Moments With Mary is dedicated to improving the quality of life to those who have been touched by cancer or other life threatening illnesses.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Mary Johnson, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Mary Johnson and her own personal experiences. Mary Johnson encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. None of the above is meant to diagnose, treat, prescribe or claim to cure any disease. Readers are always advised that they should consult with their own medical practitioners and medical professionals for the diagnoses, care, treatment or cure of any health condition.

Believe In Yourself

There may be days when you get up in the morning
 and things aren't the way you had hoped they would be,
that's when you have to tell yourself that things will get better.

There are times when people disappoint you and let you down,
but those are the times when you must remind yourself
 to trust your own judgments and opinions,
 to keep your life focused on believing in yourself
and all that you are capable of.

There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life,
and it is up to you to accept them. Constantly keep yourself
 headed in the right direction for you.
It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle
 you will find a stronger sense of who you are,
So when the days come that are filled with frustration
and unexpected responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself
and all you want your life to be, because the challenges and changes
will only help you to find the goals that you know
are meant to come true for you.

Keep believing in yourself.

Author Unknown

The Happiest Business

The happiest business in the world is that of making friends, and no investment on the street pays larger dividends.
For life is more than stocks and bonds, and love that rates percent, and he who gives in friendship’s name shall reap as he has spent.

                                                   Author Unknown

Interesting Fourth of July facts

1801- The first public Fourth of July reception at the White House occurred

1804- The first Fourth of July celebration west of the Mississippi occurred at Independence Creek and was celebrated by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark

1805- Boston has its first fireworks display; in Charleston, S.C., the American Revolution Society and the Society of the Cincinnati meet at St. Philips Church

1876- Centennial celebrations (many are three-day celebrations, 3-5 July) occur throughout the United States and abroad

1884- The formal presentation of the Statue of Liberty takes place in the Gauthier workshop in Paris

1887- First Fourth of July celebration in Yellowstone National Park takes place

1912- The new national flag with 48 stars is "formally and officially endowed"

1926- The 150th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence takes place throughout the nation

1960- The 50th-star American flag waves for the first time as Hawaii is given statehood

1976- The nation's Bicentennial occurs.

Betsy Ross sewed it, but who designed the first U.S. flag? The answer, according to the experts at the Betsy Ross house, is that it was possibly designed by Francis Hopkinson, a New Jersey delegate to the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The stars on the flag were in a circle so that no one colony would be viewed above another. It is reported that George Washington said, "Let the 13 stars in a circle stand as a new constellation in the heavens."

Betsy Ross prayed in the pew next to George Washington and was a niece of George Ross, so it's not hard to believe that the members of the Flag Committee formed by the Continental Congress would call upon Betsy Ross to make the flag.

Did you know that the words "Under God" weren't added until 1954 to the Pledge of Allegiance?

One lucky Philadelphian purchased a $4.00 picture at a flea market. What they found behind the picture was an original 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence. It was sold to TV producer Norman Lear for 8.1 million.

Every 4th of July the Liberty Bell is tapped - not actually rung.

Happy Fourth of July – God Bless America

Frequently Asked Questions about pH

What is "pH"?
The body is largely made up of water. This water can have either acid or alkaline properties which are measured by a graduated scale called pH (for "potential hydrogen"), wherein 1.0 to 6.9 is considered acidic, 7.0 is neutral, and 7.1 to 14.0 are alkaline. The lower the pH number, the greater the acidity, and the higher the pH number, the greater the alkalinity.

Why should I be concerned about my pH levels?
The pH level in our body has profound effects on all body chemistry, health and disease. Indeed, the management of pH is so important that the body has developed strict accounting procedures to monitor acid-alkaline balances in every cell. Extended pH imbalances are not well tolerated by the body – if the pH deviates too far to the acid side, cells become poisoned by their own toxic wastes.

Is an imbalanced pH really that dangerous?
Yes, indeed it is! Nothing does well in an overly acidic pH medium, least of all the human body! Just as acid rain can destroy a forest, an imbalanced pH continuously corrodes all body tissues, slowly eating into the 60,000 miles of our veins and arteries like corrosives eating into marble. An imbalanced pH leads to the progression of most degenerative diseases including Cardiovascular Disease (the #1 killer in the U.S.), Cancer (the #2 Killer in the U.S.) and Diabetes, as well as the never ending frustration of systemic weight gain.

