12 Pills

I realized the other day that I take 12 pills a day. Twelve pills every day! How did I get to this point? Well....

Vitamins - I take them, as many do, to supplement what I eat, for good health.

Calcium - I read, more than a decade ago, about how taking calcium supplements can help women reduce bone loss as they age. Many women suffer from osteoporosis and related issues after menopause due to bone loss/reduced calcium absorption. I've been taking it ever since. I used to take one tablet a day until my dear midwives suggested I increase it to two per day. I did so about six years ago.

Vitamin D - At a recent visit with my midwife (for general woman care) she suggested I increase my intake of vitamin D. I take one a day.

Fish oil - I have thought for some time that I should take fish oil for the coveted omega-3 fatty acids. I don't eat fish (tuna once in a while...) so I started to take these recently. When I found out that most fish oil supplements contain PCBs, I stopped. I found some the other day at Whole Foods which claim to be PCB-free, so I got them. The bottle suggests two capsules a day, so that is what I take.

Lact-Enz - A probiotic recommended for me by the Clinical Nutritionist I see at the Natural Health Improvement Center. I take 3 a day.

Dermatrophin - Another supplement recently added by the Clinical Nutritionist at the NHIC. She told me that this one is to repair my skin (I see her for eczema/skin issues) I take two a day.

Wheat Germ Oil - Also recommended by the CN at the NHIC, this one gets squirted into my belly button. I know, I know, I think it's weird, too!! I do this once a day.

Yeah, it's crazy. Cave people did not do this. And every time I do any research on foods and health I get another person or group's opinion as to how to eat to treat yourself the best way you can, and they all disagree with each other. So is the best thing to do to eat everything in moderation? To cut out sugar? Fat? Carbs? What? I have no idea. But I'm giving the NHIC a chance to prove, or disprove, their take on things. But it is sort of funny. Hubby jokes that with all of these pills, I shouldn't need to eat!

Processing

Last night I woke up during the night with my head filled with sadness and fear. I had several emotional experiences crossing paths at the same time. Why my head chose to process all of these things last night I don't really know. But there it was. In the night I decided (as I've done before) that I should let someone professional help me process all of these things so that I can move forward with a clear(er) head. Then daylight comes, and I talk myself out of it again. Here's what passed through my head:

My mother's passing. I still can't say the "d" word, though my head can think it now without making me want to fall apart. Progress. And that only took 9 years (almost.) I accept the changes that has brought to my life. Of course. I have had no choice. But there are things that bring up sadness in me. Having kids makes me wonder what I was like as a baby, as a toddler, as a little girl. Was I like either of my kids? I would love to know that. I would love to talk with my mom about being a stay-home mom. It would be really neat to bond in that way. My father doesn't remember. And of course he had a different relationship with us kids than my mom did. I also have some unresolved issues with her. Who doesn't have unresolved issues with someone who has passed? But I was angry about some stuff, and perhaps with more time that could have been resolved. I also would simply have loved for her to know my kids, and vice versa. It ticks me off no end that the kids know the other grandparents so well. It just doesn't seem fair. But I am so very glad that they know and love my father, and vice versa. But for reasons I don't quite understand, he doesn't like to come up here. He will, once in a while. He comes for the kids' birthday parties. But he literally will come up, stay for the party, and leave. Driving 3 hours each way. Once in a great while he'll stay at a hotel over night, but it's still a really quick trip. It's weird. Anyhow. So I've got some issues there. And my father just turned 89 years old. Damn time!!

Then there's my friend's recent diagnosis of cancer. That really freaked me out. Really. Freaked. Me. Out. It scared me. It somehow really hit home for me how vulnerable we are as human beings. Suddenly I was scared to death that I had cancer. I felt so scared for her! And I think it brought back some stuff from my mom's illness. Awful. Just awful. And doing as much as I could think to do for my friend has not really relieved my fear and sadness. I did what I could think of to help her, then she informed us what her cancer was. I read about it a bit, and I was sick to my stomach all over again. I feel helpless, and it's terrifying.

