatigue.