Living Smart Girl

Fibro Fog… Tired of Being Tired

2012-01-18T16:05:37Z

It seems that no matter how much sleep I get I still suffer thru my day just wanting to lay down and nap. But, if I lay down I know it won’t help me so I don’t. And I also know if I lay down, then I will get nothing done on my full plate of things to do every day.

Do you or someone you know suffer daily with Fibro?
Here is a great informative article on WebMD about Fibro and Fatigue.

This has helped shed some light on my questions of why..

Persistent and chronic fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia, second only to the deep muscle pain and body aches. But unlike normal fatigue, the feelings of fatigue, weakness, and exhaustion that come with fibromyalgia can often lead to unending social isolation, even depression.

What Is Fatigue With Fibromyalgia?

Fatigue with fibromyalgia is described as crippling, exhausting, and flu-like. You may experience fatigue on arising, even after hours of bed rest. And many people with fibromyalgia have disturbances in deep-level or restful sleep, so the fatigue they feel is not easy to treat.

The fatigue with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) often coincides with mood disturbances, anxiety, or depression. People with fibromyalgia may describe their sleep as unrefreshing or light. Some people with fibromyalgia have pain and achiness around the joints in the neck, shoulder, back, and hips. This makes it even more difficult to sleep and worsens their daytime feelings of sleepiness and fatigue.

Experts theorize that there are similarities between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, which is a condition primarily characterized by ongoing, debilitating fatigue. Often, people with fibromyalgia describe the fatigue they feel as “brain fatigue.” They report a total loss of energy and difficulty concentrating, a condition called “fibro fog.”

What Are the Other Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

In addition to chronic fatigue, symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

abdominal pain
anxiety and depression
chronic headaches
dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes
hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat
inability to concentrate (called “fibro fog”)
incontinence
irritable bowel syndrome
numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet
painful menstrual cramps
painful trigger points
poor circulation in hands and feet (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
restless legs syndrome
stiffness

Fibromyalgia can cause signs and feelings similar to what people experience with osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. But unlike the localized pain with bursitis or tendinitis, the feelings of pain and stiffness with fibromyalgia are widespread.

Do Daytime Naps Help Fatigue With Fibromyalgia?

On good days, the fatigue with fibromyalgia may be tolerable with daytime napping. However, on bad days, when fibromyalgia symptoms flare, dealing with fatigue is quite difficult for both individuals with fibromyalgia and their loved ones. Even multiple rest periods throughout the day fail to provide relief from the chronic achiness, fatigue, and exhaustion.

How Can I Get Help With Fibromyalgia Fatigue?

Coping with the symptoms of fibromyalgia is difficult at best. And managing the chronic fatigue of fibromyalgia takes great effort and planning. You may feel like others don’t believe you when you are forced to cancel family gatherings or luncheons with friends because of the chronic fatigue with fibromyalgia. That’s why planning your schedule without making too many commitments may be helpful, especially when fibromyalgia symptoms flare.

Most fibromyalgia experts recommend talking to others about your specific fibromyalgia symptoms. Then, they will know your fibromyalgia is real — not something you’ve made up in your head. In fact, asking for help from your family, friends, employer, or coworkers is important. When you have help, you are better able to make it through the day, even with the limited energy you feel.

What Does Stress Have to Do With Fibromyalgia and Fatigue?

Reducing stress may give you a sense of control with fibromyalgia. Some experts believe that when people with fibromyalgia reduce their level of stress, they also experience a reduction in fatigue and anxiety. In addition, their sleep becomes more restful.

Can I Continue to Work With Fibromyalgia and Fatigue?

