I bought a new logo design from www.virutaladagency.com I'll let you see it when ready.

We are tearing the walls down on our house. I can look right out the walls in some places. I have no storage. I can't wait until the insulation is done and we have drywall gain. Then I'll feel like I am living in a house.

Negative Calorie Foods

Asparagus
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumber
Fennel
Leek
Lettuce
Peppers
Tomato

Negative Calorie Fruit
Blackberry
Blackcurrant
Mandarin orange
Melon Cantaloupe
Peaches
Plums
Raspberry
Rhubarb
Strawberry
Grapefruit
Honeydew Melon
Tangerine

Appetite Suppressing Foods

There has been a lot of controversy in the news over natural appetite suppressants. Hoodia has been in the news. It has been painted with an evil brush, but what most people do not understand is that it has been eaten as a part of people’s diet for centuries. It is part of a naturally growing cactus that just happens to have the ability to suppress the appetite.

This made me wonder whether other foods have any appetite suppressant qualities. The first thing I learned was that most people are not hungry when they ‘feel’ hungry – they are thirsty. Today’s diet has cross wired our brains messages. Most people feel the same whether they are hungry or thirsty. Next time you want to reach for a snack, pick up a bottle of water first.

If water doesn’t do the trick, then drink vegetable broth. The broth is better than juice. The juice may have starches added to make the drink thicker, smoother, or improve the color. Broth is primarily water and does are not ad calories.

Green foods will suppress the appetite. Any green or leafy vegetable will work. The simplest ‘food’ is apples. It works for people who are feeding their emotions, and it also curbs the appetite. Eat about 30 minutes before dinner and you’ll eat less food.

Another appetite suppressant food is a pickle. Trader Joe’s pickles have the benefit of having no added food coloring. But, read the ingredients. Some pickles are more ‘candied vegies’ than pickles. They have no dietary benefits.

If you must pop pills, then take fiber pills. Drink plenty of water with them. Without water they can cause digestive problems. Not only will they prime the digestive system so weight loss is easier, but the right ones will make the stomach feel full.

Who Started the 50% Divorce Rate Myth?

No, not 50%

50% of all marriages end in divorce. 10% of them divorce twice. But, many divorced people are divorced more than 3 times.

Now, this number is an 'urban legend.' The rate of divorce has NEVER been 50%

The highest rate of divorce is the USA was 44% (including those who divorce mulitple times) The marriage rate in 2005 was 7.5 (per 1,000), down from 7.8 the previous year. This is FAR lower than 50% or even the 44% that some statistics claim. Shockingly, only 10% of the US population is currently divorced.


Divorce in Canada is actually on the decline. Currently, only 37% of divorces are expected to end before they reach their 30th anniversary.


US Per capita divorce rates 1990-2002:
1991, 0.47%
1992, 0.48%
1993, 0.46%
1994, 0.46%
1995, 0.46%
1995, 0.43%
1997, 0.43%,
1998, 0.42%,
1999, 0.41%,
2000, 0.41%,
2001, 0.40%,
2002, 0.38%
(Mostly from NCHS, some from Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the U.S.,

That is a lot less than 50% - interestingly, the % is dropping.

So, where does the urban myth start? It starts from quotes like the following (the important thing to understand is the true definition of the word PROJECTION - it is a guess - it is not fact):

"About 50% of first marriages for men under age 45 may end in divorce, and between 44 and 52% of women's first marriages may end in divorce for these age groups. The likelihood of a divorce is lowest for men and women age 60, for whom 36 % of men and 32 percent of women may divorce from their first marriage by the end of their lives. A
similar statistical exercise was performed in 1975 using marital history data from the Current Population Survey
(CPS). Projections based on those data implied that about one-third of married persons who were 25 to 35 years old in 1975 would end their first marriage in divorce.

"This cohort of people, who in 1996 were about 45 to 55 years old, had already exceeded these projections as about 40% of men and women in these ages had divorced from their first marriage. Current projections now indicate that the proportion could be as high as 50% for persons now in their early forties."

Rose M. Kreider and Jason M. Fields, "Number, Timing, and Duration of Marriages and Divorces: 1996", U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Reports, February 2002, p. 18.

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It is also important to understand the source the information comes from.

Southern Baptist Convention's Council on the Family said that for "...born-again Christian couples who marry...in the church after having received premarital counseling...and attend church regularly and pray daily together..." experience only 1 divorce out of nearly 39,000 marriages

Barna Research Group released the results of their poll about divorce on 1999-DEC-21

11% of the adult population is currently divorced.
25% of adults have had at least one divorce during their lifetime.
34% of adults with no church affiliation are divorced.

These numbers were found using a test group of 3500 people.

The State of our Unions 2005 annual report, which analyzes Census and other data, is issued by the National Marriage Project at New Jersey's Rutgers University.

The U.S. divorce rate is 17.7 per 1,000 married women, down 22.6 in 1980. The marriage rate is on a steady decline: a 50% drop since 1970 from 76.5 per 1,000 unmarried women to 39.9, says the report, whose calculations are based on an internationally used measurement.

The USA has the lowest percentage among Western nations of children who grow up with both biological parents, 63%, the report says. (That means that only 37% are in single parent homes)

You Cannot Be Healthy in an Unhealthy Relationship

Most of us who've survived a first marriage become familiar with the term sooner or later. Some of us make sure we don't repeat the pattern. Others leave one bad relationship and land in another.

The problem stems from society's believe that people should get together because of passion and lust, not friendship and trust. This makes women vulnerable to predators. Our upbringing make us more susceptible.

Remember the 'love at first sight?' A classic 'red flag' for a codependent predator.

Remember the romance stories where a couple's eyes meet across a room? Or, worse yet, the man who showed no affection but the woman fawned over him because he was 'so' strong and dominant.

More on codependency

Women become trapped because the man really does love them, in a perverted way. In truth, he needs them to fulfill his abusive/controlling ideals of a relationship. The woman sees this as love. This traps her. She sees her strong man as having a weakness that he can't control. He appears to be remorseful that he hurts her. She doesn't know how to handle the situation.

I've seen women become pregnant thinking this will make him happy. Instead it gives him more control over her.

In classic cases he always moves them into rural areas where they are isolated, cannot escape, cannot get help.

I've even talked with women where were planning plastic surgery to please their codependent men.

What are the symptoms?

• controlling behavior patterns



• distrust and blaming the person for lying and sneaking around



• perfectionism as in the dominant person is perfect and the submissive person is incompetent and totally unable to do anything right



• avoidance of feelings - all affection is one way.



• intimacy problems - may even include vaginal ejaculation disorder



• care-taking behavior, possessive, controls the money, controls daily routines, controls friends, controls leaving the house



• hyper-vigilance (a heightened awareness for potential threat/danger)



• physical illness related to stress



• chemical dependency



• unexplained illness



• feeling sick to your stomach when it is time for the dominant person to arrive home.

How to Tell if you are in a codependent relationship:

• Don’t rock the boat. It’s not okay to talk about problems. The family pretends things do not happen. We don't talk about the past, even if the past was the day before, the person who talks betrays the family and ruins things.



• Feelings should not be expressed openly; keep feelings to yourself, the dominant person doesn't great the family. They walk in the home environment and then check to make sure everything has been done right - or they totally ignore the family.



• Communication is indirect; one person acts as messenger between two others, known in therapy as triangulation; One person makes all the rules; One person makes decisions like when it is time to get pregnant, when it is time to move, if the other person can take courses, join a group, etc.,



• Do as I say not as I do. Submissive people strong, good, right, perfect - The dominant breaks all the rules but acts like everyone else is too stupid to know what they are doing



• Make us proud beyond realistic expectations



• Don’t be selfish



• Sexual satisfaction is focused on the dominant. The submissive must enjoy it and act pleased, despite their physical reaction. This can lead to further dysfunctions.



• It’s not okay to play or be playful. If someone tries to be happy or play, the dominant might play too, but only to show the rest of the family that play leads to being hurt or punished.
  



• More signs of codependency

Can you fix him? Can he heal? I once thought so, but I've seen so many men in theraphy that failed and women who gave them 1, 2, 5 years more...and only seen it work once. The one time it worked codependancy wasn't a problem, it was post traumatic syndrom.

Importance of Reading Symptoms Properly

The body has one method of telling us that something is wrong – it creates symptoms. In many cases, we take medicines that stop our bodies from giving us the message that something is wrong, or cleaning out the offending virus or toxin.

A runny nose, itching skin, sensitivity, weak nails can all signal toxins and a digestive symptom breakdown that can lead to disease.

