Tag Archives: Healthy living
WellnessWednesday
Now that I have your attention, I’m going to give it to you…every one of you. That’s right; we all cheat. We cheat ourselves out of the fulfilling, healthful lives we should be living. And we do it ALL the time! You heard me correctly. Oh, how do we cheat? Let me to count the ways…
1. Have unrealistic expectations of yourself and others.
Face it; you will never look twenty again…ever.
2. Force yourself to go along with the crowd when you know better.
Yeah, I’ve done that social smoking thing…
3. Eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner at McDonald’s…several times a week.
This includes Burger King, Hardee’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, and Arby’s…
4. Hide the fact that you eat at any of the above so much.
Don’t you know it leaves residual grease odor in the car and on your clothes?
5. Live vicariously through your children instead of experiencing life for yourself.
You won’t break if you go down that slide or ride the roller-coaster…
6. Get attached to the “way things are” even though “things” are bad.
Yes, people do this; I did…
7. Hate your body…any part of it.
It has feelings, you know…
8. Allow money problems to steal your joy.
It will pass…just like all those hours you wasted being worried…
9. Forget to relax.
Every thing does not have to be perfect…
10. Lose weight for the wrong reasons…and then gain it back.
It’s not about the jeans; it’s about health…
11. Choose not to forgive others.
A slow death…
12. Choose not to forgive yourself for all this cheating.
Just let it go…oh, yeah, and stop doing this stuff already.
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
As parents, we often worry about our choices that concern our children, what form of discipline to use, how to tell them about sex, how much independence to give. It’s a never-ending challenge to balance the good with the bad. Though all of these things are important, I find myself thinking about something completely different…whether I can be a well parent. Now if you’ve never had a chronic illness, you may not relate to this at all, but humor me.
For over seven years, I’ve had a great deal of time and energy stolen from me by chronic migraine and CDH (chronic daily headache). As if it wasn’t enough to spit in my face, the incredibly rude and annoyingly curt illness has tripped, mocked, and short-sheeted my children. They have learned the emotion resentment (doesn’t go well with the teen years). I have learned how that extinguishes all confidence as a mother.
At times it seems as though they don’t want to hear that I’m improving, afraid that it’s not real or that the relief will only be temporary. I used to feel the same way about telling anyone if I had a good day or even a week. Not anymore, though. I am better; I am stronger; I am going to be a well parent. If it kills me…just kidding.
My physical, emotional, and spiritual growth has been life-changing in so many ways. I’ve searched deeper within myself than I ever have before. My body has a fighting chance to heal, to mend all the flaws caused by chronic pain and endless medication. The momentum has me moving in a direction that is bringing fulfillment, energy, and self-love. I no longer tell my head off or wish that someone would just put me in a coma. Yes, I could write a book called, 250 Ways to Live Without Your Head.
Looking to the future, I see myself spending more time making up for all that I’ve lost…we’ve lost. They may not understand all the trips to the doctor, all the pill bottles in my purse and on my nightstand, the painful injections that “make mommy silly”, or the nights I spent at the hospital, but I hope they know how much I have loved them through it all. I appreciate the times when they did help out a little more or comfort me with a foot rub or just their presence. I couldn’t have made it without them.
I don’t know what this new season of “no headaches” will bring; I don’t know if it will last forever or leave as quickly as it moved in. Regardless, I won’t take any of this precious time for granted. It’s a gift from God…
Thanks for being here.
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
The Doctor Is In
Dr. Lamse has joined us today to answer a couple of questions. Remember, if you have any inquiries for her or anyone on the author panel, please direct them via the Contact Page. They will be answered here on the site in the upcoming weeks. Be well-be beautiful-be happy.
♥Kellie
Question:
Can money issues affect your overall health?
Answer: By Dr. Lamse
For those of you (us) who rent or have small homes, it is good to know that owning a (big) house is not always paradise. Many of my patients are burdened by their mortgages, and that is affecting their health. It sometimes necessitates anti-anxiety medications. They also cannot take time off work to rest and restore their health, because of the high financial burden they are under. We can become slaves to our “stuff.”
May we be wise in our investments and not stretch beyond our means;
doing otherwise is often detrimental to one’s health.
I am not a financial advisor, so do not take this advise as such; I just want to open your eyes to the fact that improper investments can affect one’s health. Please talk to a qualified professional in this field before taking a major decision about your investments.
Q: Is it safe to microwave food in plastic containers?
A: By Dr. Lamse, Resource: Dr. Weil
I use glass dishes (usually Pyrex) to store food and microwave it. When I’m home, I usually heat up my food on the stove top; at work I microwave it because we have no stovetop (or I eat salads and there’s no need for microwaving).
Check out Dr. Weil’s post on this matter.
Be well.
Dr. Lamse
Wellness Wednesday
Coming to you as a woman who has dealt with low energy issues off and on for years, primarily due to chronic pain (migraine) and insufficient sleep, I’m also one who researches and uses many techniques to improve my own wellness and energy levels. My discoveries have led me to a much more consistent state of health and the perfect ways to get a little extra zing in my day.
