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Stress & How It Affects You

2024-04-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

Fast Food - Mental Illness Connection

2014-12-14T21:28:00.001-08:00

Colorful Eating

2013-07-12T13:50:00.003-07:00

Summer is here and in full swing! The temperature has risen and people are wearing less clothing. The styles are free flowing and very colorful. Flip-flops, sandals, shorts, tank tops, and sun dresses are the attire for the season. Well, just like we change the way we look during the summer season, we can also change our eating habits. Besides, who wants to eat huge meals during this time of the year? I certainly do not. It is too hot!!!

There is a trend called “colorful eating” ( Eating In Color_Recipes and More ). This is a great way to ensure you are getting all of the nutrients you need in your meals every day. William Cowper coined a phrase : “Variety is the spice of life”. You certainly want to make sure you are getting a variety in your diet.

I thought I would share with you a few ideas in eating. These meals are healthy, very colorful, and filling.

Breakfast- I start my day with a bowl of Honeynut Cherrios with almond milk and a piece of fruit. I like the mini apples. I buy the Red Delicious, Fuji, and Gala apples and sample them all! There is a saying “ “An apple a day helps keep the doctor away”. Look at the benefits of eating an apple: 10 Reasons To Eat An Apple

I also drink a cup of coffee and a bottle of water.

Mid-Morning- I eat 7 raw almonds with a bottle of water. Almonds are great for reducing “bad” cholesterol. See the link below to learn more.

Eating 7 Almonds A Day

Lunch/Dinner-Usually eaten between 3 and 5 in the afternoon. I may fix a salad, sandwich, or something light for dinner. The goal is to get fish or salmon in my diet (2-3 times) a week. Here are some of my favorites:

Crab & Salmon Salad
Mixed greens, red cherry tomatoes
canned salmon, walnuts, sun dried cranberries,
crab (imitation-Ok), purple cabbage with a mixture
of Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette &
Asian Sesame Dressings w/ Wheat Wafers.
Divine!

This is a slight variation of Paula Deen's Salmon Croquettes
recipe. I added a tsp of cashew milk to the egg, used safflower oil,
with herb & garlic bread crumbs instead of what is indicated.
Add boiled corn cobbette and garden salad.
You will want to slap "yo mama"!

Salmon Croquettes

Chicken Salad

When you don't know what to do with

your left-over baked or rotisserie chicken,

add it to walnuts, cherry tomatoes,

sun dried cranberries on a bed of romaine lettuce and top

it off with a Chinese Chicken salad dressing.

Awesome!

Dessert-Treat yourself to a Pinkberry

Fruit Parfait. You will get the best of both

worlds-a dollop of your favorite yogurt

on top and bottom with your favorite fruit

and toppings blended in between!

Yummy for the tummy!

John 6:35 (ESV)

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. Isn't it interesting how we place more emphasis on feeding the physical body which is dying every day? Some people are actually using food to fill a void in their lives that only Jesus can fill. Whatever the need or void in your life, let Jesus fill it.

What Do You Enjoy Eating?

Post Your Comment

References:
The Food Network/Paula Deen/Salmon Croquettes
Eating 7 Almonds A Day
http://fitbandits.com/7-almonds-are-good-for-health/
Mother Nature Network
http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/10-reasons-to-eat-an-apple-a-day

I'm Walkin

2012-11-10T00:31:00.000-08:00

This post is dedicated to the memory of my dad who would have been 79 years old today.

At the beginning of 2012, my post was entitled, “Control Your Core, Or It Will Kill You”. The major theme was to encourage you to get moving . In other words-EXERCISE! Well, I told you in the post what I was doing. Now I would like to share an update. After the passing of both parents within a little more than a year apart, I had the distinct pleasure of acquiring their dog. He is a nine pound silky terrier (Silky). Silky is not his real name but that is how I will refer to him in this post. He was predominately raised around people, and loves being the center of attention. Throughout most of my life I have grown up with dogs-Pekingese, Poodles, Pomeranians, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Huskies, just to name a few. So, I guess you can say I am a “dog lover”. However, the loss of my last dog was traumatic enough to vow never to get attached to another dog. There is a saying, “Never say never”. Sometimes the things we don’t want in life, turn out to be the best things for us! Remember how your parents use to make you eat vegetables when you were little? As it turns out, vegetables are the best foods for us to eat! As for Silky, he has been a source of comfort to the family, especially during our time of bereavement. While at the same time, being a wonderful bundle of joy!

Now that I have become attached to Silky, the two of us have started walking in our neighborhood twice a day, morning and evening. We walk around the block for about 25 minutes that is, if my dog decides to take his time. But we can do it in about 20 minutes walking briskly. That is about 40-50 minutes per day. You are probably thinking “that is real easy”. Well, the street has an incline similar to walking up a hill. I have watched people take breaks because they are literally out of breath walking up that incline. At first, it was a challenge for me and Silky but for three months, at least five days per week we did it. I can not tell if I have lost weight but I certainly feel better and I sleep well at night. When I don’t feel like walking, guess who makes me? Right-My dog. Silky is conditioned and he looks forward to his daily walk. By the way, walking can help prevent dreadful illnesses such as: cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Check this out:

Health Benefits of Walking.

I found another wonderful article written by Jane Warren. She shares 5 Surprising Ways Dogs Improve Human Health and she expounds on walking and a few other things. At the end of the article, there is an inspirational message and a video by the group Mary, Mary.

Enjoy…

5 Surprising Ways Dogs

Improve Human Health

We all know that a dog is man’s (and woman’s) best friend, but numerous scientific studies have also proven that dogs can improve human health. There’s no surprise here. Humans and dogs have been working together for thousands of years, and some scientists even believe the two species have evolved to live with one another. While having a pet will not improve your health if you never wanted a pet in the first place, animal lovers can reap numerous benefits from living with animals.

Dogs Encourage More Exercise

Most of us know the benefits of exercise, but it can be a struggle to find the incentive to get up and get moving every day. A dog provides strong motivation, and can make your daily walk or run less lonely and more fun. Moreover, you’ll burn extra calories when helping your dog walk on a leash and doing brief training exercises with your dog. For some people, going for walks alone is scary, but the additional security of a canine exercise buddy can make runs and walks feel more secure. I know that with Ranger, I have to walk him every day, and he’s always ready each morning, so morning time it is! Sometimes we even squeeze in an afternoon or early evening walk, which is better for my health. See the information in this study on pets and our health done by the National Institute of Health.

Dogs Help With Stress Relief

There’s no doubt that dog ownership does come with some stresses, from making sure you’ve applied their monthly frontline for fleas to worrying if your dog will get along with the other dogs at the dog park. But the benefits of pet ownership more than outweigh these minor stresses. Research shows that a few minutes spent petting an animal lowers blood levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol contributes to fatigue, weight gain and aging, and your pet can help counteract its negative effects. A few minutes playing with your dog every day also releases endorphins, powerful “feel-good” hormones that continue to function in the bloodstream long after the playtime ends.

