Facts and Truth about Health and Wellness 05/06/2012
Reading an online story from NPR.org, I learned about truthiness--a term made up by Stephen Colbert--which essentially means that truth is relative; whatever you feel to be true. How do you feel about that statement? Supposedly that dictates whether it is true or not. A U.S. representative was reported saying that 80 of the Democratic congress members are members of the Communist party. Following research, this was said to be untrue, but he stands by his statement. This leads me to consider the vast amount of information available on the internet, in print, and on television. There has long been a saying "Don't believe everything you read," but for some reason many people believe everything they read online. This is a dangerous practice. As an example, I Googled "best nutrition plan to lose weight." First, there were over 28 million matches. Runner's World advocated a swapping plan, eating lower calorie choices vs. their higher calorie counterparts. However, they included white frozen bagels, soy burgers, and Subway sandwiches. Too much processed flour and other processed food. To be fair, they did include lentil pasta and spaghetti squash, two foods I would vote for. In dramatic contrast, Tim Ferriss says to eat only protein foods like eggs & meats, and legumes, and vegetables 6 days a week, and whatever you want on the 7th day. He lost 20 pounds in 30 days. You can make very good food choices on this one, but I found it hard to get enough calories during the 6 meat/beans/vegetables days. If you don't eat enough calories, your metabolism can slow down. And did you notice--no bread at all, unlike the Runner's World diet. LiveStrong says the Mediterranean Diet is the way to go--"large amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes." Whole grains included, no processed food, minimal eggs and red meat. Other diets will have you eating one type of food every day, such as soup. Others drastically restrict carbs, but allow unlimited fatty protein sources. So which is the truth? They can't all be right that they are the best way to lose weight. Where does truth come from? It's popular to say today there is no absolute truth--that truth is where you find it. But then how do you arrive at a sense of right and wrong? Where does that come from? If someone thought it was all right to steal from a neighbor, would that make it true? What about returning extra change you are mistakenly given at a store? If you figure it was the cashier's mistake and they deserve to pay the price, does that make it true? If anything goes--whatever I believe to be true--I would choose to believe that I could eat whatever I want and it had nothing to do with my health. We all know that doesn't work. What is Sources: http://www.npr.org/2012/04/29/151646558/if-a-fact-dies-in-the-forest-will-anyone-believe-it?ft=3&f=111787346&sc=nl&cc=es-20120506 (2012) http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304-312-2193-0,00.html (2002). http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/06/how-to-lose-20-lbs-of-fat-in-30-days-without-doing-any-exercise/ http://www.livestrong.com/article/457085-the-best-meal-plans-to-lose-weight/ (2011) Add Comment Mind and Body Wellness 04/20/2012
Love conquers all, as the saying goes. But what about anger? Resentment? Fear? Being overwhelmed? Does this have any effect on our health? Dr. John E. Sarno, M.D., in his book "The Mind Body Prescription," discusses a condition called Tension Myositis Syndrome, or TMS. Many psychoanalysts feel that emotions can be the cause of physical illness. Stress is in the news all the time as connected with headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms, and other pain. Dr. Sarno, however, is one of very few doctors who feels that unrecognized emotions can create pain in the body. He even cites a study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine that uncovered a link between repressed emotions and inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. According to one website, stress can even change the shape of your blood cells. Look at these two photos--healthy cells on the left, diseased cells on the right.
There are many ways to relieve stress. Exercise, meditation, playing with pets or children, walking in the woods, even making a list of goals and ticking them off. Won't you find a stress reliever that works for you? What are some other conditions linked to stress and emotions? Another website lists heart attack, high blood pressure, insomnia, ulcers, chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, obesity, muscle aches, and irritable bowel syndrome! Of course all these conditions can have other causes, but if you can eliminate or reduce stress in your life think how much better you could feel. And it's not always just removing the stressful circumstances that you need. Changing the way you think about circumstances will go a long way toward relieving the stress. Believing something is not so bad will help it not to be so bad. If you don't get the job you applied for, you may be disappointed, but it's not the end of the world. It just means it wasn't the right job for you at this time in your life. Something more suitable is coming. Another thing--watch your language. Self defeating verbage will get you down. Do you ever say, I'm so stupid, I'm ugly, I look bad today, I'll never get a better job, I always get the flu every winter or every illness that is going around the office? How does it make you feel even just reading that? Why not say, I do the best I can with what I have. I take precautions to avoid illness and it helps. If I learn some new skills or try some networking, I might find--or create--a better job. There is hope in that. It just might affect your wellness level positively. 