The human body is basically a complex system of passases that channel energy to organs, the nervous system, and to every cell. When there are blockages in those “pipes”, you experience low energy. Think of it as the plumbing in your home. I know all of you have had a clog in either your sink or toilet at some point. Yes, it’s annoying and even gross depending on what the “clog” consists of. Well, that is true with the body’s ”plumbing”, too. It gets pretty gross sometimes.
When you’re emotionally compromised or physically ill, for instance, getting that clog unstuck can be difficult, possibly requiring several methods or therapies. However, the following tips are some of my favorites that DO give you an instant boost if you need it. Please add your energy-boosting tips in the comments so we all can benefit.
I.
Activating the Home Base of Energy
There is a small gland located in your chest called the Thymus that regulates and monitors the body’s energy flow. It has even been considered the link between body and mind, being the first organ to be affected by negative attitudes and stress.
Reflexology Action: Stand with your back straight. With your fingers, locate the sternum (bone between the breasts), and gently tap the area for about ten seconds. This will stimulate the Thymus gland to release energy to the entire body as well as boost your immune system.
II.
Use Your Imagination
The mind is a powerful thing when it comes to generating images and changing your perspective. If you’re experiencing low energy due to a poor attitude, try the following mental exercise:
Get into a comfortable position, relax, and visualize yourself doing an activity that brings you joy and fulfillment; such as, being with friends, playing sports, or being on vacation. This will be something special that you can revisit as needed. The key is to feel the emotional high that comes with doing that particular activity. Try to spend at least fifteen minutes doing this for best results.
III.
Aromatherapy Shower
I picked a shower as opposed to a bath for obvious reasons. The spray of the water actually stimulates reflexes on your head and upper body, whereas, a bath is more of a take-the-energy-down-a-notch event. To add an even greater level of energy-boosting power, use a body wash or shampoo with one of these scents:
Peppermint Citrus Pineapple Cinnamon Clove JasmineHint: if you can’t find products already made with these, try adding a few drops of essential oil to a natural, unscented variety or have an aromatherapy expert like Joyful Girl Naturals make you one.
IV.
A Hair Raising Experience
You might find this one a little odd, but it really does do the trick if you need a fast pick-me-up. Grab a section of hair toward the base and pull just enough to feel the instant stimulating tingles that radiate down your body. Do this all over your head. This amazing form of reflexology also does wonders for your libido. =)
V.
Get Competitive
Ask someone to engage in some form of competition with you. It can be physical, a foot race or arm wrestling (if you can get up enough energy for it, you’ll be good for hours later). For you more intellectual types, try a brain game; such as, riddles or a memory game. You can even have a cooking competition. The point is to engage your mind in an activity that brings out a little adrenaline…wanting to win does the trick.
I hope you get the chance to try some of my favorite energy-boosters. Keep in mind that you may have some underlying cause to chronic low energy, so don’t hesitate to see your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your health. Now, it’s your turn to add your ideas below. Be well-be beautiful-be happy.
If you liked this article, you may also enjoy the following:
Energy Boosters 5 Instant Energy Boosters
This and That Tuesday
What’s New?
Wow, it seems like the past seven days flew by. I’m not sure if that means I did more tasks or my mind just blurred through the week. Hmmm. Well, I do know a few things got accomplished…like, we have a new logo. A personal thank you goes out to the talented artist who created the lovely poppys and graced us with them for our new header/logo. Her name is Suzanne Leonard, and you can find more of her work on Deviantart.com. She will also be featured soon in a Beautiful Woman interview (the cherry blossom pic is hers, too). Another big thanks to Jo-Lynne, owner of DCR Design, Musings of a Housewife, and Chic Critique, for helping me get the logo set up in the header. You ladies rock!!
Women Getting Strong and Fit
If you want to be inspired to get in shape, check out the success stories of some remarkable women at Fityummymummy.com. The annual contest to pick the most inspiring winner is going on right now. I found the photos alone to be amazing and a testimony of what one can do when you set your goals and go for it. But, by all means, read their stories; you will be even more ready to get off the couch and get moving.
Beautiful Women
We need some of you Beautiful Women to be interviewed for our weekly column. There has been a lull in the action, my bad. I haven’t been asking. So, please, if you’re interested in being featured on Women’s Life Link, your blog/site promoted, or just like to talk about yourself, send me an email to womenslifelink@gmail.com.
Calling All Men
Yes, I did say that…
The Life Link organization (my husband and I) will be putting together the details of the soon-to-be launched Men’s Life Link. We need writers, photographers, and, of course, lots of readers. The site will focus on men’s health/wellness, personal growth, and success. If you are interested in joining this team, please send Wally Stone an email at, menslifelink@gmail.com.
That’s it for now. Be well-be beautiful-be happy.
Introspective Sunday
I for one am someone who delights in a job well done, especially if it’s my own. There is, however, a difference between being efficient and quality-minded and being a perfectionist. Let’s explore that , sometimes invisible, line that separates the two.