What causes pH to become imbalanced?
Most diets cause an unhealthy acid pH. In fact, diet appears to the major influence in maintaining appropriate pH levels throughout the body. Certain foods are "acid-forming" in nature, including most meats, sweets and starches, and others are "alkaline-forming", including most vegetables, nuts, seeds and fruits.

How do I test my body's pH?
One of the easiest ways to test the body's pH is to use pH test strips. You can get pH paper (also called hydrazine paper) in most drug stores; however, it sometimes lacks accuracy. By testing your pH with test strips, you can determine quickly and easily, in the privacy of your own home, what your pH is. They can be used to determine your urinary pH, which is generally a good indicator of how acidic or alkaline your total body pH is. When urinary pH is continuously between 6.5 in the morning and 7.5 by evening, you are functioning in the healthy range.

What are the benefits of rebalancing my body's pH?
When you rebalance your body's pH and make it more alkaline, viruses, bacteria, yeasts and other pathogens cannot survive. These microforms all need an acidic medium to survive and thrive. Think of a swimming pool – when the pH of the pool is kept within tightly controlled limits, bacteria, fungus, and algae cannot survive – and the same is true for your body. Degenerative diseases cannot gain a foothold in an alkaline environment, and body health and weight return to normal.

How do I rebalance my pH?
First, change your diet to include more foods that alkalize and less acidic foods – a large portion of your diet should consist of fresh vegetables and other alkalizing foods. Next, add supplements that alkalize to the diet to help your body return to a natural state of health.

When I was a child and even now at a much older age, I have always wondered what made up the small lights in the fireflies or lightening bugs. Have you ever wondered the same thing? Here are some interesting facts I found while researching fireflies and their habits.
There are over 2000 species of fireflies living in the tropical and temperate regions. The size of a firefly is up to 2.5 cm (1 in) in length. Fireflies eat at night. Immature fireflies, or larvae, consume snails and worms. Adult fireflies eat nectar or do not eat at all. Offspring females lay eggs that hatch into larvae. The larvae metamorphose into pupae, which grow into adults. Life span is about one to three weeks. Did you know male fireflies attract females by sending out specific flash patterns of light? Some species can generate both red and green light. Fireflies produce a chemical called luciferin that reacts with oxygen to create light. Fireflies are actually beetles, not flies. They have special light organs on the underside of the abdomen. Both male and female are luminous, meaning that they light up. The rhythmic flashing patterns that they make are different depending on sex and species. It is believed that the flashes are part of a signal system for attracting mates. Flashing begins one hour after sunset at the rate of 3 flashes per second. It takes 15-20 minutes for flashing to build up from onset to peak. Only the male flash in synchrony. The display is most brilliant during a period of 2-3 hours after onset, but flashing continues at low levels until half hour after sunrise. Individuals synchronise by adjusting to previously observed flashing of neighbors, and newcomers quickly develop the synchrony of the tree. Trees which are close together may flash in time. Some scientists even believe the flashing is a warning system to predators that they taste bad. However, frogs eat fireflies in large amounts whenever they can.
During the summer, fireflies rest on plants or in trees during the day and fly around between dusk and midnight. They seem to like damp places. The firefly light is called a "cold light" because it produces no heat. It is produced when oxygen, breathed in through the abdominal trachea, or holes, combines with a substance called luciferin in the presence of the enzyme luciferase, in special cells called photocytes. It's a lot like the glow-in-the-dark light sticks that kids use at Halloween. The light stick has two separate compartments with a different chemical in each one. When you crack the stick, the two chemicals mix, and the stick begins to glow! It's the same with the firefly. As the molecules of the chemicals combine, they give a kick of energy and create a short burst of light. This chemical reaction is known as "chemiluminescence".
The Chinese thought these twinkling little creatures came from burning grass. A European legend warned that if a lightning bug flew in the window, someone was going to die. Aztecs used the term firefly metaphorically, meaning a spark of knowledge in a world of ignorance or darkness. American Indians collected lightning bugs and smeared them as decorations on their faces and chest.
As all living cells contain ATP in a rather constant concentration, injection of the firefly's chemicals quickly detects energy problems in human cells (different reaction between normal and cancerous cells). The firefly technique is used to study heart disease, muscular dystrophy, urology, antibiotic testing, waste water treatment, and environmental protection. Luciferin and luciferase are used in research on cancer, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and heart disease. The ability of these insects to produce cold light (bioluminescence) has led to new flashlights and flares on the market today. Special electronic detectors, using firefly chemicals, have been placed in spacecraft to look for earth-life forms in outer space. When as little as one quadrillionth of a gram of ATP enters the rocket's detector, a flash of cold light is given off and the signal is recorded by scientists on earth. Other detectors warn that milk, food or water may be bacteria contaminated. I have learned how the fireflies play a role in our life and now you do to. Moments with Mary.