Weight gain, acne and thinning hair, which are all common symptoms of Glucose allergies. Women may suffer from lack of libido, a deep voice, low mood - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS which can be controlled by reducing Glucose in our food.
Chewing ice, or a craving for ice, may signal the need for calcium.

Binging may signal the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

The point is, you should pay attention to things that change in your body and health. They could be symptoms that something is wrong with your system. Pay attention. Don’t listen to people who say ‘don’t worry.’ Instead, research the symptoms and try to find what is the problem.

Why Health Food Stores Can Be Bad

I went into a health food store a few years ago with the objective of testing the ‘specially trained technitain.’ I asked what medical ingredients were in willow bark. I was assured that their willow bard was 100% organic and there was no medical chemicals added.

I took another step and asked if there were any medical ‘properties’ and was again assured that there are not. I finally asked why willow was good for my allergies. They assured me it was because natural things interact naturally with other natural things to help them work better – I left feeling uneasy.

The fact is that most of our medicines contain these ‘natural’ elements that are a part of our herbs and natural plants. Each of the properties that heal are – indeed – medical in definition. They are medicinal ingredients.

When a health store misrepresents this, they down play the importance of making sure there is no reaction between the medical properties in natural products and the pills that you are currently taking. It amazes me that herbalists in stores can do the same job as a pharmacist, but do not need any training.

I am sorry, but I can walk into my garden and make a tea that will help heal. I can also walk out there and make one that will kill. There is no way to measure the number of people who have died because of an interaction between medicines and holistic medicine.

Herbs and nutritional supplements can cause health difficulties. I remember one of the most shocking instances I’ve ever seen. It was in a published book. The book said to take comphry internally which we all know causes liver disease and other internal problems.

If you want to take herbs and natural supplements then you need to contact a National Institute of Medical Herbalists (www.nimh.org.uk).

But, try a good diet first. Foods should always be the first line of defense. They can help symptoms, and even reverse the damage caused by disease.

Intro to Shift Work Disorder

The graveyard shift has been associated with everything from depression to cancer. Shift work disorder, applies to people who suffer insomnia and sleepiness from working nights. It has been blamed for ulcers and heart disease.

"It's not surprising," said Dr. Louis Ptacek, a UCSF neurologist studying sleep behaviors. "We evolved on a planet that is rotating every 24 hours. Our internal clock is more than just when we sleep and wake. It's related to cell division and it regulates our immune systems. When we battle our internal clock, that has complications."

15 million people, 15 percent Americans, work a night shift, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Studies show that 10 - 20 percent of shift workers have trouble with insomnia and feeling sleepy on the job.

People who are sleep-deprived can succumb to "microsleeps," where they fall asleep for a few seconds and don't realize it, said Dr. Clete Kushida, director of the Stanford University Center for Human Sleep Research.

"Probably the most obvious problems with (night) shift work are cognitive functions, so people have difficulty focusing. They might have problems with irritability and mood fluctuations," Kushida said. "And then there is excessive sleepiness, which can lead to motor vehicle accidents and industrial accidents."

Last December, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, listed the graveyard shift as a "probable" cause of cancer. The agency's conclusion followed several studies that show high rates of cancer - breast cancer - among people working night shefts.

ScienceDaily (Mar. 18, 2008) — Chronic sleep disruption can cause heart and kidney disease, researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre of the Toronto General Hospital have discovered.

“Disrupted circadian rhythms have a devastating effect on the heart, kidney and possibly other organs,” says Dr. Michael Sole, Cardiologist at the University of Toronto. “This is the first study of its kind to demonstrate that sleep cycle disruption actually causes heart and kidney disease.”

“Shift workers and flight-crews might want to consider these findings when scheduling work time,” suggests Dr. Sole, adding that these workers could try to maintain a constant working schedule for one month or more, allowing the body to readjust its clock to external cues.

Detox Foods: Green Vegetables

Green Leafy Vegetables The healing ingredient is chlorophyll. This is nature’s household cleaner, removing environmental toxins that include heavy metals, pesticides, and air pollutants. It also protects the liver.

There are commercial chlorophyll products that you can buy, but I wouldn’t unless you like the taste of liquid grass. The problem arises when you can’t get fresh picked. It may be a better idea to buy top quality ‘flash frozen’ than week old greens that have been stuffed into a transport truck for several days and ‘sprayed’ to keep them looking fresh.

Head Lettuce has the least value of the green vegetables. The general rule is ‘the darker the better.’ But it is reported to help against yeast infections.

Spinach strengthens weak blood and reduces the severity of bleeding conditions. It includes a blood cleansing or detoxifying agent. It helps with constipation and urinary tract difficulties. Do not eat large amounts of spinach if you suffer from loose stools or urinary incontinence should.

Kale is good for lung congestion. The juice has been used to treat stomach ulcers. It is an exceptional source of iron and should be included in diets that reduce your red meat intake.

Greens offer protection against cancer, infections, heart and circulatory system diseases, bone and joint diseases and disorders associated with old age.

Several Greens such as Romaine lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, mustard greens and turnip greens all contain beta-carotene and

Watercress: One of the Top 10 Detox Foods

Watercress is high in beta-carotene, Vitamins A, B1 and B6, C, E and K. It also contains abundant Iodine, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Quercetin. It can be eaten in salads, soups, and sandwiches. The peppery little green leaves have a diuretic (elevated the body urine rates) effect that helps move things through your system. And cress is rich in minerals too. Watercress is easy to eat, and one of the healthiest foods around.

Quercetin is a flavonoid which is shown to reduce inflammation and is natural anti-histamine. Watercress is good for people with breathing and lung problems including allergies and asthma. It is also reported to be good for cancer, heart conditions, eczema, weight loss, parasites, circulation, kidney problems and lack of energy. The British Journal of Cancer reports "when treated with a combination of Quercetin and ultrasound at 20 KHz for 1 minute duration, skin and prostate cancers show a 90% mortality within 48 hours with no visible mortality of normal cells".

The Watercress Alliance conducted a study from the University of Ulster. They found that watercress contains compounds that help prevent damage to the DNA in white blood cells, an important trigger in the development of cancer.

Trouble in Your Family?

Problem: Someone in my family is turning everyone against me.


My Answer:
There is nothing you can do. This person is manipulative, and everyone in the family knows it. I was once a part of a family like this. The funny thing is, my ex married a woman 'exactly' like they said I was - and now he is stuck. No divorce this time without her parents taking him for everything.

The thing is, you have an enemy in the house. No one wants to hear the arguments because that will end the game.

Just stay away from them for a while. It took me 3 years. Tell them in writing, with you and your husband's signature, that you will be back when you can visit without being yelled at, or hearing any gossip from the sister.

The most important. You must never talk to this woman, not on the phone, not at family gatherings not ever. The family must know that under no circumstances will you be alone with her - talk to her - be in the same room with her. This way, when she says you did something/said something/ etc...they know she is lying.

Now, here is how you do it. You come across as 'I am aware that people are saying I am causing problems. I do not want to be the trouble maker so MY HUSBAND and I have decided to fix the problem by doing the following...."

You should have your children with you. There is the possibility that you do things that hit this person’s emotional triggers. You may not know that they have triggers. Your children may be able to help shed some light. But, including your children also helps empower them and make them part of your family.

Relationships & Marriage

A woman just asked: My husband and I don't fight. We have problems but we just work them out on our own. Is this bad?


My reply:

You are right. If you don't learn how to handle your problems, talk to each other, and deal with situations, he will just walk in one day and say 'I can't handle it.' He will pack a bag and walk out. That will be it. That is what happened to me. It was such a shock. On Tuesday I was 'suburban wife - normal - stereotype' and on Thursday I was looking for a place to live.

I am married to a great guy now. He is a great father. (guy #1 is so full of bitterness and anger that 10 years later he can't visit the kids more than 2 or 3 times a year.) But we sometimes fight light cats and dogs, even screaming at each other. We learned the 'art of letting it out' at marriage counseling.

The important thing to learn is how to have an argument, both of you air your grievances, and then learn how to make a compromise - or else come to a way that ends the argument that you both can live with. Sometimes my hubby just has the final words. Sometimes he thinks for a week or two - and then has the final word which is surprisingly similar to what I wanted to do :)

But, you need help. There are small things you need to learn how to do first, like sit and talk about nothing for an hour. You need to learn how to talk about your 'feelings' without the other person feeling that you are attacking them - or thinking that the purpose is to make them 'feel good.'