“Perfectionism is not a quest for the best. It is a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough – that we should try again.”
˜Julia Cameron
First thing’s first, you have to understand that not everything is as it seems. There are those who impress in every project, every outfit, every word they say, and even in every little task they perform from day-to-day. Having said that, here’s the funny thing: Though those individuals look and act like they have “it” all together, it’s likely that their lives are sitting on the edge of a very high cliff, ready to take a plunge to the rocks below. You just never see the faults, the insecurities, the mistakes; they won’t let you. They are perfectionists. A unique set of rules govern this group of people. Here are just a few:
Ten Commandments of the Perfectionist
1. Never let anyone see you struggle. That is why it always seems like they are natural at everything. In fact, they will steer clear of anything that they are not good at from the beginning.
2. Don’t admit fault or say you’re sorry. It’s too painful for them to realize that they are not perfect.
3. Have great ideas but have lousy follow through. New things make them vulnerable and put them in the critical arena where anyone can shoot them down.
4. Keep working on it until it’s perfect. There is a voice in their head that tells them “it’s not good enough; try harder.”
5. Avoid social scenes when you don’t feel pretty enough or have just the right outfit to wear.
6. Get constant approval from peers.
7. You must suffer from stress-related illnesses like, headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart problems, and depression.
8. You must be competitive and always be right.
9. Be a chronic procrastinator. They don’t want you to know that they put things off because of fear of failure.
10. You must be perfect as expected by your parents. Or you must always win the affection of the one who abandoned you.
Now, that’s a lot of dysfunction to be whirling around in one person’s life, huh? Trust me…I know. I’ve been that person. Though I don’t still walk on the side of extreme perfectionism, I do tend to visit on occasion. It’s a place I spent a lot of time, so it’s normal to want to go to a safe place. However, I know that being a perfectionist is damaging and only produces constant negative thinking and ruins relationships. You can never be good enough for yourself , let alone anyone else. Pure hell.
Can you think of a time when you may have been wearing the shoes of a perfectionist? Don’t worry if you can; it doesn’t mean your doomed or anything. It just means that you have some real work to do…the kind that will help you succeed at being the person you are meant to be. I had to say goodbye to my perfectionist alter-ego. She really was very flawed and very stubborn…and so am I, still. The difference… it’s OK not to be perfect. I put that stubbornness to better use. I’m a much happier girl with all my faults, mistakes, and things I suck at. The joy is in the journey to become you, not in how much you can impress other people. Be well-be beautiful-be happy.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also like, Letting Go of Perfectionism.
The Doctor Is In
I am so thrilled that Dr. Terri Hawkins-Fox is sharing today on Bio-Communication Nutritional Testing. She is the founder and owner of Natural Rejuvenation in Indianapolis, Indiana, an expert in mind/body health, a certified massage theripist, and an author. I respect her immensely for her acheivement in the field of Natural Medicine and for her dedication to serving others. Be well-be beautiful-be happy.
♥Kellie
Bio-Communication: Your Body Speaks
By Dr. Terri Hawkins-Fox, N.D.
First of all, you must be wondering what bio-communication is. Basically, it is a technology where a computer sends your body digital stressors and then monitors your response by tracking changes in your skin, more specifically, the galvanic skin response (GSR), a well established biomarker. Proprietary formulas are added to the data that has been gathered by this stimulus-response exchange between the computer and your body. The program then interprets what your body is saying.
Why is Bio-communication Important?
This exciting new way of communicating with the body has never before been possible. It allows specifics that are important to health to be quickly and easily accessed. It’s also an effective way of providing healthcare professionals more detail about their patient’s current health status. This information helps determine which clinical solutions will have the most positive impact in the least amount of time.
How Is It Performed?
The interface between the body and ZYTO’s bio-communication software is the ergonomically designed hand cradle. You simply rest your hand on the hand cradle while the computer sends the digital stressors and gathers your response data. The whole experience is comfortable and painless; most people don’t feel any sensation at all. Usually, patients go to a wellness clinic for testing, or they test remotely by simply purchasing a hand cradle of their own.
Because all ZYTO technology is internet based, it creates a tremendous opportunity for patient/physician communication in the office or at a distance. This is particularly convenient when a consultation is all you need. Maybe you just want to check in and update the vitamins and other natural supplements you’re taking. Once the installation of the software is completed, the patient is ready to start participating in remote sessions with their healthcare professional.
It’s important to understand that ZYTO technology is used to gather information and is not meant to establish medical diagnosis. It does not eliminate the need to visit a doctor and have standard medical care, but it does allow for a more personal interaction between the patient and doctor, and that certainly makes anyone feel better.
How Long Does It Take To See Results?
Different people respond at different rates, depending on a variety of factors. For example, a three year old child with a recent history of illness will respond faster than a sixty-five year old who has had a problem for fifty years. Life-style, diet, physical condition, and trauma are but a few of the factors which play a role in the healing process.