Do You Know Where Your Food Comes From?

Tonight, I looked at some frozen cooked shrimp that I bought at Wal-Mart and was shocked to see that it was processed in... INDIA!  What the heck are we doing importing food from India?  How do we know if India is following safe processing procedures?  Is the food inspected by the FDA before it arrives in the store?  The other day I noticed my Talipia was imported from China! Given the wheat gluten scare, lead paint etc, eating the Talipia scares me more than eating the shrimp.
Given the pet food scare several months ago, how can we know for sure that food processed outside the United States is safe?  Granted sometimes the food here in the United States has been recalled, but we have rules and laws in place to try and protect the food chain. 
If we must import food from out of the country it should be labeled on the front of the packaging if it is imported and the country it is imported from and put in the IMPORTED FOODS section so we the consumers know the food is imported. Maybe that would not be such a good idea since most of the foods that are sold to us would then be placed in the imported food isles. But at least we could decide for ourselves and our families on whether we wish to buy or try certain products. Next time you go shopping for food take a few extra minutes and see how many products you can find that are really made and processed in the United States. It might just shock you.
This is just a Word of Advice - Read Your Food Labels Carefully!!!  It is not only the ingredients you have to be wary of, but now where the products you buy is coming from!! Whatever happened to Made in America? Grown in America?  Let's just outsource everything including our food!  What is next?  Outsourcing our Bathroom Privileges?  Maybe we should go check to see where our toilet paper is coming from!

Suggestions to Alkalize Your Body and
Flush Out Harmful Acid Waste

In its natural state, the body is slightly alkaline. It must maintain this slightly alkaline state for your very survival, and has developed complex mechanisms to ensure that this balance is maintained. Most of us are natural alkaline producers in our early years. This is why many children can get away with eating an imbalanced diet and still be healthy and slender right up until they are in their twenties.
But as we reach our thirties and forties, the majority of us have become overly acidic. That's because nearly everything we are exposed to - foods, environmental toxins, even stress - contribute to an acidic condition in our bodies, and our natural buffer systems become less efficient over time at neutralizing that acid. We go from being in a more or less continuous alkaline state to having chronic excess acidity.

An imbalanced pH affects all cellular activity in the body. Having a balanced pH has the following benefits:
Normalizes insulin and body weight
Maintains proper cholesterol levels
Promotes proper electrolyte acitivity and efficient heart function
Normalizes blood pressure
Protects against premature aging
Promotes energy
Promotes bone health, digestive health, and healthy immunity
An imbalanced body pH can be at the root of many common symptoms such as constipation, digestive problems, heartburn, headaches, frequent colds, fatigue, and sleeplessness, just to mention a few.

Three Steps to Counteract Excess Acidity are;

1. Proper Diet
Generally speaking, as far as diet goes, most vegetables and fruits alkalize, as do whey, yogurt, soybeans, almonds, buckwheat, millet and quinoa. All meats are acidic, as are rice, pastas, cheeses, soft drinks, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments, and most sweeteners except raw, unpasteurized honey. Roughly 75 to 80 percent of your diet should consist of alkaline-producing foods. Making these changes in your diet will jump-start your health to whole new levels, as an alkaline body is more effective at warding off all kinds of infections and disease. Researchers now believe that chronic acidosis is a major contributing factor to insulin sensitivity problems that lead to diabetes, to the early.