You also need to learn how to date, court each other. If you can't fight, then the rest is 'not working' even if you believe it is.

The problem in my first marriage is that neither of us knew what a healthy relationship should look like. We created what we thought was one, and in our defense, we thought we did right. But, we were both brought up on sitcoms where the good families always got along. This is unrealistic.

You also need to learn to build boundaries to the fights. There are things you can say/do, and things you can't. Like, you cannot bring up things that happen more than 24 hours previous. A fight needs to be focused. Or, you cannot say things like 'you are stupid, just like your dad.'

I did go to marriage training, and I read books, and we discussed different theories. Sometimes you need to take baby steps. You can't force your husband to change. This can be hard. But, if YOU fix your own part in the marriage, then he will naturally 'go with the flow.'

For example, if you learn how to speak his 'love language' and make him feel wanted, then he will feel less threatened and will open up and talk. Then, you can take another baby step. The more you learn, and the healthier you behave, the easier it will become.

Detox Foods: How to Get Started

You’ve probably read a lot about foods that remove toxins from your body, clean your blood, and even remove cholesterol and fat from your body. These foods have grown far beyond urban myth to medical fact. Their benefits have exceeded our expectations. Tomatoes and cabbage are being used to prevent and cure certain cancers. Psyllium, orange juice, grape seeds prevent colon problems, including cancer.

When detox you want to eat anything green, the darker the better. Stay away from anything that is white (not including garlic). I don’t think it is necessary to fast to detoxify your body. I’ve done the fast and non-fast. Both have reduced the sleep I needed, eliminated the black spots under my eyes, reduced the bulge in my stomach, and eliminated any puffiness.

However, if you do not detox often, or are trying to do a complete program at once (for the first time) then you need a doctor’s care. I’ll warn you that your sweat will have a strong odor, as will your feces, which may also change to black. Headaches are also common. But, if they are severe, your urine changes color, or you feel heart palpitations, then stop and consult a doctor.

I don’t recommend anyone do more than three days the first time. Take a week or two off, then do another two or three days.

The human body is amazing. It can prevent and cure most diseases when given a chance. A young body contains a force removes toxins through skin tissues and skin-like mucus membranes. This cause symptoms that we work hard t prevent: bouts of sinusitis, asthma, colds, or a combination of these. Every time we take a medicine to stop a runny nose, we prevent our bodies from cleansing themselves.
The body ages and soon it can no longer maintain the aggressive cleansing phenomena. The toxemia begins to go deeper into the organs and tissue.



Benefits of Colon Cleaning and Detoxifying the Body:

1. Every 1% you lower your cholesterol reduces the risk of heart attack by 2%
2. The colon cancer is reduced if the colon is kept clean
3. Reduce the severity and occurrence of yeast infections.
4. Reduce the severity and occurrences of allergies and asthma
5. May reduce eczema
6. May reduce adult acne
7. May reduce wrinkles
8. May reduce sleep problems

May reduce* There are other factors in play. The colon cleansing is only part of the problem.

Fruits Importance in Anti Aging

Fruits, are full of almost good things: vitamin C, fiber, nutritious fluids, and antioxidants. Fluids wash out the body and fresh lemonade is ideal. Its high level of vitamin C, labeled the detox vitamin, helps make toxins water-soluble so they flushed away easily. Humans are the only mammals that do not produce vitamin C in the liver. During Detox or colon cleansing the body needs higher levels of vitamin C than normal.

Getting high concentrates of vitamin C from lemons is difficult as the vitamin levels decrease with storage.

However, do not drink the processed lemon in bottles.

The following is a list of fruits and their vitamin C levels per100 mg flesh

Jujube 500
Apple 6
Barbados Cherry 1,678
Blackcurrant 155+
Blueberry 1 – 16%
Grapefruit 34
Kiwi 99 – 180
Lemon Juice 46
Logan 84
Mango 28
Cantaloupe 42
Orange 53
Papaya 62
Plum 10
Raspberry 25
Red currant 58
Rosehip 1000+
Tangerine 31
Tomato 19
Watermelon 10


99 Foods With the Highest Vitamin C Levels

The health guides state that people need 66 mg of vitamin C a day for the average adult.

Should We Return To Natural Soaps?

How Does Soap Work

Soap helps remove dead skin. Believe it or not, the skin is the body's largest organ, responsible for removing toxins and waste from the body.

Soap is made to remove the dead skin from the top layer of skin - the epidermis - and the microbes that eat them. Soap should be used with a brush to help perform this task.

A toner will close the pores and prevent them from being clogged with dead skin and pollutants in the air.

A good soap will do both. The soap does not need to lather to do this. There are different types of soap. A good soap is made from oils and fatty acid. The oils are mixed with alkali to form glycerin and the salt of the fatty acid.

The surfactants (surface-active agents) in soaps remove grease and dirt because Surfactants have a molecular structure that acts as a link between water and the dirt particles. So the soap actually works like a magnet, or glue, that picks up the dirt and adheres it to the water which then drains away.

A good soap may contain a toner or astringent to tighten the pores, but adding moisturizers, perfume, colors, and scents may actually work against the process by being deposited on the skin and clogging the newly cleaned pores.

Soaps work because of the structure of water. Water molecules contain 2 hydrogen atoms and an oxygen atom trapped between them. This makes the water molecule polar with a positive charge at one end and a negative at the other.

Ad an ionic compound like sodium chloride and the positive and negative parts of water are attracted to the positive ions and negative ions. This is what makes soap water soluble. The solubility of the soap depends on the strength of the attraction.

In this way, the fat in our skin, and on our skin are water soluble, making it easy for them to wash away. The epidermis needs a non-polar material that can be dissolved, moved, and then restored to its non-polar state, like a lipid, or triglyceride.

A lipid is made from two parts fatty acid, and an alcohol called glycerine. Both the fat and glycerine are water soluble.

Saturated fats are solid at room temperature, like l lard and butter. Unsaturated fats are liquids at room temperature like safflower oil. While the unsaturated fat is healthier, liquid soap is not easy to handle.

Cleansing and astringent herbs may be added to the mix, to improve the scent and cleansing ability of the soap. When the soap dissolves, dirt and pollutants are trapped, and sloughed away with the water.

As the soap takes away pollutants, dead skin, biological contaminants, and waste, the skin works less to remove toxins from the body. Drinking lots of water improves this task, and keeps the skin healthier.

This could be one reason why we are seeing woman in their 50s who look young. They have 'good' soaps, and a good diet that keeps their epidermis working well. Like all 'organs' a healthy epidermis looks healthy - and a chemically damaged and abused organ looks wasted, damaged, and color spotted.

My 5 Day Natural Holistic Free Colon Cleansing Program

This is a cross post from my blog www.healthafter40.blogspot.com This health blog is my most active, and ranks high among the blogging sites. I will be posting a daily journal there of my colon cleansing. I will not be posting the journal here - but in www.healthafter40.blogspot.com so you must go there to comment or follow my progress.


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My husband and I plan to start a colon cleansing program on April one. I will use natural foods and am aiming at 'cleaning out' the dangerous mucus build ups, not just restore my body's ability to create stools.

Feel Free to subscribe to follow this program. I am not going to become 'gross' or descriptive about my program, but I will tell you what I eat, the results, and how I feel.

I plan to do a full 7 day cleansing. At the end, you will have a basic understanding of the colon cleansing process. I will be posting articles within the next week to explain what I plan to do, and why.

The program will actually start a couple days early when I 'prepare' my body. Colon cleansing requires 'shocking' the body - but not making it ill.


USA Today, "Most people who eat the standard American 'goo and glue' diet have about 5-10 pounds of matter stored in the colon."

I will include fennel seed, flax seed, Psyllium but not senna. I will increase the fruits I eat, including (and most important) increasing the orange juice and adding rhubarb to my diet.

Some Facts About Life Expectancy

These numbers are from a report in 2000

the US population included 35.0 million people 65 and over. This number represents a 12% increase since 1990. The older population is growing.

Between 1990 and 2000, the total population increased by 13.2 percent, from 248.7 million to 281.4 million people. The population 65 years and over increased
by 12.0 percent. In 2000, there were 18.4 million people ages 65 to 74 years old, representing 53% of the 'mature' population in the US.

That means the total 'mature' population was about 37 - 40 million people. Or, to put this in perspective, the population of 'mature adults' in the USA exceeds the total population of Canada in 2007.

In 1960, only 7% of the Canadian population was over 65. Currently 11% of the population has reached this level, and in 2016 they expect that 16% of the population will be over 65. Currently, 4.4 million people in Canada are over 65.