Generally , it takes 4-6 weeks for every year the patient has had the condition. Health conditions the body has not been able to resolve (i.e. a viral imbalance) are “buried”, and may stay in the body for years before the body is able to start addressing the issue. It takes a tremendous amount of energy to hold these unresolved issues in check while the body deals with the every day activities of survival. These unresolved conditions are often responsible for functional diseases in which a person “just doesn’t feel well” or “hurts all the time”. Standard laboratory and diagnostic tests are normal or inconclusive because the illness is sub-clinical, meaning the illness has not progressed enough to spill over into the body fluids. A person can be in ill health without having positive laboratory tests.
Testing is scheduled every 4-8 weeks initially until all the major issues are resolved. A person then has the option of periodic retesting on a maintenance schedule to head off imbalances before they become major health issues.
The body was designed to be well. The beauty of Electrodermal Screening is that it enables you to function at an optimal level and eliminate illness before it occurs. The Chinese have a saying, “You were born to perform”. Electrodermal Screening assists the body in doing just that!
What Is the Patient’s Role?
The patient has the responsibility of taking ownership of their illness. The doctor provides the tools and information needed to deal with any condition, but YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!!!! The Doctor does not cure anything. He/she assists in returning the body to it’s natural balance and therefore optimal performance. Certain life-style changes may be necessary to correct these imbalances. These may include:
* Dietary changes * Exercise recommendations * Relaxation and stress reduction recommendations * Detoxification methods
Body Surveys Scanned with Bio-Communication Testing:
*Immune System *Cardiovascular Support *Ear, Nose & Throat Support *Nervous System Support *Allergy Support *Sleep Support *Wellness Support *Fatigue *Weight & Appetite *Respiratory & Sinus *Digestion Support *Hair, Skin & Nails *Vision Support *Pain & Inflammation *Gender Specific Support *Diabetes Support *Food Stressors *Stress & Anxiety *Detoxification *Dental & Jaw SupportThe majority of illnesses are the result of life-style. If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten!
***The content of this post is not intended to replace professional advice from your health care provider. Women’s Life Link, it’s authors, associates, commentators, or linked sites do not claim that any information will diagnose, treat, improve, or cure any disease or condition.
Natural Rejuvenation’s April Special
***For more information about Dr. Hawkins-Fox and the health services she provides, please contact her at (317) 243-3550 or naturalrejuvenation.com. Take advantage of the April 2010 special: One Colonic and one Bio-communication Nutritional Testing session for $119.00. Package available at the special price until April 30, 2010.
I did an experiment to determine how I could relax quickly and without much fuss. Fussing is not the way to get in the zen zone. However, the following five things will, at least, get you going in the right direction.
1.
Prepare a nice cup of Chamomile Tea, sit in your favorite chair, and sip it slowly while you think about a calm, blue sea lapping onto a white sandy beach. If you’re lucky enough to actually live on the beach…you know what to do.
2.
Remove yourself from all noise, light, and clutter…don’t laugh. I know this one is going to be tough for you mommies out there, but at least try…OK. Anyway, when you have created your place-of-peace, even if it’s a closet or the bathroom, focus on relaxing each part of your body. Stay there for twenty-thirty minutes if you can.
3.
Fill your home with aromatherapy. My faves for relaxing are lavender, vanilla, sandalwood, pumpkin, and jasmine. Try to find good quality oils or candles such as those I’ve chosen for the Life Link Store. They last longer and are made with a higher standard.
4.
Look at family photos. This is one of the most satisfying and relaxing thing you can do. Well, that is if they are accessible and not in a horrific mess at the bottom of a drawer. Looking at pictures of loved ones, of the precious memories of your past is enriching in so many ways, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
5.
Get outside. Yes, get up from your desk, the computer, the dungeon-esque place you spend most of your time…if you’re a blogger, anyway. For the rest of you normal people, the transition to the outside world won’t be a big deal. When you get there, listen to nature do its thing. The birds, the wind, children playing in the yard, a flowing creek are all sounds that will lull you into a happy place if you let them.
Taking time to relax is a necessary part of wellness. Without a time to just “be”, we are destined to hit a brick wall called “burn out”. You deserve to rest, relax, and enjoy your life. Working every minute of every day is not going to produce the joy you desire. I hope you find time to breathe deep, sit alone, dream big, and see the beauty around you. Be well-be beautiful-be happy.
Seriously Backwards
Every year we see more and more people become a part of the overweight/obese crowd. The reasons are somewhat obvious when you consider what it is that most humans eat on a regular basis. With the fast food industry thriving and the make-it-fast-at-home one not too far behind, it’s no wonder that 67% of non-institutionalized adults age 20 years and over are overweight or obese. And that number was from (2005-2006).
Keep in mind that there are medical reasons a person might be battling the bulge. Medications, thyroid issues, and immobility may be causing unwanted weight gain. With this escalating number, it’s not the time to point fingers, judge, or set those individuals aside though; we must all come together to help in the fight against obesity before it claims our generation and the next one for good.
What can we do?
