Welcome To Moments-Wtih-Mary

(Life script Health News) One in every three women diagnosed with breast cancer has a non-life-threatening tumor and gets treated unnecessarily, according to a new Scandinavian study. The study highlights the dilemma faced by doctors, who can never be sure whether or not breast cancer – the “silent killer” – will actually be lethal.

Researchers analyzed breast cancer trends at least seven years before and after government-run screening programs started in Australia, Britain, Canada, Norway and Sweden. More cases of breast cancer were detected after screenings were implemented, but researchers said one-third of the breast cancer patients didn’t actually need treatment.

Some cancers are slow-growing and never cause symptoms or lead to death, according to the American Cancer Society. Since it’s impossible to tell the difference between a non-threatening cancer and a deadly one, all cancers get treated.

But cancer treatments can weaken your immune system, damage vital organs and have painful psychological consequences.

“This information needs to get to women so they can make an informed choice," says Karsten Jorgensen, one of the study’s lead researchers. "There is a significant harm in making women cancer patients without good reason.”

Have you ever wondered what causes stomach gas? There are 3 most common causes of stomach gas problems. You may be surprised to know if this is a chronic problem for you it may be caused by a chronic underlying overgrowth or infection of something known as Candida.
3 Common Causes of Stomach Gas

#1 - Too little Stomach Acid: This will come as a shock but when your body has too little stomach acid that's when the problems start. Your stomach will reflex to either shoot the food out in order to prevent bacteria on the food from passing through your digestive system or it will churn and try to break it down without the acid. In either case it causes an upset stomach quite often, one easy solution to it is to avoid liquids entirely with meals as this only dilutes stomach acid further.

#2 - Lack of bowel movements: When you go less than 2 times per day you're considered constipated believe it or not! What happens is the food sits in your intestines and begins to ferment and putrefy; this creates an excessive amount of gas which travels up the digestive tract back into the stomach or will apply pressure to the stomach and create tremendous bloating.

#3 - Candida Overgrowths: You may never have heard of this before but this yeast is likely inside your body causing havoc right now as it exists in over 90% of people. Although not always creating symptoms for everyone, this yeast can cause ongoing health problems if not addressed. One of the #1 symptoms it causes is excessive gas, the reason being that this fungus will grow inside your intestines and ferment, especially when there has been a lack of bowel movements even temporarily. It feeds on sugar as well so if you eat a diet of processed foods then you're giving it exactly what it needs to grow further! The gas it creates is only one of many problems Candida can cause such things as anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and allergies, IBS & other digestive problems.
Occasional gas, bloating, flatulence and indigestion can be uncomfortable - both for you and for the people in the room with you - but if it is happening a lot, it may just be a sign from your body that something is going on.
There are many reasons for becoming gassy, such as eating foods that don't agree with you, not properly combining foods, or gulping air while you are eating, but the vast majority of gas is produced by bacteria in your gut.
Bacterial Feasts: Undigested sugars are a haven for the bacteria that live in our gut. Your gut is full of bacteria. The number of bacteria in our gut outnumbers the number of cells in our entire body. There are literally billions of both good and bad bacteria in our gut. In a healthy person, the good and the bad bacteria achieve a balance where there are not too many of the good guys or the bad guys.
When undigested lactose sugar comes down the intestines, bacteria gobble up the sugars. To the bacteria, it is time to party. When food sources (mostly sugars) are plentiful for bacteria, they do what bacteria do best: grow and multiply. When bacteria start multiplying rapidly, they produce gas. Undigested lactose sugar equals gas production.
Bacteria can also produce toxins as they grow and multiply, which can be harmful to the lining of the gut. This can cause diarrhea. By now you have probably realized that not just lactose, but other sugars can cause the same problem. Any sugar that you don't digest will become a meal for the bacteria in your gut, and any meal for bacteria means an increase in gas production and toxins. Don't get the wrong idea about the bacteria in your gut. They are vital to your health and do perform many functions such as breaking down complex carbohydrates (fibers), and providing us with vitamins and other nutrients. It just becomes bad when you start overfeeding the bacteria with sugars and they produce excess gas.

Poor digestion, along with food and drug choices, can change where the bacteria in our gut are located. Once again, this doesn't sound like a big deal, but where bacteria is located in our gut can have long-lasting effects on our health and the amount of "room-clearing" gas that exits from your body. Medical books would have us believe that the majority of bacteria in our gut are found in our colon. In healthy people, this is true. Remember our high school anatomy lessons, the colon makes up the last four to six feet or so of your intestines. In between the colon and the stomach are around twenty-four feet of small intestine. The small intestines are not supposed to have a lot of bacteria in them, but in modern people, they do.

There is a medically recognized syndrome called small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome, where the small intestines become overgrown with large amounts of bacteria. This syndrome is much more common than many doctors realize. Bacteria are not dumb - they are going to go and grow where the food is. If there are large amounts of sugars to be found high in the digestive tract, that is where the bacteria is going to go. Stress, a carbohydrate-rich (sugar) diet, and poor digestion – in addition to the use of antibiotics that can kill off many of the good bacteria – can all contribute to bacteria relocating to the small intestine.
Having bacteria high in our guts means that they are now in competition for our nutrients. Most of the absorption of nutrients and vitamins occurs high in the gut. If bacteria is creating toxins and irritating the gut lining, then there is the potential for malabsorption syndromes such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). High in the gut are also where the bacteria lie in wait for their next sugary snack.

Digestion begins in the mouth. There are digestive enzymes that are released in your mouth as you chew. One of the easiest tricks to chewing your food well is to take your fork and put food in your mouth - then set the fork down on the table until you are done chewing. Most people are picking up their next bite as they are chewing; this creates urgency where you are trying to get the food out of your mouth because the next bite is waiting on the fork. Stop, put your fork down, finish the bite in your mouth, and pick up the fork again.

If you haven't heard the news about how bad soda is yet, let me share with you: try to stop drinking soda. According to the 2001 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, soda is the major source of calories in the United States. Soda creates many problems for people who want to be healthy and overwhelms even the best digestive capacities. Drinking soda feeds gas-producing bacteria. Other simple sugars should be eaten in moderation, or if you are really brave, not at all.

Try giving your gut a hand and take a digestive enzyme supplement. Taken prior to meals, digestive enzymes will help support your digestive system and relieve gas, bloating and discomfort. The enzymes will break down the sugars that you are eating, leaving little left over for the bacteria. Digestive enzymes are most often taken prior to meals. In some cases, people simply forget to take them, but you can still take them after a large meal when your stomach reminds you!

It takes a little effort on our part, but most people who implement a healthy digestive program are amazed at how good they feel, and are delighted by the loss of excess gas production.

As we strive to make it through difficult times, hearing the wisdom of those who have struggled, questioned and dreamed before us can make the journey easier..

Autumn leaves are falling,
Pretty colors everywhere.
Thanksgiving day is almost here,
Another day that we may share.

The things we take for granted
Are blessings from above.
The needs He has provided,
Were given to us in love.

Let's give thanks for what we have,
Bow our heads and together pray.
As we join our friends and family,
On this Thanksgiving Day.

1. Where did the turkey come from originally?
Turkey
Mexico
Peru
India
The correct answer: Mexico
Popular around the world, the turkey is often named for the country it's thought to come from. That's why it is called dinde in France, reflecting the belief that it came from les Indes, or the East Indies. But in India, the word for turkey is peru. At least this puts the turkey closest to where it did originate: North America, probably Mexico. We call the bird a turkey, as do the British, because it probably came to England from the New World with the help of merchants from Turkey.

2. Turkey was not always the star of the holiday table. When did it first take pride of place?
1621
1800 to 1820
1863
1941
The correct answer: 1800 to 1820
At the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621, the turkey was just one of many birds gracing the table. (Others probably included swans, ducks and geese.) It took another two centuries before turkey became the official holiday bird. It would take even longer for Thanksgiving to be proclaimed a national holiday. President Abraham Lincoln did so in 1863. And in 1941, Congress passed a law fixing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving.

3. Which country consumes the most turkey per capita?
The United States
The United Kingdom
France
Israel
The correct answer: Israel Americans eat 300 million turkeys a year -- only 67 million of them at Thanksgiving and Christmas. This added up to about 18.5 pounds of turkey per person in 1996. Israelis will consume nearly double that amount, an estimated 36.7 pounds per person this year. The British and the French have enjoyed turkey since the mid-1500s, but only with modest enthusiasm. (In case you're wondering, Israelis use all that turkey for cutlets, often cooked as schnitzel, and for making soup and gyro sandwiches.)

4. What is the fastest way to defrost a turkey?
With a hair dryer
In cold water
In a refrigerator
A frozen 12-pound turkey (still in its original wrapping) defrosts in six hours when set in a tub of cold water in the kitchen sink. Be sure to change the water every half hour. In the refrigerator, the same bird requires 57 1/2 hours -- nearly two and a half days -- to defrost. Never defrost a bird at room temperature, not even with the help of a hair dryer, as it's an invitation to bacterial problems. Defrosting a turkey in the microwave is not recommended either. If you do choose this route, follow the manufacturer's instructions and turn the bird often to ensure even penetration of the microwaves. In a microwave oven

5. Of all the varieties of stuffing served, a few are considered classics. Which of the following bases for stuffing is not traditional?
Bread
Cornbread
Wild rice
Macaroni
The correct answer: Macaroni. Everything from spaghetti and sun-dried tomatoes to taro root is showing up in recipes for holiday stuffing these days. Fortunately, Grandma's ways still hold too, and cubed white bread combined with onions, celery and sage-scented poultry seasoning remains a traditional choice across the country. But cornbread-based stuffing is particularly popular in the South. Likewise, wild rice stuffing is traditional in the Midwest, where most wild rice is grown. Maybe one day pasta-based stuffing will be a classic, but not this year!

6. To be sure your family enjoys a bird that's juicy and beautifully brown, you must:
Order it from Julia Child
Dine out
Get your sister-in-law to cook
Butter and baste your turkey
The correct answer: Butter and baste your turkey
If Julia sold succulent, fresh-roasted turkeys, she'd probably clean up. But she doesn't, so you're on your own unless you can persuade the family to eat out or get invited somewhere else for dinner. Rubbing a turkey all over with butter or oil helps keep the skin supple while encouraging browning. (Some people also rub the breast under the skin with butter to help keep the white meat moist.) Basting with pan juices or prepared broth every 20 minutes helps keep the meat moist, too. You may skip one or more of these steps, but following them produces a more delectable bird.

7. A whole turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted at the thickest part registers what temperature?
160 degrees F
170 degrees F
180 degrees F
165 degrees F
The correct answer: 180 degrees F For any size whole turkey to be properly done, a meat thermometer inserted two inches into the innermost part of the thigh and not touching the bone should read 180 degrees F. Stuffing, whether inside a turkey or in a baking dish, must reach 165 degrees F in the center to be done. A stuffed whole breast is ready when the meat reaches 170 degrees F, because white meat cooks more quickly than dark. This temperature also works for a boneless or stuffed whole breast. Ground turkey and boneless cuts such as cutlets should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

8. What is the best way to store leftover turkey after you've taken it off the carcass?
Simply wrapped and chilled
Reheated, wrapped up hot and immediately refrigerated
In a container in the leftover gravy
Cut up and wrapped, then frozen
The correct answer: Simply wrapped and chilled. What matters most is getting leftovers into the refrigerator within two hours of cooking, and being sure they are chilled quickly to 40 degrees F or less. This discourages growth of undesirable bacteria. Leftovers need not be frozen if they will be consumed within three to four days.

9. What is the best hock lock to use for trussing a turkey?
One that comes with the turkey
A garbage bag tie
A metal skewer
A length of kitchen twine

The correct answer: A length of kitchen twine. Many frozen turkeys come with a hock lock -- a plastic or metal band around the drumsticks. Unfastening this rig so you can clean the inside of the bird and stuff it, then resecuring it, can be a wrestling match. A large garbage bag tie would be easier to use but may melt in the oven, while a skewer through the legs won't hold them securely. The simplest, best way to truss a turkey is by looping kitchen twine around the ankles of each drumstick and pulling the legs together as you knot the twine. Up front, simply fold the first joint of each wing forward and tuck it under the bird's shoulders, then secure the skin of the neck with a toothpick to close up the cavity. (In case you wonder why you should bother to truss the bird: Trussing keeps its legs from splaying, ensuring a neatly rounded shape that cooks more evenly and is less likely to dry out. A trussed bird is also easier to turn, and it looks more attractive.)

10. After a big turkey dinner, why do you become drowsy?
Because you rose at 6am to start the bird
Because you drank too much wine throughout the day
Because you melted your brain watching too much football
Because you've got a tryptophan hangover

The correct answer: Because you've got a tryptophan hangover
Getting up at the crack of dawn to start cooking, then sipping a few glasses of wine throughout the day may slow you down. And lounging in front of the television helps make you logy. But most of the blame for dozing off after dinner goes to something called tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey that's known to function like a mild sleeping pill. Stimulated by all the carbohydrates in the Thanksgiving trimmings, the tryptophan in the turkey causes an overload of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which makes you sleepy. (It also makes you feel sated. All the new diet pills, such as Redux, act in the same way: by stimulating the production of serotonin.)

First let’s start with a few facts about our hair. Experts say our hair usually grow at the rate of about one-half inch per month -- with each hair having a growth phase of two to six years. At that point the hair "rests" for a period of time, then falls out -- and the follicle from which it sprang soon starts growing a new strand. And so the cycle continues, usually well into our senior years.
Most of the hair problems are caused due to certain deficiencies in your diet. Often, the hair loss is associated with poor diet, but long-term hair loss and baldness are usually genetic. Scalp massage and a diet rich in nutrients can greatly improve the condition of your hair
How your hair grows Your hair is made of keratin (KER-uh-tin), the same protein that makes up your nails and the outer layer of your skin. The part you see and style is called the hair shaft. It's actually dead tissue made by your hair follicles tiny bulb-like structures beneath your scalp's surface. The average head has about 100,000 hairs. Your hair grows and is shed regularly. You usually lose 50 to 100 strands each day. If you have a normal head of hair, you probably don't notice this small loss.
As a hair gets older, it may enter a resting stage in which it remains on your head but doesn't grow. At the end of this stage, the hair usually falls out. Usually, the follicle replaces it in about six months. But many factors can disrupt this cycle. The result can be that your hair falls out early or isn't replaced.
Age and hormones Most people naturally experience some hair loss as they get older. But age, changing hormones and heredity cause some to lose more hair than others. The result can be partial or total baldness, known as alopecia (al-o-PEE-she-uh). Men are far more likely than women to have hair loss and baldness as they age. "Male-pattern baldness" is the receding hairline and hair loss on top of the head. It's typically genetic. There's also a "female-pattern baldness" also inherited that can cause modest to significant hair loss in women as they age. The hair loss can first become apparent in women by ages 25 to 30. Female-pattern baldness starts with the replacement hairs becoming progressively finer and shorter. They can also become almost transparent. Usually, the hair loss is far less prominent than it is in men. It also occurs in a different pattern. Most women first experience hair thinning and hair loss where they part their hair and on the top of the head, but don't have a receding hairline.
A variety of other factors may cause hair loss often temporary in women. These may include:
Medications some drugs - used to treat cancer can cause your hair to fall out. But other prescription drugs, such as blood thinners, antidepressants and high blood pressure medications, can also cause hair loss. So can birth control pills and high doses of certain vitamins.
Diet - Too little protein in your diet can lead to hair shedding. So can too little iron. Bottom line: Too strenuous dieting can result in hair loss! If you want to lose weight, do it the sensible way, especially if you have a hair thinning/loss problem to begin with.
Stress or illness - You may start losing hair one to three months after a stressful situation, such as major surgery. High fevers, severe infections or chronic illnesses can also result in hair loss. Auto-immune disorders can cause hair loss.
Childbirth - Some women lose large amounts of hair within two to three months after delivery.
Thyroid disease - An overactive or underactive thyroid can cause hair loss.
Ringworm - If this fungal infection occurs on your scalp, it can cause small patches of scaling skin and some hair loss.

VITAMINS
Vitamin B complex is essential for healthy hair
Vitamin C boosts overall health and deficiency is associated with hair loss
Biotin is needed for the production of fatty acids which are vital for healthy hair
MINERALS
Copper is needed for hair color
Iodine is needed to manufacture thyroid hormones, which affect hair condition
Selenium reduces scalp flaking
Zinc is needed for hair growth

More Nutrients
Omega-3 oils contain essential fatty acids vital for hair health
Omega-6 oils improve hair quality
Lysine helps prevent hair loss
Ginkgo Biloba increases blood flow to the scalp

Salmon, mackerel and sardines; yeast extract; nuts and seeds; whole grains; green, leafy vegetables; fresh or dried fruits; chicken and eggs. Avoid animal fats and fried foods.