And my relationship has some strain. Nothing too serious. But it's there, and it makes me sad. It's totally due to our lack of time together without the children. But they are little, and my older one is very anxious and very attached to me. So I'm with them all of the time. Yes, this time will pass, but it's tough on our relationship. Our friendship. He is tense from trying to balance work and home. He gets frustrated with our messy house. Our daughter's tendency to insist that I help her with things and not him gets him down. And so forth.

It's all tiring, and it's all coming up probably because of M's illness. It'll restuff. I look forward to it restuffing. And I think it's evil that it visited me in the night. But perhaps writing about it helps. So thanks for letting me share. Here's my stomping it all back in. STOMPSTOMPSTOMP!!!!!

Phew.

Some Ways To Be Supportive To Those Who Are Battling Cancer and Other Illnesses

My friend was just diagnosed with cancer. I am going through the stages that a person who knows someone going through this might go through. I am just leaving the initial shock and anger stage, and I'm beginning the feeling helpless stage. I am trying to think of ways I could be helpful to this person, particularly, and to people in general who are either battling a serious illness, or to those who love someone who is battling an illness. I don't have the power to make her illness, her fear, go away. But maybe I can help her to feel that she is not alone, or help keep her spirits up somehow. While I search, I'll share with you all. I'll add as I find stuff, but here's what I've got so far:

Angels For Hope - An online organization that, through the volunteer efforts all people over the United States, sends crocheted angels, butterflies and smiley faces to those who need hope. I participated in this program for a while, crocheting and mailing angels. Anyone can request that a crocheted item be sent to someone, anyone can volunteer to crochet items, money or items can be donated to AFH, etc. Everything is free of charge. The volunteers use their own yarn, postage and mailing supplies.

Head Huggers - An organization I discovered when doing a search for chemo cap patterns. This organization makes and distributes hats to those who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy, brain surgery, burn wounds, etc. There is a terrific page that lists patterns for hats that are crocheted, knitted, or sewn. You'll find that here.

My Chemotherapy Wig - I found this website while doing a search on what would make an appropriate gift for a person with cancer. This will link to a page specifically on appropriate gifts, but there may be more helpful information there as well. I have not read further at this point.

My Life Line - What a cool website! This allows people with cancer to set up a web page where they can update family and friends as they go through cancer treatment. As the person's page is updated, each person on their email list is contacted. Friends and family can leave messages and pictures for the person, too. There is a ton of information about different types of cancer, and some inspiration and humor in there, too. Very cool.

The Human Tribe Project - This is a website designed mostly for raising money for those undergoing some kind of crisis (mostly health) in their lives. The person in need, or a friend or family member, can set up a "tribe." People can then request to join the tribe (no charge.) Members can donate money to the person, or can purchase "team tags" (like dog tags) that have the name of the project and the initial of the recipient on them. Most of the money for the tags goes directly to the recipient, some goes to the website. Members can leave messages and blog posts as well. Money collected will be sent monthly to the recipient, and helps to offset the cost of treatment or whatever the recipient needs.

Of course there are loads of ways to donate money to raise money for research. My neighbors, Kiki and Brad, for example, are very active fundraisers for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They help organize events such as this one:

ATTENTION ALL OF YOU WITH KIDS—bring the entire family out to see this talented and energetic young bunch perform a blend of popular tunes for audiences of all ages. Pizza, soda, popcorn, snow cones, prizes and more! All proceeds to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. $2 admission at the door.

Saturday, April 24th

Goff Middle School Cafeteria
35 Gilligan Road | East Greenbush2:00p.m. – 5:00pm

Read about Brad's fundraising efforts here: Brad Wagner

I plan to look for emotional support resources, and will post some links as I find them. Any suggestions are appreciated.

NRT - Interesting Pricing Info.

The first person to tell me about muscle testing informed me that she had paid $45.00 for her initial visit. I paid $125.00 (for me, and again for DS.) I emailed the practitioner I had seen to ask her about this. This resulted in our receiving our next appointment free of charge. 