We can start by monitoring our own business and that of our families. Start learning better ways in which to cook and prepare meals for yourself and your family. Use every opportunity to show children how fun and interesting it can be to make healthful meals. Well, OK, you have to make it fun, MOM and DAD.
♦ Develop a strategy for the coming year to reduce the number of times you “have to eat out” and prepare unhealthful meals at home. I heard that one of the best things you can do for this “eat out” syndrome is make sure you always clean your kitchen. No one wants to come home to a dirty kitchen and cook.
♦ Don’t buy it…and you won’t eat it! You know how tempting those cookies, chips, pops, and frozen pizzas are. Exit stage left. Now, enter stage right the bananas, tomatoes, cottage cheese, yogurt, broccoli, carrots, etc..
♦ Encourage an overweight friend to walk with you or introduce them to a fun workout that you know they could do. Never assume that they are not working out, though. Many people who look “large” are actually healthy on the inside. I know it’s difficult to understand how that can be, but I’ve seen it before and read the biographies of several athletes who carry much more weight than most of us do.
♦ Make it a lifestyle to eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and keep your life as stress-free as possible.
With some concentrated effort, you can make a difference in your own life and that of those around you. Don’t ever give up on being a healthier you. Be well-be beautiful.
If you liked this article, you might enjoy:
Seven Healthy Weight Loss Tips
The Doctor Is In
Here’s another great message from Dr. Lamse. Today, she addresses the Mind/Body Connection and how it affects our lives and health. Please give her your full attention; she has great wisdom. Be well-be beautiful.
♥Kellie
Mind/Body Medicine
By Dr. Anca Lamse, M.D.
Mind-body medicine: The medical field based on the concept that your thoughts and emotions create health or disease in your body.
Prolonged fear, grief, helplessness, anxiety, anger, resentment, and other negative emotions can reduce the effectiveness of your immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system, thus increasing risk of cancer, as well as autoimmune, gut, and heart conditions. Negative emotions that are not dealt with properly also lead to an increase in the stress hormone called cortisol, thus causing and/or exacerbating memory loss, anxiety, weight gain, insomnia, heart palpitations, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and other conditions.
One of my role models in dealing with painful situations is King David from the Bible. Those of you of the Christian or Jewish faith may remember the story about David and Bathsheba.
David, being king, wanted Bathsheba to be his wife and therefore sent her husband to a dangerous war zone, where he was killed. This was a sin before God. Therefore, the first child conceived by Bathsheba (with David) was destined to die.
When the child became ill, David prayed that God would change His mind. However, on the seventh day the child died. Though David’s servants were afraid of what he may do once he heard the sad news, they noticed with astonishment that David got up, washed himself, and ate. He reasoned that the child will not come back to life, so David might as well go on with his life. How practical and wise!
Let’s do everything possible to prevent painful events, but if they happen, let’s process (“digest”) the events and go on with life. A finite period of grief is also appropriate.
The medical field that deals with one’s state of mind and how it relates to the health of the nervous, endocrine, and the immune systems is called Psychoneuroendoimmunology. It’s a mouthful. German words can get that long, so those of you who speak German should not have any problems pronouncing it.
Negative emotions that are not processed appropriately may lead to pain in various body areas, such as back pain, migraines, and other pains.My colleague, Dr. Richard Halstead, D.O., who does osteopathic medicine (including body adjustments) has been telling me stories of how once a patient identifies a long-standing grief or resentment, the body often readjusts and some medical conditions are resolved.
There is a saying in osteopathic and chiropractic medicine to the effect that “the body remembers.” It remembers the negative emotions, and translates it into pain. Aligning the body helps the mind, and processing emotions in the mind, help the body recover.
What is the moral of the story, then? We need to process, or “digest,” as it were, the painful events of our lives. We need to find meaning in hurtful circumstances. We have to figure out how that event made us a better person, maybe more compassionate, maybe stronger. A lot of breast cancer survivors tell me that the breast cancer was a gift to them, which opened up their eyes to enjoying every day. Why not try to do this BEFORE we get diagnosed with a serious disease?
♦ Take time to rest. If you don’t, your body may get sick and indirectly get access to that rest.
♦ Create, compose, and find activities that make you lose track of time.
♦ Let go of resentment; that hurts you, and not the person you resent.
♦ Set them free, pray for their well being, wish them well. That way, you will set yourself free. Moreover, the body resources and energy that would go towards resenting that person and reliving the hurtful memories will go towards your own healing.
♦ Cancerous cells are always present in your body. The cancer diagnosed last year may have been there for 10 yrs, growing silently. Let’s keep our immune system strong by healthy eating, healthy thinking, exercising, resting when needed, so that the body can kill the errant cancerous cells that are floating around before those cells multiply enough to become a tumor.
♦ Get your body adjusted by a chiropractor or a an Osteopathic Physician when you are under a lot of stress. Your body fights better that way, and you may avoid getting sick.
♦ Getting a massage, if that is very relaxing for you, may accomplish a similar purpose.
♦ Remember: take time now to rest, exercise, eat well, be kind, or you may have to take time to be sick in the future.