2. The Importance of Drinking Good Water
Water is the driving force behind all forms of life. Our bodies are over 70 percent water and all of our body fluids contain it. Even the food we eat is predominantly made of water. Water adjusts the body's temperature and through urination and perspiration rids the body of toxins. Health authorities recommend that we drink at least 64 ounces (8 glasses) of water per day to attain proper hydration. Most of us are dehydrated and dehydration can lead to great physical impairment. Dehydration is especially prevalent among men and women over forty years of age. For the body to function properly, it is imperative that it be properly hydrated. Drinking enough water is one thing, but the other thing is the type of water we are drinking. Tap water is treated with many chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, which are toxins to the body. A lot of people these days drink bottled water which is often purified through reverse osmosis, or it is distilled, or it is spring water.
However, many of the bottled waters on the market we have tested were actually acidic, as is distilled water. This is because when the minerals are removed the water loses its alkalinity.

The best water to drink is alkalized or ionized water, which is produced by running normal tap water over a positive (anode) and a negative (cathode) electrode. This creates positive and negative ions in the water that are then separated, creating two different waters, one that is alkaline and one that is acidic. To ionize simply means to gain or lose an electron. Basically, the ionization process robs an electron from one molecule and donates or transfers it to another molecule. Alkaline and acid water, although very different, each has their benefits. Alkaline water is for flushing out internal toxins, scavenging free radicals, and oxygenating the body. Acid water, which is really a by-product of ionizing water, can be used externally for cleansing the skin, cleaning any surface and watering your plants. There are a number of water ionizers on the market that can divide your tap water into acid and alkaline water. The water ionizers were developed in Japan in the 1950's and they were approved by the Japanese Government as "health improvement medical devices".

3. Alkalizing Supplements
In addition to eating an alkaline diet and drinking alkaline water, alkalizing supplements are an easy and powerful way to rapidly alkalize the bloodstream and bring homeostasis back to the body. Also for those of you who would find a water ionizer simply too expensive, and sticking to a strict alkaline diet to difficult, there are a number of effective alternatives. One is adding alkalizing drops to ordinary tap water to make the water alkaline. Keep in mind that alkalizing drops only alkalize the water; they do not purify the water. There are many different products out on the market. Read and compare before buying the first thing you see. My family and I use Alkalive pH Booster you can buy this from pHion Nutrition. This company has a very good product and everything I have tried from them has been very helpful and easy to use.
When your pH level is a least 7.0, you "dump" toxins much more effectively! This allows tissues to be cleansed, and then healed naturally and more quickly by the body. You may notice some of the things listed below when using the alkalizing supplements and changing your diet.
Reduce acidic build-up and rebalance pH.
Remove acidic residues from your body.
Promote the cleansing and repair of tissues.
Replenish critical minerals leached during periods of acidity.

Work on your diet and drink good clean water it won’t be long until you too will be feeling more alive.

All material provided on this site is for informational and educational purposes only.  It is not meant to replace or substitute for the recommendations or advice of your physician or medical provider. Please consult a health care provider regarding the applicability of any opinion or recommendation with respect to your symptoms or medical condition. Products are offered for use in therapies that may benefit normal function and structure. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Beat the Heat with a Watermelon Treat

Summertime takes me back to my childhood days of watermelon memories.
Thumping and selecting the perfect melon at the local produce stand, chilling it to perfection, slicing a big wedge and devouring the dark, juicy fruit, and wiping the excess juice from my chin with the sleeve of my t-shirt. And of course, who could resist the seed-spitting contest? Talk about childhood fun! Remember those days? Every 4th of July was a family gathering and every one of us couldn’t wait for the ice cold watermelon.