Today I received a letter from the Center in the mail. It was basically a welcome letter, but mainly encouraged me to talk others into going to their practice which is quite busy, so I'd better encourage them asap. (yeah, right) Anyhow, I was sent two cards with which to refer my friends. If said friends make their appointment within one week of the date on the card, they receive a 65% discount on their first visit. This means they pay FORTY-FIVE dollars. The letter also suggested that every person is referred by another person. It was true that the staff asked me again and again how I found them. So because I found the place on my own, I paid a great deal more than if someone had told me about it. Does that seem right?? I mean, I can see benefiting the person who did the referring.... Anyhow, just thought I'd share! 

If anyone locally decides to look into this, FIND someone who goes there already! It's worth the search. And the referring person gets a coupon for one free office visit, which is worth $35.00. 

I'm not sure where their priorities are, but at the moment it seems to be financial............

NRT - The Follow-Up Appointment

Today DS and I went to the Natural Health Improvement Center for our follow-up appointment. We met with woman A who went over the findings report with me. This report basically informs you if you are or are not a good candidate for NRT (I am.) It then identifies the "Nutrition Response Reflex Points." For me, those are "blocked/scars" and "skin/hand/feet." It lists my "Clinical Nutrition Supplements Needed" as "wheat germ oil" and "Lactenz." The report goes on to explain the steps toward achieving health through this system. The are "Fine Tuning Your Program," "Natural Healing and Observation Period" and "Maintenance Phase." It was explained to me that the first phase involves weekly visits for 3-6 weeks, the second takes about 12 weeks, and the third involves months visits for about 4-6 months, with follow-up visits every few months as needed. A fee schedule and review of a "family plan" follows. The final page is a print out from my first visit, and I don't much understand it except that it reports that my fitness level is pretty poor. (How they determined that, I can't imagine...) It says I'm in the green, or normal level, but I'm much closer to the yellow, or below normal than I am to the blue, or athletic zone. I have to chuckle at this! I did no fitness test of any kind while there. Interesting. Anyhow, the rest of the visit...

We were then seen by woman B, the Clinical Nutritionist who saw us last time. She did a shortened version of the test she did last time, with the wheat germ oil bottle in my hand, and pushing down on my other arm. She briefly tested DS the same way as last time, with me holding him. She gave me a metal "flashlight" for lack of a better word, and instructed me to shine in into my belly button for 4 minutes. (If I wasn't so incredibly under control at all times, I would have cracked up....ok I'm not that in control, but I didn't laugh out loud.) She informed me that I would need to prick a wheat germ oil capsule every day and rub the oil on my belly button. (oooooohhhhkaaaaaaayy) She had me hold one, then two, then three, etc up to five tablets which I presume were the lactenz tablets, and by pushing on my arm with each "dose" she was able to tell how many my body needs. She informed me that I need to take 4 every day, divided up with my meals. (2 at dinner, the biggest meal) She tested Sean to see if this amount in me would also work for him, with positive results. I asked her about our diets, because I've kept us off of dairy and gluten for 1.5 weeks now. She didn't give me any direction with that, so I said that I might as well drop the diet. Then she told me not to do that, but to gradually turn the kitchen into a healthier one. She did tell me to reduce our sugar intake.

On the way out, we were given, to the tune of $39.00, a bottle of lactenz supplements. No wheat germ oil, but I didn't think at the time to ask for it. They gave me the appointment free, as I had emailed to say that I was surprised at the cost of the initial visit, and asked if the follow-up was included. So yay me.

I told them that I wasn't sure I was going to continue to have DS as a patient, as I feel that he'll benefit from whatever changes I make. They didn't disagree with this, but will see him again in a month for a couple of months. Fair enough. I go back in a week.

Supplement one taken with lunch today. I added slightly less sugar to my afternoon cup of coffee. ;)

Nutrition Response Testing

I have made an appointment for today for Nutrition Response Testing, for both me and my son.

This is in response to DS's skin breaking out in dry, rashy areas on his torso. Eczema. Shoot. I have seen very small patches on his skin from time to time, all of which have been easy to resolve without using steroid creams. (I used a very tiny amount two times on one patch that looked very uncomfortable) In any event, I would really like to find a way to get rid of his rashes, and if I can resolve my own, well, that would be miraculous and amazing. I have been to doctors and dermatologists uncountable, so I am going the natural route this time. It just goes along with everything else I've been experimenting with lately. I'm nervous....I'm always nervous before an appointment, especially for something I'm not yet familiar with. But here is what I know of it so far....this is a link to the Natural Health Improvement Center I found locally. Just scroll down on the page to read about NRT.