I learned how to adjust my body from Dr. Halstead, from seminars, and from my private studies. I use that knowledge whenever I feel stressed (in addition to taking herbs that help my adrenal glands). I adjust my body when I feel like I’m coming down with a bug. Many times I am able to prevent getting a full-blown cold that way.
”prevention is better than cure, because it saves the labor of being sick.”
I agree.
Wishing you all the best of health,
Dr. Lamse
For more information about Dr. Lamse and the services she provides, contact: Lamse Wellness Clinic, LLC 17 E. Moore St, Mooresville, IN 46158 Phone: 317-834-9304; Fax: 317-831-0864 www.lamseclinic.com
***The content of this article is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s Life Link, its authors, associates, linked sites, and commentators do not claim that any of the content will diagnose or lead to a cure or improvement of any disease or condition.
Wellness Wednesday
What if your state of health had more to do with what’s in your subconscious than with your body? Interestingly enough, it could be the case. I recently heard a story about a woman who was morbidly obese and found, no matter what she did, the weight would not come off and stay off. After years of frustration and disparity, she ended up agreeing to try hypnotherapy as a way to end her struggles with her body.
What she and the therapist discovered was nothing less than astonishing. The progression to her childhood led her to a scene when she was around six. The therapist asked her what she saw. The woman answered, “I am in the kitchen with my mother. She is cooking and sneezing all the time. She is so skinny…emaciated, and she is sick all the time.”
The Revelation
After bringing the woman back out of the hypnotic state, they discussed the revelation. They both agreed that she had been carrying around the idea that skinny people are sick all the time because her mother was skinny and also sick all the time. The weight, to her subconscious mind, was a defense against being unhealthy and created a block, the reason the woman couldn’t lose the extra pounds. With more therapy she was able to remove the mental block and finally lose the unhealthy weight.
My Subconscious Woe
I thought the story was fascinating as well as revealing. Though we may not be able to remember consciously (without help) a specific event or time that we absorbed wrong ideas, we might be able to identify patterns that seem to come up in certain areas, triggers of sort. I realized that from a very young age I was given OTC meds for various ailments. It was the norm for our family. I also associated being sick with getting loving attention. So, it’s not surprising that I ended up with chronic migraine and daily headache. However, it’s not over till the fat lady sings…
Working Through It
Because I understand where some of my problem has come from, I can do something about it. For me it will be meditation, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Holosync, and maybe even some hypnotherapy. Along with other health-producing therapies and proper nutrition, I have every intention of reclaiming my body. Since I’ve realized these things and had an incredible spiritual experience last week, I have not had one single full blown headache. Booyah!!!!!!!!!!!
Tell us what you think about this theory. Have you had any past event or pattern that you think might be hindering your health? Please share. Be well-be beautiful.
Wellness Wednesday
I love how many magazines depict the perfectly happy models jumping into the air after their five-mile runs and drinking their fruit smoothies. No judgement…it’s just the way the media is. Additionally, when the usual focus is on how “good” you are going to feel, how your skin will glow, how your digestive system will work like clockwork, and so on, you may not get the whole picture of the stages your body will go through to get to those joyful milestones.
Here’s the thing: Before you go whistin’ Dixie and doing the Happy Dance, you need to know a few things. For those of you who are seasoned health veterans, please bear with me or send this to someone who needs it. Anyway, if you are new to “going healthy” or changing anything about your lifestyle, you should read on…
Healing Crisis
Believe it or not, there is a REAL thing that happens when you decide to go gung-ho with the juicing, work-outs, yoga, cleansing, etc.. And it’s not called a vacation; it’s called a healing crisis. Yes, your body has a few things to say about your “new” and improved lifestyle. It isn’t talkin’ sweetly either…
Many of you may have already experienced it but might not have known what it was called. It’s the headache you get when you suddenly stop drinking those five Cokes and eight cups of coffee a day; it’s the muscle cramping and soreness that you get when you try out every machine at the gym; it’s the cricks you get in your neck after seeing the chiropractor for the first time. You see, that old physics law that we forget about…yeah, the one that says “with every action there is a reaction.” Guess what? It applies to you and your body.
I guess I’m telling you this because I can hear the lot of you moaning and groaning from here. I know because I’ve done it…many times. The good news is you can lesson the trauma by going about your changes a little more slowly.
Here’s a few tips that I found helpful in the past:
♦ Try to wean off of caffeinated beverages, cigarettes, alcohol, etc. instead of going cold-turkey. One thing that I’ve done in the past is make a pot of coffee with half decaf and half regular. Honestly, I never knew the difference, and I didn’t get the headaches.
♦ Ease into fitness with light to moderate movements. As you master those, you can add more difficulty and lengthier routines. Consult with a fitness expert for a complete program that meets your needs.
♦ Dietary changes should be done gradually as well. Add one glass of fresh juice to your diet a day until you get used to it. Cutting back on salt, sugar, and processed foods can be done one thing at a time, too.