Benefits of Snow Peas
Snow Peas, Sweet Peas, and other green peas are bursting with nutrients. They provide good to very good amounts of 8 vitamins, 7 minerals, dietary fiber and protein. Green peas' supercharged nutritional profile can supercharge your health.
Good for your Bones
Snow Peas and other green peas provide nutrients that are important for maintaining bone health. They are a very good source of vitamin K1, which activates osteocalcin, the major non-collagen protein in bone. Osteocalcin anchors calcium molecules inside of the bone. Therefore, without enough vitamin K1, osteocalcin levels are inadequate and bone mineralization is impaired.
Snow Peas and other green peas also serve as a very good source of folic acid and a good source of vitamin B6. These two nutrients help to reduce the buildup of a metabolic byproduct called homocysteine, a dangerous molecule can obstruct collagen cross-linking, resulting in poor bone matrix and osteoporosis. One study showed that postmenopausal women who were not considered deficient in folic acid lowered their homocysteine levels simply by supplementing with folic acid by itself.
Heart
In addition to affecting bone health, homocysteine contributes to atherosclerosis through its ability to damage the blood vessels, keeping them in a constant state of injury. Therefore the folic acid and vitamin B6 in green peas are supportive of cardiovascular health as well. In fact, folic acid is so important for cardiovascular function that a major 1995 study concluded that 400 micrograms per day of folic acid could prevent 28,000 cardiovascular deaths per year in the United States.
The contributions of green peas to heart health do not stop there. The vitamin K featured in green peas is instrumental to the body’s healthy blood clotting ability.
Contributions to Energy and Overall Wellness
Snow Peas and other green peas are one of the important foods to include in your diet if you oftentimes feel fatigued and sluggish. That is because they provide nutrients that help support the energy-producing cells and systems of the body.
Snow Peas and other green peas a very good source of thiamin-vitamin B1 and a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin-vitamin B2 and niacin-vitamin B3, all of which are nutrients that are necessary for carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. Green peas are also a good source of iron, a mineral necessary for normal blood cell formation and function, whose deficiency results in anemia, fatigue, decreased immune function, and learning problems. In addition, green peas are a very good source of vitamin C, which protects many energy-producing cells and systems in the body from free radical damage. Body tissues with particularly high vitamin C requirements include the adrenal glands, ocular lens, liver, immune system, connective tissues, and fats circulating in the blood.
Peas Help Prevent Cancer
Snow Peas and other green peas provide nutrients, including vitamin C, which are instrumental in helping to prevent the development of cancer. A high intake of vitamin C has been shown to reduce the risks for virtually all forms of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers as well as sex hormone-related cancers like breast, prostate, cervix, and ovarian cancers. Vitamin C is your body’s first and most effective line of antioxidant protection. Vitamin C protects cell structures like DNA from damage; it helps the body deal with environmental pollution and toxic chemicals; it enhances immune function, and it inhibits the formation of cancer-causing compounds in the body (such as the nitrosamines, chemicals produced when the body digests processed meats containing nitrates). Looks like snow peas can do a lot for our bodies, give them a try. Until next month, stay healthy.

But cancer treatments can weaken your immune system, damage vital organs and have painful psychological consequences.

Learning that you, a family member, or friend has cancer is a difficult experience. You may feel overwhelmed with many different emotions including fear, helplessness, anxiousness, or indecision about how to cope and/or support a loved one during this time.

PLTC strives to bring together those who understand the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual repercussions of cancer.

Our programs and services help people face the challenges of cancer, obtain support from others in similar situations, and provide information and resources regarding various cancer issues.

With supportive programs, PLTC is dedicated to helping improve the quality of life for cancer patients, family members, and caregivers as they cope with the various phases of cancer, including diagnosis, treatment, and life-after-cancer concerns.

PLTC sponsors many different types of groups for cancer survivors, their family members and friends. People Living Through Cancer is your place for FREE cancer support.We encourage you to visit your group a few times to determine whether it will suit your needs. If the first group does not meet your needs, call our office for a group that might be a better fit. The groups all have different personalities, determined by the individual members, each with a slightly different focus on the cancer experience. Our support groups are led by trained and compassionate facilitators. Our facilitators have had some personal experience with cancer, have attended specialized training, and want to contribute their time, energy and love to a community of people experiencing cancer in their lives. Our many support groups provide a safe, non-judgmental fellowship to share feelings and to obtain and provide information and emotional support through reassurance, encouragement and hope. We have groups for survivors, family members and friends; groups for men, women, breast cancer survivors, ovarian cancer survivors and those with various other diagnoses.

1. We define a cancer survivor as anyone who has received a diagnosis of cancer.

2. Survivorship acknowledges the potential for quality living after a cancer diagnosis and encompasses all those touched by cancer, including survivors, their families, friends, work associates and health-care providers.

1. Everything said and heard in the group will be treated with respect for the group members’ privacy.

2. Silence is acceptable. No one needs to say anything she/he does not wish to say. The group is supportive rather than judgmental.

"Sometimes, life’s journey takes us places we’re not prepared to go. To get through the profound highs and lows, we often need the inspiration and support of someone who has been there before us -- to help us make sense of the unfamiliar and to appreciate the emotions we are experiencing."

In autumn when the trees are brown
The little leaves start tumbling down
They do not make the slightest sound
But lie so quietly on the ground
Until the wind comes puffing by
And blows the leaves off towards the sky.

Lemon is better known to most of us as a fruit, mostly for its juice. Homemakers and caterers often use the zest or rind and the pulp in lemon for baking and cooking purposes. The most important fact about lemon is that it contains citric acid with a tart flavor and a pH of around 2 to 3. More than its tart-like taste and its utility as lemon juice or lemonade, this little fruit has immense medicinal or healing features, which makes it so special. The lemon is the synonym for Vitamin C, though there are also other forms of Vitamin C as well. The rich source of chemical compounds that lemon contains plays an important role in improving immunity, strengthening the blood vessels, and healing the skin. It has been discovered that some of the chemical compounds present in lemon are successful in blocking certain cell changes that lead to the killer disease called cancer.

Lemon is useful for even small things apart from the big things such as fighting cancer, and strengthening the blood vessels. A quick rub of lemon in the armpits helps to combat the unpleasant smell. If you are suffering from a sore throat, then the instant relief from that would be to have a drink prepared by squeezing lemon into a cup of hot water and adding a little bit of honey. You will get an instant relief from the sore throat. Such is the effect of lemon that it is no secret that most of the cough syrups you find in a medical store have some amount of lemon content in them. Lemon is the single largest and best source of Vitamin C. It has been found that a single lemon contains as much as 40 mg of Vitamin C, which, incidentally is the recommended intake of Vitamin C for one full day. The Vitamin C in lemons reduces the levels of histamine, which is responsible for contributing to stuffed noses and runny eyes. It is for this reason aged people and experienced persons advise to drink lemony drinks while suffering from cold.

We often come across the ailment of stones in the kidney or have heard about the pain caused by those tiny stones. The chemical called citric acid, present in abundance in a lemon, plays a vital role in reducing calcium excretion, and thus helps a great deal in preventing the formation of little stones in the kidney. The zest or rind of the lemon has some special properties as well. This zest has a rich content of bioflavonoid called rutin. Bioflavonoid belongs to a group of anti-oxidant plant chemicals. This rutin helps in strengthening the walls of the veins and capillaries in our body and reduces the pain in the veins considerably.

It has been found that a cup of black tea everyday with lemon added to it reduces certain types of skin cancer. The lemon content in the tea helps in enhancing the capability of an enzyme called glutathione S-transferase, which, in turn, detoxifies certain cancer-creating compounds in the body.

Onions not only provide flavor; they also provide health-promoting phytochemicals as well as nutrients. Onions contain quercetin, a flavonoid (one category of antioxidant compounds). Antioxidants are compounds that help delay or slow the oxidative damage to cells and tissue of the body. Studies have indicated that quercetin helps to eliminate free radicals in the body, to inhibit low-density lipoprotein oxidation (an important reaction in the atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease), to protect and regenerate vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant) and to inactivate the harmful effects of cheated metal ions.

Major dietary sources of quercetin include tea, onions and apples. Recent studies at Wageningen Agricultural University, the Netherlands, showed that the absorption of quercetin from onions is twice that from tea and more than three times that from apples. Based on studies conducted at The Queen's University at Belfast, Ireland and Wageningen Agricultural University, the content of quercetin in onions is estimated to be between 22.40 mg and 51.82 mg per medium-sized onion (100 gram). Further research at the Agricultural University on Wageningen showed that daily consumption of onions may result in increased accumulation of quercetin in the blood. Studies are in progress to determine whether the increased quercetin accumulation from eating onions translates into significant antioxidant benefit.

A recent study at the University of Bern in Switzerland showed that consumption of 1 g dry onion per day for 4 weeks increased bone mineral content in rats by more than 17% and mineral density by more than 13% compared to animals fed a control diet. This data suggests onion consumption has the potential to decrease the incidences of osteoporosis.

Several studies have shown quercetin to have beneficial effects against many diseases and disorders including cataracts, cardiovascular disease as well as cancer of the breast, colon, ovarian, gastric, lung and bladder. Onions are also a source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid. They also contain calcium, iron and have a high protein quality (ratio of mg amino acid/gram protein). Onions are low in sodium and contain no fat.

Trivia about Onions:

One of the oldest plants used for medicinal purposes is Ginger. This plant, which looks like a reed, is known to have been used in the kitchen as well as a medicine since the past 5,000 years. Even today, ginger is resorted to as a best cure for some of the simple ailments or common problems such as vomiting, nausea, digestive complaints or some sort of morning weakness. It may not be out of place that a cup of ginger tea at the morning will provide you with more vigor and freshness than an ordinary but good cup of tea.

Ginger is renowned more for its medicinal properties than for cooking purposes though ginger often finds a place in the kitchen. The uniqueness of ginger in comparison to other items in the kitchen is nothing but its distinctively hot and pungent flavor.

One of the most common problems we often encounter is tummy upsets or motion sickness. We may also, at times, feel shivery or contract a cold. In such cases, it is advisable to take a cup of tea with ginger or a ginger capsule that is crystallized in sugar. If you could not find good ginger tea, you can even consider munching a couple of ginger nuts, to get instant relief and feel fresh and rejuvenated. If you tend to have the problem of motion sickness especially while going out for a long drive in a car or in a ferry, it is advisable to take about a quarter teaspoon of powdered ginger or a small slice of fresh root-ginger about 20 minutes before leaving out. This will help you overcome motion sickness.

Yet another most interesting medicinal feature of ginger is that the chemical compounds gingerol and shogaol present in ginger, which gives that pungent flavor to ginger, are very effective in reducing intestinal contractions and neutralizing digestive acids. It is for this reason that most of the doctors advise intake of ginger to prevent nausea as ginger does not cause drowsiness or any other side effect while effectively controlling nausea. I took ginger while I went through my Chemo treatments. You should however, always ask your doctors to see if he or she agrees with this treatment for you before trying it on your own.

It has been found in various researches that taking about half-a-teaspoon of powdered ginger, within 30 minutes of the onset of migraine or severe headache, help in reducing the symptoms by effectively blocking the prostoglandis that is responsible for causing inflammation in blood vessels in the brain. The interesting aspect of ginger in contrast to the medicated drug of aspirin to block prostoglandis is that ginger only blocks such prostoglandis that cause inflammation and prostoglandis that strengthen the stomach lining in the intestines are not affected by ginger.

You might have noticed that older people or obese people often complain of pain in the knee joints. It is this prostoglandis, which is responsible for swelling in the knee joints and causing pain that is other wise called or is known as arthritis. For people suffering with arthritis pain, it is advisable that crushed root ginger is applied on the skin in and around the knee joint where pain is experienced. It has been discovered that repeated application of root ginger on the skin will considerably reduce or ease the pain caused due to arthritis.

Our programs and services help people face the challenges of cancer, obtain support from others in similar situations, and provide information and resources regarding various cancer issues.

1. We define a cancer survivor as anyone who has received a diagnosis of cancer.

1. Everything said and heard in the group will be treated with respect for the group members’ privacy.

2. Silence is acceptable. No one needs to say anything she/he does not wish to say. The group is supportive rather than judgmental.

Recent clinical studies have concluded Premenstrual Syndrome may be caused by a calcium deficiency! Calcium is the most common mineral in your body, yet most do not consume the recommended amount for their age and sex. Most adults require 1000 mg daily, yet research shows the average American only gets 600 mg from their diet. About half of dietary calcium comes from dairy products so if you avoid dairy you are almost certainly calcium deficient unless you supplement.

Calcium is called "the king of minerals" for good reason. Most people think of calcium for supporting strong bones and teeth. Actually, the bones are the least of your worries if you are low on calcium. It is needed for many more important functions than supporting your frame such as heart function, muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, regulating your metabolism, regulating hormones, and more. Recent research points to calcium deficiency as being a possible cause of hypertension (high blood pressure) and of colon cancer.

Your bones remodel throughout life according the stresses placed on them much like a muscle responds to exercise. During childhood and adolescence, your bones increase in size and mass. They continue to add more mass until around age 30, when peak bone mass is reached. Because bone loss, like bone growth, is a gradual process, the stronger your bones are at age 30, the more your bone loss will be delayed as you age. Therefore, it is particularly important to consume adequate calcium, along with magnesium and vitamins D and K2 throughout your childhood and adolescence.

It is also important to do regular weight-bearing exercise to maximize bone strength and bone density to help prevent osteoporosis later in life. Weight bearing exercise is the type of exercise that causes your bones and muscles to work against gravity while they bear your weight. Resistance exercises such as weight training are also helpful because they help to improve your muscle mass and bone strength. Examples of weight bearing exercise are walking, running, dancing, aerobics, tennis, skiing, skating and rollerblading.

When your calcium intake is low or calcium is poorly absorbed, bone breakdown occurs because the body must use the calcium stored in bones to maintain more urgent biological functions such as generating a heart beat, nerve and muscle function. Bone loss also occurs in post-menopausal women because of decreased estrogen. Researchers have identified many factors that increase the risk for developing osteoporosis. These factors include being female, thin, and inactive, of advanced age, cigarette smoking, excessive intake of alcohol, taking immune suppressing drugs such as prednisone, and having a family history of osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis affects people of different races, genders and ethnicities, women are at highest risk because their skeletons are smaller to start with and because of the accelerated bone loss that accompanies menopause. Adequate calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K2, magnesium and trace mineral intakes, as well as weight bearing exercise are critical to the development and maintenance of healthy bone throughout the lifecycle.

A little girl goes to see the doctor. She's got a pea in one nostril, a grape in the other, and a string bean stuck in her ear. She says to the doctor, "I don't feel good." The doctor replies, "The problem is clear to me. You're not eating right!"

As two caterpillars were crawling along, a butterfly flew overhead. One turned to the other and said, "You'll never get me up in one of those things!"