Nutrition Response Testing

A bunch of hooey? Maybe. But I think of it this way. At the least, it is another attempt at managing (and resolving?) my skin issues that I can cross off my list, and it gives me something to try to help eliminate DS's skin issues. At best, it works, and his skin rashes go away! It's non-invasive, so all we really lose by trying this is a little money and a little time. So....fingers crossed.....

To be updated!

Essential Oils - Peppermint for Constipation and Gas - Trial

I have a friend who is presenting with constipation, pressure in the lower abdomen, and gas. You know me, any opportunity to try out my new batch of essential oils.... I asked and was given the ok to try peppermint essential oil on this person. Peppermint oil is supposed to aid in digestion, and can be taken in tea, or 1-2 drops can be placed on or beneath the tongue. This person opted for the drops on the tongue. Two drops.

Tick tick tick.....

Not even 15 minutes had passed when I got the report that the person was no longer constipated. Hm. That's awfully quick. As always, I'm not quick to believe in something right off the bat, but would like to test it a few more times.... I will also ask this person as the day goes on if any symptoms remain.

I'll report back. In the meantime, here's a link to some information on essential oils, specifically peppermint, and how they/it aids digestion. This link came from a google search on "How to take peppermint essential oil for digestion" and it was the first link in the list. Link

This if from http://www.YLessentialoils.com:

Constipation

Single Oils : Ginger, Peppermint, Fennel, Tarragon, Anise seed
Blends : Di-Gize

Solutions for Constipation:

Constipation is usually a consequence of inadequate fluid and fiber intake. Start taking one Life 5 before going to sleep at night. Life5 builds and restores core intestinal health by providing five clinically proven probiotic strains including three advanced super strains to enhance intestinal health, sustain energy and improve immunity
You can ingest the oil or blend of your choice by mixing 1-2 drops with at least 4 ounces of rice milk 2-4 times daily.

Essential Oils - Pan Away For Upset Stomach - Trial

My hubby has sensitive guts. That is to say, sometimes, when he eats something that is a little more exotic than what he usually eats, he pays for it later. Last night we went to an Indian restaurant, and by the late evening, he was very uncomfortable. I grabbed the pamphlet that came with my essential oils and got to reading. The pamphlet claims that PanAway, a blend of three essential oils, is good for cramps and bloating. As instructed, I took a hot towel (I assume that means drench it in hot water, which is what I did, then squeezed it out) and put three drops of PanAway on the towel. I placed this on his midsection for about five minutes, until the towel cooled. I took it off. He went downstairs. Within the hour he returned to tell me that his stomach felt better. This morning he has some "residual" mild discomfort, but he was basically feeling better. So..... Once again I leave it to your judgement. Was it the oils? Or was it just time and lying down? Who knows. But I'd be willing to try it again. And an added bonus: I really like the smell! It's wintergreen and clove and one other oil that I can't remember at the moment. (Look it up, silly self...) Ok, it's 4 oils. Wintergreen, clove, peppermint and helichrysum. If it's not healing, and I'm teetering toward believing it is, it at least calms a person with its pleasant aroma. =)

Essential Oils - Pan Away

The first oil I am going to learn about and test is Pan Away. I have chosen it as I have a way to test it right away.

From the pamphlet that accompanied the Every Day oils from Young Living: "PanAway is a soothing essential oil bend containing eugenol, a constituent used historically to numb gums. Also containing wintergreen and clove - two oils traditionally used for pain relief - PanAway aids the body's natural response to irritation and injury."

This statement had an asterisk, which led to another statement that reads, "This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."

The oils in this blend are: Wintergree, Clove, Peppermint and Helichrysum.

From the pamphlet: Topical Use: Apply to affected area to help relieve discomfort, stressed muscles, or cramping.

TRIAL: I am going to put some on my neck/shoulder area. It's really bugging me again, so this is a good place to start with oils.