♦ If you are getting chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, colonhydrotherapy, or anything that has to do with body cleansing, make sure to drink lots of water. The hydration will assist your body in eliminating toxins and waste more easily as well as lesson the “crisis” mode”.
♦ Avoid the temptation to self-diagnose. With all of the info available on the Internet, I know it’s hard to resist looking up every symptom you have. The problem is that most of the things you feel while healing are normal and do not require intervention; in fact, it’s better to just let them happen. Yes, that means that it’s in your best interest to not take pain relief medication or rub on cremes and lotions that will interfere with the natural process.
♦ Take an Epsom Salt bath or relax with music and candles to bring on feelings of well-being. Also, visualizing vitality entering your body when you inhale and the toxins leaving your body as you exhale will activate your mind-body connection that expedites the process.
There are so many things you can do to help soften the blow of lifestyle changes, but most of all, it’s important to just do what you can. Don’t feel pressure to do everything at once just to please someone else. This is your time to renew your body, mind, and spirit. Be well-be beautiful.
***The content of this post is not intended to replace professional advice from your health care provider. Women’s Life Link, it’s authors, associates, commentators, or linked sites do not claim that any information will diagnose, treat, improve, or cure any disease or condition.
This and That Tuesday
Shall we talk a little about food today? Just a few things a want to share. First, I have found a way to get all the food our family needs and save enough money to get better quality produce and meats. Those expensive organics are within reach. We changed the way we shop, and now we have literally cut our food bill in half…really!
Here’s how…
There is a website called The Grocery Game where you have access to weekly lists of virtually every market nation wide. The first month is free, so you can check out how it works before spending a penny. The gist is that they do all the footwork for you by locating sales, specials, freebies, and coupons so you can combine manufacturers coupons with those sales for maximum savings. And I’m telling you, it works! This past week our total grocery bill was $400.00; after all the discounts, coupons, and free items were taken off, it was reduced to just under $200.00. Can you say Happy Dance?
The only down side is this: Now that my husband has seen the savings potential, he won’t buy anything unless it’s on sale or he has a coupon…a monster of sort has been created. Oh well, a small price to pay for the extra money.
Dr. Lamse’s Bean and Garlic-Eating Tips:
I would like to give you all a few easy suggestions, so you can put this info to good use right away. Please keep in mind that you should eat smaller portions in the beginning and/or take digestive enzymes to avoid gas/bloating.
• Hummus (mashed chickpeas) is a wonderful snack. You may buy it at the grocery store or make it yourself. Though in the Middle East they serve it with pitta bread, I recommend using Ezekiel bread or fresh crudites (organic carrots, organic celery, broccoli, cauliflower, etc) instead.
Note: If you have thyroid conditions, it’s better to lightly steam the broccoli and cauliflower. These vegetables contain compounds called isothiocyanates which disrupt the effects of thyroid peroxidase, a key enzyme in thyroid hormone production.
• I also like to make my own “coleslaw” by mixing hummus with shredded cabbage (green cabbage, red cabbage, or Napa cabbage which is more tender). The fiber in this concoction will keep you full for hours and helps you stay regular.
Garlic
• To obtain maximum benefits from garlic, chop it or crush it and wait for 5-10 min before using, to give the health-promoting compound called allicin a chance to form.
• Per George Mateljan: Although cooking for 10 minutes completely suppressed garlic’s phytonutrient actions, lightly cooking garlic was no problem-except for microwaving, which almost entirely stripped garlic of its blood-thinning effect.
For more information about garlic, go to Whfoods.org.
For more information about beans, go to Dr. Weil’s site.
Please visit Dr. Lamse at Lamse Wellness Clinic site for an appointment.
I would love to hear your food-buying tips as well as any yummy hummus or garlic recipes. Be well-beautiful.
The Doctor Trainer Is In
I thought we’d give the doc a break and call in the fitness guru. Donna Martelli answers a client’s question about staying fit while laid up or when mobility is limited. Even if you don’t have a current injury, you can use the following tips for office fitness as well.
Limited mobility…what can I do?
By Donna Martelli (Holistic Health and Fitness Expert)
Recently, a client of mine sprained her ankle and was told that she had pretty serious damage from the sprain and from earlier injuries to the same area. Her doctor put her on crutches for a month and told her the only way she could go to work was if her boss would let her do everything seated with her foot up. Right before this injury, she had started a weight loss and fitness program. She was totally at wits end as to what to do now that her mobility was severely limited. Here is what I told her:
“Laura (not her real name), there are many things you can do to stay in shape and loose weight. Do you have any free weights? (If not, use 2 gallon milk jugs filled with water.) You can work with them sitting down. Also you can do sit ups in a chair and push ups with your hands on the arms of a chair. You are creative – do anything you can do in a chair! But, most importantly for now – limit your calories to 1700 per day. Try to eat mostly fruits and vegetables with some whole grains and a little chicken or fish. Drink LOTS of water – 8+ glasses a day. By doing just those things, you can loose a significant amount of weight and tone your middle and upper body in a month. Use this as an opportunity!”