An FBI agent is interviewing a bank teller after the bank had been robbed 3 times by the same bandit. "Did you notice anything special about the man?" asks the agent. "Yes," replies

Learn about late and long-term effects of cancer treatment so that you can take more control of your health as a cancer survivor. Your cancer treatment is over, but your risk of side effects goes on. You might be surprised to know that side effects can continue after your cancer treatment or even develop several years later. Some cancer survivors wonder why they weren't told about the possibility of late effects before they began treatment.
The fact is that not much is known about late side effects of cancer treatment. While the lack of information can be frustrating for cancer survivors, don't feel completely helpless. Find out all you can about late effects of cancer treatment and use this information to take control of your health.
What are late effects of cancer treatment?
Late effects are side effects of cancer treatment that become apparent after your treatment has ended. Cancer survivors might experience late effects of cancer treatment a few months after treatment is completed or many years later. It isn't clear why these late effects are delayed. Some doctors believe that late effects simply weren't noticed during and immediately after your treatment, though the damage may have been there all along. It could be that your body was compensating for the damage caused by cancer treatment and is no longer able to do that, revealing these late effects.
In contrast with late effects, side effects that start during your cancer treatment and linger for months or years after are called long-term side effects. Long-term side effects usually are different from late side effects. For example, nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) is common during some types of chemotherapy and may begin during treatment and linger for months or even years after cancer treatments are completed. Most long-term effects lessen or completely resolve with time.
Some cancer survivors wonder why they weren't told about the possibility of long-term or late side effects before they began treatment. Sometimes cancer survivors were told, but with so much to remember and go through when you're first diagnosed and beginning treatment, it's easy to forget or not absorb all the information. Sometimes your doctor doesn't discuss late side effects because it's impossible to predict every single side effect, early or late, that some treatments have. It's also possible that the late effects of your treatment weren't known at the time you began treatment.
What cancer treatments cause late effects?
Late effects of cancer treatment can come from any of the three main types of cancer treatment: chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. As newer types of cancer treatment are developed, doctors may find that these treatments also cause late effects in cancer survivors.
In general, chemotherapy tends to cause more long-term side effects than late side effects in cancer survivors, though the late effects chemotherapy causes can be serious. Radiation usually causes more late effects in cancer survivors, though it can also cause long-term effects. If you have a combination of treatments, you're more likely to experience late effects.
Keep in mind that not everyone who has cancer treatment gets each of the long-term or late side effects, and some people might not experience any aftereffects of treatment. Different chemotherapy drugs cause different late effects. So if you didn't take the chemotherapy drugs that can cause infertility, then you aren't believed to be at risk of that particular late effect. Radiation and surgery will only affect the area of the body they're used to treat. So if you had radiation to a part of your body other than your head or neck, then you won't be at risk of cavities and tooth decay as a result of your radiation therapy.
What signs and symptoms might signal that you're experiencing late effects of cancer treatment?
Talk to your doctor about the late effects of your particular treatment. In some cases your doctor will know what effects you're at risk of. But remember that the late effects of many treatments still aren't known. Your doctor might be able to help you understand what signs and symptoms are clues that you're experiencing certain late effects of your cancer treatment. Your doctor might also screen you for late effects of treatment when you come in for follow-up appointments after your cancer treatment is completed. Report to your doctor any signs or symptoms that bother you. It's best to have them checked out so that, at the very least, you don't spend a lot of time worrying about what could be wrong. And catching late effects early gives you the best chance at treating them. If you were treated for cancer many years ago or are no longer seeing a cancer specialist for checkups, talk to your primary care doctor about late effects. If you think you might be experiencing late effects or your doctor isn't sure what late effects to watch for, ask for a referral to a cancer specialist.

Are you almost disgusted with life, little man?
I'll tell you a wonderful trick
that will bring you contentment,
if anything can, do something for somebody, quick!

Are you awfully tired with play, little girl?
Wearied, discouraged, and sick-
I'll tell you the loveliest game in the world,
Do something for somebody quick!

Though it rains like the rain of the flood, little man
and the clouds are forbidding and thick,
You can make the sun shine in your soul, little man
Do something for somebody, quick!

Though the stars are like brass overhead, little girl,
and the walks like a well-heated brick
and our earthly affairs in a terrible whirl,
Do something for somebody, quick

Here I am, walking through time taking these steps, through this life of mine
Where am I now, and where will I go, is it all an illusion? - I really don’t know.

Days seem to pass, before long its years while I’ve been contemplating life's hopes and Life's fears.
Watching and waiting, just looking on before I knew it, my whole life had gone

I awoke from Life's dream, and now here I stand Looking back at my life with God at my hand
I learned about life and the meaning of love amidst tears of pain, but was that enough?

In life we can live out our dreams if we want to - its true the one who decides, takes chances, makes choices IS YOU

So before you let your life pass you by, think of these words, live your dream - don’t be shy
All you need, you have within, so live your dream now, let YOUR life begin

Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good morning, Lord,” and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good Lord, its morning.”

Give me a sense of humor, Lord, Give me the grace to see a joke, to get some humor out of life, and pass it on to other folk!

Daily life can be made happier. It is a matter of choice. It is our attitude that makes us feel happy or unhappy. It is true, we meet all kinds of situations during the day, and some of them may not be conductive to happiness. We can choose to keep thinking about the unhappy events, and we can choose to refuse to think about them, and instead, relish the happy moments. All of us constantly go through various situations and circumstances, but we do not have to let them influence our reactions and feelings.
If we let outer events influence our moods, we become their slaves. We lose our freedom. We let our happiness be determined by outer forces. On the other hand, we can free ourselves from outer influences. We can choose to be happy, and we can do a lot to add happiness to our lives.
What is happiness? It is a feeling of inner peace and satisfaction. It is usually experienced when there are no worries, fears or obsessing thoughts, and this usually happens, when we do something we love to do or when we get, win, gain or achieve something that we value. It seems to be the outcome of positive events, but it actually comes from the inside, triggered by outer events.
For most people happiness seems fleeting, because they let changing outer circumstances affect it. One of the best ways to keep it is by gaining inner peace through daily meditation. As the mind becomes more peaceful, it becomes easier to choose the happiness habit.

I know the things I have mentioned will help. Sometimes just making ourselves aware of things we take for granted can help us see the big picture. Give it a try what do you have to lose?

Conventional wisdom (and research) says that good communication can improve relationships, increasing intimacy, trust and support. The converse is also true: poor communication can weaken bonds, creating mistrust and even contempt! Here are some examples of negative and even destructive attitudes and communication patterns that can exacerbate conflict in a relationship. How many of these examples sound like something you’d do?

1. Avoiding Conflict Altogether:
Rather than discussing building frustrations in a calm, respectful manner, some people just don’t say anything to their partner until they’re ready to explode, and then blurt it out in an angry, hurtful way. This seems to be the less stressful route—avoiding an argument altogether—but usually causes more stress to both parties, as tensions rise, resentments fester, and a much bigger argument eventually results. It's much healthier to address and resolve conflict.
2. Being Defensive:
Rather than addressing a partner’s complaints with an objective eye and willingness to understand the other person’s point of view, defensive people steadfastly deny any wrongdoing and work hard to avoid looking at the possibility that they could be contributing to a problem. Denying responsibility may seem to alleviate stress in the short run, but creates long-term problems when partners don’t feel listened to and unresolved conflicts and continue to grow.
3. Over generalizing:
When something happens that they don’t like, some blow it out of proportion by making sweeping generalizations. Avoid starting sentences with, “You always…” and “You never…”, as in, “You always come home late!” or “You never do what I want to do!” Stop and think about whether or not this is really true. Also, don’t bring up past conflicts to throw the discussion off-topic and stir up more negativity. This stands in the way of true conflict resolution, and increases the level of conflict.
4. Being Right:
It’s damaging to decide that there’s a ‘right’ way to look at things and a ‘wrong’ way to look at things, and that your way of seeing things is right. Don’t demand that your partner see things the same way, and don’t take it as a personal attack if they have a different opinion. Look for a compromise or agreeing to disagree, and remember that there’s not always a ‘right’ or a ‘wrong’, and those two points of view can both be valid.
5. "Psychoanalyzing" / Mind-Reading:
Instead of asking about their partner’s thoughts and feelings, people sometimes decide that they ‘know’ what their partners are thinking and feeling based only on faulty interpretations of their actions—and always assume it’s negative! (For example, deciding a late mate doesn’t care enough to be on time, or that a tired partner is denying sex out of passive-aggressiveness.) This creates hostility and misunderstandings.
6. Forgetting to Listen:
Some people interrupt, roll their eyes, and rehearse what they’re going to say next instead of truly listening and attempting to understand their partner. This keeps you from seeing their point of view, and keeps your partner from wanting to see yours! Don’t underestimate the importance of really listening and empathizing with the other person!
7. Playing the Blame Game:
Some people handle conflict by criticizing and blaming the other person for the situation. They see admitting any weakness on their own part as a weakening of their credibility, and avoid it at all costs, and even try to shame them for being ‘at fault’. Instead, try to view conflict as an opportunity to analyze the situation objectively, assess the needs of both parties and come up with a solution that helps you both.
8. Trying to ‘Win’ the Argument:
I love it when Dr. Phil says that if people are focused on ‘winning’ the argument, “the relationship loses”! The point of a relationship discussion should be mutual understanding and coming to an agreement or resolution that respects everyone’s needs. If you’re making a case for how wrong the other person is, discounting their feelings, and staying stuck in your point of view, you become focused in the wrong direction!

9. Making Character Attacks:
Sometimes people take any negative action from a partner and blow it up into a personality flaw. (For example, if a husband leaves his socks lying around, looking it as a character flaw and label him ‘inconsiderate and lazy’, or, if a woman wants to discuss a problem with the relationship, labeling her ‘needy’, ‘controlling’ or ‘too demanding’.) This creates negative perceptions on both sides. Remember to respect the person, even if you don’t like the behavior.
10. Stonewalling:
When one partner wants to discuss troubling issues in the relationship, sometimes people defensively stonewall, or refuse to talk or listen to their partner. This can show disrespect and, in certain situations, even contempt, while at the same time letting the underlying conflict grow. Stonewalling solves nothing, but creates hard feelings and damages relationships. It’s much better to listen and discuss things in a respectful manner.

Try working together, think about each of these steps and see if you can improve on at least several of these things a little at a time. Before long you will enjoy talking and listening to your spouse and before you know it you will have a better understanding of what he or she is trying to say.

You’ve probably heard that stress can impact your health. But do you know to what extent? Because stress can weaken your immune system, it can make you more susceptible not only to major diseases such as heart disease, but can increase your risk of catching the common cold and flu. And illness can detract from your overall happiness in a significant way. The following resources can help you to better understand how stress affects your health, and find ways to stay healthier.
How Does Stress Affect The Body?
To understand what stress does to us, imagine you lived tens of thousands of years ago, at a time when humans were threatened by hungry animals such as saber-toothed tigers and wolves. Our caveman ancestors had to be able to react instantly, either by fighting the beasts or running away.
So humans evolved the ability to respond to a stressful situation instantly, by preparing the body for "fight or flight." Under sudden stress, you will get a burst of exceptional strength and endurance, as your body pumps out stress. Sometimes we can still benefit from this "fight or flight" response - like the case of a mother whose child was pinned under a concrete slab during a tornado. Under stress, she found the strength to lift the huge slab with her bare hands, even though it later took three men to move it. But much of the time in modern life, the "fight or flight" response won't help. Yet those stress hormones still flood your system, preparing you for physical action. And if you are under stress frequently, it can harm your physical health.
How Stress Can Hurt Us
It has been estimated that two-thirds of all visits to physicians are for stress-related problems. Recent evidence indicates that the physical changes associated with stress may contribute to the leading causes of death - heart disease and cancer.
The effects of stress include the following:
Stress can cause chronic fatigue, digestive upsets, headaches, and back pain. Stress can affect the blood cells that help you fight off infection, so you are more likely to get colds and other diseases.
Constant stress can increase blood pressure and can increase the risk for stroke. Stress can increase the danger of heart attacks, particularly if you are often angry and mistrustful. Stress can make an asthma attack worse. Stress triggers behaviors that contribute to death and disability, such as smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse, and overeating. Stress can lead to diminished sexual desire and an inability to achieve orgasm. Stress makes it harder to take other steps to improve health, such as giving up smoking or making changes in diet.
What can I do to manage my stress?
The first step is to learn to recognize when you're feeling stressed. Early warning signs of stress include tension in your shoulders and neck, or clenching your hands into fists. The next step is to choose a way to deal with your stress. One way is to avoid the event or thing that leads to your stress--but often this is not possible. A second way is to change how you react to stress. This is often the best way.
Tips for dealing with stress
Don't worry about things you can't control, such as the weather.
Prepare to the best of your ability for events you know may be stressful, such as a job interview.
Try to look at change as a positive challenge, not as a threat.
Work to resolve conflicts with other people.
Talk with a trusted friend, family member or counselor.
Set realistic goals at home and at work.
Exercise on a regular basis.
Eat well-balanced meals and get enough sleep.
Meditate.
Participate in something you don't find stressful, such as sports, social events or hobbies.

It takes work at becoming stress free but you can do it. Once you have learned how to deal with stress where the little things don’t bother you, life will seem much more enjoyable. Try to practice dealing with stress a little each day. The information provided here is for general information only and is not intended to replace the advice of your health-care provider.

Esophageal Cancer is known as the cancer of the esophagus, which is the tube that carries the chewed food and liquids from the throat and into the stomach. It is located behind the windpipe or the trachea and is about 10 inches long for adults. This kind of cancer is a serious form since it starts in the inner layer of the esophagus and can cause difficulty in swallowing and a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest. In the past, esophageal cancer was looked at as a condition which cannot be cured, but so far survival rates have improved thanks to technological advances that have made it easier to detect cancer early, which makes it easier and quicker to apply treatments to cure it. Some doctors have also theorized that a change in diet and lifestyle can reduce the patient’s chances of ever developing the cancer of the esophagus.
Types and Forms
There are two major types of Esophageal Cancer known as the squamous cell carcinoma and the adenocarcinoma, which of course would depend on the type of cells that are proven as malignant. For the former, it arises from squamous cells that line the esophagus and occur in the upper and middle areas. For the latter, the cancer usually develops in the glandular tissue found in the lower area of the esophagus.
Symptoms
As compared to other kinds of cancers, symptoms of Esophageal Cancer are easier to detect during the early stages of the disease. Once the cancer advances, the most noticeable signs and symptoms include:
» Dysphagia or the inability/difficulty to swallow food and liquids. Even if this is the most common symptom of esophageal cancer, it usually arises only when the tumor has grown large enough to make the esophagus narrow down to half its width. Normal food like meat and bread may be almost impossible to swallow, which will eventually lead to difficulty in taking in liquids.
» Unintentional weight loss, which is most likely due to the change in diets since it is now difficult to swallow normal food. But of course it can also be because of the nature of cancer since normally cancer causes weight loss and muscle weakness.
» Pains in the throat, chest, and between the shoulder blades
» Vomiting of blood, hoarse voice, and hiccups can occur but usually when the cancer is in its advanced stages already. See your doctor should you have any of these symptoms. Being careful is smart, letting health issues go on without attention can be costly to you and your bank account. Don’t let fear stand in your way.

Uncle Sam was first popularized during the War of 1812, when the term appeared on supply containers. Believe it or not, the U. S. Congress didn't adopt him as a national symbol until 1961.

There are many precise rules for taking care of the American flag. And speaking of flag traditions, I am sorry to report that contrary to legend, historical research has failed to confirm that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag.

Not all members of the Continental Congress supported a formal Declaration of Independence, but those who did were passionate about it. One representative rode 80 miles by horseback to reach Philadelphia and break a tie in support of independence.

The first two versions of the Liberty Bell were defective and had to be melted down and recast. The third version rang every Fourth of July from 1778 to 1835, when, according to tradition, it cracked as it was being tolled for the death of Chief Justice John Marshall.

The American national anthem, the "Star-Spangled Banner," is set to the tune of an English drinking song ("To Anacreon in Heaven").

The iron framework of the Statue of Liberty was devised by French engineer Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, who also built the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The patriotic poem "America the Beautiful" was published on July 4, 1895 by Wellesley College professor Katharine Lee Bates.

Father of the country and architect of independence George Washington held his first public office at the tender age of 17. He continued in public service until his death in 1799.

Before cars ruled the roadway, the Fourth of July was traditionally the most miserable day of the year for horses, tormented by all the noise and by the boys and girls who threw firecrackers at them.

The first Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi occurred at Independence Creek and was celebrated by Lewis and Clark in 1805.

On June 24, 1826, Thomas Jefferson sent a letter to Roger C. Weightman, declining an invitation to come to Washington, D.C., to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It was the last letter that Jefferson, who was gravely ill, ever wrote. Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826.

The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign at the same time, nor did they sign on July 4, 1776. The official event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 men signed it.

The names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were withheld from the public for more than six months to protect the signers. If independence had not been achieved, the treasonable act of the signers would have, by law,

The Liberty Bell sounded from the tower of Independence Hall on July 8, 1776, summoning citizens to gather for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.

June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress, looking to promote national pride and unity, adopted the national flag. “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

Did you know that digestion begins in your mouth? And did you know that you should never drink while you eat? Drinking washes away the enzymes in your saliva.

Chewing your food is an art. Chew slowly, take smaller bites, and chew your food into mush before you swallow. And don't drink liquids while you chew. If you wait until after your meal to drink, you will notice that your mouth produces more saliva as you chew. Sipping on a dark, red wine is an exception. The darker, quality wines contain digestive enzymes, which aid digestion in the mouth and throat, and people typically do not chug wine when they eat.

Your saliva contains the first round of digestive enzymes, and those enzymes prepare what you have eaten for the slide down the esophagus into the stomach. Once in the stomach, the food (now mush) begins its second round of digestion - the stomach acids. If you have swallowed large solid pieces of food, these acids can come back up the esophagus as acid reflux. Sometimes, the food doesn't even get past the esophagus.

