My Life Reflections

Cinnamon

2011-08-07T21:30:00.000-04:00

How about using Cinnamon in crafting? I'm not a crafty person most of the time. Recently, I started to check out ideas for making crafts. There are so many things that you can do. One thing I found that was interesting, in the craftworld, is the use of Cinnamon. Not only is Cinnamon good for your health, but it can be useful to you in your home decorating.

Here is a website you can view on the heatlh benefits of Cinnamon. Cinnamon is not just good for your Cinnamon rolls.

Check out how to make a votive tealight holder. I think you will find this a very creative and easy to do craft. This design is by Jonathan Fong Style.

How is Diabetes?

2011-08-04T15:46:00.002-04:00

If you struggle with blood sugars and also high blood pressure. I have some links for you, with information on how to eat healthier. When you are trying to get your blood sugar, to a normal level. You may experience frustration with having very high levels. Suzy Cohen is the author, of Diabetes without Drugs, and the author of a few other books, on health. The most important thing to know about your diabetes, is to know why you have diabetes in the first place. The first book is Diabetes without Drugs Link You can find her books on Amazon. Another book is called Drug Muggers, which medications are robbing your body of nutrients. Check out these books, and understand what your doctor may not be telling you.

I can post

2011-07-30T11:20:00.002-04:00

I'm so grateful that I can now post again on my blog. Yay! Let the posting begin. I hope that you are trying to stay healthy as I'am. I will be posting so recipe and helpful tips on eating healthy. So stay tuned to my blog. Thanks for stopping by. I enjoy your visits and comments. Blessings.

Have you tried Blackberries?

2011-07-18T17:36:00.001-04:00

Have you tried Blackberries? Well maybe you haven't tried them or are not familiar with them. I grew up, in a rural area, in Germantown, Maryland back then, it was called living in the country. I loved living there, because as a child we played outside all the time. We ran across the fields, playing games and we picked berries in the fields. One of the berries we picked was blackberries and while picking we ate mouthfuls of these berries. My grandma would give us large buckets to go in the fields and pick these berries.

When we were finished picking the blackberries, she would make preserves, jams and jellies. My grandma made everything homemade and I would love to taste everything she made. She had apples trees, pear tree, plum trees, peach tree and a grape vine. She also had two gardens, in which she grew vegetables. I felt this was the greatest place to live and I loved my grandma more than anything. My grandma would share out some, of the berries for us to eat, after all we did lots of picking. She would give us a cup, of berries with some sugar, on top of them.

Did we know that eating blackberries were healthy for us? No not at all. We only knew how great they tasted. Blackberries have antioxidants which are beneficial, in preventing heart disease and cancer. You may be able to find these berries at a farmers market. Sometimes you can also find them, in health food stores, or you may live near a farm where berries grow. If you try them you will be benefiting your health and also getting a great tasting blackberry. Enjoy!

Im feeling shaky

2011-07-18T12:27:00.001-04:00

Hey folks, I been off my medication, for my thyroid since June 30, and now I'm feeling shaky. I feel irritable, sweaty and just plain not feeling like myself. Well it seems I have a lot going on. Don't I? I'm trying my best to stay in a good mood. And if I can't I will just go to my room and hide from everyone. It may sound drastic, but it's all I can do, to keep from putting my misery, on everyone else. Did I mention that I had my test done, to see the levels in my thyroid. I got to see the pictures of my thyroid too! It's enlarged and I hated getting the pictures done. It was like 15 minutes of torture. I had to lay down and have a pillow pushed under my shoulders. My neck was hanging back and my shoulders hurt the whole time.

Now that it's over I feel better and I never want to do that again. Never!. And so now, I will wait for the appointment to get the pill. Yes, it's a pill they give you with the right dosage amount. Why did I think, they were going to inject me with something. IDK. I feel so hot today and I'm not even outside. The air conditioner is on blast. LOL! Ok, Let me just say I hope, that you are feeling well. And if your not, I hope you will feel better soon. All the best to you. take care, and see ya soon!