Health Benefits
Watermelon is not only great on a hot summer day; this delectable thirst-quencher may also help quench the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis. Sweet, juicy watermelon is actually packed with some of the most important antioxidants in nature.
Good source of vitamin A: Vitamin A has many roles in promoting overall health. It helps your eyes see normally in the dark, promotes the growth and health of cells, and protects against infection by helping to maintain healthy skin and tissues. It also is involved in hearing, taste, growth and normal development of fetuses. A two-cup serving of watermelon provides 20 percent of the recommended daily intake for vitamin A.
Good source of vitamin C: Like vitamin A, vitamin C has many responsibilities in the body. Probably vitamin C's most well known role is as an antioxidant protecting body cells from damage by free radicals. Studies have shown that cell damage by free radicals may lead to chronic health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, appear to counteract the effects of free radicals. Vitamin C is also required for the production and maintenance of collagen, it boosts the body's ability to fight infection, and helps keep capillaries and gums healthy. A two-cup serving of watermelon supplies 30 milligrams of vitamin C.
Provides potassium:  Although the scientific reasons are not fully understood, foods high in potassium may help protect against high blood pressure. Potassium also helps regulate fluids and mineral balance in and out of body cells, aids in muscle contraction, and helps transmit nerve impulses. Several fruits and vegetables are among the best sources of potassium, including watermelon, which has approximately 350 milligrams per two-cup serving.
The antioxidant lycopene is a plant chemical that gives certain foods (watermelon, tomatoes, red grapefruit, and guava) their red color. Part of the large class of plant compounds called carotenoids, which help protect and preserve body cells from oxidation and damage, lycopene may reduce one’s risk of prostate cancer and protect against heart disease. Watermelon intake elevates arginine level in humans. Arginine is essential for the synthesis of nitric oxide, proline and creatine which are required for various biological processes. For example, nitric oxide helps relax vascular vessels and improves immune function. Proline is essential for joint function and wound healing. Creatine plays important roles in neurologic and muscular functions.
Ninety-two percent water: Staying properly hydrated is extremely important, particularly during the hot days of summer. While plain water and other beverages provide a significant amount of most people's fluid requirements, solid food, especially fruits and vegetables, also provide a substantial amount. Watermelon is 92 percent water by weight, the highest percentage of any fruit. Low in calories - yet, filling: A two-cup serving of watermelon has only 100 calories. However, as a result of its high water content, watermelon is quite filling. Among its other health benefits, watermelon is naturally low in fat and cholesterol free. Research suggests that diets moderate in fat and cholesterol promote health and may aid in the prevention of certain chronic diseases.

Watermelon Selection & Storage
Follow these 3 easy steps to choose a perfect melon every time: Choose a firm, symmetrical fruit that is free of bruises, cuts, and dents. Pick up the melon, it should feel heavy. (A good watermelon is 92% water.)
The underside should have a creamy yellow spot where the melon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. Compared to most fruits, watermelon should be stored at a warmer temperature—about 55 degrees Fahrenheit—since temperatures too low can cause chill damage. After 2 days at 32 degrees, the flavor will be “off,” and the melon will lose color and become pitted. Whole melons will keep for 7-10 days at room temperature. Once a melon is cut, it should be wrapped and stored at 37-39 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are a few recipes my family and I enjoy, try them I think you will too. Be smart, try to stay healthy.

Balanced pH is Critical for the Body:

Proper fat metabolism and weight control.
When the body is in its natural alkaline state, body weight and insulin production normalize. When we alkalize the body, it works so well at dropping excess weight that many of us lose weight just by eating more alkaline foods, and by adding supplements that alkalize to our diets.

Proper calcium utilization.
The body will do anything to maintain a balanced pH, including the leaching of important minerals like calcium, potassium and sodium from the tissues. To maintain alkalinity, the body first goes for sodium, then potassium, and then calcium. It literally leaches the calcium from your bones, making your bones porous and fragile. This is a major contributor to both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

Appropriate cholesterol levels.
Balancing your pH helps to maintain proper cholesterol levels so that plaque does not form.

Good pH controls cancerous cells.
Cancerous cells thrive in an acidic environment, and perish in an alkaline one. Cancerous cells simply cannot survive in an alkaline environment!

 Proper electrolyte activity and efficient heart function.
Proper electrolyte activity is crucial to balanced energy levels.

 Smooth blood flow.
Alkalizing helps to remove plaque from the arteries, veins, and heart tissue.

Healthy oxygen flow.
When we alkalize the bloodstream, it flushes toxins from tissues and protects against premature aging.