Dogs Give A Sense of Safety

Many people living alone worry about intruders and burglars, and a dog can help give owners a sense of security. Burglars are less likely to break into a house with a barking dog, and your dog can help you feel less lonely whether you’re just spending the night by yourself or living alone long-term. If your dog is older and struggles to move around, you can still rest easy knowing that your dog will get to an intruder before you do. If the dog needs access to higher surfaces, you can invest in a pet studio dog ramp to make it easier for your dog to be visible and see outside.

Dogs Generate Social Interaction With Others

People who have regular positive interactions with others tend to live longer and be happier, and pets provide you with a valuable opportunity to meet and interact with other people. Even if you’re shy, it’s easy to strike up a conversation with another person if you’re both talking about your animals. Trips to the vet, the dog park, and meet up with other pet owners also provide pet owners with easy and substantive opportunities for interactions. If you’re still anxious about meeting new people, consider joining a message board or online group for people with similar pets to yours. You’ll quickly find yourself making new friends in addition to learning a lot about your best friend–your pet!

Dogs Help With Better Mental Health

In a fast-paced, high-stress world, mental health diagnoses such as depression and anxiety are at an all-time high. But pet owners have fewer mental illnesses, and animals are even used as therapy for people suffering from mental illness. If you struggle with depression, an animal can help you avoid dwelling on your problems. The exercise and stress release you get from spending time with your pet may even reverse the effects of depression. Dog owners are also substantially less stressed than people who don’t own dogs, and reduced stress is strongly correlated with lower blood pressure, a longer life span, greater happiness, and improved health. So, if you don’t own a pet, and want to make some positive changes in your life, go to a local animal shelter or humane society, and find your next best friend today. You’ll both enjoy a healthier lifestyle!

I agree with Jane. You will enjoy a healthier lifestyle. I always try to provide something inspirational from my favorite book-The Bible. The following web link talks about how dogs are considered to be God's Messengers in the Bible There are actually 40 verses in the Bible that pertain to dogs. Some are giving warnings about how people should live. For other people, a dog is the last thing that they will see before their life ends.

Philippians 3:2

“Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh”. Life is full of two-legged dogs who want to destroy your reputation, your self-esteem, your joy, your courage or just YOU. Here lately, I have dealt with quite a few of those kinds of dogs. But God wants us to be self-controlled and alert because it is not the person that harms you. It is the spirit within them.

I Peter 5:8 states, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”. The bottom line is that everything is going to work out in the end. Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” My dad loved quoting Romans 8:28. It was his favorite! It is comforting to know that God has given us dogs to comfort, bring us joy, warn, and protect us just as He does through His Word.

References

Jane Wamen, http://www.pamperthepets.com

Mary, Mary, I’m Walkin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-baoSWy8jY&feature=related

What are your thoughts about this post?

Sugar "Less" = Longer Life

2012-06-23T01:11:00.001-07:00

I recently had a traumatic day at the dentist. Why can't the dentist use warm water to clean debris from the mouth??? I can feel the cold water, especially when I am not completely numb! That day, I needed a lot of anesthesia in order to numb the two areas in my mouth. I did not eat breakfast before going to my appointment. ("BAD IDEA") As soon as I got out of the chair, the room was spinning. I felt like I was going to faint. ("OMG!") The dentist placed me in a room where I could sit down. She quickly realized that my blood sugar had dropped from receiving the anesthesia. Consequently, I became sad and emotional. The dentist and her staff reassured me that I was going to be alright. So, she gave me a fruity yogurt parfait and a piece of candy to raise my blood sugar. The fruit parfait had 39 grams of sugar in it. I didn't bother eating the candy. Needless to say, my blood sugar rose quickly and I began to feel better. Now my symptoms were typical as Dr. Gabriel Cousens explains in the video. This whole experience peeked my interest about sugar and sweetners. My research found the following article written by Sheryl Walters, a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner:

The average American eats between 90 to 180 pounds of sugar each year. That is a quarter to a half pounds each day for children and adults! Besides the typical culprits of desserts, doughnuts, and soda, sugar is also found in unexpected items like condiments and bread. Our consumption of sugar is deteriorating our health and increasing the numbers of diabetes, obesity, and many other chronic illnesses.

The typical effects of sugar are taught to us as children. Sugar can cause tooth decay by being used as a food source for the bacteria found on our teeth which causes plaque. In fact, the bacteria can actually turn the sugar into a glue which makes it harder to be washed away by saliva. Sugar also causes hyperactivity, crankiness, and difficulty concentrating in children as any parent can attest to! In addition to these well-known effects, sugar can also contribute to a decrease in immune function, increased cholesterol, overgrowth of yeast gastrointestinal problems, premature aging, cardiovascular disease, and more. There are many detrimental health effects of sugar but fortunately there are some healthier alternatives.

Check out this website regarding the sugar-yeast connection http://www.yeastconnection.com/

("The information is very useful and it works")

Bad Sugar Replacements! Sugar is often replaced in foods by products that are either lower in calories or cheaper to produce including aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal), sucralose (Splenda), and high fructose corn syrup. These products also have detrimental side effects. ("Difficult for the liver to process"). Replacing sugar as well as these sugar alternatives with natural sweeteners will have a beneficial effect on health.

Good Sugar Replacements! Agave nectar is one alternative that is used by health conscious consumers. Agave nectar comes from the same plant that tequila is made from. It has recently become recognized as a healthy alternative to sugar and artificial sugar substitutes. It is about 90% fructose but is completely natural unlike the processed fructose found in high fructose corn syrup. Another benefit of agave is that it has a low glycemic value (less than 30, compared to sugar which is in the 60's.) A food that is low on the glycemic index is less likely to be converted to fat. Agave nectar is more calorie dense than sugar but because it is about forty times sweeter much less can be used to achieve the same level of sweetness.

Stevia "This is what I use - Luv it" is another natural alternative to sugar and sugar substitutes. It is an herb native to Paraguay that has been used for centuries as a sweetener. It contains no calories and no carbohydrates. In 2008 the FDA approved its use as a food additive, previously it was sold only as a dietary supplement. Stevia also does not raise blood sugar so is a good choice for diabetics.
Replacement of sugar in your diet can be difficult. Reducing intake of processed foods and replacing sugar with natural sweeteners will increase your well-being, health, and energy.

There is another natural sweetner that I found in my favorite book that is not mentioned in the article above. Now, you won’t find the word sugar in the Bible but you will find-HONEY!
Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
Psalms 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
In the previous passages of scripture the Bible uses honey to metaphorically address man's psychological, physical, and spiritual being. It stresses the importance of using "pleasant words" because it is good for the body physically and spiritually. It tells the reader to use honey in moderation and warns against searching for your own glory. Lastly, God's words are sweeter than honey to the mouth. ("Awesome!")