 This is not related to wellness, but I was featured in a blog about being an administrative assistant, which has been my "day job" for years. Here's a link to the article, written by Nicole Orisich. http://bit.ly/I5z8pB Holy Week and Wellness 04/05/2012
To those who celebrate it, this is Holy Week: the memory of the last week of the earthly life of Jesus in human bodily form. It's always been very meaningful to me, having been raised in the church, and because my name is Mary. I remember looking at my hands during Good Friday service wondering if the stigmata would erupt from my palms. I sometimes think very deeply about things, but not always. I was reminded this week of some ways in which I don't always live authentically. I profess to be and believe a certain way, but not everything in my life reflects that. I'm not confessing anything earth-shattering here; if we are honest we may all have a moment or two where we think unkindly of others, or do something we don't believe would necessarily please our God, but we may tell ourselves it's no big deal because, after all, we are human. Living this way, even though we all may do it, is being less than authentic. It may be to keep a low profile at work, not offend our parents, keep a spouse happy, or set a good example for our children. But who are we really fooling? Certainly not God, and we are not really even fooling ourselves. To live as only part of who you are is to diminish yourself and your value in your own eyes. And if you value yourself less, you will be less. I remember a poster in my doctor's office when I was a child. Here is an excerpt of the poem, "Children Learn What They Live", from the poster: If children live with criticism, They learn to condemn. If children live with ridicule, They learn to be shy. If children live with shame, They learn to feel guilty. If children live with encouragement, They learn confidence. If children live with praise, They learn to appreciate. If children live with acceptance, They learn to love. If children live with approval, They learn to like themselves. This applies to adults as well as children. This also applies to what we tell ourselves, about ourselves. Remember the film "What the Bleep" when the female lead stood in front of the mirror berating herself? This is what we do every day. We are constantly reaffirming something about ourselves. If it is negative, if we don't believe it is the right thing to do, we are devaluing ourselves. As a Man Thinketh in His Heart-So Is He. It's the name of a popular book. It's also a Bible verse (Proverbs 23:7). God created us all uniquely and beautifully. We have the choice to live out the fullness of all we can be, or to live for what we think others want. Next time I'll write about how emotions affect your health--as an example, anger and resentment . . . perhaps over things we think we've missed out on? . . . can do terrible things to us if we let it. Conversely, love really does conquer all. A Successful Wellness Consultation 04/01/2012
 I received the 1st message from my client on March 13. I had been making various health suggestions to her and others on a Facebook group. One day she suddenly emailed me. She was in a panic as she felt sick all the time and had received varying advice from different sources. As you can see below, she was worried that she would not be able to enjoy her wedding in 3 weeks! Notice the quick improvement after a professional health consultation. Now not everyone shows immediate improvement, but I believe this shows the client’s trust in me as the practitioner and that allowed her to relax. Then once we addressed some inconsistencies in her diet and other factors, her improvement was rapid. I have to say she is an exemplary client and was willing to follow my recommendations carefully, which helped speed things along. She was able to return to work on schedule and is now making happy plans for her upcoming wedding. Here are her words. “I can’t help but cry as I write you this message. I feel so sick and cannot stop crying. I feel so frustrated that I am going round in circles. I pray and hope you can help me!!! I had the Intolerance check done at the beginning of February and went on the diet he suggested. After feeling just awful all the time I did some researching and found the Anti Candida diets are completely different to what he advised me. I have been paying the price of feeling worse than ever before. I thought it may have just been the ‘die-off’ period but when I found a website for Candida the foods he told me I could have are not actually allowed there. My main symptoms are stomach bloating, severe foul gas, feeling nausea most days to the point it worsens unless I eat every 1-2 hours, IBS symptoms ranging from diarrhea to constipation with severe stomach cramps and sweating. I have trouble with my memory and concentration, my legs and body ache all over and I’ve been getting headaches this past week. I’m not sleeping well and am very tearful and emotional. I’m off sick from work today but due back on Friday so really need to feel well. Can you PLEASE help me….I’m feeling so low and ready to give up. I’m also getting married in 3 weeks and I’m panicking about not even enjoying my wedding day or being able to eat anything. I really would appreciate your help and advice!! 3/13/12--I can honestly say since eating today and talking to you I feel so much better. The aching and headache has lessened and I’m sure that is also down to not being so worried and stressed so thank you again!!! 3/13/12--Thanks for taking the time to reply. You have made me feel great relief!! 3/14/12--Thank you again biggest of ((hugs)) I honestly cannot tell you how much more relaxed I feel and how grateful I am for all your time and effort. It certainly is the best Wedding gift but I know you have spent a lot of time mailing me etc. I’m very happy (and excited) about my new diet and looking forward to eating healthier than I have ever done before. With all I have eaten today I have not felt ill once, yay!! Your emails are so informative and I have learnt a lot since we have been mailing each other back and forth. 3/15/12--Hi Mary, yes thank you much clearer. So far I'm feeling tons better....headaches and flu like symptoms have gone. I'm keeping a diary of what I'm eating and if I have any reactions. All good so far. Thanks again!!”--posted with permission of the client. My heart went out to this client, and her improved feelings of wellness were extremely gratifying. This is a perfect example of why I love this work. To help this woman enjoy her wedding day and even her everyday life mean so much to me. Best wishes and prayers to her for lifelong health and happiness! Thank you for contacting me. Congratulations to . . . 03/31/2012