Sometimes we need to think in new ways. Circumstances change, but there is always a way to work out and stay in shape at any level. Every time I have had to change my program due to a “problem”, I have learned and developed things that would never have come to be without the perceived “limitation”!
***As with any new fitness program, consult your healthcare provider before you start, especially if you have injuries present in your body.
***For more information about Donna Martelli and the services she provides, visit Beautiful Bodies Fitness.
***If you liked this article, read more about office fitness here.
Wellness Wednesday
To Do Or Not To Do
Many women have been alarmed by the recent recommendations for breast cancer screening. It’s not surprising that those who have already been getting annual mammograms or are approaching the age of forty are confused about what they should do. I know because I’m one of them. I’ve had one mammogram (my baseline at age 40) and then I got pregnant. Because I’m still nursing my youngest, I haven’t had another one. I will be forty-four this year and am a little unsure about my own take on the new deal.
As substantial reports and articles have come out supporting both sides of the fence (mammo or no mammo), we at least have ample opportunity to make an educated choice for ourselves. However, if insurance companies jump on the band wagon for the delay to get the screening, we have a major problem. Consider how many women ages 40-50 will not receive the test simply because they won’t or can’t pay the bill. This might not be such a bad thing if it weren’t for the fact that mammography is the best tool we have for detecting early breast cancer and has contributed to a decline in BC deaths since 1990.
The good news is that there are up-and-coming technologies that will ensure that few, if any, women will go through overdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures and stress (one of the factors driving the new recommendations). With BRCA testing at the forefront of determining who is at high risk for the disease, the sorting process should get easier and more efficient in the future.
As far as the most controversial part of all this, the “no mammo” for ladies between 40 and 50 who are at low to moderate risk, it’s a tough call, especially if you know someone who had or died from BC at a young age. Understand that it is your choice, not the committee’s, not the doctor’s, and certainly not the insurance company’s. If money is an issue, there are organizations that can help with the cost. The best thing any of us can do is live as healthfully as we can and be informed about your risks.
What About That Vitamin D?
We’ve all shopped for and purchased vitamin and mineral supplements at one time or another. Hopefully, you are doing it more often than not. However, the fact that we take supplements doesn’t mean that we are necessarily getting what we need. Let me explain. Research is surfacing, and making an impact, that says that dosage recommendations for some vitamins (primarily D) have not been at optimal levels. Health gurus like Dr. Mercola have been preaching this message loudly from whatever platforms they have.
Among the latest news releases on Mercola.com is “The British Medical Journal has published a remarkable paper confirming that low vitamin D levels obtained in the past are a risk factor for developing colon cancer in the future.” Not only that, but that anyone with the intake of as little as 3,000 IUs daily of vitamin A will actually negate the benefits of vitamin D they do get.
If you keep up with the Mercola site, other health journals, or have read any of my articles on Vitamin D, you know that the FDAs recommended daily allowance of 400 IUs is not even close to what experts are now saying that we need. Additionally, we need to be aware of the ratio between A and D to ensure that we are not opposing the benefits of D. According to Dr. Mercola’s site, ”Dr. Cannell has stated in earlier writings on this topic, the ideal way to obtain the proper vitamin A to D ratio is to obtain it the way your body was designed to obtain it:
•Vitamin A through your diet, in the form of colorful vegetables
•Vitamin D through daily sun exposure on your skin”
For more info on this important finding, visit Mercola.com or the Vitamin D Council.
Chiropractic Care: Can It Be Gentle?
Yes! If you think you have to undergo the popping and cracking from hell to benefit from chiropractic care, you have been misinformed. I have received chiropractic treatment for well over fifteen years now and have never been harmed or shocked by any manipulation or procedure the doctor does. In fact, I can easily say that it has helped me obtain higher levels of health that I would not have been able to otherwise.
More recently (within the past year) I have discoved a chiropractor who uses a technique that is truly amazing in its ability to work gently and efficiently. Never in the history of chiropractic has there been the level of help and expertise that exists in these “state of the art” techniques. The methods are even safer, more comfortable and more effective than ever before.
Dr. Heidi Kline from the Chiropractic and Wellness Center here in Indianapolis has mastered this therapy. Using a tool called the activator, she is able to adjust only what needs to be instead of the cookie-cutter manipulations that some chiropractors use.
I’ve been lucky to have had great doctors who don’t do this. Dr’s Killingbeck and Tuckey, Linwood Chiropractic, are also two that I’ve had the pleasure of working with in the past. Though their approach is different than Dr. Kline’s, they still apply therapy according to the individuals needs and do it with extreme care. So, if you’ve been wondering whether it could work for you, I say do your research and ask a lot of questions before you get any adjustments done.
Be mindful of any decisions you make concerning your health and wellness. After all, we can and should be our own advocates for what is right for us. Your questions and comments are always welcome here. Be well-be beautiful.
***The content of this article is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s Life Link, its authors, associates, linked sites, and commentators do not claim that any of the content will diagnose or lead to a cure or improvement of any disease or condition.