Friday, June 12, 2009

Global Pandemic for Swine Flu

On June 11,2009, the World Health Organization DECLARES Global Pandemic for Swine Flu.

In response to the global spread of the virus, a Phase 6 was assigned, which means a global pandemic is underway. More than 70 countries are reporting cases and over the last weeks, the numbers are increasing. Many reports are cases linked to travel or localized breakouts within a community.

I know in my area, there are many cases reported in the schools. Several surrounding towns have been affected.

Stay informed. Health officials should provide information as it becomes available. To help protect yourself, you should cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and make sure you immediately throw away that tissue.

Wash your hands often and use soap. There are also hand sanitizers you can carry, so when soap and water is not available,you can keep your hands germ free at all times. Do not touch your face: eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. It is not always easy, but try and avoid people you know are sick.

For more information, click HERE and you can read in detail about Phase 6 and what it means.

More Links:
Explanation of Phases link

U. S. Cases Increasing

National Swine Flu Situation Page

THE EMERGENCY EMAIL & WIRELESS NETWORK

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Your Well-Being Is Not Found in the Pharmacy

Are you feeling under the weather? Since there were alot of people who were sick all around me, no wonder I came down with a bug too.

Our well-being is not found in the pharmacy, but in the aisles of our supermarkets.
We can warm up our colds, send the viruses packing and boost our immune system with food.

Ginseng tea (hot or iced)helps kill invading viruses by increasing the body's production of key immune cells. In a Candaian study, people who took 400mg og ginseng a day had 25% less colds than the people who did not.

Drink Green Tea. EGCG,is a chemical very potent in green tea. It is known to stop the adenovrus (which is one bug responsible for colds). At the first sign of a cold, start drinking green tea. In most studies, it is found that the brand, Tetley is the most effective.

Eat alot of oranges. The zinc and vitamin C in oranges, won't prevent an oncoming cold, but it might decrease the severitiy of symptoms and the duration of your cold.
One orange provides more than 100% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C.

The use of olive oil or avocados will provide you with healthy fats, which can help in the aid of inflammation. In one study, the anit-inflammatory compound found in olive oil suppresses the same pain as ibuprofen.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Healthier Food Choices

A healthier alternative to giving into your sweet tooth is munching on some grapes, pineapple, cherries or berries. You can also try raisins or cranberries and Sugarless candy.

If you feel guilty giving in, make sure you have plenty of healthy, sweet snacks in your refrerator and cabinets. This will make it easier for you to make a healthier choice.

The food choices you make, can affect your health. Improving our health can be as simple as adding a variety of grains, fruit and vegetables to our diet. Maintaining a diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Your beverage choice should be water or low sugar and sodium content.

We can control our waistline and our health by monitoring our portion size. Do you still 'supersize'? If you must eat fast food, you can still be in control. Eat smaller hamburgers or chicken sandwiches and order your salad dressing on the side. Order fruit, low fat milk or 100% fruit juice...don't forget, you can pick water!

Tips:

*Eat BEFORE going grocery shopping

*Downsize your meal portions

*Eat s l o w l y, so your brain gets the message that your stomach is full before you overeat

*When dining out, eat half your meal and split your dessert

*If available on the menu, pick the small or medium portion

Friday, May 8, 2009

Understanding Your Cycle ~ Part 2

Days 15-26

This week is known for its high blood levels of progesterone. This hormone is responsible for building up the uterine lining. It also affects our brain function as it brings about the feelings of calm and clear headedness. This would be a great week to reflect, read, explore your interests and evaluate short/long term goals.

If in your 20’s-30’s you have monthly progesterone surges during these early reproductive years which accelerates the burning of stored fat during exercise. You should add variety to your workouts during this week. Progesterone also increases production of pain-killing endorphins. Young women can step up the intensity of their workouts for maximum results.

If in your 40’s, this is the week to give into your chocolate cravings! During perimenopause, declining estrogen production can allow progesterone to become overly dominant. This can trigger mood swings and other symptoms. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which is a powerful antioxidant that has a mild estrogen like effect. It also contains phenylethylamine, which is a plant compound that will elevate your mood. It is said that a single serving of dark chocolate can chase away the blues.

If in your 50’s, your estrogen is naturally diminishing, so you should snack on soy nuts, 2 tablespoons of tofu or have 8 oz of soy milk daily. Soy contains phytoestrogens which will elevate your mood, decrease your appetite and food cravings and enhance skin firming collagen production. Soy is also a proven way to reduce night sweats, hot flashes and vaginal dryness in about 50% of women.