Amylase and lysozyme are the enzymes in your saliva. As part of the initial process of food digestion in the mouth, amylase initiates the breakdown of starch into smaller carbohydrates and begins breaking down fats at the molecular level. Lysozyme inhibits bacterial growth in your mouth, and breaks down food caught in your teeth, protecting them from bacteria that can cause tooth decay. So, not only does saliva contain digestive enzymes, saliva also lubricates and protects your teeth, the tongue, and the tender tissues inside your mouth - in other words, aiding cavity prevention and gum health.

Saliva is produced and secreted from the salivary glands. Human saliva is composed mostly of water with electrolytes, mucus, antibacterial compounds, and enzymes.

In your tummy's defense, your stomach doesn't chew your food for you. If it did, we would start babies off with solid foods instead of mushy baby food! If you take a big bite of food and swallow it whole, your stomach is left having to break it down into mush. Your teeth are designed to do that before the food gets into your stomach, and if you have left your tummy to chew for you, you will get a stomachache. Acid reflux typically occurs, and eating is no longer healthy or pleasurable.

If you take a big swallow of water, tea, a soft drink, or alcohol while you are swallowing your food whole, you have washed away the enzymes in your saliva, and your body has missed out on the first steps of digestion.

Chewing has many healthy benefits. Chewing actually exercises your jaw, and this keeps your gums and teeth in fit condition. Chewing tough foods is what exercises the jaw, and this builds healthy teeth and can actually result in less cavities. Dogs chew bones to keep their teeth strong and clean. They chew on toys, sticks, and rope - lots of "chewy things."

Nuts, lean meats, whole grains, apples; even corn on the cob works your mouth and jaw. Chewing foods with high mineral and vitamin content also helps restore nutrients to your teeth. The more you chew, the more saliva is released, and this allows more nutrients in food to be released within your mouth.

What we eat and how we eat shapes our bodies. Begin with your mouth. Learn to take your time when you eat. Take smaller bites, choose foods that require you to chew, and allow your saliva to begin breaking down your food before you swallow. You might find that you enjoy the taste of your food more, that you eat less, and that you no longer have acid reflux. Give it a try.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial shrub native to the Amambay Mountain region of Paraguay, South America.

A small amount of Stevia goes a long way; too much is bitter, while a small amount is sweet.

Stevia has been used in South American countries as a sweet tasting herb for over 1,500 years.

Stevia is used in other countries to treat gum disease and as a treatment for diabetes.

The Japanese make aspartame, but they have used Stevia as their sweetener of choice for over 40 years.

Stevia may actually help prevent dental cavities. Two tests conducted by Purdue University's Dental Science Research Group have concluded that Stevioside (the glycoside in Stevia leaves) is both fluoride compatible and "significantly" inhibits the development of plaque.

Stevia has never been shown to cause brain tumors, seizures, blindness, or any of the other 92 adverse reactions associated with aspartame use.

Unlike aspartame, Stevia reduces the craving for sweets, making it the ideal sweetener for a society desperate to lose weight.

Stevia contains antiseptic properties, which have proven beneficial in accelerating the healing process of skin wounds.

Long popular in other countries, Kombucha tea is gaining popularity in the United States. Although frequently referred to as a mushroom, which it resembles, Kombucha is not a mushroom — it's a colony of bacteria and yeast. Kombucha tea is made by adding the colony to sugar and black or green tea and allowing the mix to ferment. The resulting liquid contains vinegar, B vitamins and a number of other chemical compounds. Kombucha tea is commonly prepared by taking a starter sample from an existing culture and growing a new colony in a fresh jar. Health benefits attributed to Kombucha tea include stimulating the immune system, preventing cancer, and improving digestion and liver function.

Do your homework before considering using Kombucha tea. First, determine the level of evidence supporting the health claims. Kombucha tea's benefits are based on personal reports, and lab and animal studies. To date, there hasn't been a single human trial reported in a major medical journal. This doesn't mean that Kombucha tea can't possibly have health benefits; it just means that at this time there's no direct evidence that it provides the benefits it's reported to have.

The next question you need to ask yourself is whether there have been any reports of harm or illness caused by the product. In the case of Kombucha tea, there are reports of adverse effects such as stomach upset and allergic reactions. There have been reports of toxic reactions and metabolic acidosis. The Food and Drug Administration does caution that the risk of contamination could be high because Kombucha tea is often brewed in homes under non-sterile conditions. Lead poisoning also may be a risk if ceramic pots are used for brewing — the acids in the tea may leach lead from the ceramic glaze.

Right now there's not really very good evidence that Kombucha tea delivers on its health claims. Therefore, until definitive studies quantify the risks and benefits of Kombucha tea, it's prudent to avoid it.

Changing to a vegetarian diet probably won't cure your diabetes. But it may offer some benefits over a non-vegetarian diet — such as helping to better control your weight, reducing your risk of some diabetes-associated complications, and possibly even making your body more responsive to insulin. This, of course, depends on the type of vegetarian diet you choose and the particular food choices you make when following the diet.

There's no single vegetarian eating plan. A vegan diet is the strictest of all vegetarian diets. Vegans eat no animal meat and no foods that come from animals, such as dairy products and eggs. Other types of vegetarian diets may allow dairy products and eggs.

A strict vegan diet is cholesterol-free and generally low in saturated fat. Vegetarian diets that include generous amounts of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes are high in fiber and phytochemicals. Vegetarian diets often are lower in calories than are non-vegetarian diets. All of these factors benefit people with diabetes.

Significant weight loss resulting from a vegetarian diet can improve type 2 diabetes in people who are obese. But this is also true of similar weight loss from a non-vegetarian diet. Some research indicates that a vegetarian diet makes your body more responsive to insulin — which is a very good thing if you have diabetes. In fact, in a 2006 study published in the journal Diabetes Care, 43 percent of people with type 2 diabetes who ate a low-fat vegan diet reduced their need for diabetes medications.

A vegetarian diet could also reduce your risk of diabetes-associated complications such as cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. But again, this depends on the specific food choices you make. If you have diabetes, talk to a dietitian before switching to a vegetarian diet. A dietitian can help you create an eating plan that provides all the needed nutrients and the right number of calories to maintain a healthy weight.

Imagination was given to us to compensate for what we are not; a sense of humor was given to us to console us for what we are.

What is depression?
Everyone gets the blues now and then, but when there is little joy or pleasure after visiting with friends or after seeing a good movie, there may be a more serious problem. A depressed mood that stays around for a while, without letting up, can change the way a person thinks or feels. Doctors call this “clinical depression.” Depression is a common, serious illness and not a personal weakness. Depression can happen to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group. It is never a “normal” part of life. Depression, which is treatable, can come from chemical imbalances in the brain, hormonal changes, medications or things going on in your life. Women suffer from depression twice as often as men. One out of four women may have depression sometime during their lifetime. Many people suffer with depression but don’t seek help.
What are the symptoms of depression?
If you experience five or more of the following symptoms and they last for more than two weeks, or if the symptoms interfere with your daily routine, see a doctor or a qualified mental health professional. A physical examination to rule out other illnesses may be recommended. A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood sleeping too little or too much, reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain, loss of interest or lack of pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex restlessness or irritability, persistent physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment (such as headaches, chronic pain, or constipation and other digestive disorders), difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions, fatigue or loss of energy, feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless, thoughts of death or suicide.
What causes depression?
Many things can lead to clinical depression. Following are factors that can contribute to the illness:
Biological - People with depression may have too little or too much of certain brain chemicals. Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or play a role in clinical depression.
Cognitive - People with negative thinking and low self-esteem are more likely to develop clinical depression.
Gender - Women experience clinical depression nearly twice as often as men. The reasons for this are still not understood, but may include hormonal changes women go through during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. Other reasons may include the stress caused by the many responsibilities that women have.
Co-occurrence - Depression is more likely to occur along with certain illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and hormonal disorders.
Medications - Side effects of some medications can bring about depression.
Genetic- A family history of clinical depression increases the risk for developing the illness.
Situational - Difficult life events, including divorce, financial problems or the death of a loved one can contribute to clinical depression.
How is depression treated?
Depression is the most treatable of all mental illnesses. About 60 percent to 80 percent of depressed people can be treated successfully. Depending on the case, various kinds of therapies seem to work. Treatments such as psychotherapy and support groups help people deal with major changes in life. Several short-term (12-20 weeks) “talk” therapies have proven useful. One method helps patients recognize and change negative thinking patterns that led to the depression. Another approach focuses on improving a patient's relationships with people as a way to reduce depression and feelings of despair.
Antidepressant drugs can also help. These medications can improve mood, sleep, appetite and concentration. There are several types of antidepressant drugs available. Drug therapies often take time before there are real signs of progress. It is important to keep taking medication until it has a chance to work. After feeling better, it is important to continue the medication for at least four to nine months to prevent a recurrence of the depression. Never stop taking an antidepressant without consulting your doctor. Antidepressant drugs can have side effects but they are usually temporary. If side effects persist and are troublesome, contact your doctor. In some cases, you may need to try different medicines to find the one(s) that help the most.
Are there things I can do to help myself?
Set realistic goals and don’t take on too many tasks.
Try to be with others and confide in someone.
Participate in activities that you enjoy.
Exercise in moderation.
Remember feeling better will take time.
Don’t make any important decisions until the depression has lifted.
Let your family and friends help you.
Start off the New Year with a good attitude, start by taking good care of yourself. When you feel good and look forward to living each day to the fullest, you then will be ready to share and help others. Life is a gift, share it but first of all you must treasure it and respect it yourself. Happy New Year, be safe and stay healthy.

Let me share a story that comes truly with love from the heart. I have a small store in the town where I live in Lebanon Missouri, a small store like the old 5 & 10. We have a little bit of everything for everyone. A place where ladies come to buy their much loved embroidery work. Hand embroidery has been around for years and maybe you too have been blessed with some beautiful hand stitched homemade craft designed embroidery work from a Grandmother, Mother or a special friend. These embroidery items are special, for every thread and stitch sewn into the cloth takes time and as the work is colored into each design a picture of love is formed. However, many times after we have been given the handiwork for years our givers know that their work is no longer wanted or maybe needed. The ladies have expressed to me how much they enjoy doing the hand embroidery work and don’t want to stop doing the hobby they so love, but wish they could give their gift of work to someone who would use it or enjoy it. I told the ladies I would see what I could do to make their work appreciated by someone.

Then one day while stocking the shelves I had a brain storm. If I donate the 9 x 9 blocks or the 18 x 18 blocks to the ladies and allow them to embroidery the block and design it in anyway that they want, when the ladies were finished with their block they would bring it back to me and I would have their name machine embroidered on their block. That block then would be the center and start to a lap quilt we would make for a cancer patient or a foster child. The donated lap quilt would be given to the cancer patient or the foster child filled with love and warmth from our hearts. The person receiving the lap quilt would see all the pretty embroidery needlework, while feeling the love and warmth that went into this gift we donated just for them. I put this idea out to my customers and the ladies loved the idea, it took off and the ladies didn’t stop at just one quilt block some of the customers made 4 to 10 quilt blocks with their friends or family members. This began a community project and the best thing of all everyone felt good, useful, and needed while doing what the loved.

My next step was to find someone to help me put the quilts together, quilt them, and bind them. It didn’t take long I mentioned this project to several ladies and they stepped up and wanted to donate their time to embroidery the names on the quilt blocks, help with the designing and sewing of the quilts, several ladies said they would donate the quilting needed for the quilts and the binding to finish them. I put the word out in the community about needing scraps of fabric, we asked anyone who had fabric they no longer wanted or needed to drop it off for this project to use to piece the front of the quilts. I told the ladies that my shop would furnish the batting, the fabric for the backing of each quilt and the storage bags to pack the quilts in until the quilts were given away. This is how the group was formed and is now known as “Lebanon’s Community Quilting Angels”.

This group has set a goal of one year to make 500 lap quilts and have them all given away within a year and a half. There will be a CD available at the end of this project with all the quilts that were made and designed. A small donation will be asked for on the CD’s. Should anyone wish to purchase a CD the donation will go towards the cost of the making of the CD’s and the extra cost of pictures and cards that were made which accompanied each quilt given away.

The very first quilt was given away on Christmas Eve to a man who has cancer. He loved the quilt and appreciated all the time and the needlework that went into it. He said he would think of us all whenever he used the quilt. I wish everyone could have seen the look on the man’s face he was so proud of his lap quilt gift.

This story is one of people working together to do for others. It has been
fun and though we are less than half way done on this project we will finish this dream together and help many of our friends, families, and loved ones along the way. God Bless all of those wonderful ladies who have helped and given so much of their time and love to this project while helping others feel loved, warm and cared for.

Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what
you shouldn't have said.

Children: You spend the first 2 years of their life teaching them to walk and talk.
Then you spend the next 16 years telling them to sit down and shut-up.

Children are natural mimics who act like their parents, despite every effort to teach
them good manners.

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the drive
before it has stopped snowing.

Children will soon forget your presents. They will always remember your presence.

A child's greatest period of growth is the month after you've purchased new school clothes.

The best inheritance parents can give their children is a few minutes of their time each day.

This New Year is going to be a tough one for everyone. So many Americans have lost their jobs, their homes, and their health insurance their good common sense on how to buy and what to spend. People have been forced to change their lifestyles because of the way the economy is right now throughout the United States. There are so many uncontrollable reasons which many of us have no control, or do we have control and have just forgot how to live within our means? I had to write this article because everyone I talk to has the same comments and very few people stop to think about what they can or could due to make a difference.

Let’s start by using the word frugal. How many of us dislike this word or maybe the word reminds us of having to give up enjoying life just to live. You don't have to be poor to be frugal. There are many reasons a family can decide to be frugal. You may want to save money for your kid’s college, or retire early, or you may be trying to help the environment by not wasting resources. Whatever your reason, here is some information and tips you need to save money, get great deals, and recycle used items. Don't consider the names of tightwad, penny-pincher or cheapskate as derogatory, but as a badge of success. The word frugal means, not wasteful; not spending freely or unnecessarily; thrifty; economical, not costly or luxurious; inexpensive or meager.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We wanted to make sure our holiday season was the happiest season, but now it’s the New Year and we have blown our budget and need help. Here are a few things that might help you for the New Year.
1. Create a holiday planning journal or book to stay on track over the entire year and the holidays. Make a list of gifts, cards, invitations, menus, grocery-shopping, and
to-dos. Include a countdown calendar to help you plan when you will get everything finished. Spread the workload over a number of weeks to avoid last-minute stress.
2. About a month before the holidays, write a list of the people for whom you will be buying gifts, ideas for what you’d like to get them, where you will purchase them, and the estimated amount each present will cost.
3. Window-shop online to narrow down your ideas before you head out to stores.
4. Consolidate gift-shopping trips and purchase a few gifts at one time. Plan to have all your purchasing completed at least two weeks ahead of time. Wrap and label them as soon as you get home.
5. Keep all your entertaining supplies—table linens, candles, china, glassware, silverware, party place settings, and decorations—in one go-to place so you don’t waste time searching for seasonal items.
6. When going shopping Ask for a discount. Don’t be shy: It’ll work more often than you think, especially in troubled economic times when businesses are struggling to unload inventory. Before you check out, ask a salesperson whether there are any advertised sales you’re unaware of stores often keep extra coupons on hand. And always push for an additional 10 to 20 percent off slightly damaged items, floor models, and high-ticket purchases such as sofas, plasma TVs, and luxury goods.
7. Use cash Credit cards have a funny way of blurring how much you’ve spent, whereas doling out greenbacks allows you to keep track of exactly where you are within your budget. Plus, some mom-and-pop stores will offer up to a 10 percent discount for cash purchases since they’re sick of getting squeezed by their banks with a 2 to 3 percent interchange fee for credit card transactions.
8. Shop online. Many websites have exclusive holiday sales that aren’t available in stores. To get the most bang for your buck, focus on sites like zappos.com and revolveclothing.com that offer free shipping even on returns.
9. Don’t discount discount chains. Pricey brand-name merchandise that doesn’t sell in stores often ends up at markdown meccas like TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and Loehmann’s, as well as online discount stores such as overstock.com. (Outlets, including Nordstrom Rack and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, are also great destinations for high-end merchandise at a fraction of the original price.) Remember: a Polo shirt is a Polo shirt, regardless of what it says on the box.
10. Consider buying in bulk. Snapping up more than one or two of the same item such as books, clothing, and cosmetics may earn you a discount, especially at stores that are liquidating. Besides, buying ten candles in your favorite scent is a great way to knock out no-brainer gifts for Secret Santa exchanges, your hairdresser, and the like.
11. Avoid opening store credit cards. Stay strong when the salesclerk offers you a discount on your purchase for opening up a store card. While it may be tempting in the moment, the interest rates on those cards tend to be steep, and opening up lots of accounts can affect your credit rating down the line.
12. Gift a favor. Time really is money just ask all those frazzled people on your list. Wrap up a hand-made I.O.U. promising your pal a weekend of babysitting, pet care, or house-cleaning. Then make sure to keep insisting that they take you up on it.
13. Use good judgment, buy smart. Look at the special grocery sales ads weekly on food items. Buy in bulk and on sale so that you can get several different meals from the same cut of meats. Make large batches of food and freeze 1/2 of the prepared meal so when having to work late dinner is already made, all you have to do is heat it up.
14. Buy clothes on sale or when there are discounted. Many times stores have closeouts at the end of each season. Save money buy smart. Garage sales are fun many of them have good name brand clothes for reasonable prices.
15. Try to stay healthy. Wash your hands, take your vitamins and stay away from people who are ill or not feeling well. Eating a good balanced diet helps. Make wise choices and remember they do pay off.
16. Sell things you don’t use or need put the extra money back use it towards something you might need or if something unexpected comes up. Think twice before throwing out something someone else might be able to use. I help people who have had a house fire; many times they have nothing and are grateful for your help and donations.
Thinking about what you do, making good decisions makes you a wiser person and you will and can become a very frugal person, one who will always have or should have money in your pockets. Have a good, healthy and safe year ahead.