Going For my Scan

2011-07-08T12:01:00.000-04:00

This has been a long wait for the procedures to get started. Now it's about to happen for me in a few days. I will be getting a scan done to see the level of my thyroid. It is a two day procedure, in which you get a pill, so they will be able to look inside, to see what's going on. I will go in the morning on the first day to get the pill, in the afternoon I will return back for them to take the scan. The next day I will go back again for another scan. It takes a couple of days to do the process. I would rather it be over in a few minutes and it not take days. However, this is how it's done. I'm going for the procedure on the 14th & 15th, of this month to have everything done. Wish me the best with everything. I'm praying that everything goes ok. btw. They have taken me off the methimazole before having the procedure. I will not be taking it to get the radioactive iodine treatment. That's it for now, I will keep you updated as soon as I have more information for you. see ya soon.

Eggs

2011-07-07T14:31:00.001-04:00


photo from www.freefoto.com

Over the year there has been lots of studies on eggs. Studies have proven that there are risk to eating eggs, such as increasing your cholesterol. So, what are the pros and cons to eating eggs, or not eating eggs. Well I'm going to look at a few things about eggs that have been found recently. Do you like egg? Would you like to know if they are beneficial for you? If you decide that eating eggs is right for you, hear is more reasons, to keep eating them. Health Benefits of Eggs, listed are 10 healthy benefits of eating eggs. I found another article in Womens Health Magazine, that discuss four more reasons to the benefits of eating eggs. Now that you know that eggs have some healthy benefits. Don't be afraid to keep enjoy the incredible egg.

Blueberries

2011-07-05T15:09:00.001-04:00

Do you like blueberries? Well if you do then you are preventing your arteries from hardening. There are a number of reasons to eat blueberries.

Halt hardening of the arteries.
Lower Blood Pressure
Rejuvenate Aging Brain
Prevent Obesity- Related Insulin Resistance
May reduce belly fat

I was never really acquainted with blueberries. It's not a food that we ate in our household growing up. We ate strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. But not had any interest in blueberries at that time. My daughter makes a cake for the 4th of July and it's Red, White and Blue. And she use blueberries for the star section of the flag cake. I really like this cake and I would have liked her to make it this year. She was to busy with other things and didn't make it this year. Now that I know more about blueberries. I'm definitely going to try and fit them into my diet more often. If you didn't know the benefits of blueberries. You may want to get them a try next time you visit your grocery store or market.

Cherrios

2011-07-04T18:03:00.001-04:00

Did you know that the cereal Cherrios can lower you cholesterol? This is some new information that I bringing to you. Remember I've lowered my cholesterol and I want to keep it that way. This is why I want to help others with information on lowering cholesterol. Hope you like cherrios!

Casey Anthony Trial & Wimbledon

2011-07-03T13:17:00.000-04:00

This morning I began to watch the deliberations of the Casey Anthony Trial. The defense is now pleading the cause of Casey Anthony's innocence. After they finish the prosecution will be back up, to try and prove that beyond a reasonable doubt Casey Anthony new and premeditated the killing of her daughter, Caylee Anthony. The prosecution and the defense, have yet to prove how Caylee died. One thing is for sure their was a crime committed and someone knows how this child died. Another thing I think goes against the defense's resolve of innocence, is the fact that Casey Anthony did not take the stand in her defense. The jury will weigh in everything that has been said and proven in this trial. I hope that they will come back with the right verdict for this case.

Now for Wimbledon, I've been switching back and forth to see what the players are doing. I was shocked when Rafeal Nadal, didn't win. I really think that he is the best and I was sad to see that he didn't win Wimbledon. The Williams sister went out, quicker than I thought they would. They've had some injuries going on in their life. So that, put them behind in the tournament. Maria Sharapova, was really good this year. I was hoping that she would pull it off. But she didn't make it either. I was really excited to see Billy Jean King in the audience and also Lindsay Davenport was there too. It really tickles me to see John Mcenro being a commentator. Remember when he used to have rants on the court, it was impossible to watch a match without his antics. Most of all it was welcomed to see him have his tirades. Those were the days and now we have a new refined man.

Well that's it folks! Have a great day. see ya soon.

Graves Disease Symptoms

2011-07-02T12:37:00.001-04:00

Here is some information on the symptoms of Graves Disease. What are the causes of Graves Disease? Here is some answers to that question. Graves Disease is caused by. I hope this information will give you more insight into the causes and symptoms of Graves Disease also known as hyperthyroid.