This is a lot of people who 'beat the odds.' It is hard to imagine that about 16 million adults in the UK represent that 10% chance of reaching 70 years old.

So, next time you ask yourself whether all the exercise and healthy living are worth it, just remember the 40 million +/- old people in North America and how much fun they are having.

A Few Thoughts on Life Expectancy

I spent the morning looking through life expectancy charts. At first they were rather daunting. There are the world life expectancy charts which provide very vague numbers, and have no relevance to your current age, lifestyle, or mitigating circumstances.

If you are Canadian, expect to life between 70 - 75. If you are from the United Kingdom then you get to live to 77 - 80 years old.. a bit less if you are from the United States.

But, if you read the UK government's forms you get a bit of a different picture. If you are a male, and 44 years old, then you have a 50% chance of reaching 93. If you are male, and 60 years old, you have a 16 - 20% chance of reaching 93 years old. Canadians can expect to live between 75 and 80 for all income brackets, male and female. Americans born in 1980 (sorry, can't find older stats) can expect to live to 73.

The general numbers are not too far off. If you were a male born in 1850 then you had a 10% chance of living until 70 years old and 11.5% for women. The same groups born in 1960 would have a balanced 12% chance of reaching 80. Children born in 2000 will have a 16 - 20% chance.

Of course, you may be wondering how to get into the 11%. With the new health discoveries and understanding of fitness, an improved diet, and a safer lifestyle will all work to keep us living longer - and healthier. Hereditary factors will come into play too.

I am not sure I want to reach 93 if I am in a nursing hoe. However, it would be nice to life to 80 and stay on my feat until the very end.

The leading causes of death in 2003 were:

The leading causes of death For Americans in 2003
Rank Cause Deaths
1 Heart disease 684,462
2 Malignant neoplasms 554,643
3 Cerebrovascular diseases 157,803
4 Chronic lower respiratory diseases 126,128
5 Accidents 105,695
6 Diabetes mellitus 73,965
7 Influenza and pnemonia 64,847
8 Alzheimer's disease 63,343
9 Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome,
nephrosis 42,536
10 Septicemia 34,243
11 Suicide 30,642
12 Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis 27,201
13 Essential hypertension
and hypertensive renal disease 21,841
14 Parkinson's disease 17,898
15 Pneumonitis due to solids
and liquids 17,457
LiveScience Chart / SOURCE: CDC

So, when you look at these numbers, and remove things that you are no tprone to, your chances of living longer are looking positive.

I wanted to bring this information to light because I was talking to a friend a few days ago who said 'what is the point.' She was 50 and thought it was too late to extend her life. We have a better chance than our parents. They had no choice but to live on fat, purins (meat), and starch. Many of the healthy foods available to use were unheard of to them. There is a point - enjoying life.


My next couple of posts are going to explore the increased life expectancy a little more, and explain the phenomenom a little.

The Truth Can Set You Free

I recently read an article at a favorite website. The article was called 7 Signs That You're Living in Denial.

I'm Never at Fault: Others are always at fault, aren't they? You keep doing everything right and they just ruin things for you, do they? Sorry to have to say this, but not assuming responsibility is one of the most obvious signs that you are living in denial.

Everything Has an Excuse: "I'm not going to do this because..." "I would have done that, if not for..." Do you somehow manage to find excuses for everything? Good for you, maybe you will find someone who pays you for that, but for the time being, your attitude is yet another sign that you are simply living in a fantasy world.

Everyone Else is Wrong: Are all of the people who don't agree with you clueless? Are they that ignorant, can't they understand your brilliance? I'm sorry but, if that's the way you see things, I am afraid that the problem lies elsewhere. One tip: it's not with everyone else.

It's All One Big Conspiracy I Tell You: Does it seem that everyone and their dog is working against you? Are you just a poor innocent victim in what seems to be one huge conspiracy against you? In that case, have you considered getting some help? No, everyone is not conspiring against you, and it's about time you stopped living in denial and started seeing how things actually stand. You can read the rest of the denial problems by clicking here.

This problem is also called 'ego personality disorder' and it ruins lives. The good news is that it can be managed and overcome. Many people with this disorder see it as their protection. Their self esteem is so low that they must overcompensate to protect themselves. But, step one to freedom is learning that you are the same person whether you live in a fantasy world or the real world. Loosing the EPD will only bring good things for you - like friends.




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Don't Lose Your Job to RSI

In medical terms, repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) caused by prolonged repetitive, awkward hand movements that damage muscles, tendons, and nerves of the neck, shoulder, forearm, and hand, causing pain, weakness, numbness, or impairment of movement. It can be caused by working long periods at a computer, either in a chair with poor support, no foot rest, and using a square or small keyboard.

Typing and clicking a mouse button can be harmful. Injured muscles contract, decreasing the range of motion. As the typist continues to work, the level of stress increases. At first they suffer wrist pain and head aches, but after a while the pain increases.

Professionals that understand the disease know that slowing down for a month or two out of the year, taking breaks, and listening to their body will keep them working. Those who don't listen or make excuses (I can't afford a secretary's chair or ergonomic/split keyboard) end up with a debilitating chronic disorder that can take several hundreds of dollars and more than six months to correct. In effect - they are out of business.

What Happens with RSI?

The sheaths that cover tendons run out of lubrication because they aren't allowed to rest. The tendon and sheath chafe, causing pain. The tendons become inflamed, and pinch nerves. This causes numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity to touch.

Poor posture can lead to severe neck and back injuries. Repetitive reaching for a mouse can lead to arm and neck strain as well as spinal strain.

RSI is not a medical diagnosis, but a family of disorders, mistakenly called carpal tunnel syndrome. One recent study even reported that frequent computer users are no more likely to develop CTS than non-computer users.

• poor posture


• poor technique


• Do not use a keyboard designed for computer users


• Use a computer more than two hours a day


• Your job that requires constant computer use,


• Don't take breaks


• Use a manager chair, or don't use a secretary's chair


• Don't exercise


• Have stressful deadlines, work 7 days a week


• Work in a high-pressure environment


• Have arthritis, diabetes, or another serious medical condition


• Have long fingernails


• Have an unhealthy, or sedentary lifestyle


• Are overweight


• Don't believe you are at risk

You are at risk of you experience:

• Fatigue


• Weakness in the hands or forearms


• Tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation


• Heaviness Clumsiness in your hands


• You drop things or lack coordination


• Cold hands?


• Frequent self-massage


• Avoid using one hand


• Use your forearm, feet, or shoulder to open doors?


• Not play sports you once enjoyed?


• Have trouble sleeping
• When typing you notice that you are holding one wrist 'up' off the wrist support, or find yourself reaching for keys that you'd normally touch without moving your wrist.

The first sign is often irritability with family members, being short tempered, or having an emotional outburst while working, but without any apparent cause.

When I find myself strained, I wear a fingerless brace like the one above. It supports my wrist and forces me to move in a different patter, it slows my typing speed down, and gives me a chance to retrain my hands to move properly. That said, I haven't worn my wrist braces since buying an ergonomic keyboard.




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Clean Your Body Fat - Secret To Health

When you think of body fat, you imagine a white substance that lines the muscles under your skin. We think that it is extra calories - wrong.

Fat is comprised of all the poisons and toxins, the pesticides, the food coloring, the preservatives, and everything in your food that cannot be easily digested. It also includes the poisons and toxins from your face cream, the residue from your shampoo, the air born pollutants in your home, the undigestible parts of your room freshiner.

No wonder the population finds it difficult remaining healthy. Add to this the lack of nutrients needed to energise and fuel the internal organs, and the exercise needed to keep the body healthy, and we have a receipe for disaster.

Once you decide to cleans your body and restore it to its youthful efficiency, stop. It is not time to head to the health food store.

Not All Herbs Are Equal

The first step is to learn about herbs. For example, not all Sage varieties work to help purify the blood and clean the digestive track. The pills may also cause health risks according to this Sage article on Medical Net.

Barberry, black radish, eyebright, lobelia, milk thistle, Oregon grape (do not use if pregnant), pau d'arco, wild yam, and yellow dock cleanse and detoxify the liver and the endocrine system. Use these independently or in combination

Many of these can become part of your diet, taken as a tea, or taken in pill form. But, it is vital to consult a doctor before adding a 'medical herb' to your diet.




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Read This Before Buying Colon Cleansing Products

Read this before buying any colon cleansing products. There are several natural products that can work - without making you resort to eating grass.