A brand new span of weeks and days
will start with shouts of cheer and praise.
A pack of weeks, yes, fifty-two,
for us to use for plans anew.
So let us now with silent prayer
resolve to use this year with care,
and make each moment really count
in kindness, an endless amount,
in thoughtfulness and truth and trust,
in deeds humane and actions just.
And if we do this, never fear,
This will be a Happy New Year.

Usually I try to take it one day at a time; lately several attacked me all at once...

There you have it some more nonsense for 2009 how many of these sayings have you heard before? Have a great year and smile it helps, Makes Today Count.

Lung cancer is a major killer of men and women across the country. Air pollutants, secondhand smoke, cigarette smoking especially, and other causative factors contribute to the disease. Most of us think that the lung cancer is mostly common among the cigarette smokers and it is true that the vast majority of cases are or were smokers. But there are non-smokers do get lung cancer and smokers who don't get it.
Signs of lung cancer are often not apparent in the early stages. However it is better to identify lung cancer as soon as possible.

The most common early symptom of lung cancer is haemoptysis (coughing up blood). Consider this early symptom a warning sign of a cancer, which may be curable. If you find that you are coughing up blood, you should immediately contact your doctor, especially if you are 40 years of age, or older, with a long-term smoking habit. Some of the primary signs include:
Hacking, persistent cough, Coughing up blood, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Chest pain, lost of appetite, lost weight, Recurring bronchitis or pneumonia.
The above symptoms also being the symptoms of many other lung problems, so it is always advisable to see a physician to ascertain the cause. Secondary signs of simple cell lung cancer include:
Weakness, Difficulty swallowing, Changes in nails, Hoarse or raspy voice, High fever, swelling of facial features.

It's true that most symptoms of lung cancer do not show themselves until the disease is in its advanced stages.
However, sometimes people exhibit signs early in the disease's development. It is imperative that the first notice of symptoms or concern sends you straight to the doctor. The sooner treatment is begun, the better. A cure is possible if caught early enough and, if not, then a better quality of life and more of it.

When lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, organs and bones, referred to as 'metastasizing', signs and symptoms include: Aching and sharp bone pain, Changes in the brain that exhibit themselves, through weakness, numbness, dizziness, and seizure, Jaundice (whites of eyes, nails, and skin yellow)
Masses near the skin's surface, Headaches, Numbness and loss of sensation in your extremities.

All of these signs and symptoms of lung cancer may be caused by other health problems. The only way to know for sure is to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Sitting on a beach? Looking at television eight hours a day? I think we have to appreciate that we're alive for only a limited period of time, and we'll spend most of our lives working. That being the case, I believe one of the most important priorities is to do whatever we do as well as we can. We should take pride in that.” —Victor Kiam

What a wonderful time! A new year. A fresh start. Now, what are we going to do with this gift? Let’s give our day’s meaningful purpose by establishing or reordering our priorities. Figure out what are the deeply personal things that are important to you and your life. Realize that priorities are not written in stone, so you will need to be flexible and change them as needed.

As our lives grow more hurried and busy, we need to allow ourselves a little more time everyday to organize our thoughts and make our plans. Do not dwell on goals that were not accomplished in the past. Focus only on the here and now and you’re most important priorities that will make your life more fulfilled and complete from this day on.

A New Chapter in My Life

It has been 13 long months since I have written an article for the story section on my website Moments with Mary. If you have read the last story written in October 2007 you know it was about the loss of my little dog Ginger. She died a useless death from some bad food which we purchased for her from our local Wal-mart store that was tainted from China I blamed myself for the purchase of the dog treats since we gave it to her for her fifth birthday not having anyway of knowing that the very treats we fed her would end up killing her. Ginger played a very big part in my life and my families not to mention many cancer patients’ lives too; she will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Only God knew the hurt I had been feeling everyday since the loss of Ginger. On Wednesday October 23rd 2008 God sent me an angel with a gift of love. I knew nothing about this lady before that day but the gift of love she brought into my life to share with me and my family will never be forgotten. I guess God knows when the timing is right and when we are ready for someone else who is special to share our life again.
It was the end of the work day and we were about to close the store when the phone rang and a voice on the other end said,” Mary, are you going to be there for a few more minutes? I would like to come by and show you something.” Not having any idea that a small ball of fur with four tiny feet and weighing less than 2 pounds would be coming into our life. It was 6 days until the death of Ginger would be a year and I had been very uneasy about the date coming up and knowing I still had no comfort of forgetting that day even thought it was almost a year the hurt was still there deep in my soul.

The special lady named Nancy came through the door with a small Pomeranian pup the same color as Ginger and she wanted me to accept this gift from her with the only request being to love and take good care of this tiny little Pomeranian who of course made my heart jump and my legs shake. It seemed like only yesterday I was holding Ginger like this but I knew that she was now gone forever and that we both shared 4 good years together and it was time for me to move on. Of course, I will never ever forget Ginger, but I knew from that moment on this pup was brought into my life for a reason and hopefully for a lifetime and that it needed to be loved and that she to would fill my heart with her love and make some special memories of a whole new kind for me to start remembering.

Its funny how life is, we don’t have control God does and when we let God handle things everything seems to go right and get better. I want to Thank this wonderful angel named Nancy who shared a gift with me and my family that will never be forgotten and will be treasured forever. The little Pomeranian Pup is named Palin LeAnn and is very different to say the least which has helped me to love her for who she is and not compare her with Ginger. Palin is her own person and she doesn’t let me forget it for a minute. I must say we have been blessed with a potty trained dog again. Palin at 8 weeks old goes to the door and tells us she has to go out. She has never gone potty on the floor. She sits up and when she doesn’t want to hear something over and over again she places her paw over our mouth and holds it there until we are quite.
Of course we have spoiled Palin she doesn’t get any treats from the store only homemade treats, we know what is in her food. She loves vegetables both cooked and raw she has a special diet and seems to enjoy everything we give her. Special Thanks to Nancy, Palin and of course to the Lord for showing me it was time to share my love again.

The year has turned its circle,
The seasons come and go.
The harvest all is gathered in
And the chilly north winds blow.

Orchards have shared their treasures,
The fields, their yellow grain,
Now open wide your doorways ---
Welcoming in both family and friends,
Count your many blessings for it’s
Thanksgiving Day again!

"You have powers you never dreamed of. You can do things you never thought you could do. There are no limitations in what you can do except the limitations of your own mind."
- Darwin P. Kingsley

Empowerment is a kind of personal power... an awakening to grace. It's a sense of purpose, where even superstitious belief can have a positive effect on your mind.

A feeling that no matter what others do, you feel secure with who you are: you've achieved authentic happiness.

It doesn't matter what life may throw your way, you know that you can handle adversity and come out the other end a better person; or at least more knowledgable for next time.

Nothing can steal your heart away
Quicker than Indian Summer days,
When the sun is warm and the shadows are cool,
The lake water stands like a bright blue pool.
The warm sand begs you to bare your feet
The balmy air is meadow-sweet,
Leaves are falling from colorful trees,
And nature has moved in, merely to tease...
She comes with her warm days, just to betray...
For winter is only a breath away!

To breathe freely, irrigate your nasal passages with a neti pot and warm salt water. As you clear and soothe the sinuses, congestion associated with allergies or a sinus infection will gradually disappear.
If you feel a cold or ill health coming on, brew a wellness elixir. Simmer three sliced lemons, one teaspoon freshly grated ginger, one clove freshly minced garlic, and one quarter teaspoon cayenne pepper in five cups water until the lemons are soft and pale. Strain a portion into a mug and add honey (until you can endure the taste). Drinking this potent mixture of antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal ingredients three times each day can help your symptoms not progress into a full-blown illness.
Applying pressure to the acupressure point between the thumb and forefinger can release blockages causing pain, tension, and fatigue. You can relieve a headache or a stuffy nose naturally by squeezing for 20 seconds and releasing for 10 seconds, without letting go, four times.
Cold hands and cold feet in the winter can be annoying, but if you can't seem to get them to "warm up", this may be a sign of hypothyroidism or low thyroid function. People who eat more hot peppers actually have fewer ulcers. And they can really warm you up on a cold day. If you feel tired or groggy after a big meal, it may be a sign that your blood sugar is too high.
Cold and stiff muscles during the winter months can be relieved with foods like broccoli that contain sulforaphane, a phytochemical that blocks the enzymes that trigger inflammation and joint pain. The Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon also protect against inflammation.
This is some good information I have used with my family with results that does work.

Some Turkey Trivia

The red or pink fleshy growth on the head and upper neck of the turkey is called 'caruncle'.
The bright red appendage on the neck of the turkey is called 'wattle'.
The black lock of hair found on the chest of the male turkey is called 'beard'.
Frozen, fully stuffed turkeys, ready to cook, were introduced in 1955.
Long before the Europeans came to America it was the Aztecs who used to domesticate turkeys to use them as food. They also used turkeys for religious sacrifices and their feathers for decoration.
The turkey was considered a sacrificial bird in Mexico.
Turkey is the state game bird of Alabama.
The Wild Turkey is the official state bird of Oklahoma.
The Wild Turkey was designated the state game bird of Massachusetts on December 23, 1991.
Turkey eggs are tan with brown specks.
Domesticated turkey hens that are artificially inseminated, lay around 80 to 100 eggs during a 25 week laying cycle and each egg takes 28 days to hatch.
The typical 15-pound turkey is seventy percent white meat and thirty percent dark meat. White meat contains less calories and less fat as compared to dark meat.
When Neil Armstrong and Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin went on the moon, they took 'roasted turkey' and all the trimmings with them.
In 2000 the total turkey production in the United States was 269,969,000 turkeys.
In 2002 the total turkey production in the United States was 270 million turkeys.
Turkeys have heart attacks. When the Air Force was conducting test runs and breaking the sound barrier, fields of turkeys would drop dead.
Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the official bird of the United States but eventually lost out to the bald eagle.

There's no doubt about it -- it feels good to give! A recent landmark psychological study shows that people feel the best about themselves and about life when they're giving to others. When we encourage kids to volunteer their time and energy, we're helping them develop feelings of self-worth. This is a critical component of their moral development. How do you help other people? How does helping them make you feel? Can you and your children recall the times you have helped others? Maybe by helping to aid a family member, participate in a community service project, tutor a younger student, and so on.
Volunteering is a healthy outlet. Volunteering has been associated with improving life expectancy. It helps you meet new people all the time, it keeps you active, and most of all you are helping people. Volunteering is an altruistic act. A good way to get away from our problems is to do something for others. Helping people who are less fortunate than ourselves can help us appreciate what we have. Amazingly, volunteering has a double reward. When we help others who are less fortunate, they are most often very grateful and they view us as a hero of sorts. The feeling of validation that comes from being appreciated can be the very stepping stone needed to step up from depression to a healthier mental state.
Time - in this day and age when people are busy busy busy time is a precious commodity. Giving of our time will allow us to interrupt our regular routine and make room for the needy. Giving of our time will see us helping out in charity shops, or meal services, or working bees. Giving of our time will see us visiting people and doing things for them.
Giving - our gifts and talents will see us knitting baby booties for new mothers, making cushions for breast cancer patients, gardening for the elderly, reading to the housebound, cooking meals for the sick and recovering, doing maintenance for the single mum – the list is endless. We need to keep our eyes open for ways we can serve with our gifts. When we give of ourselves this way people are blessed.
Love – When we talk of volunteering we think of all the things we can do – it is a constant challenge with our society – we think doing instead of being. But the heart of volunteering comes from being willing to share our love. It is a being thing. Can we be love to the people around us? Everyone needs love – our family, our neighbor’s, the people we meet in the street as well as the people that we have to go out of our way to meet.
The holidays are a time to embrace the spirit of generosity. This time of year is particularly challenging for those less fortunate. Consider the following volunteer or giving opportunities this holiday season.

The list goes on and on all you have to do is ask and people who volunteer will be more than glad to help direct you to somebody who needs help. I have donated my time and my services for the last 30 years in many different areas too many people. The best reward at the end of every mission is the smile on people’s faces and a hug. This is what feeds my soul and heart. God Bless and help others.

Benefits of Sweet Potatoes; An endorsement of sweet potatoes as a nutritious food helpful in the prevention of disease comes from the North Carolina Stroke Association, American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association. And they're not the only ones noticing the attributes of sweet potatoes.
In 1992, the Center for Science in the Public Interest compared the nutritional value of sweet potatoes to all other vegetables. Considering fiber content, complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, the sweet potato ranked highest in nutritional value. According to these criteria, sweet potatoes earned 184 points, 100 points over the next on the list, the white potato. The Center strongly recommends eating more sweet potatoes since a nutritious diet is one that is high in fiber, provides many nutrients, is rich in complex carbohydrates, and is low in fat.
More Fiber: The sweet potato is a good source of dietary fiber, which lowers the risk for constipation, diverticulosis, colon and rectal cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. The fiber in sweet potatoes provides a feeling of fullness and satiety, which helps to control food intake.
More Antioxidants: Antioxidants play a role in the prevention of heart disease and cancer, and sweet potatoes supply plenty of the antioxidants, vitamin E and beta-carotene. These substances are effective in neutralizing free radicals, which are responsible for damage to cell walls and cell structures. Vitamin E also protects against heart attack and stroke by reducing the harmful effects of low-density cholesterol and preventing blood clots.
Antioxidants are essential for good brain functioning and in delay in the effects of aging on the brain. A low level of vitamin E has been linked with memory loss. A Columbia University study showed a delay of about seven months in the progression of Alzheimer's disease when subjects consumed high levels of vitamin E. This fat-soluble vitamin is found mainly in high-fat foods such as oils, nuts, and avocados. Only the sweet potato provides vitamin E without the fat and calories.
Sweet potatoes contain 30 mg (50,000 IU) of beta-carotene (vitamin A) in one cup, which is four times the USRDA. You would have to eat 23 cups of broccoli to consume the same amount of beta-carotene. Health professionals believe that carotenoids give protection from the formation of free radicals and are chemo protective against cancer.
The Finnish study of 10,000 smokers, reviewed in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1994, tested the effects of taking beta-carotene supplements to prevent lung cancer. It was based on the earlier finding that individuals who have higher blood levels of beta-carotene have a lower incidence of lung cancer. To the researchers' horror, those who took the supplements actually had a higher rate of lung cancer and the study was discontinued. Researchers concluded that beta-carotene has a protective effect only when consumed in food, the original and best source. The nutrient-packed sweet potato is the richest source of this protective substance.
Low Glycemic Index: Different foods have different effects on blood glucose. The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly glucose is absorbed after a person eats, how high glucose rises, and how quickly it returns to normal. A low glycemic index is desirable and is characterized by slow absorption, a modest rise in blood glucose, and a smooth return to normal. Fast absorption, a surge in blood glucose, and an overreaction that plunges glucose below normal are undesirable and are the result of eating foods with a high glycemic index. This distinction is especially important for people with diabetes, whose good health is dependent upon stable blood glucose levels. As a result, getting enough carbohydrates without causing glucose spikes can prove challenging. For example, white potatoes, corn, rice, and white bread all have a high glycemic index and can cause a spike and an ultimate drop in blood sugar. Diabetics and others wanting to avoid glucose highs and lows can turn to sweet potatoes, which have a low glycemic index.
Excellent Source of Potassium: Potassium plays a major role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and cell integrity. Controlling potassium distribution is a high priority for the body because it affects many aspects of homeostasis, including a steady heartbeat. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best sources of potassium, and sweet potatoes are among the top three richest sources, along with bananas and white potatoes.
Dr. Robert Cordell, emeritus professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, highly recommends sweet potatoes. "Sweet potatoes, a readily available and wonderfully tasteful root vegetable in the southeastern United States, are frequently overlooked regarding their health value. Most remain unaware of the significant health benefits of this low-fat, high fiber vegetable that is such a rich source of vitamins A and E. Sweet potatoes, therefore, contain significant deterrents to heart disease and stroke, both of which tend to be higher in our part of the country. In addition, reports have suggested anti-cancer effects. With these facts in mind, all of us should make sweet potatoes a more frequent part of our regular diet." Staying healthy is something we all need to work at on a daily basis.