People with fibromyalgia who are able to work outside the home say they experience great stress on the job. Some say they fear they may be let go and be replaced by healthier, more qualified workers. Others are concerned because they are not able to perform the way they used to. Employers also report concern over the output of chronically ill patients. They cite reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, poor work quality, and increased workplace accidents. But if you stay mentally and physically able to handle your job responsibilities, you can continue to be a productive employee, even with fibromyalgia and fatigue.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia may wax and wane over time. You may, however, continue to experience muscle pain and fatigue. That doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do. Here are actions you can take to help keep fatigue at bay:

If your employer will allow it, put a cot in your office or workroom. Then allow yourself to take rest periods throughout the day, especially when symptoms flare and you are fatigued.
Try to allow more time during the day to complete your responsibilities.
Budget your time carefully to avoid procrastinating. Procrastination can increase your stress level when deadlines come around.
Make daily “To Do” lists to remind yourself of the responsibilities you need to complete.
Limit outside commitments on work days.
Ask for help from coworkers when pain and fatigue are overwhelming. Pay them back with your assistance on days you feel better.
Take periodic breaks to avoid getting overly tired or stressed during busy workdays.
Listen to music during your workday to help keep your stress levels minimal.
Talk to your doctor about medications for fibromyalgia that may help improve sleep and ease fatigue.

Living Smart Girl ~ A Healthy Way to an Organic You ~

Sheila

Join our Fitness Challenge ~

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Sprinkle Me Crazy ~

http://www.sprinklemecrazy.com

Clean Out Those Cupboards

2012-01-18T15:59:36Z

And get rid of those nasty foods that might be causing some of the health issues a lot of us face on a daily basis.

It is time for a new you, a fresh start, and you want to start in the kitchen.
This is as easy as getting a garbage can, opening your cabinets, and unloading!

Let’s start this year off right with a little refresher on why certain ingredients and products are not good for our health goals.
What lurks in our pantry can range from high-calorie, high-sodium foods to chemical-laden food substitutes that have no right to be there. And, as we all know, if it is there, we will eat it! So, the first step is always to get rid of those tempting, empty, harmful, and tasteless things we’ve collected and simply…toss them.

I know for me, and for most people, we tend to buy things at the grocery store out of habit or ignorance.
Time to break the habit and shed some light on why these things are no good for you or your family.
It is easy, rewarding, and actually fun! Do it at your pace. Ready for a complete overhaul? Great—otherwise, start slow—let’s identify the biggest problem—the worst ingredients—and move from there.

Kick out:
All foods that contain these ingredients—be mindful they can be in your dressings, peanut butters and other surprising places
Artificial sweeteners
corn syrup
hydrogenated oil or partially hydrogenated oil
dyes (especially red #3 and #40 and yellow #5)
enriched flours
bleached flours
canned vegetables (except tomatoes and beans)
sugary cereals
potatoes in a box
instant rice
lowfat mayo
fake butter
soda, diet and regular
processed lunch meats
American cheese
candy bars
sugary fruit

Bring in:
cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
lentils
beans (black, kidney, garbanzo, these can be in a can)
quinoa
organic chicken broth
vinegars (balsamic, rice, apple cider)
tamari
dried spices (garlic, cinnamon, cumin, curry powder, hot pepper)
kefir (plain)
organic yogurt
hummus
fresh cut-up veggies to dip in hummus (cucumbers, carrots, radishes, etc)
fresh herbs (dill, parlsy, basil, mint)
Braggs liquid aminos
grain mustard
miso
tofu
sparkling water

So.. are you ready??

Mr. Chewy ~ Review

2012-01-17T21:15:21Z

Mr. Chewy ~ Oh how my Dogs Love YOU!!

Have you ever ordered your pet food online?
I love the idea of not having to lug a heavy bag of dog food thru the store, out to the car, and then into the house.

Or how about forgetting to pick up the pet food. Yikes!! That isn’t good. I have done that and if you knew how far I lived from town you would know why that isn’t a good thing.

Mr Chewy solves my problems.
They offer a huge selection of dog and cat food, treats, toys, etc.
Great prices, and fast shipping. Plus free shipping on all orders of $49 or more.