Know the CauseThe Official Web Site for Doug Kaufmann Host of Know The Cause TV > Home

2011-07-01T14:35:00.000-04:00

Know the CauseThe Official Web Site for Doug Kaufmann Host of Know The Cause TV > Home

I got My Script!

2011-07-01T14:08:00.001-04:00

You may be wondering what I'm talking about. Well I had a doctor's appointment with my thyroid doctor yesterday. We went over all the numbers for my thyroid and what happened back in the end of May, when I was hospitalized. After reviewing all that, my doctor discussed the treatment options with me. Then plan is to get the Radioactive Iodine Treatment. Now what that will do is the change me from being hyperthyroid to hypothyroid. You may wonder why that happens and the reasons for this. The doctor did explain it to me in technical terms, however it didn't stick in my brain.

I will try to find some information on the details and post it here. I've explained that hyperthyroid causes lots of things to happen in the body. One of them being, a very fast heart rate. This really can't be good for the heart speeding like that. That is a major concern for me, plus other things. Now the script has been written for me to go to the hospital Radiology and get the treatment. I'm so happy to be getting this done and now I will go through some other symptoms before the treatment will take effect. I will pray that this will be over soon and I will feel much better.

All the best with your thyroid health. See the video on Faith Ford, discussing her Graves Disease.

AACE Past President Jeffrey R. Garber and Actress Faith Ford Speaking ab...

2011-06-30T17:09:00.001-04:00

My Graves Disease

2011-06-29T14:13:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, I just wanted to touch base on what's going on with my thyroid. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow with my thyroid doctor. Do I know what the outcome of this appointment will be. The answer is No. What I want to happen is that my doctor gives me some good news on my thyroid. I went to my primary doctor about a week ago. And she informed me that my thyroid could change. It could actually shrink from taking the medication Methimazole. "Really" I said. I can sometimes be amazed, because things come up now and then. I've never heard this from my thyroid doctor.

I always intend to do everything I can to get better. I take my medications and I try to eat right. I also look up information on the net. Why am I getting surprised information from my physician? Well I was surprised and somewhat perturbed by it. Now I've let it go and just count it as a learning experience. The one thing for sure is that I'm feeling better. I feel that my attitude, faith and understanding have alot to do with it. I'm very happy about the good changes that are happening. I hope that when I go to the doctor's I will get a good report from them. I will let you know about what happenings later.

Take care and try to stay healthy. see you soon!

Have you had your Oatmeal

2011-06-27T12:16:00.001-04:00

If you are having problems with your cholesterol. You may want to try eating oatmeal to bring your cholesterol numbers down. Well you might be thinking "Yea Right", that can't be true. I can attest to the fact that oatmeal does work in reducing your cholesterol. A few years ago, I wasn't really concerned about my cholesterol. My numbers were high and I wasn't giving it much thought. After having a discussion with my doctor and hearing how this can affect my arteries. I simply woke up and paid attention.

I started to eat less eggs and bacon. I even stopped eating bagels with cream cheese, that was a favorite of mine. This is not to say you can't have things occassionaly. Although if you want to reduce your cholesterol, you will limit the intake of those foods. I've done it! And it really has worked for me. My cholesterol when last taken, was 70, that is also without any cholesterol medication. So, when you go have your physical, or if you see your doctor on a regular basis, then most likely your know your numbers. Pay close attention and decide to make some changes in what you eat.

The benefits out-weigh the bad food your stuffing yourself with. You will be less likely to have heart disease or a stroke. You also may feel much better with diet and exercise changes. If you don't like oatmeal then you can try some other foods, such as nuts, olive oil and fish. Try working these foods into your diet and bring your cholesterol down to a healthy level. Let's try and stay health people.

Here is a link for more ways to reduce your cholesterol.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/CL00002

Miss Elliott has Graves Disease

2011-06-24T15:37:00.001-04:00

I was reading the new this morning and came across a article about Missy Elliot having Graves Disease. Some may not know who she is. She is a hip-hop artist in the music world. In her interview with shape magazine, she reported she had the disease for some time. Why did she keep it a secret? Read the article to get more info. I know all to well how this disease can come on all of a sudden. Even though, I had lots of the symptoms, I had know idea what was going on with my body. I wanted to post this to let you know that this can happen to anyone, just like it happened to Missy Elliott and also Gail Devers.