Awesome poem about a"Sugar Addict"
Click on link...
http://samiaali.hubpages.com/hub/Sugar-You-Temptress-A-Poem

References:
76 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health, Nancy Appleton, Ph.D., http://www.mercola.com/article/sugar/dangers_of_sugar.htm
Questions and Answers About Stevia, David Richard, http://www.stevia.com/SteviaArticle.asp?Id=2269
All About Agave, http://www.allaboutagave.com/
Sheryl Walters
http://www.naturalnews.com/025720_sugar_health_food.html#ixzz1wi8fj5qL

Learn the shocking effects of sugar through this video!

What are your thoughts about this post?

(Place your comments below.)

Matters of The Heart

2012-04-03T00:05:00.009-07:00

It has been a couple of months since my last post. During this time, there have been a few prominent people to pass away which triggered my thoughts about a death that I experienced; my mother. My post is not about the grieving process, bereavement issues, making the adjustment, or how my life has changed because of it. It is about bringing awareness to the issues of THE HEART-the organ that circulates the blood, the vital center of one’s being, emotions, and sensibilities. Well, what happens to that vital organ when it fails to pump effectively? It is called heart failure.

In September of 2007, my mother experienced three heart attacks in a week. Prior to her illness, she was vivacious, energetic, and extremely independent. Her symptoms were: high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, weakness, and sleep disturbances. Unfortunately, men do not have the same symptoms when they experience a heart attack. It was reported by the cardiologist that my mother had severe blockage to the point where she was not a candidate for bypass surgery. The cardiologist stated that, my mother could receive a heart transplant or a defibrillator along with medication therapy. It was decided that the defibrillator was strongly recommended for her. According to the Canadian Broadcasting Communications (CBC) News Health, “The defibrillators are implanted in people who are at risk of sudden cardiac death because of heart rhythm disorders. The actual function of the defibrillator is to apply an electric shock to the heart muscle. This is performed with the intent of reestablishing a normal heart rhythm.”

Basically, my mother had her own “crash cart” with this implanted device. In November 2007, my mother had surgery to have the defibrillator implanted. It was an outpatient procedure. The doctor had a mechanism in his office that monitored the signals from the defibrillator. On December 1, 2007, there was an episode with the device, meaning my mother’s’ heart stopped. Nevertheless, the defibrillator provided the shocked needed to stimulate the rhythm of the heart and my mother survived again. On the other hand, for the next 18 months my mother was in and out of the hospital because the defibrillator was “firing off” inadvertently, and it had to be recalibrated repeatedly. Because of this, my mother was no longer able to drive which curtailed her independence. Needless to say, this was devastating to her! Moreover, I wish that our family had the information in the article below to help us make a more informed decision about the defibrillator. We might have had a different outcome. Please click the link below and read the shocking news:

Defibrillators Found Useless in Saving Women's Lives

According to Natural News, men are better candidates for the defibrillator rather than women. My mother survived 18 months after having the defibrillator implanted. Please read the following article from a Canadian study:

Women who have defibrillators implanted for heart problems are more likely to develop complications than men, a Canadian study suggests. Men and women were equally likely to have cardioverter-defibrillators or ICDs implanted. But women were nearly twice as likely to have major complications within a year of getting the devices, according to the study in Monday's issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Defibrillators were not designed with body size in mind. (Michael Conroy/Associated Press)

The defibrillators are implanted in people who are at risk of sudden cardiac death because of heart rhythm disorders. The devices work by recognizing serious heart rhythm problems and treating them automatically such as by giving an electrical shock. Women were a third less likely to receive an appropriate shock than men, the researchers found.

"We had thought complication rates were fairly low," said Dr. Douglas Lee, a cardiologist at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre in Toronto and a scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences. "In fact, it was a lot higher than anticipated." The findings suggest women should be aware of the potential risk of early complications after the surgery and see their doctor if these occur. Such symptoms may include:

Swelling or tenderness at the surgical site.
Difficulty breathing.

Other complications can only be detected during regular checks of the defibrillator at a clinic, which is why regular follow-up is so important, the authors said.

Women-only trials needed

In the study, a major complication was lead dislodgement. When a lead or wire connecting the heart to the defibrillator is dislodged then the device can't sense any abnormal electrical activity or deliver shocks. The patient has to go back into the operating room to have the lead repositioned or replaced, Lee said. To obtain the data, researchers analyzed Ontario's ICD database, focusing on 6,021 patients including 1,288 women from February 2007 to July 2010. The researchers did not find any differences in mortality rates between men and women who received the defibrillators. But discovering the differences in complication rates adds to what is known about sex differences in heart patients.

The devices were not designed with body size in mind, which may be part of the reason for the lead-related problems in women, Lee speculated."The results reported by the investigators emphasize the ongoing need for inclusion of large numbers of women in randomized prospective clinical trials," said Dr. Stephanie Brister, a cardiac surgeon at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. "Indeed these results suggest that in certain circumstances 'women only' clinical trials may be required," she added in a release. The researchers noted there were drawbacks to the study, such as not following up on all potential ICD candidates. They also did not look into potential reasons for the differences between men and women. The study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Another major issue with the defibrillator is, most of the time (70-80%) the devices are USED. Our family was shocked when we heard this information! The County Health Department and the funeral home director confirmed this information. The day my mother died, the defibrillator did NOT emit an electric shock. The cardiologist confirmed this information on his monitoring device; therefore he was quick to remove the defibrillator from my mother’s body while she was in the funeral home. Unfortunately, there was no recourse for these actions, due to time constraints and other severe health challenges that had impacted the family at the time. I hope that the information in this post will help you or a family member if you are ever confronted with this issue. In May of this year, will be three years since my mother’s passing. She lived to be 74 years old. My mother had a very giving heart; until one day her heart gave out on her. More importantly, she loved God with all of her heart. I believe the following scripture depicts my mother’s life: “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 (King James Version)

What are your thoughts on the "Matters of the Heart" post?

References:

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/03/21/words-wellness-saving-womens-hearts/#ixzz1qra0Q46f

NaturalNews.com
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/02/06/defibrillators-women.html

Stress Relief Through Food and Good News!

2011-12-03T00:48:00.000-08:00

There is going to be a lot of eating during this holiday season! Some of the eating will be pleasurable and festive but the majority is going to be intermingled with stress.

· The stress of not having enough money or a job to purchase the gifts your children desire;

· The stress of dealing with unexpected health challenges in our loved ones;

· The stress of not having loved ones around anymore to celebrate the holidays;

· The stress of not having a home to live in because the home was lost in this economy;

· The stress of starting over whether it is a new job, new relationship, or relocation to a new city/state.

Yes, stress is all around us whether it is good or bad. But…How do we cope with it? One way I cope with stress is by remembering certain scriptures in the Bible which is good food for the soul!