Days 27 and 28

When there is an absence of a fertilized egg, the ovaries suppress production of all three major hormones. By the end of day 28, levels have returned to their starting point. Your roller coaster ride is over. This is a good time to meditate, engage in something spiritual

Maybe after reading Parts 1 and 2 of Understanding Your Cycle, it has helped you to actually have a Happy Period and enhance your health and happiness.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Understanding Your Cycle ~ Part 1

Have a Happy Period! What?! A Happy Period…? I saw a TV commercial advertising a feminine product and it uses that very line. I tell you…I just wanted to throw the TV out the window…a happy periodright. Who has a Happy period?!

Women have been getting a bad rap for a long long time due to our hormones causing crankiness, the feeling of sadness and other hormonal side effects. Whether we are in our prime or entering menopause, if we ‘tune’ in to our body and how it responds, we can enhance our health and happiness no matter what time of the month it is or what stage we are in our life.

Days 1 – 7

During this week, the three major reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) hit their low and this is when you would get your period. This slump in hormones reduces your brain’s output of neuropeptides (such as serotonin), which causes blue moods. Give yourself a pick me up. Pamper yourself. Give yourself a facial, a massage or enjoy a funny movie. You can perk up your neuropeptide output by giving yourself alittle TLC

Days 8-14

Our estrogen and testosterone production peaks during these days, but progesterone stays low. This phase encourages the maturation of eggs and our brain goes into high gear. This is a great week for brainstorming, keeping up energy and confidence. This is also a good time for romance.

If you are in your 20’s – 30’s, eat nutrient rich whole grains, such as pastas, breads and cereals. These foods will help fuel the emotional highs of this week. Grains prevent the overproduction of insulin, a hormone that can destabilize ovarian function and throw off hormone levels.

If you are in your 40’s, Take an Omega 3. Women who are going into their perimenopausal years have erratic dopamine and norepinephrine hormone levels.

Taking an Omega 3 can increase your physical and mental energy levels and boost your mood. Fish omega3 oils can increase production of antidepressant brain chemicals.

If in your 50’s, practice deep breathing. Even when menstruation ceases, the brain continues to increase production of dopamine and norepinephrine during this week.. Even though estrogen production is reduced after menopause, you can preserve the estrogen your ovaries can produce to maximize their well being.

By practicing deep breathing, you can reduce production of cortisol, a hormone that disrupts menopausal ovarian function. Take 6 to 8 calm breaths per minute for 15 minutes each day. This can boost alertness, productivity and happiness.

Coming Next: Part 2 ~ Days 15-26 Days 27-28

Saturday, May 2, 2009

THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT

If Alzheimer's has touched your life in any way, you know very well how devastating this disease can be. For the one affected and those around them. I wanted to bring awareness to The Alzheimer's Project. The below was sent to me through email.

THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT, A PIONEERING MULTI-PART, MULTI-PLATFORM SERIES BRINGING NEW
UNDERSTANDING AND HOPE FOR MILLIONS AND REVEALING HUMAN FACES BEHIND THE DISEASE, DEBUTS MAY 10 ON HBO

Maria Shriver Executive Produces With HBO’s Award-Winning “Addiction” Team

One of the most devastating forms of memory loss is Alzheimer’s disease, an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Today, Alzheimer’s is the second most-feared illness in America, following cancer, and may affect as many as five million Americans. As the baby-boom generation reaches retirement, that number could soar to more than 11 million by 2040and have a huge economic impact on America’s already fragile health care system.

While there is no cure for the disease, THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT shows there is now genuine reason to be optimistic about the future. Debuting May 10 on HBO and created by the award-winning team behind HBO’s acclaimed “Addiction” project, this multi-platform series takes a close look at groundbreaking discoveries made by the country’s leading scientists, as well as the effects of this debilitating and fatal disease both on those with Alzheimer’s and on their families.

The first of the four documentaries in THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT is “The Memory Loss Tapes” (debuting May 10), which provides an up-close and personal look at seven individuals living with Alzheimer’s, each in an advancing state of dementia across the full spectrum of the progression of the disease. “Momentum In Science” (May 11 and 12) is a two-part state-of-the-science film that takes viewers inside the laboratories and clinics of 25 leading scientists and physicians, revealing some of the most cutting-edge research advances. “ ‘Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?’ with Maria Shriver” (May 11) captures what it means to be a child or grandchild of one with Alzheimer’s, while “Caregivers” (May 12) highlights the sacrifices and successes of people who experience their loved ones’ descent into dementia.

THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT is a presentation of HBO Documentary Films and the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health in association with the Alzheimer’s Association®, Fidelity® Charitable Gift Fund and Geoffrey Beene Gives Back® Alzheimer’s Initiative. The series producer is John Hoffman; the executive producers are Sheila Nevins and Maria Shriver.

For more information on THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT and Alzheimer’s Disease, go to HBO.com/alzheimers.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Patience

Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day ("who really ought to get a job") is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day That of all the gifts you give us Lord, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.
Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

Working for God on earth doesn't pay much......but His retirement plan is out of this world.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Prevent Birth Defects By Taking Folic Acid

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you can help reduce your baby’s risk of birth defects by up to 70 percent by taking folic acid.

This nutrient is known to prevent neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida, which affects about one in 1,000 pregnancies each year in the United States. If you take the recommended daily dose of folic acid, you are improving not only your own health, but also the neurological health of your baby.

The best foods to eat that contain this beneficial nutrient are:

Dark, leafy greens

Legumes: lentils or chickpeas

Fruits: papayas, oranges and strawberries

Enriched grain cereal and breads

Here's a healthy Recipe:
Lentil Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup diced carrots
¾ cup chopped celery
1 tbsp curry powder
1 cup rinsed green or brown lentils
1 15oz can crushed tomatoes
3 cups fat free, low sodium vegetable broth

Heat oil on medium in large pot (Dutch oven). Sauté onions, celery and carrots until soft. Add curry powder and stir into vegetables. Add lentils, tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes

Enjoy!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Delcuttering Your Home, Your Life and Your Chakras

I have posted on my other blogs how important it is to declutter your life and your home. Spring is the perfect time to do this. A time when energy is renewed, life blossoms. De-cluttering will bring about a more healthier you and a healthier environment.

You can see obvious clutter in your home if you just walk from room to room, but did you know this clutter causes your Chakras to be cluttered or blocked? Take a tour of your home,so you can see which area needs to be decluttered.

Below you will see which area of your home is associated with your Chakras

· Crown Chakra: Attic, Roof
· Brow Chakra: Den, Home Office, Windows
· Throat Chakra: Living Room, Family Room
· Heart Chakra: Kitchen, Dining Areas
· Solar Plexus Chakra: Bathrooms, Personal Spaces
· Sacral Chakra: Master Bedroom
· Root Chakra: Basement, Crawl Spaces
· Aura: Porches, Decks, Landscaping, Garages

Get cleaning and organize each room of your house. Have your family members participate. Even children should have some responsibility of chores. Focus on one room at a time and do not proceed to the next room until you are completely finished with the cleaning, are organized and of course de-cluttered.

Since the kitchen is considered the heart of the home, this may be the first room to start de-cluttering. This is also the ‘heart’ chakra as well. Start with what is in sight by washing (or dusting) what is on the counters, table, appliances, sink, stove top etc…then go inside the cabinets. Throw out all expired products. Reorganize the goods you have left. Clean your oven, refrigerator, light fixtures and lastly, wash the walls, floors and curtains. Ahhhh, all done and your heart chakra will thank you.

Read some tips about de-cluttering your life at my blog by going HERE

One you have decluttered your life and home, you may want to enhance this pleasant feeling by reading Eric Maisel's book entitled Ten Zen Seconds: Twelve Incantations for Purpose, Power, and Calm
He teaches breath awareness to help you balance and align your chakra energy system. Using the incantations below, you will feel centered and balanced. Repeat each of the twelve incantation ten times. Inhale deeply 5 seconds and then exhale slowly for 5 seconds.

· (My energy)(is free of blockages)
· (My root chakra)(is deeply grounded)
· (My sacral chakra juices)(are creative and bold)
· (My solar plexus)(feels mellow and calm)
· (My heart)(is filled with love)
· (My throat)(speaks the truth)
· (My third eye)(intuits inner knowledge)
· (My crown chakra)(projects inspiration)
· (My chakras)(are spinning in alignment)
· (My aura)(is colorful and clutter-free)
· (My lightbody)(beams brightly)
· (I am)(centered and balanced)

References:
Ten Zen Seconds written by Eric Maisel

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

GOD Has A Positive Attitude

YOU SAY .....GOD SAYS

You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible

You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest

You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you

You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient

You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps

You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things

You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able

You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it

You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you

You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs

You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME

You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom

You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you

God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Protect Yourself Against Pneumonia

Did you know that pneumonia claims more lives in the United States than all other vaccine preventable diseases combined? The bacteria that causes pneumonia can lead to serious infections of the lungs, blood and brain. You can protect yourself against pneumonia.