Be a Winner

The Winner is always part of the answer
The Loser is always part of the problem

The Winner always has a program
The Loser always has an excuse

The Winner says "Let me do it for you"
The Loser says "That's not my job"

The Winner sees an answer for every problem
The Loser sees a problem for every answer

The Winner sees a green near every sand trap
The Loser sees two or three sand traps near every green

The Winner says "It may be difficult but it's possible"
The Loser says "It may be possible but it's too difficult"

Author Unknown

Only a Mother Knows

How many cares does a mother’s heart know?
How many joys does a mother’s heart bestow?
How many heartwarming things has she said?
How many tears has she secretly shed?
How many smiles has she given away?
How many kindnesses, day after day?
How many prayers has she prayed for another?
Nobody really knows - - except a mother! ! !

Do you know the facts about olive’s

The olive dates back to 17th century B.C where it first appeared in print in Egyptian records and was mentioned numerous times in the Bible. Since the olive is native to the Mediterranean area, it's no surprise to learn the largest producers in the world are Italy and Spain, where olives are a diet mainstay. Olive trees were introduced to California circa 1769 by the Spaniards, where they flourished. California now provides almost 200,000 tons of commercial olive crops per year.
In the late 19th century, Professor Frederic T. Bioletti of the University of California invented a method of canning olives (referred to as "green ripe") using an alkaline solution and brine, providing year-round availability of olives and a boost to the olive industry. The only difference between green olives and black olives is ripeness. Unripe olives are green and fully ripe olives are black. Olives must be cured before eating. Fresh olives from the tree are unbearably bitter and inedible.

Olives are the fruit of a tree native to the Mediterranean area. They must be cured before consumption and cannot be eaten raw. Olives are eaten as a finger food as well as in recipes. Olives are pressed to extract healthy olive oil. Unopened cans and jars should be stored in a cool, dry place up to one year. Once opened, canned olives should be removed from the can to a glass container and covered in the canning brine. Refrigerate and use within two weeks. Bulk olives in oil should be stored in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to two months. Discard any that become soft.

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

(Here are the answers given by 2 grade school children to the following questions.)

Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2. Mostly to clean the house.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of ?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related.

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?

1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.

2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

3. They say she used to be nice

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.

2. She had to know his backgrou nd. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?

3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.

2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.

3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?

1.Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller &stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.

4. Moms have magic they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.

2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.

2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.

3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Be a Source of Support

Whether you are a family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker or other source of support, your help is valuable, and there are many ways you can provide assistance during an illness. Doing something small, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you, can make the life of a person with a serious illness a little easier and a little brighter, just by letting them know you care and want to help. It will help you, too, by giving you something to focus your energy on and by easing feelings of helplessness you may be having. There have been studies and surveys conducted by many different groups all showing that the people living with life-threatening diseases have found that "little things" such as helping with errands, household chores and childcare accounted for the greatest level of support provided by loved ones.
Take cues from your loved one to determine what kind of emotional support he or she needs at any given time. It’s natural for you to be unsure how much or how little to talk about his or her health, so don’t be afraid to ask, and express that you are ready to listen or provide advice. Open, honest communication is important in any relationship, and that doesn’t change because of cancer. It is not always easy for someone to ask for help, so start by observing what is going on in your loved one’s life and determine how you can best help. Give examples of tasks you can do or emotional or financial support you are willing to provide so that it becomes more comfortable for you’re loved one to make specific requests.
Companionship offers comfort, as does a phone conversation or letter from a long-distance friend or relative. A shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen might be exactly what your loved one needs from time to time. On days when he or she may not want to talk about health issues, try spending time doing activities that the two of you have enjoyed together in the past, or plan an outing to explore someplace new.
Every person is different when it comes to sharing news about their illness. Although your loved one or friend may talk openly with you about many things, discussing a cancer diagnosis, the results of a new treatment or news that cancer has spread can be understandably difficult. Don’t feel that you are not important if you have been asked to participate in a group meeting to hear such news. Group settings can make it easier for everyone. You will have the company of those around you as you adjust to the news and someone to talk to and share your feelings with after the meeting. If you feel comfortable, volunteer to make calls to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or anyone else the person you are helping wishes to share the news with. Honor requests regarding whom to tell, even if it means not telling someone you think should know.
Family and friends are an invaluable source of strength and support, but your loved one may feel the need to hear from others who have “been there.” Support groups are another resource for people living with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. They to can help if you feel like you can’t truly understand what your loved one or friend is going through.