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
When negative experiences and situations are coming at you, and when it seems overwhelming, then stop, take a deep breath and simply take time to focus on something lovely and good. Overcoming stress starts with the ability to control our thoughts. We need to focus on the positive, uplifting things of God.

1 Peter 5:10
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
We go through stressful trials for a reason: God is working with us! He was working with Joseph when he was at the bottom of a well and when he was in an Egyptian prison. Joseph had a reason to be stressed out. When Daniel was in the lion's den, he, too, had a reason to be stressed out. When Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were facing their fiery trial, they also had a reason to be stressed out. But they kept going and obeying God. They faced their doubts and fears. They didn't collapse in self-pity and wonder why God was allowing this to happen to them. When you come to realize that there is a divine purpose for your trials, then the stress of dealing with them will diminish.

Now, wasn't that Good News?

The following article will help you to decide what to eat and what not to eat when experiencing stress:

Food – The best and worst medicine for stress

It has been proven that the major health disorder in the United States in stress. Nutritious food and simple deep breathing exercises are the simplest methods for stress relief. They are cost effective, easily available and are without side effects. Foods that reduce stress act mainly by their vitamins and mineral contents.

Food and Stress Relief

The changes associated with stress are

Increase in the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol
Increase in blood sugar and cholesterol
Increase in the heart rate and blood pressure
Increase in the respiration
Accumulation of toxins like carbon dioxide and lactates
Emotional changes due to alteration in the brain chemistry
Gastro intestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome
Suppression of immunity

The principle of stress management programs is to reverse all these changes. Among these changes the levels of the already increased hormones cannot be brought down. The stimulus which increases their production can be controlled. All the other changes can be reversed using various stress relief options. One of the simplest options is the dietary changes.

Food Items to be Avoided

Food items which aggravate the signs and symptoms are to be avoided; such as the following:

Tea, coffee, cocoa
Junk foods and fast foods
Egg yolks
Butter, cheese , shrimps and meat
Coconut oil
Beverages including soda, chocolate drinks and soft drinks.
Sugar
Alcohol

Tea, coffee, cocoa including chocolate drinks contain neuro-stimulators like, caffeine and Theo bromine. In stress the patients will be already anxious and further stimulation results in aggravation of anxiety and worsen sleeplessness.

Egg yolks contain high percentage of cholesterol and should be avoided in stress which itself increase the cholesterol levels. Butter, cheese, coconut oil, and meat are to be avoided for similar reasons.

Junk foods and fast foods are highly delicious food items are not balanced diets. They contain protein, fats and carbohydrates in inappropriate proportions and moreover they don't contain the essential vitamins and minerals. Stress needs more of energy, vitamins and minerals also but in a balanced proportion.

Beverages including soda and soft drinks contain 'empty calories' which are useless and they also don't contain vitamins and minerals. In stress there is accumulation of carbon dioxide and lactates resulting in a condition called acidosis which is detrimental to health. Sugar should be avoided in stress as the person will be already having increased blood glucose levels with a higher risk of getting diabetes.

Food Items to be Included
Researches show that vitamins like B complex, C and E along with minerals like manganese, selenium and zinc are helpful in relieving stress. The food items rich in these substances should be included. It is better to include plant sources of these essential nutrients.
The food items beneficial are

Fresh vegetables mainly green, yellow, orange and leafy vegetables
Fresh fruits
Soups
Yogurts
Fish
Skimmed milk
Herbal products

Fresh vegetables, fruits provide all vitamins and minerals. Green, yellow, orange vegetables like tomatoes, carrots are rich in vitamins for stress and minerals. Vegetables also contain more fiber content which is helpful in treating constipation and the loose stools associated Irritable bowel syndrome which is one of the long term effects of stress.

Yogurts provide minerals including calcium essential for proper nerve impulses and lacto bacillus which is essential for maintaining gut flora. More over yogurt neutralizes the acidity of peptic ulcer aggravated by stress. Skimmed milk contains less than 3% fat which is appropriate during stress. Milk also contains tryptophan which is essential for the synthesis of 5HTP or serotonin which is a mood stabilizer which helps in pacifying an anxious stressed person.

Sprouted grams provide all nutrients in a balanced and very importantly in an easily digestible and absorbable way. One should remember that stress affects digestion.

Fishes like Salmon and Tuna contain more of Omega-3 fatty acids which protect heart, from heart diseases which are precipitated by stress.

Whole wheat flour and yeasts provide B complex vitamins including pantothenic acid which is often described as an anti- stress vitamin. Vitamin C which is an anti oxidant is provided by fresh fruits, broccoli and potatoes. Magnesium which is a natural mood stabilizer and pacifier is found in cereals, spinach, pumpkin, and chocolates.

Herbal products such as Kava Kava, Valerian, Dandelion,, Chamomile, Passion flower relaxes both the mind and the body.

Meal Management

The meal management to tackle stress should be

A heavier meal in the morning
A lighter meal at night
Salads before the meals
Fruits as desserts at the end of the meal

The food that reduces stress has got a significant role in all stress management programs. A well balanced nutritious food as advised by the dietician and avoidance of unhealthy food can thus help in stress relief.

Watch the video below for more suggestions on foods to eat during stressful times!

References:

http://www.stressfocus.com/stress_focus_article/food-and-stress.htm

http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-answers/coping-with-stress.htm

What ways do you cope with stress? What type of foods do you like to eat when you are stressed? Share your comments.

Vitamin Water - Healthy? or Not!!!

2011-11-14T13:43:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post more on a different type of water that Americans are consuming every day. We are really being deceived! As I said before "Read the Labels"! Go back and read my previous post dated 9/15/11.

What are your thoughts about the ongoing deception?

References:
https://authoritynutrition.com/

Water- You Need More Than You Think!

2011-11-04T21:50:00.001-07:00

Jonathan Hewett ran the references to water (or derivatives of it) in the scriptures and determined there were 722. The first mention of water in scripture is found in Genesis 1:2 “And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. The significance of water in scripture is a huge question, and one that will take up more space than I have here. We read of the first mention of life, and this life comes from water,"...Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life...". This thought is again repeated in the New Testament in John 3:5."Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Notice here, the water birth (physical) comes before the Spirit birth (spiritual). We see the reality of this when a woman is in labor and the baby is about to be born. We wait for the 'waters to break' which surround the baby until birth. We cannot be spiritually re-born until we have first been naturally born.

Amazing!

In John 4:14, “But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life”. When Jesus proclaimed this scripture at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles, the worshipers met God in His sanctuary--in the person of his Son. All that the temple represented is now found in Jesus. In the previous text, water is portrayed in the physical sense as well as the spiritual. I believe we need the spiritual water and the natural water in order in order to exist on earth.

What do you think?

According to HowStuffWorks.com, there's a whole lot of water on Earth! Something like 326 million trillion gallons of the stuff This water is in a constant cycle -- it evaporates from the ocean, travels through the air, rains down on the land and then flows back to the ocean. The oceans are huge.

Fascinating!