Shocking Facts on Peanut Allergies

One of the most common staples of air travel is the little bag of peanuts. If you have a peanut allergy, this is a dangerous perk. Below are some great information and some helpful tips for travelers. Throughout the year, FAN receives many calls from members who are seeking guidance for requesting a peanut-free flight. Below is a set of suggested guidelines for peanut-allergic passengers flying on U.S. carriers. However, each person must create a plan based on his or her particular case.
As of August 2000, the only major U.S. airline that does not serve peanut snacks is United, but you should confirm this with them because airlines have been known to change their policy. This does not mean they are peanut-free, because they may have peanut ingredients in their meals or other passengers may carry peanuts on the plane with them. No airline can guarantee a peanut-free flight. However, some airlines are willing to serve non-peanut snacks upon request; others will make no accommodations. No matter which airline you choose, let them know up front that you are requesting they serve a non-peanut snack to everyone on your flight. If the reservation agent doesn't seem to understand what you are requesting, ask to speak to a supervisor or special service coordinator (titles vary by airline).

The story I am about to share with you is true, but very sad. It is a story that must be told and hopefully others can and will learn from our loss before they are faced with an unpleasant ending like we have just experienced. This day will never be forgotten and I pray we never have to relive this shocking, tragic, uncalled for event again in our lifetime. We still feel guilty, helpless, powerless, and betrayed by the very companies that state how good and nutritious their pet food is for our special pets. We must make all pet food companies accountable for their actions. We need better control of the food supply when it comes to our pets, if this can’t be monitored and kept in check then ask yourself what does this mean for all of us. Our pets trust us to care for them and many times we think we are doing a good job in caring for them. However, ask yourself these questions. Do you really know what you are buying and feeding your pets? Are the products safe enough to eat? Have you checked to see where the products are manufactured and where they are coming from? What kind of standards are in place for this food supply? Where is the pet food being processed and how and with what? Have you checked for recalls on the foods that you are feeding your pets? How can we be sure about all the products that we are feeding our pets? Is the recall list current and are all the foods that are bad really listed? Sometimes we have very little power or control to any of the questions I have listed above. There is one thing we can do and that is don’t let our guard down be extra careful, don’t assume anything, check and recheck, when in doubt don’t feed or buy.

Seems like only yesterday Ginger, my little Pomeranian was given to me from a friend who knew I would love and take care of her forever. Ginger came into my life when she was only 6 months old, a ball of fur with a personality all her own. I remember lying down on the floor that very first day looking her in the eye and having a talk with her about getting things understood from the very beginning. I told Ginger that I would love her unconditionally and become her very best friend, but in return I wanted her to obey me and try not to cause me any unwanted, unnecessary work or trouble. Ending with the statement that I hoped her and I could share a long and happy life together. Ginger tilted her little head and wagged her tail then licked my face, letting me know that she really understood what I had just said and that she agreed to the rules of her new home. That was five years ago.

Ginger, I must admit did more than keep up her part of the bargain. She was always eager to learn as we taught her new things. Some of her special talents included;

Ginger always tried to please me and the rest of the family showing us that she could and would try whatever we expected of her. Ginger won over all of our hearts. She became one of the smartest little dogs we ever owned and sometimes she was more like a little child than the title she was born with, known as dog. Ginger will never be forgotten and will live on within our souls forever. She was a family pleaser never wanting to leave anyone out sharing her love with each of us. The love and joy she brought into our home will never be forgotten and her personality was and always will be one of a kind.

On October 4th 2007 Ginger turned 5 years old and of course she loved presents and for her fifth birthday our daughter brought her a pretty new dress which Ginger fell in love with and wanted to wear almost all of the time, she also received a box of her favorite little milk bones and two other packages of treats she loved so much. However those gifts turned her life and ours into a night mare we will never forget.
On Saturday, October 27th 2007 Ginger woke up and after doing several tricks and giving us some kisses and loving she wanted a treat so we gave her several treats from the new box that she received on her birthday. Several hours later Ginger seemed to be a little restless. We thought that was a little strange, but then she went to lie down so we thought maybe she was just tired. I was cleaning out some cupboards and while sitting on the floor she came over to me and just wanted to be held. I stopped what I was doing gave her a hug and told her I loved her. She then went to our daughter and did the same thing as she was walking back through the kitchen her back legs just went completely out from under her and she slumped to the floor. We picked her up; she was limp and incoherent almost like she had fainted. We washed her face and took her outside where she went potty and threw up several times. We sat with her and within a few minutes she seemed to be better so we decided that maybe she had just eaten her treats too fast earlier. Ginger was quite the rest of the day. She really didn’t seem too much like herself. Later in the day she had dry heaves and then towards evening she threw up white foam like substance twice. After several hours passed she seemed to be some what better. But wanted to be held and loved.
On Sunday morning Ginger wanted to go outside and again seemed a little uneasy. She didn’t eat anything all day Sunday and would not drink. Throughout the day Ginger threw up yellow mucus on and off into the evening. Ginger’s paws and lower legs were cold to the touch we wrapped her in a blanket to try and keep her warm. She seemed to be getting weaker. We went to bed around 11:30 p.m. Ginger wanted to lie close to both my husband and myself. I woke up around 2:25 a.m. to check on Ginger she raised her head and looked at me. She seemed a little cool so I covered her up and laid back down patting her head gently and telling her its okay, go back to sleep. At 3:00 a.m. my husband woke me up and told me Ginger was not breathing. She had passed away.
This never should have happened. We feel guilty, helpless, and the loss is unbearable. Ginger had lived up to all her promises with us, it was us who let her down by putting trust into the very pet food companies who should have made a safe and nutritious product like they have stated and promised on their packaged foods. We want everyone who is a pet owner to read the website on pet food recalls. You will be shocked to read what is really happening to the food you are giving your pets. The news media isn’t reporting everything to us, why? We are not the only sad pet owners who have experienced this loss, but from this day on we will pass this information to everyone we meet and we will make sure people know about the dog food companies who are doing wrong. Think twice about giving your dog pet food and treats made available on the market from ALL the many pet food companies.
We have since found out that the same week we lost our dog there have been many others throughout our surrounding area, as well as throughout the United States who have experienced the very same terrible misfortune due to the unhealthy pet foods and treats being sold with tainted contents. The people we have talked to gave their pets the very same treats. We called the store where the products were purchased and they assured us that the treats have been taken off the shelves now, we asked why they sold them in the first place. It will take us a long time to ever get over this terrible loss if ever; please don’t let this happen to you or your pets. Our animals love us unconditionally and trust us we need to remember that just because we are told that food products are safe doesn’t mean they are.
You can also check out Ginger on this website please share some of her latest memories with us. God Bless you Ginger. Please forgive us for ever buying and then feeding you those poisonous treats that you received on your 5th birthday.

Some of the feelings experienced by women diagnosed with breast cancer are outlined below. Most women find that, over time, distressing feelings ease. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with others, even painful feelings, can help you cope with your diagnosis. However you might find it helpful to talk with one or more of the following: your specialist; breast care nurse; GP; psychiatrist; psychologist; counselor; or other women who have had breast cancer. Some of the feelings you may experience are; Shock, Anger, Isolation or loneliness, Self blame, Search for meaning, Sadness or depression, and last but not least .Anxiety or fear
Shock
You may think "This can’t be happening to me". You may have a sense of disbelief or unreality, or you may not realize what’s happening. You may feel like an outsider, looking at a scene that seems unreal.
Anger
You may think "Why me?" It’s natural at some stage to feel anger, envy and resentment. Maybe you feel envious of all the ‘healthy’ people you see, and resent that you have to cope with this diagnosis. You may be angry with your God or angry with your body, which you might feel has let you down. Maybe you feel angry because you have lost some control over a part of your life. Maybe you feel angry with the way a member of your treatment team has managed your situation. Perhaps you feel angry about lack of support from a partner, family member or close friend. You may feel that you’re being treated as a medical problem rather than a woman with a medical problem. This could be because of the tests and treatment you’re having, or because your surgeon or oncologist is focused only on the physical part of your diagnosis. “Initially you go through this ‘why did this happen to me, I’m a good person. Sometimes doctors will pick up on concerns that you have, without you telling them. At other times, you may need to bring them up directly with your doctor. If, after talking with your doctor, you still feel your concerns are not being recognized, you could think about whether you’d like another doctor to treat you. Bringing a friend or family member to appointments can help you.
Isolation and loneliness
At times you may feel alone or isolated. The intentions of others may be good, but sometimes people don’t know how to deal with cancer and the emotions it brings up. It could be that you feel people are avoiding you, or that they’re pretending everything is fine while carrying on normally with their lives. At times you could feel pressure to ‘be positive’, making it hard for you to talk about the things that matter to you. Feeling isolated is a possibility because you’re experiencing something that others have not been through. It can be hard to explain your experience to them.
Self-blame
Some women diagnosed with breast cancer feel they have somehow caused their illness, or are being punished for something they’ve done wrong. You could find yourself asking "Where did I go wrong?" or "What have I done to deserve this?" However, getting breast cancer is not within your control. There is nothing you have done to cause it.
Sadness or depression
Feelings of sadness or depression are a common reaction to experiencing a loss, such as losing your breast, being ill, or perhaps not being able to have more children. Some women feel their body has let them down. Talk to a friend, another cancer patient or your doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sorting things out is a big part of getting well. Make each day count for they are all special.

Nutty and salty with a crisp-chewy texture, pumpkin seeds make a nutritious and flavorful snack. Boiled, baked, or even raw, pumpkin seeds are packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Just one serving (about 1/4 cup) gives you almost half the recommended daily amounts of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, vitamin K, and zinc. Pumpkins are very high in potassium, and have good amounts of beta carotene and vitamin C. They are also a good source of calcium and fibre. Pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc and unsaturated fatty acids (good fats). Pumpkin seeds are one of nature's almost perfect foods.

Pumpkin seeds have mainly been used to treat prostate and bladder problems, but they have also been known to help with depression and learning disabilities. Some of the health benefits associated with pumpkin seeds include bone health, anti-inflammatory properties, lower cholesterol levels, and the elimination of parasites from the body.

Pumpkins and their seeds were first enjoyed by Native American Indians who used them for nutrition and medicinal purposes. They also contain phytosterols, which are ingredients found in plants. Phytosterols have a chemical structure similar to cholesterol. When you include them in your diet, they are believed to lower your blood cholesterol levels. They also boost your immune response and lower your risks for certain cancers. It's possible that pumpkin seeds can even help arthritis. In animal studies, they worked as well as indomethacin, a drug that treats arthritis pain. Although the medicine has a side effect that can actually make arthritis worse, pumpkin seeds do not.

Of the seeds and nuts people usually snack on, pistachios and sunflower seeds have the most phytosterols. Pumpkin seeds are a close third. There are many varieties of pumpkin seeds on the market today. You can choose between raw vs. toasted, in shell vs. shelled, salted vs. unsalted, flavored vs. unflavored, the list goes on and on. While shelled pumpkin seeds are readily available, in shell pumpkin seeds that have not been roasted and salted are harder to find. Those with shells have more flavor and are crunchier texture than those without shells, and they contain more fiber to keep your digestive system functioning properly.

Not sure what to do with your pumpkin seeds? They can be added to a wide range of dishes, including salads, dressings, sauces, veggies, meats, cereal, and baked goods. All varieties of pumpkin seeds are best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and should be used within two months of purchase.

Certain strains of the herpes virus cause cold sores. Herpes simplex virus type 1 usually causes cold sores. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is usually responsible for genital herpes. However, either type of the virus can cause sores in the facial area or on the genitals. You get the first episode of herpes infection from another person who has an active lesion. Shared eating utensils, razors and towels may spread this infection. Once you've had an episode of herpes infection, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells in your skin and may emerge again as an active infection at or near the original site. You may experience an itch or heightened sensitivity at the site preceding each attack. Fever, menstruation, stress and exposure to the sun may trigger a recurrence.

Cold sores and canker sores
Cold sores are quite different from canker sores, which people sometimes associate with cold sores. Cold sores are caused by reactivation of the herpes simplex virus, and they're contagious. Canker sores, which aren't contagious, are ulcers that occur in the soft tissues inside your mouth, places where cold sores don't typically occur. Cold Sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores that appear on the lips, mouth, or nose that are caused by a virus. The sores can be painful and usually last a few days. Unlike most viral infections, the cold sore virus is not completely eliminated by the body defenses. For this reason, cold sores often recur.

When to seek medical advice
Cold sores generally clear up on their own without treatment. However, see your doctor if:
You have a pre-existing health condition that has compromised your immune system. The cold sores don't heal within one to two weeks on their own. Symptoms are severe and you have frequent recurrences of cold sores, or you experience irritation in your eyes.

Complications
Cold sores are contagious. They can pass from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact. The greatest risk of infection is from the time the blisters appear until they have completely dried and crusted over. There is a possibility of spreading the virus for some time even after the skin has healed. If you have a cold sore, avoid close contact with infants, anyone who has eczema (atopic dermatitis) or people with a suppressed immune system, such as people with cancer, AIDS or an organ transplant. These people are at higher risk of more severe infection. Herpes simplex infection of the eye causes scarring of the cornea and is a leading cause of blindness in the United States.

Prevention
You can take steps to guard against cold sores, to prevent spreading them to other parts of your body or to avoid passing them along to another person. Cold sore prevention involves the following:
Avoid kissing and skin contact with people while blisters are present. The virus can spread easily as long as there are moist secretions from your blisters. In persons with depressed immune systems, the virus can be spread even after the skin appears to be healed. Avoid sharing items. Utensils, towels, lip balm and other items can spread the virus when blisters are present. Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands carefully before touching another person when you have a cold sore. Be careful about touching other parts of your body. Your eyes and genital area may be particularly susceptible to spread of the virus. Avoid triggers. If possible try to avoid or prevent conditions that stress your body, such as getting a cold or the flu, not getting enough sleep or staying in the sun for long periods of time without applying sunblock. Use sunblock. Apply sunblock to your lips and face before prolonged exposure to the sun — during both the winter and the summer — to help prevent cold sores. Cold sores generally clear up without treatment. In the meantime, the following steps may provide relief: Use ointments. Over-the-counter (OTC) ointments, such as topical lidocaine or benzyl alcohol (Zilactin), can help ease discomfort. Use cold or heat. Try applying ice or warm compresses to the blisters to ease the pain. Let it heal. Avoid squeezing, pinching or picking at any blister.

Healthy arteries and veins in the leg allow blood to travel through them in one direction only - just like the direction of a car in a one-way street. Muscles in the calves act like pumps to help move the blood in the veins against gravity and back up the leg. The valves in leg veins prevent the blood from back-flowing back down into the foot. In normal veins, the valves and muscles maintain vein integrity with little retention of blood within the vein itself.
Due to various reasons, the vein walls become weaker and tend to collect and retain more blood than normal, causing enlargement along the vein segment. Consequently the valves in the vein do not function properly as they no longer meet resulting in backflow of blood called reflux or vein incompetence. The vein bulges from the pool blood and appears as visible lumpy lines.
Spider veins: these are the fine, red web-like veins visible on the surface of the leg - also known as telangiectasias. These veins serve no known biological purpose.
Reticular Veins: These larger veins lie a little deeper below the skin and are blue in colour.
Varicose Veins: These are the largest of the abnormal veins and can be seen bulging above the surface of the skin looking like knots. Early treatment of these veins is usually easier as the varicose veins worsen with time.
Some symptoms of abnormal veins include: Heaviness, Aching, Chronic pain, Burning of legs, Itchiness, Night cramps, Restless legs, Leg swelling, Skin discoloration, and Ulcers. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above then assessment and treatment is appropriate. In general, it is easier and more effective to treat varicose veins early in the disease process. Early treatment minimizes the risk of varicose vein-related complications and can reverse the symptoms of vein congestion. Obviously urgent treatment is required if there are co-existing factors such as bleeding, phlebitis (inflammation), thrombosis (clots), ulcers or dermatitis.
There are definitely certain veins that are required for healthy blood flow in the legs. Abnormal veins though, are unhealthy veins that do not function properly and usually haven't been relied upon by the body as part of normal blood circulation (sometimes for years). These abnormal veins contain poorly oxygenated blood and by-products of metabolism including free radicals that cause tissue damage. To compensate for this lack of function, more stress is placed on the deeper veins, which can, in certain cases, also become abnormal. Once treated, circulation improves in the affected limb. Varicose veins in the legs are diseased veins and are not used for heart by-pass grafts.