Drink Water

Yes, water is the world's best solvent and purifyer. Drinking plenty of water can clean the oclon, reduce toxic levels in your body, and keep your skin looking younger. Many of the lexictives that pose as colon cleanswers are nothing more than a platform that requires an increased water intake, making me wonder whether it is the water or the laxitive that cleanses the colon.

My husband has been on this colon cleansing kick lately, mainly becuase of the number of tele-mercials offering a quick 'tasteless' cure. I've read a bunch of reviews on many of them and found some truths.

'you can loose 15lb.' This is true, because that is how much most people have in theri bowels according to the experts. So, taking any laxitive will result in a 15lb loss - for a day or two.

'extend your life.' This is true - anything that removes toxins from your body will prevent disease and extend life.

Natural Soaps

Most people do not realize that the skin is the body's largest organ. The more sprays, perfumes, and powders we put on our skin - the harder it must work to clean our body. This includes cleaning our body with fancy soaps.

Yes, we are washing off the dirt, but we are also covering our ephidermous with a layer of gunk that smells good and makes it difficult for our skin to perform its job - cleaning toxins from our body.

Scrubbing the body while bathing is one way to get rid of skin and dirt that clog the pours and improve its ability to keep us healthy.

The Lymph - Skin Brushing

Skin brushing is an excellent method of cleansing the lymphatic system. Uf this is not working well, then no amount of colon cleansing will be effective.

Waste material is carried from the cells by both blood and lymph. Skin brushing stimulates the release of toxins with their carrier cells, primarily lymphocytes, that will find their way to the colon.

A sedentary lifestyle, with the common use of anti-perspirant, keep people from perspiring enough. Toxins and metabolic waste are not released through sweat, but back up into the body and eventually, the colon. Skin brushing opens up the pores, allowing the body to breathe and thus enhances proper functioning of the organs.

Continued in Future Articles



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Allergies Can Kill

I have severe food allergies. I've had them hit so hard that I can't breath and am so 'out of it' that my husband has taken me to the hospital. Most 'non sufferers' don't really understand how dangerous it can be. I don't need to be fed crab to suffer. You just need crab juice on your hands when making my salad. This makes eating at a restaurant very dangerous.

If you have food allergies then you understand what it feels like to be eating a meal with friends and feel your senses dull, your throat close, your chest become heavy.

Those who do not have food allergies need to learn the symptoms, causes and treatments. An allergy can hit someone you love quickly. Their favorite food can become deadly without any warning.


Allergy – Food Allergy Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Allergies stem from an inappropriate reaction of the immune system to certain proteins. These proteins are known as allergens, and they are usually common and harmless substances such as pollen, mold spores, animal dander, dust, various foods, insect venoms, or medicines.

Any substance that triggers an allergic reaction is called an allergen. There are many different types of allergens; three of the most common are pollen, dust mites and nuts. Allergens contain protein, which is found in all living organisms, and it is the protein that causes the reaction. Some drugs such as penicillin can also cause allergic reactions. They do not contain protein, but they can cause a reaction if they bind to proteins in the body.

Cause Of Allergy

An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an allergen, in this case a food protein.
•The white blood cells produce an antibody to this allergen, called immunoglobulin E or IgE.
•Any food has the potential to trigger an allergic reaction, but a few foods account for most food allergies.

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system misidentifies harmless foreign substances and reacts to them as if they were as harmful. These substances are called allergens. Common pollens, mold spores, house dust mites, cockroaches, and animal dander (shed skin, fur, or feathers) are among the allergens that most frequently cause problems. Allergic reactions to allergens such as insect venom, latex, and certain types of food or medications are more rare.

Symptoms Of Food Allergy

Reactions to foods are usually rapid, appearing within an hour (or sometimes even seconds) of consumption, although in some cases they may be delayed and appear up to four hours after eating.
Skin rashes, such as nettle rash (also called urticaria or hives) can appear which are generally short lived, disappearing within a few days. Longer lasting, chronic skin reactions (such as scaly patches) can also be experienced. Some of these longer lasting rashes are called atopic dermatitis.

The complex process of digestion affects the timing, location, and particular symptoms of an allergic reaction to food. All of the symptoms of food allergy occur within a few minutes to an hour of eating. A food allergy can initially be experienced as an itching in the mouth and difficulty swallowing and breathing. Then, during digestion of the food in the stomach and intestines, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can start

You may also get some or all of the following symptoms:
• skin reactions, such as swelling and itching, eczema and flushing
• vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• coughing, wheezing or a runny nose
• swelling of the lips
• sore, red and itchy eyes

Home Treatment

• For localized hives or other mild skin reactions
• Take cool showers or apply cool compresses.
• Wear light clothing that doesn't irritate your skin.
• Take it easy. Keep your activity level low.
• To relieve the itching, apply calamine lotion or take over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or the nonsedating antihistamine, loratadine (Claritin)






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Anecdote: Eating Healthy

We have had to abandon all of our favorite restaurants since my husband was diagnosed with diabetes. It is so hard to find a restaurant that has healthy food. No one wants to go a restaurant and eat nothing but salad. Even the salad dressing is too high in salt and sugar for many diabetics.

The American Diabetes association has a few tips for people who want to eat out. But, even that is not comfort. Especially, as much of the food we eat at home has the same salt and sugar content as in a restaurant.

One thing that my husband has learned is that he only need to look at a portion, not the 'can'. For example, he stopped eating spaghetti sauce (eliminating tomatoes from his diet completely) because it was about 1/4 salt. But, when we broke that can into a single portion and then further diluted the sauce with water, the salt intake dropped to an acceptable limit.



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How Do You Celebrate Life?

Post comments to tell everyone how you celebrate your life. What little things do you do to make life better - to make people feel loved - and to make yourself happy. Celebrations of life are easy to make a part of your life.

We celebrate by having a family night. We get together and have a few laughs as a family.

Another thing we will do is just stop life mid stride and go out for hot chocolate and pastries or donuts.

Sometimes we just have a group hug. Anything it takes to get through the day and feel loved and happy.




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What does 'Beautiful' Mean to You?

I've been asking my friends what beauty is. Mirella Patzer writes wonderful historical romance novels. Her novels do not focus on the body parts, but on the true beauty of the characters.

"True beauty is comprised of many factors beyond physical appearance. Charm, wisdom, and love combine to make a person truly beautiful inside and out. Helen Keller summed it up best. "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor touched, but are felt in the heart." www.mirellapatzer.com
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Say "Enough" To Aggressive Behavior

You can be happy within a week. No matter what you lived through. No matter what caused your aggression. It doesn't matter whether your anger is justified. If you are willing to be happy, you can overcome decades of self-loathing, hate, and anger.

It is easy - just let go. If you want to study Ego Personality Disorder (or Narcissism - Narcissistic Personality Disorder). Both of these involve creating a negative situation which only 'you' can solve. The purpose is to set you above everyone in your world, so that you feel better about who you are. And - God Help Them - if they don't play the game right.

The important thing to remember is that letting go takes a week. It involves accepting the fact that you are just like everyone in your family. It also involves everyone else deciding that it is time to stop the game.


Dealing with Aggression


Copyright © 2005 David Ferruolo
Sometimes life can be very confusing. We strive to walk a spiritual path, being accepting and forgiving. We smile and send blessings unselfishly to all that cross our path. We meditate and pray, but how do we deal with negative people when their wrath is directed at us?

We are all still human, and we have feelings, and yes, egos. When aggressive, angry people confront us, it is sometimes hard to keep that ego in check. Dealing with someone who is acting out of fear and insecurity can also be very tough. How do we gently thwart an abusive aggressor and still hold true to our beliefs and spirituality? It is a hard road, but I can offer some basic suggestion, which have helped my tremendously over the years.

· Let spirit guide you. Always trust your higher self to guide you to the correct course of action. Listen to your inner voice and discern what your emotions are telling you. Separate ego thoughts of retaliation and defense from those loving, caring emotions of your soul. Remember the ego will always defend by attacking or withdrawing, so we must know and curb our ego and settle into our spiritual higher selves. When we think and act out of love, we will always pick the correct actions.

· Try to See and agree with their point. We sometimes can understand the motives behind peoples actions if we give thought to their situation. Remember there is no right or wrong, there is only different points of view and opinion. So seek to see the other side of the disagreement. If you know the abuse towards you is unwarranted, and you cannot see the truth or motivation behind the situation, just calmly listen to what they have to say. You don’t have to agree with them, but do strive to know why they are acting the way they are. Listen intently to what they are saying. You can rebut with something like; “I understand that you are felling a certain way, and that I perhaps did something to provoke these feeling, but I did not intend to cause this situation. That was not my intention and I apologize. I hope that you feel better soon, and if there is something I can do to help, please let me know” Simple as that.