About 70 percent of the planet is covered in ocean, and the average depth of the ocean is several thousand feet (about 1,000 meters). Ninety-eight percent of the water on the planet is in the oceans, and therefore is unusable for drinking because of the salt. About 2 percent of the planet's water is fresh, but 1.6 percent of the planet's water is locked up in the polar ice caps and glaciers. Another 0.36 percent is found underground in aquifers and wells. Only about 0.036 percent of the planet's total water supply is found in lakes and rivers. That's still thousands of trillions of gallons, but it's a very small amount compared to all the water available. The rest of the water on the planet is either floating in the air as clouds and water vapor, or is locked up in plants and animals.

So, why is water so important to the body?

We can go without food for weeks but without water we die of dehydration in a few days. Over two-thirds of our body is water yet most of us don’t clearly understand the importance of drinking plain water.

Water is the most abundant compound in the human body and is necessary for the digestion of food, for the transport of food to the tissues, for the elimination of body wastes, for the circulation of body fluids (like blood and lymph), for a lubricant in the joints and internal organs - keeping them moist permitting the passage of substances between the cells and blood vessels - and for the regulation of body temperature. Water is part of the blood system holding dissolved minerals, like calcium and magnesium in solution, making them available to the body tissues when they an required for proper health.

When plain water is plentiful, blood viscosity, joint cartilage, blood capillaries digestion, the ATP energy system and the spinal column, all work in an efficient, easy manner. However, when water consumption is limited, the body robs some areas to protect different tissues and organs which results in pain, tissue damage, and a variety of common health problems.

Some of the problems treated and alleviated with adequate water intake are asthma, allergies, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, headaches, migraines, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritic joint pain, angina pain and intermittent claudication pains (cramp like pain in the legs due to insufficient blood supply).

As people age, they lose their thirst sensation and become gradually, chronically- dehydrated. All too frequently we tend to confuse thirst with hunger and instead of drinking water we eat, leading to weight gain. The physiological effect of drinking plain water is not the same as drinking beverages that contain water like: juices, sodas, coffee and tea. In fact, some of these liquids, coffee and tea, contain dehydrating agents (caffeine and theophylline) which stimulate the central nervous system which at the same time creating a strong diuretic action on the kidneys.

Dr. Batmanghelidj recommends your body needs a minimum of 8 to 8 ounces glasses of water each day. Remember, alcohol, juice, sodas, coffee, and tea don’t count as water. Most of us will find that we are drinking no more than 3 to 4 glasses per day, not 6 to 8.

Isabel De Los Rios, nutritionist, exercise and life coach suggests , “you should drink half your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water each day: (body weight, in pounds/2). For example, a 200 pound person should drink 100 ounces of water”.

Water - plain, properly filtered water - is an overlooked and essential nutrient and may be your missing ingredient to a healthier, more vibrant, and longer life. The correct time to drink water will maximize its effectiveness to the body.

The best time to drink water is:
Two glasses of water – After waking up – Helps activate Internal organs.
One glass of water – 30 Minutes before meal – Helps Digestion
One glass of water – Before taking a bath – Helps lower Blood Pressure
One glass of water – Before Sleep – To avoid Stroke or Heart attack.

What are your thoughts on the water post?

References:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/question1571.htm
Batmanghelidj F. You Bodys Many Cries for Water Falls Church, VA: Global Health Solutions, 1992.
Healthy Water, Martin Fox, Ph.D.
http://www.learnthebible.org/water-in-the-bible.html
http://www.thedietsolutionprogram.com

Mouth-Heart Connection

2011-10-22T22:37:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there is a strong link between your heart and mouth ? The contents of your heart, whether good or evil, determine what comes out of your mouth. This was discovered long before the Freudian slip! According to the Bible, “Do you not see whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart and this defiles a person.” Matthew 15:17-18

Basically, the way we are deep down (where others cannot see) matters the most to God. God wants us to seek healthy thoughts and motives. Unhealthy thoughts and strong negative emotions such as grief, anger, hate, jealously, resentment, self-pity, and guilt must be redirected, if an individual wants to remain in good health. Research supports that certain illnesses stem from unhealthy thoughts and undisciplined emotions. If you are struggling with these issues, God can give you a “heart transplant” and make your conversation different from the inside out. My previous thoughts were from a spiritual context. Consequently, in the natural sense, the mouth can also provide a nexus that something is wrong with the “hardest working muscle in the body”. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease will claim an estimated 600,000 lives this year, making it America's number one killer.

Did you know that heart disease and oral health are linked?

There are two different connections between heart disease and your oral health:

1. Studies have shown that people with moderate or advanced gum (periodontal) disease are more likely to have heart disease than those with healthy gums.

2. Oral health holds clues to overall health. Studies have shown that oral health can provide warning signs for other diseases or conditions, including heart disease.

Link #1: How does gum disease increase the risk of heart attacks?

Because the mouth is a pathway to the body, people who have chronic gum disease are at a higher risk for heart attack, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Gum disease (called gingivitis in its early stages and periodontal disease in the late stages) is caused by plaque buildup.

Some researchers have suggested that gum disease may contribute to heart disease because bacteria from infected gums can dislodge, enter the bloodstream, attach to blood vessels and increase clot formation. It has also been suggested that inflammation caused by gum disease may also trigger clot formation. Clots decrease blood flow to the heart, thereby causing an elevation in blood pressure and increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Risk factors

Studies have not established that either heart disease or gum disease actually causes the other. This is a difficult task because many of the risk factors for gum disease are the same as those for heart disease:

Cigarette smoking

Poor nutrition

Diabetes

Being male

Link #2: How does oral health warn about heart disease?

More than 90 percent of all systemic diseases — including heart disease — have oral symptoms, research suggests. In addition, dentists can help patients with a history of heart disease by examining them for any signs of oral pain, infection or inflammation. According to the AGD, proper diagnosis and treatment of tooth and gum infections in some of these patients have led to a decrease in blood pressure medications and improved overall health.

Warning signs for gum disease

Gum disease affects 80 percent of American adults, according to the AGD. Warning signs that you may have gum disease include:

· Red, tender or swollen gums
· Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
· Gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth
· Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
· Teeth that are loose or are separating from each other

Prevention is the best medicine

Although gum disease seems to be associated with heart disease, more studies are needed before we can say with certainty what the relationship is. Research has not shown that treatment for one of these diseases will help control the other, but we do know that regular dental checkups, professional cleanings, and good oral hygiene practices can improve oral health and that good oral health contributes to good overall health.

While regular dental exams and cleanings are necessary to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar and detect early signs of gum disease, you can play a major role in preventing gum disease:

Brush for two to three minutes, twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline.

Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach.
Use a mouth rinse to reduce plaque up to 20 percent.Eat a healthy diet to provide essential nutrients (vitamins A and C, in particular).Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

If you have heart disease...

Establish and maintain a healthy mouth. This means brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly.