Ok, it's 2:22 p.m., and I have just blended 2 drops of PanAway with what I guessed to be 8 drops of Sweet Almond oil. (Directions said to do 1:4 but I got 2 drops so I went with it - also the almond oil squirts instead of drops....it's a bit of a guessing game.) I mixed it around with a q-tip, and applied it to the back of my neck and should area where I have been so sore and uncomfortable. I shall report as time passes. tick tick tick.....well, about an hour later my neck felt better, though whether the oils had anything to do with it I don't know. I am going to apply more in a few minutes. Ok, so I've had it on now for about 45 minutes. I asked hubby to rub it on this time, to make sure it really covered the area that hurts. I'm not in pain at the moment. Stiff, but no pain. I dunno. Some people swear by this stuff. It will take me a while to become less of a skeptic. But I do smell good. =)

It's now the next morning. I have had no pain or discomfort so far today. Usually it takes a little while for the discomfort to kick in again, but I have been up for almost 4 hours. My neck is a little stiff. But no "knot" (as I call it, as the problem area is typically around the area of my neck where my vertebrae stick out, and it feels like a knot) so far. Unfortunately, my carpal tunnel issue is presenting itself. What can I do for that? Hm...



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My Daily Checklist: (to be updated throughout the day)

Drink water -  Yes.

Name a "happy" moment - ?

Exercise - Swimming with the kids, which really isn't exercise for me

Enjoy peace - 

Time alone - 

Good sleep/rest - 8 hours of semi-good sleep.

Eat well - hm. Pasta, coffee, more pasta...not so good so far.

Do something for purge plan - Yes! DD's school will take some items as a donation. I will bring the first items this afternoon. Yay!

Leisure activity - Blogging, reading a little about EOs
Get outside - Just to car and back
Mood - Morning: Good =)

Essential Oils - Basic Information (from Young Living)

Just some basic information on essential oils that came with the Young Living kit.

Double click to enlarge.

Essential Oils - They're Here!!!

Earlier this month I made the decision to purchase some essential oils. I have never used essential oils before, at least not on purpose. I have just run into them again and again as I research ways of living a more holistic, healthier lifestyle. So I got curious. And my old friend, S, uses them and feels they have been beneficial to her and her family. So out of pure curiosity, I splurged (a good word, they were not cheap) on a starter kit of oils and a "every day" oils package.

The company I ordered from, recommended by S for their purity, is called Young Living. It is a pyramid-type company, meaning you can become an independent seller of Young Living products, and when you sell some to others, you receive benefits, such as a reduced cost of supplies for yourself. In any event, I ordered using S's seller #, thus giving her benefits of some kind.

In addition to the oils, I ordered a couple of books about oils, a bottle of "carrier" oil (a base oil to mix essential oils in to produce a diluted oil or oils) and three empty dropper bottles to keep my mixtures in. Basic supplies.

And now to open the box (dun-dun-DUN.....)....

Two boxes, very tidy. So what's inside?

Ooo. Ok, so the box on the right is the "Start Living" kit, which comes with a membership of any kind in the Young Living company. You then choose the oils package that you feel you'd like to begin with. I chose the "Everyday Oils" package. (The box on the left)

The "Start Living" box contents. There is also a thick packet of paperwork in the same folder. My homework! If you can't read the bottles, there are 3 NingXia singles. The oils are Peppermint and Lavender.

The contents of the Everyday Oils package. Along with a small booklet describing the use of each oil were the following oils: PanAway, Purification, Peace & Calming, Peppermint, Thieves, Lemon, Lavender, Frankincense and Valor.

I bought these separately after reading a little in one of the books I bought. Sweet almond oil is supposed to be a good carrier oil, especially for children. That is, it is used to dilute the essential oils for various uses. The bottles are for putting my own mixes in.

My plan is to systematically learn what each of these oils is used for, and when possible, to test them out. I will blog about it all. I figure in the very least, I can get my money's worth by sharing the information with all of you! And it will be fun for me. I'm excited to get started. But the books, what little I have read in them so far, make it clear that it is important to know what you are doing with essential oils. Like anything, they can be used improperly to ill effect. So I will diligently do my reading, and will be safe and cautious with the oils. To the books!