· Let them speak, and be truly interested in what they say. The ego is a simple thing to understand. Give it your undivided attention, and it is happy. If you are sincere when listening to others, it satisfies the basic need of attention and they will be less aggressive (most of the time, anyway). Like I said before, sometimes people just want to be heard and noticed. So listen and let them know you see them and are truly interested in their plight, even if the problem is with you. When responding, always use their name in the sentence. This makes them feel important, and may lessen their anger even more. Responses like. “Lisa, I understand what you are saying.” Or maybe; “I can see where you are coming from, Lisa.” And remember eye contact! Nothing says you are interested in what someone says more than direct eye contact.

· Accept responsibility for your actions. If you actually did do something to create the problem, and the complaint is legitimate, take responsibility for your actions. Apologize. Offer reciprocity or ask them if you can do anything to make them feel better. Most of the time, people just want to be heard and apologized to.

· Do not accept their gift of anger—keep your cool. One of my favorite Buddha stories goes like this: One day a disciple came to the Enlightened One. This student was angry and confronted the Buddha. The Buddha sat quietly in meditation while his student raved on. Finally, the student asked the Buddha if he could hear him and way was he not reacting with anger? The Buddha opened his eyes and politely said; “If I do not accept your gift of anger, does it not still make it your own?” By keeping your cool and acting calmly during an angry confrontation, you will not give fuel to the fire. It takes two to tango, so if you do not armor up, the potential confrontation is merely one person venting. When in this situation, remember the other points in this article.

· Defuse their anger... by apologizing and letting them know that you understand that your actions led them to this stress. If someone is about to push you, you can either back away or confront their advances. Confronting their advances only deepens the well of discord and creates a fight, but by intelligently backing off, their aggression is immediately defused. By removing the motivation for their advance, you can defuse the situation before it gets out of hand. When you feel your anger rising in defense of your ego, immediately take a deep breath and find your center. Know that the anger and negativity within your attacker is only a reflection of what is inside of them, and not inside you. You are not the negative things this person says about you. This only makes your abuser a person that needs to be negative out of insecurity and inner fears. Forgive them, for they know not what they do or how to act in accordance with universal law.

· Knowledge is power. Know they really feel they have a reason for their negativity and aggression, but they do not know how to maturely convey the message to you. Thank them for letting you know how they feel. Let them know you appreciate them having the courage to let this matter out. Respond accordingly, but always reply out of love and respect and not retaliation, protection and fear.

The things people say may hurt our feeling, but as spiritual beings we can choose our actions to these negative situations and let it go. Your ego may want to let the person know they hurt you, but this is not the time. After the situation has been defused, you will have the chance at a later date to speak your truth. If the person is someone you wish not to speak with, a letter written from a place of love and compassion is a great tool to honor what you believe.

As we walk a spiritual path, we are not immune from the negativity of the world, but we can choose to act in accordance with spiritual law. We will always be uplifted when we choose the right action and not retaliate in defense of our egos. The Bible says the meek will inherit the earth. A Course in Miracles expands that thought by saying that the meek will take over the earth with their passive inner strength. So remember these words and the above suggestions the next time you are confronted with aggression and anger. Be passive—take the high road, and let your spirit and inner strength rule the situation.


Dave Ferruolo is the Author of “Connecting with the Bliss of Life: Powerful Lessons for Living a Peaceful and Happy Life.” He is a former Navy SEAL an inspirational and motivational speaker, success coach, consultant and spiritual counselor. http://www.daveferruolo.com




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Awaken the Seeds of Success and Love Inside of You

Spiritual Awakening is not all hype and mental exercise. Many people become confused between the terms Spiritual Awakening, or spiritualism, religion, and paranormal events. A spiritual awakening is an enlightenment, it is freeing your mind to the possibilities and opportunities that await everyone.

Your life doesn't need to be limited to meeting the demands of what others want from you. Your life belongs to you alone. Success - is a spiritual thing. Love - is a spiritual thing. Freedom - is a spiritual thing. You will never explore these unless you 'awaken' to the power inside you.


Awakening to the life that you are called to live!


Copyright © 2005 Awakenings Life Coaching by Kathryn Bonner
Living an Awakened Life Spiritually will trickle over into all areas of your life and create a fulfilling life. You were meant to have an abundant life, one of fulfillment and beauty and grace.

As a Spiritual Awakening Life Coach, my goal for you is not just to discover who you are to be, but more importantly how you are to be in this life. How you are to be in every moment of this glorious life that our amazing Creator has for you. Are you loving fully, are you living fully? Are you fully giving, are you fully receiving? Do you understand what that means? Success is truly in those accomplishments that you find your fulfillment and purpose. That is how you find your purpose. Your purpose is to give and be love!

In my continual journey of discovery I have established that each person who has ever recalled when life had genuine significance or when they felt their greatest it was when they were serving, and giving the finest of themselves. They received pure joy from it and so did the individual they were serving.

Maybe you are beginning to evolve to a higher echelon of thinking regarding what you believe success is. Maybe it is more than it used to be. It may be that you are realizing that success is the Awakening of your spirit, the Awakening of your soul. Truly being blissful and joyful in your own presence and in the presence of others is authentic living at its best! When you finally understand what it is to live a fully Awakened life abundance and the joy are a natural result. You shift in an awareness of the fact that you are participating in life the way you were created to. Your function now becomes to continue to be Awakened and to minister to or assist in the Awakening of others. This is your calling, your purpose.

You are aware of the Holy Spirit that is alive and well within you. You allow for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be your complete guide in this life. As you allow the Holy Spirit to take charge of your whole life you begin to experience what’s called the “Fruit of the Spirit” and you are no longer struggling to become, but now experience the as an innate or natural way of being for you.

This is remarkable when you no longer have to strive to be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kinder, generous, faithful, gentler, and have self-control (those are the fruits of the spirit).

Galatians 5:25 reads, “If we live by Spirit, walk we by Spirit…” I love this passage! This says it all! This is what I am called to do; this is what we are all called to do! What does this mean to you? I would in courage you to break this down further. What does “If we live by Spirit” mean to you? Then what does it mean when is says, “Walk we by Spirit”?... break this down, write it out, meditate on it day and night for how ever long it takes you to begin to have it be in you, be of you and be you. What amazing transformation will take place in you! It truly is amazing.

With that said, I must clarify something of utmost importance… you cannot make this happen; only Spirit, once you become a willing vessel. Once you choose to live by the Spirit then it becomes a innate outpouring of the Spirit. Continue to pray and meditate on this and read the scriptures for more illumination and wisdom. I am obliged to share with you that this is a conscience choice. Today I was able to recognize that I was “void” of this when I went to the bank to deposit a check that was rightfully mine, but it was made out incorrectly. The bank clerk was correct in not allowing me to do so, but my “true beautiful spirit” the spirit in which I choose to live by left! Not for long, but it did leave!

Living and Walking by Spirit is crucial to me being who I was shaped, fashioned, and created to be, when I am out of step with Spirit, I am out of touch with love and patience, and kindness and all of the other fruits of the Spirit. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit”— There are various ways to live our lives in this world – some of them destructive and others life-giving. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control – these are the things that identify us as Awakened, and living by the Spirit and being guided by the Spirit… – these are the fruits of the Spirit I want for myself – the fruits of the spirit I want for all of us!

Here's to living an Awakened Life in the new year!! Begin the Awakening of your Spirit, manifesting beautiful transformation, much like the process of becoming a beautiful butterfly! Here's to your journey and the Awakening of your heart and the soul of the beautiful you!

AwakeningsLifeCoaching@cox.net or call me at 512-260-7775. Please take a look at my website at http://www.AwakeningsLifeCoaching.com Thank you for reading! I wish you all a breathtaking and joyous journey! Here’s to the journey! Kathryn


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Natural Help for Arthritis Sufferers

We treat my husband's arthritis with several of the natural herbs including Black Cohash and FeverFew and Nettle. We also use sage tea and a diuretic which causes him to urinate, eliminating some of the toxins from his body.

It is easier to eat this than expected. I powder some into tea and other drinks. They can be 'tart' but that can be masked with juice.


Treating Arthritis - Naturally

Copyright © 2005 Mike Law
There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45. It usually will attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine. Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance. Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.

Another type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Extremely painful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties.

Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.