There are some effective measures that can assist in reducing the further deterioration of abnormal veins.

Leaves in the autumn are tumbling down,
Scarlet and yellow, russet and brown,
Leaves in the garden all swept in a heap,
Trees now undressed, ready for sleep.
Leaves now blanketing the ground,
Just waiting for snow ever so deep.

It takes more than caring
to be a real friend;
The nature of friendship;
requires a blend
Of warmest compassion
and love deep and true
To reach and to comfort
the way that you do.
Because I can see,
your kind of friendship
is priceless to me.

Unknown

Eating habits are learned behaviors; they’re not intuitive. So what your children learn to eat at home early in life sticks with them well into adulthood. Today we are disconnected from our food sources in a way that is unprecedented in human history. Fewer and fewer Americans cook meals from scratch because it’s easier and faster to throw a frozen dinner in the oven or grab something from a fast-food restaurant on the way home from work. The too many well known fast- and processed-food companies isn’t helping.

Most parents know that their kids are under continuous assault by corporate food advertising — but they feel frustrated by it, and even powerless against it. In reality, a few simple tools combined with “variety, moderation, and balance” can and will provide you with all you need to ensure the long-term nutritional health of your child.

Most of the parents we know complain that their children refuse to eat healthfully and come to us in search of magic recipes that will put an end to mealtime madness. The real problem most often lies with the parents, not the kids. Most of us are so accustomed to eating out and buying prepared foods in the grocery store that we don’t even know what good food is anymore. We can’t line our cabinets with packaged cereals and sodas and expect our kids to eat like they were raised on a commune. In order to be good role models we must educate ourselves first and then practice what we preach.

Unfortunately we don’t all live near farms or farmers’ markets, so it’s not easy for us or our children to feel a connection with good, whole (unprocessed) foods. One way to help them learn is to make a point to take them grocery shopping with you. Of course it’s probably easier to go alone when there’s someone at home to watch them or they’re at school, but it’s important for them to see foods in their raw states so they can explore and ask questions.

Take them when you’re not in a hurry and spend a lot of time in the aisles that contain unprocessed foods — the produce, meat, and fish departments, for example. If your child appears to be interested in a certain type of fruit or vegetable, encourage him or her to explore that item; don’t just assume that your child won’t like it. Take it home and let him try it so he can make his own decisions.

When Ben, Lisa’s son, was a baby, he liked to ride in the cart holding an avocado. Every time they went shopping he’d point at the avocados until Lisa gave him one. When he was three he asked if he could bring some mangos home. He was also intrigued by the spiky orange exterior of the unusual kiwano fruit (also known as the African Horned Melon). He carried it for the duration of their shopping trip and insisted it be cut the minute he got it home. Its green, seedy interior was a bit off-putting to him, but he tried it anyway.

Exploring food this way gives Ben and his mom a chance to talk about how something is cooked and where it comes from. It also allows Ben to feel like he’s making choices about what he eats.

Remember, anything in moderation is okay. Of course, if you eat doughnuts in moderation, followed by potato chips in moderation and soda in moderation, it is no longer healthy. Having a cookie every day and balancing it with healthy foods is a better practice of moderation.
While we always want to make the healthiest choices for our children’s bodies, a special treat once a week or even once a day won’t do any damage. On the contrary, it will help make eating a more enjoyable experience and will help your child build a good relationship with food.

There are all sorts of fun things we can do to make mealtime special. First and foremost, sit down and enjoy your food. Take time to savor flavors. Children should never eat while walking around.

We understand that some young children have difficulty sitting for the entire meal. In those cases we recommend allowing the child to get up once or twice, while encouraging the child to sit — not stand — at the table when he or she comes back to eat. For children who are able to understand, explain to them that mealtimes are special family times and it is important to the family that everyone sits down to eat and talk together.

Make a ritual out of dinner and give everyone a special task — maybe even let each child have one night a week to plan and help make dinner. Have the kids set the table. Cloth napkins and real glasses set a more formal tone and are better for the environment. Candles aren’t just for adult dining — they can set a calming tone for the meal and will show kids that mealtime is special. Make a point not to allow mealtimes to degenerate into family argument time.

Ever find yourself making one meal for the adults in the house and another for the kids — or even one for each kid? Children take their time warming up to new things and if you keep giving them the old standbys they’re not going to branch out and explore new foods. Be patient.

Most research says that it takes an average of ten to twelve attempts before a child will try a new food, unless they are involved in cooking and gardening projects like Alice Waters’s Edible Schoolyard or after school summer programs. Learning about food and cooking in an active way helps breed a sense of culinary adventure.

Make the same dinner for everyone in the family while making sure to put some foods on the plate that your children like — then add something new. If they don’t touch it, don’t worry about it, and definitely don’t make an argument out of it.

Try again the next week and again the following week. Eventually they’ll surprise you by at least tasting that new food.

Kids don’t need frozen chicken nuggets, French fries, macaroni and cheese, and pizza to keep them happy. Highly processed foods like these are loaded with chemicals, synthetic fats, additives, artificial sweeteners, and food colorings. And even a three-year-old can grasp why sodas aren’t good for you and why we don’t eat foods with lots of fat every day at every meal.

Since television ads are the most prevalent medium and therefore influential, we recommend limiting television viewing early in life to channels with fewer commercials — or better yet, to videos with no commercials. Use a digital video recorder to record special programs on television so you can edit out the commercials as they watch.

You can't keep heavily processed foods out of their diets forever, but the longer you limit exposure while instilling healthy eating habits, the more likely your children will be to make better choices when left to their own devices.

Parents should also be working to remove food colorings, benzoate preservatives, and artificial sweeteners from their children’s diets. More than 2.5 million children have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and an additional 15 percent of children have borderline hyperactivity or behavioral issues. During our research we discovered nearly 100 studies validating the hypothesis that food dyes and additives are a factor in attention and behavior disorders and can increase the incidence of ADHD. In one of those studies 73 percent of children placed on a diet free from chemical additives, dyes, and artificial sweeteners showed a reduction in hyperactivity and an increase in attention.

Faced with the child who thinks he might implode without that blue applesauce, hold your ground and look for an organic applesauce instead while explaining that both taste the same but one has things added to it that aren’t healthful. If you have a particularly stubborn child, do a blind taste test to prove your point.

Okay, okay, we know, M&Ms have a long history as the greatest bribe candy on Earth for potty training — even the most health-conscious mom will break down and try M&Ms during that oh-so-critical stage of development. Don’t give in! Stickers work just as well and you won’t be setting a precedent for using food as a bribe or reward as your child gets older.

Sure, it’s okay to take the kids out for ice cream or frozen yogurt after a good (or even a bad) soccer game, just don’t use it as an incentive for a good game. On the flip side, don’t punish children for not eating certain foods — it will only foster a negative relationship between you and your children, not to mention your children and food.

Encourage your children to help out in the kitchen. Even a two-year old can help peel potatoes or carrots. For smaller children, invest in a stool that allows your children to safely reach the kitchen counter so they can see what you’re doing. Or if you have room, set up a workstation at your child’s height so he can participate without having to stand on tiptoes.

If a child is interested in doing more in the kitchen, don’t automatically assume that she can’t or that the task will be too dangerous. Know your child’s limits and help him achieve success by providing support and encouragement in a safe setting.

Kids love eating food they create. Involve your child in cooking or snack preparation and they will be more likely to eat new foods, including fruits and vegetables.

Love and accept your child at any weight, size, or shape. During childhood, growth is unpredictable at best. It comes in spurts and a once-skinny child can suddenly plump up while his height catches up with his weight. There’s a lot of pressure in our society to be thin, and you might be tempted to put your child on a diet during a growth spurt, but that won’t be helpful and may even cause emotional and physical damage.

Instead, help your child maintain his weight until his height catches up. The best way to do that is to teach good healthy eating habits and encourage your child to be active; try yoga DVDs for kids and emphasize activities that keep you all moving and create healthy outlets for all that kid energy.

It’s the most important meal of the day, and it should ideally be the largest meal of the day to get your child off on the right foot. After ten to twelve hours with no food it’s important to refuel the engines. If they don’t eat in the morning they’ll be tired and unable to concentrate in school before lunch. It’s essential that children jumpstart their metabolism in the morning so their bodies don’t enter starvation mode, which might later cause them to experience difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight.

Some children need to practice eating breakfast. We recommend starting small and working to a bigger meal if you’re having trouble getting your child to eat breakfast. For most children, breakfast should be around 500 calories and should be nutritionally balanced.

Starting kids off with sugar first thing in morning is not ideal. This gives a quick burst of energy and then leaves your child drained. Breakfast should always include a source of protein, some healthy fats, carbohydrates (whole grains are best), and vitamins and minerals. Good luck, healthy happy eating. Make smart choices together.

Many people know some of the benefits of Omega-3 fish oils. But most don’t know the important inside story of what they are, where they come from and how to get safe results. Or, why it even matters. Omega-3 oils have been called “the miracle food of the 21st century.” Research shows the right kind can help prevent heart disease maintain optimum blood pressure and cholesterol levels and give almost immediate relief from joint pain, migraines, depression, autoimmune diseases and many other conditions. And, by improving brain development and memory functioning, from conception through old age, certain Omega-3 oils also provide the perfect brain food
There are actually 3 types of Omega 3 fatty acids. However, there is only one type that is considered essential, meaning it cannot be manufactured by the body. That essential Omega 3 fatty acid is called alpha-linolenic acid. There is another essential fatty acid which is called Omega 6, also known as linolenic acid. We don’t hear as much about Omega 6 because it is more widely available in our diet than the Omega 3 essential fatty acid. Omega 6 fats are found in pumpkin, wheatgerm, corn, soy, and safflower oils.

Listed are 6 great reasons why you will want to make sure you are getting your recommended daily allowance of alpha-linolenic acid.

Omega 3 benefit #1 - Promotes healthy cell growth and function. Research with mice has shown that Omega 3 fatty acids help prevent breast cancer development.
Omega 3 benefit #2 – Aids in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are powerful hormones that help regulate bodily functions like blood pressure, blood clotting, allergic responses, nerve transmissions, the production of other hormones, as well as the function of the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract.
Omega 3 benefit #3 – Research has discovered that Omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. In years past people were advised to take cod liver oil for “all manner of lameness.” Now we know that cod liver oil is rich in Omega 3 fats.
Omega 3 benefit #4 – Helps reduce the risk of obesity because Omega 3 fats have a positive impact on the body’s ability to utilize insulin, a hormone that helps regulate metabolism.
Omega 3 benefit #5 – Helps prevent and reduce the progression of cardiovascular disease.
Omega 3 benefit #6 – Conditions that may be helped by adding Omega 3 food sources to your diet include: depression, diabetes 2, brittle hair and nails, inability to concentrate, and fatigue. These are just 6 of the good reasons why my family and I take our omega 3 fatty acids every day.

What you eat affects your risk for having heart disease and poor blood circulation, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Heart disease is the #1 killer and stroke is the #3 killer of American women and men. In the main type of heart disease, a fatty substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Over time, this buildup causes the arteries to narrow and harden. When this happens, the heart does not get all the blood it needs to work properly. The result can be chest pain or a heart attack. Most cases of stroke occur when a blood vessel bringing blood to the brain becomes blocked. The underlying condition for this type of blockage is having fatty deposits lining the vessel walls.

Limit the amount of sodium you eat, it is also a good idea to eat foods rich in potassium. A potassium-rich diet blunts the harmful effects of sodium on blood pressure. Aim to eat 4700 mg of potassium a day. Foods rich in potassium include fruits and vegetables, especially: tomatoes and tomato products, orange juice and grapefruit juice, raisins, dates, prunes, white potatoes and sweet potatoes, lettuce and papayas just to name a few. Stay healthy know what to eat, how much and why.

Nail Fungus
So many readers have asked about nail fungus and ingrown toe nails. Here are a few facts and suggestions about both. Did you know that nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a condition that occurs when a microscopic fungus enters either a fingernail or toenail. Fungal infections occur in toenails more often than in fingernails. Anyone can get nail fungus, but infections are more common in people over the age of 60. Nail fungus is especially common in people with diabetes or circulation problems. For people who have diabetes or a weakened immune system, nail fungus can present serious risks.
What Causes Nail Fungus?
Usually, nail fungus occurs when fungus enters the nail through a small trauma (cut or break) in the nail. Nail fungus is not caused by poor hygiene. Nail fungus can be spread from person to person. If you notice an infected nail, don't pick at it or even trim it, as both of these activities can cause the fungus to spread. It may be hard to determine exactly where or how a fungal infection is obtained. However, a warm, wet place (for example, a locker room) is a good place for a fungus to grow.
What Are the Symptoms of Nail Fungus?
A nail fungus infection can make your nails thick and discolored. Uncommonly, you may feel pain in your toes or fingertips.
How Is Nail Fungus Diagnosed?
Your doctor may be able to tell if you have a nail fungus infection by looking carefully at your nails. He or she may scrape some tissue from your nail and send it to a lab in order to determine for certain what kind of infection you have.
How Is Nail Fungus Treated?
Treatment may include topical creams or oral medications (antifungal drugs), but topical antifungal agents may only help treat very mild cases. Rarely, surgery may be required. Removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical antifungal. Toenail infections are more difficult to treat than fingernail infections because the toenail grows more slowly. In addition, a damp, warm environment of a shoe or boot can encourage fungal growth.
How Can I Prevent Getting Nail Fungus?
Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms. Keep the inside of your shoes dry and change your socks frequently (100% cotton socks are recommended) Wear proper fitting shoes (shoes with a wide toe area and ones that don't press your toes) Use absorbent or antifungal powder
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can occur when the corner or side of the nail grows into the flesh of the toe. In many cases, ingrown nails occur in the big toe. The end result of this common condition is pain, redness and swelling. Infection can occur in some cases.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Some common causes of ingrown toenail include cutting the nails too short or not straight across, injury to the toenail, and wearing shoes that crowd the toenails.
How Can Ingrown Toenails Be Treated?
In mild cases, ingrown toenails may be treated with a 15-20-minute soak in warm water. Dry cotton can be placed under the corner of the nail. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing increasing pain, swelling and drainage of the area. Minor surgery can be performed to remove the part of the nail that is poking into the skin.
How Can Ingrown Toenails Be Prevented?
You can prevent ingrown toenails by wearing shoes that fit properly, keeping your toenails at a moderate length and trimming them straight across.

1. Memory loss. Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall the information later.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. People with dementia often find it hard to plan or complete everyday tasks. Individuals may lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal, placing a telephone call or playing a game.

What's normal? Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say.

3. Problems with language. People with Alzheimer’s disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. They may be unable to find the toothbrush, for example, and instead ask for "that thing for my mouth.”

4. Disorientation to time and place. People with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost in their own neighborhood, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.

What's normal? Forgetting the day of the week or where you were going. Should I be concerned?

5. Poor or decreased judgment. Those with Alzheimer’s may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold. They may show poor judgment, like giving away large sums of money to telemarketers.

What's normal? Making a questionable or debatable decision from time to time.

6. Problems with abstract thinking. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks, like forgetting what numbers are for and how they should be used.

7. Misplacing things. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

8. Changes in mood or behavior. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may show rapid mood swings – from calm to tears to anger – for no apparent reason.

9. Changes in personality. The personalities of people with dementia can change dramatically. They may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.

10. Loss of initiative. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become very passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to do usual activities.