Menopause

2011-06-23T13:58:00.003-04:00

How do you know when you have started menopause? This is a question that most people who are reaching a certain age are asking. Some women start menopause around their fifties and others may start earlier. I had a friend who told me some years ago, that she was diagnosed by her doctor to be in menopause. She was in her early forties. Menopause may start at different times for women who are reaching middle age. If you are questioning whether you are going through menopause or not. It is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some known signs are hot flashes, low sexual desire and night sweats. There are other signs, and it is important to be tested, by your physician for a accurate diagnosis. For Menopause information here is a link.

At this time, I am going through these various symptoms of menopause. I have been tested and seen by my doctor. The current discussion I'm having with my doctor is hormone replacement. There is a option that my relieve some of the menopausal symptons. There is also side affects to this medication therapy. It seems that medication has it side effects. A very known fact is, that some of the hormone replacement medication, may cause breast cancer. You can do your research on this and find out the statistics on it. You can then go back to your doctor and go over your findings. If you decide to use the hormone replacement after reviewing the information on it. Then that is your choice to make.

Right now for me I have decided to wait until I've finished the treatment for my Graves Disease. Due to the fact that, I feel like I don't want to take, more medication on top of what I already take. This is my decision and I'm dealing with it. Here is another link for menopause symptoms.

Remember to drink plenty of water out in the heat. Stay healthy and positive. Feel better everyone, see ya soon!

Depression

2011-06-21T14:17:00.000-04:00

Depression can go undiagnosed in many people who don't recognize the signs and symptons of this illness. If you feel overwhelming feeling that doesn't go away. It may be time to seek help from a professional, such as a medical doctor, therapist or mental health counselor. Here is a link for National Institute of Mental Health. You will find information and more details on this illness. Seek help from you physician or nearest health care provider, if you are suffering from this illness. Let's do our best to stay healthy. see ya soon!

Eating Out

2011-06-20T15:00:00.001-04:00

A few days ago, I went out with my family to Citrus Park Mall, here in Tampa, Florida. It's really great when you can get out and enjoy some family time. As you know, I haven't been out much since being ill with my Graves Disease. I've had times where I could barely walk across the room. That kept me from getting out the house and roaming the neighborhood. LOL! Now that I'm better, I can walk to the neighborhood 7-11 or other stores. Sometimes I even venture to WalMart, if its not too hot. I do have a problem with hot temperatures. I even have a problem with cold temperatures. These are symptoms of the hyperthyroid (Graves Disease). This is something that occurs often and you always have to deal with it.

I went with my family and of course they wanted to get something to eat. This may be a simple thing to most people. However, for me it may be a waiting time bomb. I know that sounds crazy right. Well its the truth and its something I deal with. I entered the eatery and sat down to think about what I would order. Should I eat or just get some popcorn or nachos in the movie theater. My stomach was saying it was time to eat and to prevent my bloodsugars from getting low. It was about time to go ahead and have a meal. I sat there pondering what I was going to eat and from which vendor.

Finally, I decided on Bourban Street and not without a lot of hesitation. The problem is that some years ago, I was diagnosed with IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrone. I really don't have as much problems with my bowels now, like I had previously. Sometimes I would go to work and all of a sudden I would get this bubbling in my stomach and I knew what that meant. It's like that person you see in the commercial, trying to find a toilet. Yea, that was me first thing in the morning and most of the time after eating. I was a bus driver, so that posed a problem sometimes. It was pretty irritating to the point that I seeked out medical attention. I pretty much had to watch what I ate all the time.

Anyway, I decided on getting food from Bourban Street and I ordered a meal. Honey Chicken, Broccoli and Lo Mein. Was it good? Well it was very good. I ate most of it until I was full. Then after the movie, I had a cup of coffee, and a chocolate chip cookie. Ok, that was a nice evening out for me with the family. I went home and chatted with everyone and then I went to bed. The next day, I begin to have the problem. As a matter of fact, it was a all day thing going to the bathroom. I felt so drained after going through that all day. I just kinda stayed in my room to be close to the bathroom. Well it finally left my stomach and I asked my daughter what she thought about it. She said, she was having the same problem. So was it the food or my irritable Bowel.