And, now I can be on auto ship and never run out of my pet food or treats again!
I do think I hear my dogs thanking me for that one.

If you have never ordered our pet food online you should check them out.
Customer service is top notch!!
Right now they are offering 15% off Storewide.

Visit them on Facebook

Mr Chewy Says ~

What we do…

Mr. Chewy is the spot for pet people.

Why we’re better…

Mr. Chewy delivers pet happiness by conveniently shipping 70+ brands of pet food and stuff (for free!) while ensuring at-risk animals’ lives are improved across the planet.

Why it matters…

At-risk animals need a hero — and let’s face it — driving to the store and schlepping pet stuff bites.

Why it’s better…

Unlike the big, corporate, profit-driven pet retailers, MrChewy.com is driven by pet happiness not the bottom line.

Disclaimer ~ Living Smart Girl received products for review purposes. All reviews and opinions are 100% Living Smart Girl’s.

Onnit Products ~ Review

2012-01-17T21:02:06Z

Shroom Tech Sport ~
Advanced ATP Energy with Cordyceps Sinessis

New Mood ~
with 5-HTP

AlphaBrain ~
For Mental Dominance with GPC Choline & Huperzia Serrata

The idea behind ShroomTech™ Sport was to create a supplement that real athletes could take safely every day, even the day of competition. We wanted clean energy, a proven track record, and general health benefits and we found it in our exclusive combination of cordyceps mushroom, adaptogens, antioxidants and methyl b12. ShroomTech™ Sport battles fatigue like no other supplement on the market, providing cellular energy through the production of ATP rather than stimulant based energy, and improves oxygen utilization to help you go longer, recover faster, and set a new personal best.

Serotonin has been proven to be the key neurotransmitter linked to mood, happiness, and anti-depression. With this in mind, New Mood™ is designed to be the most effective natural serotonin booster ever created. Combining the two raw sources of serotonin, L-tryptophan and 5-HTP, with a converting catalyst, Vitamin B6, New Mood™ is a serotonin boosting powerhouse. Adding to the naturally relaxing effects of L-Tryptophan are a host of anxiolytic herbs designed to bring you into a state of relaxed calm. Calcium and Magnesium are natural anti-spasmodic elements vital for muscle relaxation and vitamin D3 has further been linked to positive mood benefits. Crucial for when you are under stress, anxiety, or exhaustion, New Mood™ is also ideal for daily use. When combined with a regimen of Alpha Brain™, all four major neurotransmitters, Serotonin, Dopamine, Acetylcholine and GABA are being elevated to create maximum mental and emotional prowess.

The idea behind Alpha Brain™ was to create the first ever fully balanced nootropic. GPC choline and Huperzia Serrata turn up your acetylcholine levels full throttle while other ingredients assist in elevating dopamine and GABA levels, crucial components to remaining calm, focused, and mentally driven. Our vinpocetine assists in delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain, and the combination of neuro-specific antioxidants, led by our proprietary AC-11® helps to clear away mental fog and reduce free radical burden. The result experienced by many of our satisfied customers is an extraordinary combination of lucid dreams, mental drive, focus, memory, and mental acuity.

I had never heard of any of these products nor had I heard of Onnit. After trying the products I am impressed and know I will be a customer for sure. I really liked the Shroom Tech Sport. With the exercising I do it helped with my energy levels

And since I have trouble sleeping I found the New Mood a huge help. I don’t know if it helped me drift off to sleep faster, but it seemed to help me sleep harder. With my fibro I find sleep hard for the most part. I can usually sleep but it isn’t always very deep. So, this was a help in that department.

Check them out and read all the info on the site. Tons of great stuff ~ Onnit.com

Vidazorb Super C ~ Review

2012-01-17T20:39:01Z

Great tasting Vidazorb® chewable probiotics help maintain the body’s digestive health and overall wellness.
For your convenience, Vidazorb’s® unique probiotic formulas don’t require refrigeration.
Created with families in mind, Vidazorb® is safe, delicious and effective.