 Jan Schleicher of Mio Michigan is our winner of the free quart of coconut oil. Congratulations Jan and I hope you enjoy using it! I will be anxiously awaiting your comments and to find out how you use it. All of you who signed up for my newsletter, congratulations to you too. You are taking steps to change your life for the better! It's hard to believe, but sometimes I run across people that seem to want to wallow in their illness. There is a story in the Bible about a man who laid next to a special healing pool for years, but could never get in the pool first, which mattered because only the first in the pool got healed. John 5:5: One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” Some Bible scholars have suggested that perhaps he wasn't properly motivated! Things that a person doesn't wish to change must be serving them in some way. It may be that all your friends relate to you only through your illness. It may be that the illness gives you an excuse not to do something. But the winners will be those who try new things, take steps for health and wellness, and never give up. They network with others and exchange information and are open minded. Does this describe you? I bet it does. Thanks to all who participated in this contest. I hope to have another one soon. Free Coconut Oil for Health? 03/24/2012
I recently obtained a quart of coconut oil and wanted to learn more about how to use it. I found that Tropical Traditions has an interesting list of wellness uses. Here are several recipes to get you started! See this page: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/how-to-use-coconut-oil.htm In addition, the video above shows the history of their company and why their coconut oil is the best! It certainly beats the flavor of other coconut oils I have tried. I have used it making spaghetti, sauteing onions and garlic, and my favorite use is in my homemade bread. It is just delicious! And the body of research is large on the benefits of coconut oil. It is said to help those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, slow metabolism, Candida, and skin conditions. Coconut oil is good for your skin and hair, and also is reputed to boost energy for athletes. Now, the EXCITING news! I am giving away a quart jar of Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil. There are two requirements. 1. Subscribe to my blog with the form to the right. You will also get a free copy of my Daily Detox Diet! 2. Please consider subscribing to Tropical Traditions email Sales Newsletter here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/subscribe_for_special_sales.cfm On Saturday, March 31 (just one week from tonight!) I will choose a winner from among all my blog subscribers, and the 32 ounce jar of coconut oil will be shipped directly to you. This is normally sold for $40. So tell your friends, Tweet it, Facebook it, tell everyone you know. Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. Dangerous--and Foolish--Cinnamon Challenge 03/14/2012
According to Good Morning America and other news shows, there is an unbelievable craze sweeping the internet. Watch the video at this link: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/03/09/cinnamon-challenge-sparks-health-concerns/ These videos speak for themselves. Cinnamon has health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar in diabetics. But it must not be taken dry like this or in such large quantities. This can cause lung damage since it does not dissolve in water, and potentially death, without emergency treatment. Your health and wellness are far too valuable to try this foolish practice. I'd like to propose my own challenge. I dare you to drink this!! It tastes great and will make you feel great. Let me know how you did. Just blend up 2 cups water, a head of romaine lettuce, 2 handfuls baby spinach, 2 bananas and an apple. Delicious!  I would like to share 3 videos with you. I wish they were all in one, but this is how this program is recorded. I highly recommend watching all 3 in order. Doctor Lodi talks about the science of the type of food we should and do eat, but he puts it in user-friendly terms. I'd love to hear your thoughts after watching; please comment. If you feel great, fantastic. Unfortunately many of us don't and would like to feel better, but don't know how to start. You may be tired all the time, but think, that's just because I'm over (an arbitrary age). Doesn't everyone start to go downhill by now? The answer is no. Eventually we all die, and before that parts may start to wear out. But you can enjoy the years you have if your health is as good as possible. First, are you getting enough sleep? Even one hour of sleep deprivation a night adds up to a whopping 15 days--over two weeks deficient--in a year. Sleep deprivation can cause memory problems, blurred vision, and even frequent infections! Next, what are you eating and drinking? Processed food is practically unrecognizable by the body and does not support your cell building and body renewing functions. Don't know how to cook? Fruits and vegetables can be eaten with very little preparation and no cooking. Have a good serving or two of these before a meal and you will surely feel better. Do you get any exercise? Even a walk around the block every night after dinner or a long walk on the beach when you have time can help your circulation and help remove toxins from your body. Toxins? Yes, all the chemicals you expose yourself to in your food, water, air, products, workplace, and recreation. Alcohol is enjoyable but in excess is a toxin. You can filter your water and air. You can buy only food that has recognizable ingredients. If you are following these guidelines and still don't feel your best, it may be time for a wellness consultation. I urge you to view the Consultations page of this website and consider giving it a try. You can download the forms for free and decide which one suits you best. Complete the form and then contact me. You can scan & email, mail, or fax it to me. Please contact me for details. There are natural methods that can help you improve your life. Won't you try them? | Enter your email address below and I will send
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