We all know that death is inevitable and the older one becomes we learn all about our mortality. We learn to, as the Psalms in the Bible says "As I go through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil", go forward with our lives bravely. We have learned that the kid saying "if I die" turns into "when I die"! Most of us have already experienced death through friends or family and have learned too cherish life.
Everyone grieves differently, but there are several "normal" responses that many people go through. The grieving process is often alleviated by grief support groups.
Losing someone you love can be unbearably painful, whether it was an accident or long illness. Sometimes death is a horrible shock (such as a car accident or suicide). It can also be a welcome relief after a long sickness. The circumstances surrounding death can affect the grieving process, and whether you choose a grief support group, bereavement counseling, or simply grieve on your own.
Dealing with grief is a very individual process.
The response to death – the grieving process – is different for everyone. You'll grieve differently if you've lost your child, your elderly mom or dad, or an intimate partner. Some people develop a whole new appreciation for life and learn to treasure every second they have on earth. Others become deeply depressed and never emerge from mourning. Instead of dealing with grief, they repress or swallow their emotions and thoughts about death. There is no standard or "normal" response to death. Everybody's personality is different, which translates to a wide variation of reactions and coping mechanisms. Accepting yourself and others' response to death is an important part of the grieving process
Here are some normal responses to the death of a loved one.

There is no standard or "normal" response to death. Everybody's personality is different, which translates to a wide variation of reactions and coping mechanisms. Accepting yourself and others' response to death is an important part of the grieving process.
Feeling your grief, anger, guilt, and all your emotions is important. Let yourself grieve. You may feel like your heart will break or you'll fall into a black pit and never get out – but you have to feel your feelings before you can heal. Letting go of the past is healthy and appropriate, and it'll help your grieving process.
It's a cliché because it's true: time does heal when you're dealing with grief. Whether it completely heals ALL wounds is a different story, but it does dull the pain a little. Your feelings of loss and sadness may never go away, but with time the grieving process will lighten.
When you're dealing with grief, you'll experience ups and downs. You'll feel good one day (or hour) and horrible the next. Let yourself feel your emotions, happy or sad, and try to let go of your guilt. You'll forget your grief for moments which will eventually become hours...this doesn't dishonor your loved one. Enjoying life and moving on is part of the grieving process – and something your loved one would want for you. You can write poetry, letters, songs, or even a one-liner, simply stating how you feel and what you think.
To help you deal with grief, you can say good-bye. Letting go of your past – whether it's quitting an addictive relationship or grieving a death – can be one of the hardest things you'll ever do.

Most of my family and many of the cancer patients I have worked with throughout the years are now gone, but I still have the treasured memories from each of them. They touched my heart, my soul, and my life. I hope this article on grief will help in the loss of your loved ones or friends. God Bless you. May your grieving process be lighter as you start to heal and time moves you onward towards the journey in life. Moments with Mary

A Symbol of Hope
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.
Unknown

Do you usually reach for the salt shaker at the dinner table? Do you find that you crave salty snacks but are afraid of high blood pressure? Your salt craving could mean you need minerals, but regular table salt isn't the answer.

Regular table salt, or iodized salt, is highly refined and has additives like sugar, chemicals, and preservatives. Many of the preservatives are not required to be listed on the container and include ferrocyanide, magnesium carbonate, and aluminum hydroxide. These extra ingredients improve the pour-ability of standard salt, but they are not necessarily meant for human consumption. In fact, high levels of aluminum are believed to be a major factor in the prevalence of Alzheimer's in the U.S.
Standard salt undergoes a refining process that strips it of 60 trace minerals, leaving a nutrient-free flavoring. Manufacturers put this refined salt into almost every prepared food, and it's even present in municipal water sources. Even though it may not be the cause of high blood pressure, consume refined salt at your own risk!

By contrast, natural sea salt is taken from the ocean where it forms in concentrated amounts, with no added chemicals, preservatives or sugar. It contains not only necessary sodium, but plenty of minerals your body needs for each and every cell.
(Keep in mind that natural sea salt does not have high levels of iodine, necessary for thyroid function. However, the Body Ecology program emphasizes ocean vegetables, which help meet your iodine requirement without having to resort to table salt.)

Salt cravings reveal our very real need for this natural, unrefined sodium and the minerals it provides- they are necessary for health and for life. Craving salt is a sign that your adrenals, the small glands above your kidneys that regulate sleep, hormones and your body's response to stress, need some TLC.

If you like to drink a cold, sweet soda with your salty popcorn at the movies, you've experienced first hand how salt, which is contractive, makes you crave expansive sweets. So if you crave sweets, it could be a sign that you consume too much salt. Also, some people are very sensitive to sodium, while others (especially endurance athletes) need more salt to function. In general, men need more than women, and children need the least of all.
Especially for women, pay attention to salt intake as you follow your monthly menstrual cycle. Cut way back on salt after ovulation so that your body will naturally become more expansive. It will then relax so that the lining of the uterus will be easily cleansed away as nature intended each month. If you eat too much salt during your period, it will inhibit the release of the lining that must be shed and you will not have a complete cleansing as nature intends.

After the lining is shed, you can then increase your use of sea salt a bit to bring on a smooth ovulation. The salt helps your ovaries contract to release the egg. Experts recommend between 1600 mg and 2400 mg of sodium per day for adults, as a general guideline (1 teaspoon of salt provides about 2000 mg of sodium). But at Body Ecology we say to follow your own intuition and cravings as long as you use only high-quality, mineral-rich sea salt to satisfy your salt needs. Listen to your body, and you'll take in the amount you need as your body seeks balance.

Less than 1% of the world's salt harvest has the artisinal quality of Celtic Sea Salt®. Celtic Sea Salt provides a unique array of bioavailable trace elements that exist in a perfectly balanced matrix. Learn More and Try Some Celtic Sea Salt Today!

How much salt you choose is just as important as what kind you choose. Sea salt is certainly a much healthier alternative to standard table salt and can actually improve your health. My family and I use Celtic Sea Salt®, and it is widely regarded as one of the healthiest sea salts available. Using natural cultivation methods passed down from generations, salt farmers stir the ocean water until crystals form. Once harvested, Celtic Sea Salt® is moist, pure, biologically active and completely free from chemicals.

Remember to take good care of you. It takes work and much knowledge about the things we choose to eat daily. Making the right choices helps us to live a healthier and happier life.

Breast cancer statistics show that breast cancer affects the lives and health of millions worldwide. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States after skin cancer. And for all the money spent on research, the survival rate for malignant breast cancer is about the same as it was 60 years ago.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 211,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year and 43,300 patients will die from the disease. Breast cancer is an epidemic among women.
Men get breast cancer, too. 1 male will develop breast cancer for every 100 women with breast cancer. The American Cancer society estimates that 1,600 men will develop the disease this year. Men with breast lumps are evaluated with the same techniques used to evaluate women including mammography. Breast cancer is uncommon in women younger than 35. Most cases not all develop in women older than 50, and the risk increases as women pass 60, 70, and 80.
Good nutrition, exercise and hormone balance play a key role in women's health and longevity. Eating cold-water fish (wild salmon, sardines, tuna and mackerel) containing high levels of omega-3, fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grain foods are major factors in the reduction of breast cancer risk.

History of prior breast cancer: Women who have had breast cancer in one breast are at greater risk of developing the disease in the other breast. Family history of breast cancer: Women whose mothers, sisters, or daughters have had breast cancer face increased risk, especially if their relatives had breast cancer while young. However, it is estimated that only about 5 percent of women have a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. Genetic factors: Testing in families where many women have had breast cancer sometimes shows changes in specific genes. These changes increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Exposure to chemicals: Women exposed to environmental toxins, pesticides, industrial waste and contaminated water are more likely to get breast cancer. Avoid the exposure to pesticides, herbicides and most petrochemical products directly onto your skin. For example, use natural cleaners for your kitchen and laundry and natural shampoos and conditioners that are much better for you.

Birth control pills: Women that have taken birth control pills at a young age are also at risk for breast cancer. Most birth control pills have progestins (synthetic progesterone) which block the benefits of progesterone. They also block ovulation and the production of the woman's own hormones.

Exposure to synthetic hormones: In general, the longer women are exposed to synthetic estrogen (Hormone Replacement Therapy), the more likely they may be to develop breast cancer.

Women who began menstruating before age 12 or who went through menopause after age 55 may be at increased risk. The same may be true for women who never had children and those who are taking or who recently took synthetic HRT (hormone replacement therapy) for five years or longer.

Removal of ovaries: Removal of the ovaries means "instant menopause" and it also means limited production of female hormones. Remember that the ovaries are the primary source of hormones (including estrogens, progesterone and testosterone).

First child after age 30: Women who have first children later in life may have a greater chance of developing the disease than those who have first children earlier.
Dense breasts: Since breast cancer most often develops in lobular or ductal tissue, women with a high proportion of this kind of dense tissue may be at greater risk.

Radiation therapy: Women whose breasts were exposed to radiation during radiation therapy before age 30 are at increased risk of developing breast cancer later in life. The more X- rays you are exposed to the greater the risk of breast cancer.

Alcohol use: Some studies show a slightly higher risk of breast cancer in women who consume more than one alcoholic drink a day. Avoid drinking excessively - your liver is an excellent detoxifier and it protects your body against toxins. Your liver will not function well when exposed to alcohol, cigarette smoking, pesticides, drugs, poor diet, stress and sedentary lifestyle.

Supporting your body with a healthy lifestyle is the best form of breast cancer treatment. If you drink a lot of alcohol every day, your liver will have difficulty eliminating and regulating the estrogen and toxin levels in the body. The best recommendation is to drink in moderation - one glass of wine a few times a week will not increase your risk of breast cancer.

Women, who are obese, particularly after menopause, may be at higher risk. Of course, obesity at any age is not healthy and needs to be addressed.

Each year, over 40,000 women in the U.S. die from breast cancer. The sources that cause the epidemic of breast cancer in this country are: excessive estrogen, HRT (hormone replacement therapy), diet, hormone imbalance, household and environmental pollutants.

Here are some interesting breast cancer statistics:
• About 1.2 million cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
• About 75% of breast cancers are found in women over age 50.
• The chance of having breast cancer for a woman in her fifties is about 1 in 50.
• The chance of having breast cancer for a woman in her nineties is about 1 in 9.
• About 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of breast cancer.
• Men also get breast cancer, however, men account for less than one percent of all breast cancer cases - breast cancer statistics.

Surviving breast cancer and breast cancer statistics- here's what this clinical study found...
For breast cancer statistics and prevention, it has long been known that regular physical activity has been shown to decrease the likelihood of having breast cancer.
Drinking filtered water is important to your health. Most people are SERIOUSLY deficient in their consumption of water. When was the last time YOU consumed the recommended amount of 8-10 glasses in one day?

And rather than drink the water straight from the tap, use a good water filter to eliminate chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals and other toxic substances commonly found in tap water. Clean, fresh, filtered water is much better for you than soda!

Reduce stress in your daily life. When you are stressed, your blood sugar levels rise, your blood pressure goes up, and your stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol flood your body.

Hope this information is and will be of some use to you, a family member or a friend. Taking care of ourselves and having some control in our health plans and issues can help us greatly.

Have you ever wondered why I picked the sunflower theme for my website? There is a reason;
I would like to take this time to share it with you. Every time I look at a field of sunflowers it reminds me of all the wonderful people that I have met with cancer throughout the last twenty nine years. Each of these people and their families has touched my life in one way or another. The patients bring and have brought a beauty from within themselves to share with me in my life. Sometimes the patients and I are only together for a short time and then there are others who stay in my life for years. But time isn’t what matters, its how each person touches your life while they are in it that makes the time special. I thank God for allowing me to meet these lovely people, whether it is only for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

The sunflower has always been one of my favorite flowers. Each sunflower has its own beauty some short, some tall, some heavy some small, some with blemishes some prefect as can be, but each with their own unique beauty. A flower with a bright sunny yellow color that stands ever so tall even when the petals start to turn, roll up, or fall. Still the flowers show their beauty through the sun, wind and rain. The strength of this flower doesn’t let these elements take its toll for it still stands tall and holds on to all its beauty through it all. Each and every flower is a beauty in itself, for when I look at a field of sunflowers it reminds me of all the loving patients I have had the honor to work with, learn from, love and share within my heart.

So every year when I plant my sunflowers I think of the many wonderful people who have come and gone in my life but will remain in my heart and mind forever. Planting these sunflowers at the edge of my garden every spring, I know the sunflowers will supply me with shade throughout the summer months; will help me to feed the birds throughout the winter, while giving my garden color and displaying a bright sunny happy face. Just like the many people I have had the chance to work with throughout the years, the sunflowers show me their strength and their determination to fight and stand tall throughout their battles of the weather however so large or small.

The next time you check out my web site remember the field of sunflowers is much larger than it seems, for the field goes on and on for miles beyond your wildest dreams. The field is filled with flowers so pretty and yet free; there is no time like today, to thank God for sharing the beauty of eternity. God Bless all the wonderful people who have become a part of my life.

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

Take a deep breath. Just in that simple action you can tell that deep breathing is a good thing. There is something instantly relaxing about it. Deep breathing forces you to slow down, to stop and smell the roses, even if it's only for a moment. But those moments could make an incredible difference in your life.

Studies show that the relaxation induced by deep breathing can reduce depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders while enhancing the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. Sound complicated? Not when all you have to do is breathe! Studies also show that the relaxation induced by deep breathing can reduce depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders while enhancing the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. Sound complicated? Not when all you have to do is breathe!

Have you ever asked yourself how does deep breathing do all this? Your body's functions need to communicate with each other. Breathing facilitates this communication. When breathing is consistently shallow, your body may have a harder time getting things done. Take the lymphatic system, for example. Your lymphatic system handles the toxins in your body. Breathing keeps that process pumping. And when you keep toxins moving through and out of the body, you fend off weight gain, muscle loss, high blood pressure, fatigue and inflammation - to name a few.

Breathing keeps the cardiovascular system going too. Deep breaths help your body just like exercise does - although they shouldn't serve as a substitute! When breathing deeply, you increase lung capacity and promote fat-burning even while doing the most low-impact activities. You'll be healthier, lose some weight, and feel great.

You should expect to feel great every time you breathe deep. The moment you take that breath, your body triggers a relaxation response. That's why it's a great way to handle stress. And it doesn't hurt that when you've got less stress, you're much less likely to have muscle tension, gastrointestinal issues or even insomnia. Feeling good physically will lead to feeling good mentally too. An overall sense of well-being can be maintained if you keep at it. And the calming effects of deep breathing will help you cope with what life throws at you. You'll start to deal with stress in a much more positive and clear way. So take a deep breath, and start feeling better soon.
Healthy blessings to all. Moments with Mary

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 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.

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

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.

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.

Kids, what are you doing this summer?

I have adopted a few children for the summer from the neighborhood who shared with me they had nothing to do after school was out. I suggested a few things that could make their summer fun and not so boring. Below are the things we have decided to accomplish before the end of summer, we would like to share some of these things you.

Learning how to plant a few things in their very own garden.

It's been a long, wet spring but we finally have had some warm weather and our garden is starting to kick in! This year several of the neighborhood children and me decided to plant a few plants in the garden and have fun watching them grow. We decided on several different tomato plants. We picked Beefsteak, Early Girl, Cherry and a new variety the Pear tomato. All the tomato plants seem to be flourishing and are now in our garden along with a new upside-down tomato hanging planter.
We planted some carrots, straight eight cucumbers, pumpkins, green peppers, red potatoes and cherry belle radish. All are up and growing strong. We take turns weeding and caring for the plants and the garden is doing much better than the children thought, but the best thing of all it has turned into a fun project and the kids are already asking if we can do this again next year. Who knows maybe we have some new upcoming farmers in our future.

What a great way to pass the time - read!

The children and I have started a reading program on how we can make our garden and the soil of the garden better. Each time we get together the children and I have a small meeting and share what each of us has learned by reading. We then vote on the ideas that we want to try to improve the garden we have built together. Together we are learning and then applying what we have read but one of the things I see happening is we are sharing with each other our ideas and putting them to use. Each child plays a part in all the decisions.

Try a new tempting summer snack together!

(Adult supervision required.)

5 Cups Rice Crispy cereal
1/4 Cup butter or margarine
4 Cups mini Marshmallows
Popsicle sticks
Instructions:

Melt margarine in saucepan on stove. Add marshmallows, stirring constantly until melted. Remove from heat, add Rice Crispy cereal and stir until coated. Shape sticky Rice Crispy around a Popsicle stick. Let Harden. Enjoy sharing the treats together. I have written out the recipe for each of the children so someday they too can make it for their families.

We are having a fun summer. Learning, helping, and soon sharing our season vegetables with others. A self pride is being made and all will enjoy the blessings in the end.

Why do fireflies light up?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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"

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! ! !

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.

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

Why did God make mothers?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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:

Hair Care: Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing them a shinny complexion. Regular massage of head with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, lice, and lice eggs, even if your scalp is dry. Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged air. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. It is therefore used as hair care oil and used in manufacturing various conditioners, and dandruff relief creams.
Stress Relief: Coconut oil is very soothing and hence it helps in removing stress. Applying coconut oil to the head helps in removing mental fatigue.

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.