Vidazorb Super C chewables are a great way to get your daily Vitamin C

FOR ENHANCED IMMUNE AND DIGESTIVE SUPPORT
Travelers and athletes see real benefits using our Super C formulation.

Enhanced antioxidant support with L. acidophilus, LA-5® (50 milligrams – approximating 5 billion CFU), Bifidobacterium, BB-12® (50 milligrams – approximating 5 billion CFU), Masquelier’s® OPC and Vitamin C.

Maximize immunity and digestive wellness with antioxidant-rich Vidazorb® SuperC. Clinically substantiated L. acidophilus, LA-5® andBifidobacterium, BB-12® work synergistically with Masquelier’s® Original OPC and Vitamin C to significantly boost overall immune strength. Perfect for travelers. Beneficial probiotic bacteria are essential in helping maintain overall health.*

I love how they taste, (orange pineapple) and are so easy to digest.
Adding this to my daily vitamin intake makes me feel like I am doing my body good.

Vidazorb offers a great selection of probiotics to help you maintain wellness by boosting immunity and improving digestive health.

Vidazorb ~ You are what you absorb

Belly Boost ~ for kids
Super C ~ Enhanced Antioxidant Support
+OPC ~ Daily Age Defense
Plus ~ Digestive Health Support
Daily ~ Daily Digestive Support

If you haven’t tried Vidazorb I highly recommend you do. They are just what the body ordered.
Not sure? check out the facts ~ Your body will thank you.

Intensity ~ Review

2012-01-17T20:21:08Z

Get the toe curling, lip biting, sheet gripping orgasm you’ve been looking for. Guaranteed*.

How you ask? Well with Intensity of course.

Intensity’s patented rhythmic internal massage stimulates gentle vaginal muscle contractions that develop into an eruption of orgasmic sensation.
The clitoral stimulation vibrates at speeds that vary from the softest tickle to a full blown assault on your senses, so you can get the orgasm you want, every time.
Because Intensity inflates, the g-spot stimulator never slips out of place, so you will never again question if the g-spot really exists.
After using Intensity, you will notice that all of your orgasms (both solo and with a partner) are more frequent and more intense as well. This is because the internal stimulation strengthens your vaginal muscles and research has proven that stronger vaginal muscles result in more powerful and longer orgasms.
Unlike other vibrators and adult toys, Intensity users also report that their partners actually notice improved sensation during intercourse.

When I had first heard about Intensity I just had to contact the company and inquire about doing a review.
I was intrigued and just had to try it. Gladly, I got my wish and received my very own Intensity for review.

I honestly have to say that this did not work for me like they say it should. The product is great, and I really like the muscle stimulation but as for the g-spot vibe and the clit vibe I was not happy. Now don’t get me wrong… this is my personal experience. I have to say I am not the ordinary girl.. I don’t think I was given a g-spot at birth!! LOL! Seriously it isn’t funny, but damn.. where is it!!

On a side note, I do hope with continued use this will help tighten up my muscles. I have weak muscles and bladder control issues so that is what I will be using this for. And maybe, just maybe I can find my g-spot after using it over and over (and over).

This is not a reasonable toy, but then again what adult toy is. You can get one of these for $249.99 plus shipping. Order it now and get 10% off just for ordering from my site. Use code SMART10 when you order.

This is something you all should try. Just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you.

I had an amazing experience with everyone at Intensity Now. The company rocks, and the customer service is top notch!! I even spoke to them on the phone as they tried to help me. But.. nobody can find my g-spot.
(thinking I might get some takers after this post.. LOL) YIKES!

Disclaimer ~ Living Smart Girl received products for review purposes. All reviews and opinions are 100% Living Smart Girl’s.