In any case, I will stick to my plan when I go out and try and eat things that don't bother my stomach. It's easier said then done. I must say though, I have less bouts now. That means I do try and watch what Im putting in my stomach. Does it work all the time? No. But most of the time its working.
Stay healthy and enjoy your summer. see ya soon!

Casey Anthony Trial Update

2011-06-16T15:40:00.000-04:00

Today the Defense is presenting their case. They will be presenting for about a week. They will be trying to prove Casey's innocent. If you missed it Casey had gotten a tattoo on July 3rd. It says, Belle Vita, which means a beautiful life. Why did she get that tattoo when everyone was out looking for Caylee?

Hot & Humid

2011-06-15T16:07:00.000-04:00

It's hot here in Tampa today. When I woke this morning and went outside to check my plants. I felt the heat when I opened the front door. I thought Wow! Its going to be a hot one. I woke up fairly early, after a fitful night of non-sleep. It was one of those nights. With Graves disease some of the symptons are insomnia. For those who don't know. Graves disease is also called hyperthyroid disease. I will try and post some related information on symptons later. Even though, its a hot day. Im just happy I'm alive and doing ok today. Things were worse a few months ago. It has been a long road, that I'm still on unfortunately. I'm surviving and that's a good thing.

Remember to drink plenty of water if you have to be out in the heat. Also check your medications about being out in sun exposure. When exposed too much sun, you may have side effects. Be very careful about this with your medications. Stay healthy your the sunshine safely. see ya soon!

Link for Casey Anthony Trial Updates

2011-06-14T16:53:00.000-04:00

Here is a link for the Casey Anthony Trial. This is a site with ongoing updates current live feed.

My Thyroid

2011-06-12T22:46:00.000-04:00

I haven't updated about my thyroid and I wanted to let you know how things are going. Yesterday I had pain in my shoulder and I just figure its my thyroid. Remember a few weeks ago, I was in the hospital. The reason they gave me to all the problems I was having. Was due to my thyroid. I was definitely upset, due to the fact that I'm so over being sick and having pain. I was having chest pain and they gave me a series of test on my heart. I was relieved to find out that it wasn't my heart. Thankfully!

My problem is my doctors and I don't know what they are doing. I find myself going back and forth to appointments. I first have to go get lab work done at the hospital. This is before I go to my doctor appointment. I usually go a few days before the appointment to get the labs done. Ok that being said. I get to the doctor appointment and they ask some questions. Has any of your medication changed? Are you sleeping, tired and do you have anxiety? Are you having any other changes headaches sweating, coughing. And the list goes on. After going through this each time I go to the doctors. I don't see what the point is.

The last few times I been there. I have requested the Radioactive Iodine Treatment. You would think that was a simple problem. But each time I get the run around. I need more labs. I need to see a eye doctor. What is really going on. In the hospital the doctor said to me. "You need to get your thyroid burned". Oh really! Thats what I have been trying to do. Wow! So now my plan is to go back to my primary doctor and have a long discussion with her. I finally got the name of the doctor from my thyroid doctor. I will give it to my primary doctor and she can write me a referral.

That is what I have been going through and to me it has been unnecessary drama. What has it all been for? I don't know and instead of getting angry. I just made a plan to get it done and that is what I plan to do!
Stay healthy people and see ya soon!

Blogger Template

2011-06-11T18:50:00.000-04:00

I thought I would post this information for those of you who are having trouble finding out how to change things on your blog. I found that if I go in my dashboard and go to the blog I want to design. I click on design and there I will see Template Designer at the top of the page. Once there you will see some categories. You will then click on Advanced. This will give you some more options like Page Background Color, Text Color, Link Color and there are others to choose from. You select which one you want to use and you can start to change your blog design. Remember to click apply to blog, after you make your selections. You can go back and forth with this until you get it to what you want. I hope this helps out. I fiddled around with things and finally got the look I want for one of my blogs. Thats it! Enjoy