The term Arthritis literally translates to “joint inflammation.” If you suffer from any of the different types of Arthritis listed above, chances are you have taken drugs to combat the effects or tried other “home remedies.” If you haven’t yet tried “Urtication,” it might be helpful. The term “Urtication” comes from the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000 years to biblical times. Urtica dioica is “Stinging Nettle. The treatment is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the sore joints with the nettles. This may seem bizarre, but the practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window sill.

Here are a few more herbs that are used effectively for the treatment of arthritis:

Black Cohosh
Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot, Rattleweed, Squawroot. The dried root is the part used. This is a powerful relaxant as well as being extremely effective with easing painful menstrual cramps. Ovarian cramps will be relieved as well as bringing on a delayed menstrual cycle. It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, osteo-arthritis, rheumatic pain and neurological pan. In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system in general.

Bogbean
Useful for treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also has a stimulating effect on the walls of the colon and digestive juices.

Celery Seeds
Use dried ripe fruits to use as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic or anti-spasmodic. Great for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Chapparal
Very useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic backache, skin conditions of warts and blotches. Also one of the best cancer herbs.

Feverfew
Use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, dizziness and tinnitus.

Nettle
The is the herb we referred to earlier and is another one of those “universal” plants. They are found all over the world and they strengthen the entire body. Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a few applications. Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur.

Saffron
A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and oils), thus helping arthritics get rid of the uric acid which holds the calcium deposited in the joints. Also reduces lactic acid build up. Good for measles, skin, scarlet fever and perspiration.

Yucca
Hope for arthritics. The extract from the plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.

All of the herbs mentioned here should be available at your local health food store along with suggestions on how to prepare them for use. Some applications will be to ingest in teas while others may facilitate creating a topical treatment.

No matter what natural remedies you choose please consult your physician to make certain that your course of treatment does not interfere with medications that your doctor subscribes for your treatment.


Whether you are looking for renewed strength, energy and vitality in your life, drug-free relief from arthritis and joint pain, or wanting to make a difference in your financial future by becoming a MonaVie distributor, click here http://www.whatismonavie.com/wealthontap



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Understanding Migraine Headaches

I sometimes have migraine headaches caused by neck and back strain. I sometimes have muscles grow so taunt that they feel like cords in my neck and back. I need to stay in a dark, cool room. The room must be quiet. I remain as quiet as possible until the pain passes.

I am lucky. I do not suffer from them often. I have the proper chair. I keep my feet off the floor. I have a slanted keyboard which keeps my shoulders 'back' instead of forcing them to curve forward like old 'flat' keyboards do.

Stress is the number one cause of my headaches. I become tense, unable to relax.



Do I Have Migraine Headaches?



If you have headaches and are wondering if they could be migraine headaches we can probably help you figure that out. There are some very distinctive characteristics of migraine headaches that can differentiate migraines from other types of headaches such as tension headaches, stress headaches, cluster headaches or other types of headaches.

Migraine headaches are more often than not one-sided, meaning the pain is felt on only one side of the head. Most of the time the pain of a migraine headache can be felt in the temple area or behind one of the eyes or ears. Migraine headaches can become severe and disabling. Nausea is a common symptom of this type of headache as is vomiting or sensitivity to light or sound. About 20% of patients with migraine headaches experience an aura. An aura is a disturbance in vision that can consist of bright blinking colored lights that move across the field of vision.

Migraine headaches can become chronic in nature. When they are chronic the patient most commonly experiences them once or twice a month. However, in some instances migraine headaches can occur as often as once or twice a week. Migraine headaches affect people between the ages of 15 and 55 and are more common in women than in men. Migraines affect women about 3 times as often as men.

Migraines affect about 30 or 40 million Americans, but they are less common than tension headaches. It is estimated that about 75% of all headaches are tension headaches. Tension headaches are typically characterized by a dull pain over the entire head while migraines are usually throbbing in nature and located in one particular spot. In other words, tension-type headaches are a constant dull pain while migraines throb like the beating of the heart.

Chronic tension headaches can occur every day while chronic migraine headaches occur less often, usually once a week to once a month. Fatigue and stress can cause both types of headaches, but migraine headaches can be triggered by other factors such as different types of food. Migraine headaches can sometimes be helped by eliminating these triggers. Foods that may lead to migraines include cheese, alcohol, MSG (monosodium glutamate), nuts, beans, caffeine, chocolate, onions and others. Eliminating the trigger may eliminate the migraines.

Cluster headaches are far less common than either migraine headaches or tension-type-headaches. Men are about six times more likely than women to experience cluster headaches. The pain of a cluster headache starts quickly, without any warning, and typically reaches its peak between two and fifteen minutes.

The pain of a cluster headache can be extremely intense, deep and explosive. Migraines are usually "pulsing" while clusters are not. Between 10 and 20 percent of cluster patients have "ice-pick" or "stabbing" pain around the eyes. This stabbing pain typically lasts for a few seconds, but can occur several times in succession. When this sudden attack of intense pain occurs it usually means that the headache is near its end.

For natural migraine headache relief it is often beneficial to relax and rest. Sometimes lying in a dark room with an ice pack on the base of the skull can reduce the pressure that is felt in the head. The same treatment can also help tension or stress headaches. Reducing stress can go a long way to relieving many headache symptoms.

If you experience chronic headaches and over-the-counter medication or natural remedies do not help it may be wise to consult a physician.


Dr. Larry A. Johnson, D.C. has patented a popular chiropractor-recommended headache cushion for the home treatment and relief of tension and migraine headaches. Visit http://www.soothe-a-ciser.com/tension-headaches.html for more information.


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Learning to Manage Pain

It is not joint that reduces our ability to enjoy life. It is not the inability to move freely that keeps us locked in a chair. It is the pain. My husband has arthiritis. His hands are not warped. His legs do not look bowed or show signs of swelling. But, the pain keeps him from playing in the summer baseball league. Pain keeps him from spending the summer touring amusement parks and the zoo with the children.

We use to buy a year's pass to the Science Center and the Zoo. We would spontaniously decide to head out and spend the day checking out the latest exhibits. Now, we go to a local hotel where we can swim in the pool and have a 'family day.' This concession has gone from a day swimming, to a day where the family can swim while he rests in the room.

Start learning how to reduce pain early on - before it is too late.


Eight Tips for Managing Pain

Perhaps the hardest part of having arthritis or a related condition is the pain that usually accompanies it. Managing and understanding that pain, and the impact it has on ones life, is a big issue with most arthritis sufferers. The first step in managing arthritis pain is knowing which type of arthritis or condition you have, because that will help determine your treatment. Before learning different management techniques, however, it's important to understand some concepts about pain.

No. 1: Not All Pain is AlikeJust as there are different types of arthritis, there are also different types of pain. Even your own pain may vary from day to day.

No. 2: The Purpose of PainPain is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong, or that you need to act. If you touch a hot stove, pain signals from your brain tell you to pull your hand away. This type of pain helps protect you. Chronic, long-lasting pain, like the kind that accompanies arthritis, is different. While it tells you that something is wrong, it often isn't as easy to relieve.

No. 3: Causes of PainArthritis pain is caused by several factors, such as (1) Inflammation, the process that causes the redness and swelling in your joints; (2) Damage to joint tissues, which results from the disease process or from stress, injury or pressure on the joints; (3) Fatigue resulting from the disease process, which can make pain worse and more difficult to bear; and (4) Depression or stress, which results from limited movement or no longer doing activities you enjoy.

No. 4: Pain FactorsThings such as stress, anxiety, depression or simply overdoing it can make pain worse. This often leads to a decrease in physical activity, causing further anxiety and depression, resulting in a downward spiral of ever-increasing pain.

No. 5: Different Reactions to PainPeople react differently to pain. Mentally, you can get caught in a cycle of pain, stress and depression, often resulting from the inability to perform certain functions, which makes managing pain and arthritis seem more difficult. Physically, pain increases the sensitivity of your nervous system and the severity of your arthritis. Emotional and social factors include your fears and anxieties about pain, previous experiences with pain, energy level, attitude about your condition and the way people around you react to pain.

No. 6: Managing Your Pain
Arthritis may limit some of the things you can do, but it doesn't have to control your life. One way to reduce your pain is to build your life around wellness, not pain or sickness. This means taking positive action. Your mind plays an important role in how you feel pain and respond to illness.

Many people with arthritis have found that by learning and practicing pain management skills, they can reduce their pain. Thinking of pain as a signal to take positive action rather than an ordeal you have to endure can help you learn to manage your pain. You can counteract the downward spiral of pain by practicing relaxation techniques, regular massage, hot and cold packs, moderate exercise, and keeping a positive mental outlook. And humor always has a cathartic effect.