Eat Smart Health Tools ~ Review & Giveaway

2012-01-17T19:50:57Z

Did you indulge a little more than you should have over the Holiday Season? I know I did. I so tried to be careful, but those cookies kept calling my name.. and I was weak!! LOL!! And I know I was because of my new bathroom scale. I stepped on my new Precision Premium Digital Bathroom Scale and it actually yelled at me. Oh.. Ok.. I guess it didn’t yell.. but it should have! I did gain #5 over my Holiday grazing Season. Bad me!!

But, now I am watching what I eat and adding my exercise back to my daily routine and am seeing my new scale smile at me

I had a very old scale that just never seemed to be accurate. I could weigh myself, get off the scale and step back on and would be a different weight. That is very depressing! The scale was only 20 years old… ??? Maybe that is how we weighed ourselves 20 years ago, but not now. I needed something that would keep me in check a little more. The Precision Premium Scale is awesome!

The EatSmart Precision Premium Bathroom Scale has a thin profile and sophisticated look with a large non-slip platform that safely measures up to 400 lbs. With EatSmart’s proprietary “step on” technology, there is no more “waking up” your scale by tapping or pressing buttons! The LCD display contains a cool-blue backlight, allowing for easy viewing even in the lowest lit areas of the bathroom or home.

Features

EatSmart “Step-On” Technology – Get instant readings! No more tapping scale to turn on.
Large 3.5″ LCD display with cool blue backlight – Easy to read from any distance.
4 High Precision Sensors – Consistent and accurate measurement
Ultra thin, ergonomic design w/ durable aluminum/plastic base
2 Measurement Modes: Pounds / Kilos
Graduation Increments of .2 lbs. / .1kg
Max Weight: 400 lbs / 180 kgs
Auto Calibrated; Includes 4 AAA batteries

I love my new scale. How would you like a new scale?

You can win one, just enter our giveaway using our Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer ~ Living Smart Girl received products for review purposes. All reviews and opinions are 100% Living Smart Girl’s.

Naturally Fresh ~ Review & Giveaway

2012-01-17T19:22:32Z

Can you smell that? No.. well that is because I am using Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystals.

The Doctor’s Choice for Deodorants.

*Hypoallergenic
*Non Staining
*Phthalate Free
*Paraben & PG Free
*No Harmful Aluminums
*Up to 24 Hour Protection

Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystals offers a range of products such as Solid’s ~ new with Aloe Vera, Trial/Travel products, Roll-On’s, Spray Mist, Foot Spray with Aloe Vera, Moiststic Lip Protection and Refrigerator Fresh Crystals or Pet Crystals.

I have always been one to buy the standard deodorant/antiperspirant like Suave or Secret, but no more. I couldn’t figure out why I always had a rash on my underarms or why I had ingrown hairs. Or why my razors would only last a few uses before they were gunked up with stuff. Well… it was the product I was using. From the day I started using the Naturally Fresh Deodorant I noticed my underarms felt better, no stinging when I shaved or put on the deodorant, my razors didn’t get all gunked up, and I have no ingrown hairs.

I always knew that the product I was using wasn’t good for me, but didn’t know what else to use. I am so glad I was given the chance to try Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal. I will never use another product as long as this one is available!

Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal would like to give one of our readers a nice selection of products.
Enter to win a gift box of goodies valued at over $21.00.
Enter using our Rafflecopter below ~ Open to US Only

And, when you “like” them on Facebook you will get a coupon for $1 off.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer ~ Living Smart Girl received products for review purposes. All reviews and opinions are 100% Living Smart Girl’s.

Cakedy ~ HUGE SALE

2012-01-17T16:09:08Z

Some time back I posted a review about a fun new product called Cakedy ~ Take a look at my review.

Well… Guess what? Cakedy has a huge sale going on right now. Check it out ~ Click Here

If you haven’t tried Cakedy now is your chance, at a great price.

Finding Time for Yourself

2012-01-17T14:10:56Z

Well that statement is easier actually Said.. than Done ~

Check out this video if you find yourself with no time.. for you!