You Are Not Alone

When your life has been touched by cancer, it is not always easy to be hopeful and optimistic. Some days will inevitably be more difficult than others, and setbacks may occur. But it is important to remember that help is available for you and your loved one from people who love you, from a healthcare team that has your best interests in mind, from cancer organizations and support groups that understand what you are going through, and from religious organizations and other groups that matter in your life. You and your loved one do not have to go through this difficult journey alone.

MAKE TODAY COUNT

Health Benefits in Coconut

The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, heart diseases, cholesterol levels, weight loss, kidney problems, digestion, metabolism, high blood pressure, immunity, dental care, diabetes, bone strength, HIV and cancer. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc.
Coconut oil is often preferred by athletes and body builders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that coconut oil contains lesser calories than other oils, its fat content is easy converted into energy and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps in boosting energy and endurance, and enhances the performance of athletes.
Health benefits of coconut oil include the following:

Skin Care:

Coconut oil is excellent massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil is also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis,

Coconut oil is the healthiest cooking oil that you can use.

The high percentage of saturated fatty acids found in coconut oil makes it extremely stable when exposed to heat. Unlike almost all other vegetable oils, coconut oil contains virtually no trans fats, and is highly resistant to free radical formation when used for cooking at any temperature. No other oil comes close to being as safe and healthy for cooking as coconut oil.

Coconut oil may soothe digestive problems.

Many people who have suffered with inflammatory conditions of the intestines, like Crohn’s disease, have successfully used coconut oil for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Coconut oil's ability to help improve the balance of microorganisms in the intestines is likely another reason why people who suffer with digestive disorders benefit from using it on a regular basis.
Coconut oil is an effective, all-natural moisturizer for your skin.
In addition to its potential healing properties for your internal health, coconut oil is an exceptional skin moisturizer. It doesn’t contain any of the carcinogenic chemicals that are found in many commercial moisturizers. Also, coconut oil is easily absorbed into your skin, where it can help to prevent free radical damage, wrinkling, and sagging. It may even be able to restore strength to your underlying connective tissue.

Here is a summary of what coconut oil may do for your health:

Coconut oil does NOT do any of the following:

· Premature Aging: Coconut oil helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties.
· Heart Diseases: There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for the heart. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. However, coconut oil is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including heart burns, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful as it happens in case of other vegetables oils. It does not lead to increase in LDL and HDL levels. It also reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.
· Weight Loss: Coconut oil is very useful in reducing weight. It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. It is also easy to digest due as it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzymes systems. Further, it increases the body metabolism by removing stress on pancreases, thereby burning out more energy and helping obese and overweight people reduce their weight. Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas, who eat coconut oil daily as their primary cooking oil, are not fat, obese or overweight.
· Pancreatitis: Coconut oil is also useful in treating pancreatitis.
· Digestion: Internal use of coconut oil occurs primarily as cooking oil. Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have anti microbial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc., that cause indigestion. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
· Immunity: Coconut oil is also good for the immune system. It strengthens the immune system as it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.
· Healing: When applied on infections, it forms a chemical layer which protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and virus. The curative properties of coconut oil are useful in healing as well. It speeds up the repairing of damaged tissues.
· Infections: Coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections due to its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, etc. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, etc. Coconut oil is also effective on fungi and yeast that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, etc.
· Liver: The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids helps in preventing liver diseases as they substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus reducing work load on the liver and also preventing accumulation of fat.
· Kidney: Coconut oil helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases. It also helps in dissolving kidney stones.
· Diabetes: Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar, and improves the secretion of insulin. It also helps in effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes.
· Bones: As mentioned earlier, coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important minerals. These include calcium and magnesium which are necessary for development of bones. Thus coconut oil is very useful to women who are prone to osteoporosis after middle age.
· Dental Care: Calcium is an important element present in teeth. Since coconut oil facilitates absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in getting strong teeth. Coconut oil also stops tooth decay.