Make sure your dentist knows you have a heart problem, and share your complete medical history, including any medications you are currently taking.

Carefully follow your physician's and dentist's instructions about health care, including using prescription medications, such as antibiotics, as directed.
References:
http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/heart.html

Some information courtesy of the Academy of General Dentistry.

The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Last updated: May 2011
http://www.clipart.com

What do you think about the Mouth-Heart Connection? Or

What are your thoughts about the video?

Breast Cancer In Men

2011-10-13T00:44:00.000-07:00

I read an article in the October issue of JET magazine entitled "A Man's Journey". It was a short story but had a powerful testimony of a 33 year-old African-American man whose life was completely turned around when his fiancee noticed that his breast nipple was deformed. She insisted that he go to the doctor!(Remember my previous blog)

The young man's life catapulted into mammograms, an ultrasound, and two referrals to surgeons within two days of the diagnosis of having breast cancer. His advice to men is, when you get your annual prostate exam, include a breast check. Well, rather than tell you the whole story, you can read it. But, because this young man responded immediately, he is alive to share his story with others. I was inspired to give you a snippet. (LoL!)

Notice that men who have survived breast cancer have the pink and blue ribbon of which I have displayed. In my research I discovered there are a few male celebrities that have battled breast cancer. They are:

Edie Falco
Sopranos star Edie Falco was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, and secretly battled it.

Richard Rountree
Shaft star is proof that breast cancer affects men, too. Rountree was diagnosed in 1993, had a radical mastectomy and rounds of chemotherapy.

Ernest Green
Famous American football player. He was diagnosed with the breast cancer in 2005 and he underwent mastectomy to cure it. Alongside 8 chemotherapy sessions this procedure managed to save his life.

What are the key statistics about breast cancer in men?

The most recent American Cancer Society estimates for male breast cancer in the United States are for 2011:

· About 2,140 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men

· About 450 men will die from breast cancer

Breast cancer is about 100 times less common among men than among women. For men, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000. The number of breast cancer cases in men relative to the population has been fairly stable over the last 30 years.

The prognosis (outlook) for men with breast cancer was once thought to be worse than that for women, but recent studies have not found this to be true. In fact, men and women with the same stage of breast cancer have a fairly similar outlook for survival.

Last Medical Review: 09/30/2011
Last Revised: 10/04/2011

References:

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancerinMen/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-in-men-key-statistics

http://cancer.about.com/od/celebritytributes/a/famousbreastcan.htm

The video below provides more insight into Male Breast Cancer Awareness...

What are your thoughts about the information shared on breast cancer in men? Post your comment.

Why Do Men Hate Going To The Doctor?

2011-10-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

In creating this post, I thought about how diligent my father was in caring for his physical body. He use to quote a scripture in 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 which states: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body". (NIV) He really believed this and demonstrated it by eating the right foods, not drinking or smoking, exercising at the gym and walking in the neighborhood. He did this for years. My dad was also very good about going to his annual check-ups at the dentist and the doctor. When he became ill and was hospitalized, the nurses were amazed that my dad still had all of his teeth! My dad was known for his classic smile. He listened to his body. You know the body will tell you when something is wrong with it. When my dad began experiencing the symptoms of his illness, he did not wait until it was too late (as some men do) but acted immediately by going to see his doctor.

I found this article which is about the reasons why men tend to avoid medical check-ups. The author is Jennifer Alinio, who writes some of the reasons why men dislike medical examinations and why men should start paying more attention to their health. The article also lists some of the most common ailments experienced by men. I also decided to add some cartoon humor created by T. McCracken.

It is a fact that most men dislike going to the doctor. Getting a medical examination is seen as a “weakness” or a very unmanly thing to do, at least for the traditional, macho-types. Some men actually need to be dragged by the girlfriend or the wife to the doctor\'s office just to get a check-up. But why do they literally hate going to the doctor? Well, most men are very private and do not want to be touched especially by another man. An appointment with the doctor is also very time-consuming, and men hate that. Another reason is that men have a “primal survival instinct” that makes them avoid any situation that will possibly subject their body to any invasive procedure such as being injected with a needle. Lastly, men are great at denial --- even for health matters. Most men tend to put-off visiting a doctor until they reach their mid-40s to 50s.

But whether they like it or not, men must accept the fact that they are mortal. Health problems are inevitable in the same way that death is inescapable. Men can no longer deny or put-off the need to have regular medical check-ups.

Many serious health cases among men could have been treated had they received medical attention in the early stages of the disease. Preventive care is as important as taking a bath and brushing our teeth. Routine examinations are undeniably essential to identify symptoms and detect disease. When doctors perform a check-up, they need to be fully aware of the patient\'s medical history, age, body weight, and dietary habits. These information will help the doctor determine the risk factors and predisposition of the patient to certain illnesses.

Most men only visit the doctor when they feel terribly bad or once they see very alarming signs or symptoms of illness. Shown below are some of the most common ailments experienced by men:

1. Heart Attack – Many victims of heart attack die before they reach the hospital. Many die not even knowing that they had a heart problem. victims died before ever reaching the hospital. It is never too early to get a heart check-up since even young people are now prone to heart disease.

2. Hypertension – It is a medical condition where a person\'s blood pressure is chronically elevated. Common symptoms of hypertension include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and facial flushing.

3. High Cholesterol – Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance that is found in human cells. It is also found in the fatty food that we eat. Cholesterol is important for the production of hormones and other substances that aid in food digestion. However, too much “bad” cholesterol or the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries leading to the heart makes a person more prone to heart attack.

4. Cancers – The Big “C” is actually made up of various types of cancers. Men are prone to colon and prostate cancer --- both of which can be treated if these diseases are detected early.

5. Anxiety Disorder – A growing number of men are being diagnosed with anxiety disorder, an emotional and psychological condition that is characterized by fear, apprehension, phobia, and other nervous conditions that are considered to be baseless or irrational.

The Best Line of Defense

Regular doctor\'s check-ups, including sessions with a psychologist, should be strongly considered by men if they want to maintain their health. These examinations may entail the conduct of a blood pressure reading, weight and height measurements, EENT (Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat) examination, complete blood count, urinalysis, chest-ray, and ECG (electrocardiograph). Other important medical examinations no man above 40 should miss include:

· Routine examination of prostrate glands

· Annual stool examination

· Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

Staying alive and healthy could entail some expenses but becoming ill is more expensive in terms of time and money. These are some of the simple ways that men can improve or maintain their health without spending a fortune:

1. Smoking - The World Health Organization has consistently campaigned against smoking due to its close links to lung cancer and other deadly pulmonary diseases.

2. Alcohol - Habitual and excessive intake of alcohol increases the risk of cardiovascular, liver and stomach problems among men.

3. Eating unhealthy food - Wrong food choices contribute to illness in a major way. Foods high in bad cholesterol should be totally avoided.