I have heard too many times how a patient in the hospital has passed due to the complications of pneumonia they contracted in the hospital. I recently learned there is a vaccine to protect yourself against pneumonia.

You can speak to your physician about getting the pneumonia vaccine, especially if you have one of these chronic conditions:

Asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, emphysema, heart disease, kidney disease or multiple sclerosis.

Most adults who receive the vaccine develop immunity to pneumonia within two weeks of receiving it. Only one dose is needed for a lifetime of protection. This vaccine does not contain the live virus for pneumonia, so repeated doses are not required.

A second dose may be given under certain circumstances and only on the advice of your physician. Those circumstances can be: receiving the first vaccine before age 65, the last dose was received more than 5 yrs ago and you have a chronic condition which requires a transplant or another condition that warrants receiving an additional vaccine.

If you fit into the criteria above, speak to your physician, so you can maintain good health and limit health risks.

Source: Focus Magazine/Horizon BC-BS

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Heathguru Answers Your Questions

I remember back when I was pregnant I had so many questions. I was young and did not know what to expect. Sure, people were telling me this and that, but the questions I kept in my mind were never really answered. I didn't feel my Mom was comfortable talking about my pregnancy. My goodness, the subject of sex was never even mentioned.

Looking back, I did have the most easy pregnancy. I didn't gain much weight. I looked like I swallowed a basketball. I was one of the lucky ones who didn't have any morning sickness. I was able to eat what I wanted, when I wanted and was never bothered by something repeating on me, upset stomach, cramps or diarrhea.

As my body went through the many changes, I just accepted each one. Sure I wondered why was I always in the bathroom. How much urine is in me? Why am I so tired? But I found I really couldn't sleep. I just went along month after month with the idea that I am going through this because I am pregnant. That's it, don't question it...just accept it. I guess it would have helped me to have explanations.

I remember I was a couple weeks into my ninth month. My mom and I went to visit my grandmother and great grandmother. We were enjoying our visit, but throughout the day I was feeling 'pressure'.I kept this to myself because once again, I figured I am suppose to feel this. I kept getting up to go to the bathroom...with each trip to the bathroom, a few drops of urine escaped. Ok I'm good, I thought. As long as I don't pee my pants, I'm fine. After about the 5th trip, my great grandmother (who spoke Italian) started to get excited and I couldn't understand what was going on. My grandmother was then asking why I was getting up so much. As I explained, my Mom was now nervous and told me my water is probably breaking. My water? What? We were about 40 minutes away from home and another 15 from the hospital. Call the doctor they were all shouting. Ok...now my fear is settling in. What's happening? Am I about to have this baby? They were explaining to me about the danger of a dry birth. By this time, my head was spinning and feeling like a robot, I just got in the car and was driven to the hospital. All ended well. We made it to the hospital in time and a few hours later, I was a Mom with a healthy baby boy.

With a first pregnancy, I believe all women have questions and possibly fear of what to expect. Getting information, having all your questions answered and knowing what to expect would probably help throughout the nine months. If you do not have someone to turn to for this information or maybe you feel embarrassed to ask, here's a great website to get the information you need.

Healthguru.com provides all the information you might need to put your mind at ease. Heathguru answers your questions you have kept to yourself, wondered about or couldn't get the answers to. Let me also tell you that this site offers not only information on anything and everything associated with pregnancy but also provides information on fertility and conception, sex, college student health, STD protection, birth control, your body, your mind, weight loss etc. There's just too many topics to list.

This might be a great site to guide your teenage and college aged children to, whether male or female, for answers you might feel uncomfortable speaking about. This site provides videos and articles which were put together by a team of expert doctors.
Have a question? Find your answer there.

Do you remember having questions with your first pregnancy? Have a funny story to share?

Thursday, April 2, 2009

The Eye Of God

It is said this photo was taken by NASA with the Hubbell telescope. This kind of event occurs once in 3000 years. This photo has done miracles in many lives.

Say a prayer and state your wish ... you have looked at the eye of God. Surely you will see the changes in your life.

Whether you believe it or not, it is important to Keep the Faith.

Too awesome not to share.

 
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