No. 7: Don't focus on pain.
The amount of time you spend thinking about pain has a lot to do with how much discomfort you feel. People who dwell on their pain usually say their pain is worse than those who don't dwell on it. One way to take your mind off pain is to distract yourself from pain. Focus on something outside your body, perhaps a hobby or something of personal interest, to take your mind off your discomfort.

No. 8: Think positively. What we say to ourselves often determines what we do and how we look at life. A positive outlook will get you feeling better about yourself, and help to take your mind off your pain. Conversely, a negative outlook sends messages to yourself that often lead to increased pain, or at least the feeling that the pain is worse. So, in with the good, and out with the bad.

Reinforce your positive attitude by rewarding yourself each time you think about or do something positive. Take more time for yourself. Talk to your doctor about additional ways to manage pain.

Bruce Bailey, Ph.D.
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Dr. Bailey lived with the pain of arthritis for over 30 years. Now he is living pain free! Visit http://www.clobberarthritis.com to listen to a FREE audio report about the fruit juice blend that changed his life




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Tomatoes the Miracle Food

Our family has increased the amount of tomatoes we eat after first learning that they have the ability to fight cancer, especially prostate cancer in men. We eat a lot of tomato paste. This is a little difficult now that my husband is diabetic, because there is a lot of salt and starch in the paste.



Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes


Copyright © 2005 Michael Brooks
That’s right, the colorful little fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several forms of cancer. A variety of studies indicate that a diet rich in tomato based products (tomato paste, sauce, juice, soup and ketchup) can significantly reduce the risk of prostate, lung and colon cancer. Not bad for a fruit that was considered by many to be poisonous and inedible until the 19th century.

What is the Active Ingredient?

The active ingredient that makes tomatoes such a formidable opponent against cancer cells is the carotenoid called Lycopene. Lycopene is the natural red pigment found in tomatoes and tomato based products. The redder the tomato, the more lycopene is present.

How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?

In the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher than all other carotenoids. Some organs, such as the testes and adrenal glands, store higher levels of lycopene than do other organs or tissues. Lycopene acts as a super antioxidant by picking up free radicals in the body. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. Their primary danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs.

Is there any Research on the Cancer fighting power of Lycopene?

Although more large-scale studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be made, current research does suggest that lycopene from various tomato products is indeed associated with the lowered risk of several types of cancers. Several published reports are listed below.

Gann et al. 1999 - Cancer Research
The study examined initial plasma caroteniods (including lycopene) of 1872 men in 1982, and then followed them for 13 years. These men were randomly assigned to a placebo group or a group to receive beta-carotene and aspirin supplementation. Of the men studied, 578 developed prostate cancer versus 1294 control subjects. Lycopene was the only antioxidant with a significantly lower average blood level in those men with cancer as compared to those without cancer. In those men not receiving the aspirin and beta carotene, plasma lycopene levels were very strongly related to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This study concluded that increased consumption of tomato products and other lycopene-containing foods may reduce the onset of prostate cancer.

Giovannucci 1999 - Journal of the National Cancer Institute
This journal is a review of research studies available regarding cancer risk (not just prostate cancer) and intake of tomato based foods as well as blood lycopene levels. After identifying 72 studies that fit these criteria, it was found that an inverse relationship between tomato intake or blood lycopene levels and cancer risk was reported in 57 of them. Of these 57, it was found that 35 of these inverse relationships were statistically significant. It was also found that cancer protection from lycopene was strongest for prostate, colon and stomach cancers, but also appeared to have some benefit in the treatment of other cancers.

Rao et al. 1999 - Nutrition and Cancer
This study examined plasma and prostate lycopene levels in cancer patients and a control group free of cancer. Though only 12 patients were in each group, significantly lower serum and prostate lycopene levels were found in those with cancer. Levels of other carotenoid substances did not vary between the groups.

Additional Benefits

In addition to fighting cancer, the lycopene found in tomatoes has been associated with better mental activity in old age and a reduced risk of heart disease. A University of Maryland study found that tomatoes might protect the eyes by hampering macular degeneration, a cause of vision loss in older adults.

How do I get Lycopene into my body?

The best source of lycopene intake is through eating tomato-based products. This is more effective than supplementation. You will get the most lycopene through concentrates and processed products such as tomato paste, sauce, soup and canned tomatoes. Heating helps to release lycopene and adding a little light olive oil will increase absorption. Start packing your diet with more tomato based recipes and begin enjoying the cancer fighting power of the mighty tomato.

Mike Brooks has been a life long follower and proponent of the fitness lifestyle. Through his avid research, Mr. Brooks has come to the realization that being healthy is a choice and encompasses not only proper diet but also a fitness regimen that includes the mind, body and soul. Mike Brooks is the publisher and editor-in-chief for the health information site http://www.Ultimatehealthreport.com.



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One Third of Cancer Deaths Can Be Avoided

I do not have a problem with cancer in my family. Still, I work hard to stay out of the high risk groups. My husband comes from a 'high risk' family. But, when I started to look into his family's diet, exercise practices, and lifestyle. This lead me to wonder if his family's 'problem' is self induced. For one, they do not exercise. Second, they do not eat vegetables and fruit.

It amazes me to think that a person can 'give themselves cancer' - or if they get cancer, they can destroy their chances of survival. The important thing to remember is that you need to start avoiding disease on a daily basis. You can't wait until you have cancer and then try to prevent it.



One-Third of Cancer Deaths Could Be Avoided

Copyright © 2005 Daily News Central
Of the seven million worldwide cancer deaths reported in 2001, 35 percent were attributable to nine well-known behavioral and environmental risk factors, according to an analysis published in The Lancet.

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and a network of collaborators made the calculation by estimating mortality for 12 types of cancer linked to the nine risk factors in seven World Bank regions for that year.

They also looked at how the risks, and the cancers they cause, were distributed over the regions of the world. This is the first assessment of the role of health risks in cancer deaths globally and regionally.

Risk Factor Analysis

The researchers analyzed data from the Comparative Risk Assessment project and World Health Organization databases to determine the level of risk factors in different world regions, and separately for men and women.

They also considered how hazardous each risk factor might be. The analysis covered all high-income countries together, and separated low-income and middle-income countries into geographical regions: East Asia and Pacific, South Asia, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The nine risk factors:

- overweight and obesity
- low fruit and vegetable intake
- physical inactivity
- smoking
- alcohol use
- unsafe sex
- urban air pollution
- indoor smoke from household use of coal
- contaminated injections in healthcare settings

Alcohol, Smoking Play Large Roles

More than one in every three of the seven million deaths from cancer worldwide were caused by these nine potentially modifiable risk factors (2.43 million), the researchers found, with alcohol and smoking playing large roles in all income levels and regions.

Worldwide, the nine risk factors caused 1.6 million cancer deaths among men and 830,000 among women. Smoking alone is estimated to have caused 21 percent of deaths from cancer worldwide.

In high-income countries, these nine risks caused 760,000 cancer deaths. Smoking, alcohol, and overweight and obesity were the most important causes of cancer in these nations.

In low- and middle-income regions, the nine risks caused 1.67 million cancer deaths. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and low fruit and vegetable intake were the leading risk factors for these deaths.

Sexual transmission of human papillomavirus is the leading risk factor for cervical cancer in women in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where access to cervical screening is also limited.

Among low- and middle-income regions, Europe and Central Asia had the highest proportion of death from cancer from the nine risk factors studied; 39 percent of 825,000 cancer deaths in the low- and middle-income countries of Europe and Central Asia were caused by these risks.

The effects were even larger among men; one half of cancer deaths among men in the low- and middle-income countries of Europe and Central Asia were caused by these nine risks.

Behaviors and Environments

"These results clearly show that many globally important types of cancer are preventable by changes in lifestyle behaviors and environmental interventions," comments Majid Ezzati, senior author of the study and assistant professor of international health at HSPH.

"To win the war against cancer, we must focus not just on advances in biomedical technologies, but also on technologies and policies that change the behaviors and environments that cause those cancers," he adds.

The study, "Causes of cancer in the world: comparative risk assessment of nine behavioral and environmental risk factors," was funded by the National Institute on Aging and by the Disease Control Priorities Project.


Rita Jenkins is a health journalist for Daily News Central, an online publication that delivers breaking news and reliable health information to consumers, healthcare providers and industry professionals: http://www.dailynewscentral.com


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