4. Risky Sexual Behavior - Promiscuity is a health risk since a man can expose himself to sexually transmitted disease.

5. Stress - Too much work pressure and too little sleep? Stress and anxiety can trigger problems like heart attacks and psycho-emotional disorders.

As the saying goes health is wealth. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. Indeed, men should start paying more attention to their health and not postpone appointments with their doctor. Staying healthy and strong is the real macho thing to do --- even if entails going to the doctor once in a while.

Do you know of men who hate going to the doctor? What reasons do they give for not going? How can you help them?

Post your comment.

References:

http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/why-men-hate-doctors-216908.html
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/6-19.htm
http://www.mchumor.com

"Think Pink"-Breast Cancer- Walnuts

2011-10-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I decided to change the background and the heading of my blog to the color “Pink”. "Psychologically, pink has been judged the sweetest color" stated Vargas, 1986:144. A report in the Science Digest stated that “pink causes the hypothalamus to signal the adrenal glands to slow their secretions, thus reducing heart rate and blocking anger.” So, this post should make you feel very calm. The first known use of a pink in connection with a ribbon was through breast cancer awareness in the fall of 1991. The Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors. Ten years later, races are held all over the United States. The aim is to raise awareness of breast cancer and support those organizations making a difference to find a cure while supporting those living with breast cancer. Please continue to support the Race for the Cure by purchasing whatever you see with the pink ribbon logo attached. Some of the items included: Bottled water, mugs, jewelry, sporting apparel, and a host of others. I would not be alive today had there not been funding for breast cancer research. So, “Think Pink” when you are shopping this month! You could be saving someone’s life.

In my previous post, I shared the importance of having nuts in your daily diet. It reminded me of a particular segment that I saw on the Dr. Oz show last season.

Dr. Oz made a profound statement. He said, “You cannot afford to live without this particular nut in your daily diet.” I was diligently taking notes and watching intently because he mentioned a couple of buzz words that made me stand up and take notice. Dr. Oz talked about walnuts and Breast Cancer. So, this post will focus on the benefits of having walnuts in your diet and how it helps to prevent breast cancer.
Click the pink link below and read the short article:

Eating Walnuts may Prevent Breast Cancer

Men, don’t dismiss this post! You will understand why in my next post designed Just4U…

Do you know of anyone who is a Breast Cancer survivor? Do you eat walnuts everyday? If not, Why?

References:

Brain/Mind Bulletin, reported in Science Digest, Nov./Dec., 1980, p. 26

"Pretty in Pink". Thinkbeforeyoupink.org. 1998-07. Archived from the original on December 18, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071218231238/http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/Pages/PrettyInPink.html. Retrieved 2010-10-01.

http://ww5.komen.org/

Guard Your Heart...Go Nuts!!!

2011-09-29T22:50:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 4:23 states: Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life. (NASB) Why is this so important? Because our hearts guide and direct all that we do. All of our choices and actions are driven by the desires of our heart. If we do not guard the heart it can lead to spiritual ruin. Basically, who we are in Christ is being formed in our hearts. If we allow our heart to be filled with perverse things, we live at odds with God.

Even though this Old Testament scripture focuses on a spiritual message regarding the heart, we can also look at it from the natural man’s perspective. Let us take a closer look at the heart. According to www.worldvisible.com, the heart is one of the most important organs in the entire human body. It is really nothing more than a pump, composed of muscle which pumps blood throughout the body, beating approximately 72 times per minute of our lives. The heart pumps the blood, which carries all of the vital materials which help our bodies function and removes the waste products that we do not need. For example, the brain requires oxygen and glucose, which, if not received continuously, will cause it to lose consciousness. Muscles need oxygen, glucose and amino acids, as well as the proper ratio of sodium, calcium and potassium salts in order to contract normally. The glands need sufficient supplies of raw materials from which to manufacture the specific secretions. If the heart ever ceases to pump blood the body begins to shut down and after a very short period of time will die. One way to keep the blood pumping properly is to eat nuts.

How can eating nuts help your heart? According to the Mayo Clinic staff, people who eat nuts as part of a heart-healthy diet can lower the LDL, low density lipoprotein which is the “bad” cholesterol level in the blood. A high LDL is one of the main antecedents of heart disease. Eating nuts reduces blood clot and heart attack risks. Nuts can improve the lining of the arteries. Although there is no scientific proof but the evidence suggests that eating nuts reduces heart disease according to the Food and Drug Administration. What are the ingredients in nuts that are thought to create a healthy heart? Most nuts contain the following substances:

· Unsaturated fats-It is not clear why but the “good” fats in nuts- both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats-lower “bad” cholesterol levels (LDL).

· Omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s prevent dangerous heart rhythms that can lead to heart attacks. They are also found in fish like salmon.

· Fiber. All nuts contain fiber which helps lower the cholesterol. Fiber helps a person feel full therefore you eat less. It plays a significant role in preventing diabetes.

· Vitamin E. It may help stop the development of placques in the arteries which cause them to narrow. Placque can produce chest pain, coronary artery disease or heart attack.

· Plant Sterols. Another substance that lowers cholesterol. Plant sterols are often added to margarine and orange juice but are naturally found in nuts.

· L-arginine. A substance that helps improve the artery walls by making them more flexible, less prone to blood clots, and block blood flow.

A word of caution on eating a lot of nuts. Nuts contain a lot of fat. Almost 80 percent of the nut is fat. Nuts should be eaten in moderation. The best way to eat them as a substitute for saturated fats, such as those found in meats, eggs, and dairy products. Try eating a handful. The Food and Drug Administration suggests about 1.5 ounces or 42.5 grams per day. Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, pecans, walnuts, and some pine nuts may reduce a person’s risk of heart disease.

I love eating nuts! I eat about 10 pistachios, 20 almonds, and about 20 walnuts everyday. I sprinkle the walnuts in my Fiber One Honey Clusters Cereal for breakfast therefore I am getting extra fiber in my diet.

Come on…Guard Your Heart. Go Nuts!!!

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nuts/HB00085

http://www.worldinvisible.com/apologet/humbody/heart.htm

What is your favorite nut(s) you like to eat? How do you eat them?

"I Speak Life" You Shall Live And Not Die!

2011-09-24T01:40:00.000-07:00

This song is a word of encouragement to anyone who is going through stressful life events. You shall live and not die!

Coffee-Cancer-Connections

2011-09-22T01:32:00.000-07:00

I just love coffee! Although, I am not a true coffee drinker because I must have cream added with a sweetener. A true coffee drinker has it black with nothing in it. Yuk! I was introduced to coffee drinking by my aunt. My aunt (who is the eldest) and my dad were born on the same day but 10 years apart. She would drink her coffee with three sugars and two teaspoons of cream in a cup and saucer. Then she would pour some of the coffee from the cup into the saucer and drink from the saucer. She would say, "this coffee is really good”. One day when I visited my aunt, I asked her if I could taste what she was drinking. I was about 10 or 11 years old. Initially, she said “no”. But I persisted in asking until she gave me a sip. After the sip, I never thought about drinking coffee again until I started college.

Although, my parents drank coffee daily. When I became older, I started drinking coffee in the morning as a way to get me going for the day. Paul Ballardin, the founder of Coffee Shrine stated “Coffee is widely known as the world’s most popular beverage for kick starting the day and many people typically start their morning with a ritual cup of freshly extracted coffee”. Later on, for me coffee would facilitate conversations that I would have with my parents usually in the early evening right after dinner. We would brew a pot of coffee and talk about everything-such as their grandchildren, work, church-it did not matter. Those were good times! It was weird, for most people caffeine would stimulate them and cause an inability to sleep. However, my mom and I, could drink coffee at night and it would put us right to sleep. On the other hand, dad was like the majority of the people.

When mom unexpectedly died two years ago, my dad and I continued the tradition of conversation over a cup of coffee in the evenings. We pondered the shock of losing her so fast, especially when she was doing so well from the heart attacks she experienced prior. Two months after her death, dad was diagnosed with a rare sinus cancer. His illness catapulted into weekly chemotherapy, radiation, rehabilitation and hospital stays until his transition. Our family had no time to grieve the loss of my mother and now we were faced with another challenge. But that is not all, two weeks after dad’s diagnosis; I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Subsequently, I had other personal challenges that I was confronted with at the time related to school and work.

Needless to say, these situations appeared to be bleak for our family. But, I am told that the “eye of the storm” or center is the “calmest place” and the strong tropical cyclones on the outer wall are where the severe weather resides. I believe it was God who kept our family in the “calmest place”. He sent caring friends and family members to visit to say “I am praying for you”, just to sit and talk with us, and to assist wherever they could. For example, when I was at the hospital or the rehabilitation center where my dad resided, at least two or three times a week I would get a visit from my cousin. He would call or text and say, “Have you had anything to eat today? Or do you want some company?” Now here is a young man (early 20s) in school and working who could be “hanging out” with his friends, but chose to come to the hospital or the rehabilitation center to be with his uncle and to see about his cousins. That was special! The conversation would be about anything. His length of stay would be no more than an hour because he would have to return to school or work. But it really meant a lot.

My cousin works at Starbucks. Even after dad passed, I would still get the phone calls or text messages, checking to see if I had lunch or dinner. One day, my cousin brought me a sample of the new Starbucks Via flavored coffee. This is not an instant coffee but a ready-brew coffee. All you add is hot water. My favorite is Cinnamon-Spice. As you know, coffee is a well-known antioxidant and recent studies show that coffee has health benefits not only to brain function and mental alertness. Drinking coffee has positive effects in other lifestyle diseases like Type II Diabetes and is also known to retard the growth of cancer cells. So not only do people find more than enough reasons to enjoy their daily coffee for its great taste , it also provides an enjoyable means of having a positive influence on one’s health.

For that reason, my cousin and I have designated Wednesdays and Thursdays as the time we will have Cinnamon-Spice coffee after work and Zumba class respectively. We talk about our goals, aspirations for the future as well as our past. So, my cousin and I are continuing the tradition of celebrating the memories of two wonderful people that have had a huge impact on our both of our lives-My Parents.

Do you have traditions you like to celebrate?
Share one of them.

"Fast Food"- The Unhealthy Visual

2011-09-17T01:28:00.000-07:00

The discussion around "Fast Food" is increasing. There are concerns about the amount of"Fast Food" our kids are eating. In fact, researchers from the University of California, San Diego, found kids' fast-food lunches, often offered as rewards, accounted for up to 51 percent of most children's daily caloric needs. Moreover, at least 35 percent of those fast food calories came from fat, the study noted. In another study published in the journal Childhood Obesity, also revealed that families went to the fast-food restaurant for the following reasons:

The children (and the adults) liked the food
Convenience
The fast food was a reward
The family was hungry, and had no other food options

So, there is not only a concern about how much fast food is eaten subsequently, how television plays a role in this vicious cycle as well. A report in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, was aimed at gauging the effects of a voluntary food industry program called the Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI).It found that by 2009, children were seeing fewer high-fat, high-sugar or high-sodium foods in TV ads, compared with what they were seeing in 2003.
Still, the bulk of 2009 ads -- 86 percent -- were for fatty, sugary or salty products, according to the researchers -- down from 94 percent in 2003. These statistics are still appalling.
Check out what television is really doing to our children and what you can do by watching the video below. Don't forget to tell me what you think!

What do you think?

References:

More American Kids Eating Fast Food

http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/hsn/moreamericankidseatingfastfood

Junk food still stars in TV ads seen by kids

http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/nm/us_junk_food

Nutrition for a Long Life
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/drmao/nutrition-long-life

Don't Be Deceived! Read the Food Labels

2011-09-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

I love to read. It is more important to be able to read now more than ever. I don't know why I am focused on food right now. But with the problem of childhood obesity that has plagued our country, we need to stop allowing the television and its advertisers dictate to us what we should eat. It only takes a few seconds when shopping for foods to read the labels. There are so many byproducts and artificial colorings added to our foods that hinders the digestive system and the liver from breaking the foods down properly, it is ridiculous! Just look at the latest investigation on blueberries. It is appalling to see what Kelloggs, Betty Crocker, and Target are doing to deceive the public. We need REAL blueberries! According to a study presented at the 2009 Experimental Biology conference, a diet rich in blueberries lowers blood cholesterol levels while improving glucose control and insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of subsequent diabetes. Just look at the other health benefits of REAL blueberries:

The highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit (a very effective immune builder and anti-bacterial),
Neutralizes free radicals which can affect disease and aging in the body
Aid in reducing Belly Fat
Helps promote urinary tract health
Been proved to preserve vision
Brain health-They even heal damaged brain cells and neuron tissues and keep your memory sharp for a long-long time.
Heart Disease
Constipation & Digestion
Cancer-Laboratory studies published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry show that phenolic compounds in blueberries can inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death). A significant 34% reduction in ovarian cancer risk was also seen in women with the highest intake of the flavone luteolin (found in citrus).
Bluberries keep you fresh, active, fit, sharp, close to nature and in a good mood, as they are very good anti depressants.

As you can see, we need REAL blueberries in our foods.

So, what are you going to do?

References

Retrieved from: Fruit fiction: Is it blueberry or blue dye?

Retrieved from: http://www.womenfitness.net/blueberries.htm

You Are What You Eat

2011-09-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

Since my bout with breast cancer, I have totally changed my eating habits. Not that I had poor eating habits to begin with but since the scare, I have become more cognizant of what goes into my body. I stumbled upon an article in a magazine online. Since I have some free time, I decided to make the article into a Power Point presentation. Dr.David Servan-Schreiber gives excellent suggestions for eating the right foods.
Enjoy!

Edible Healing from drdspeaks

Are you ready to change your eating habits?