only backgroundI'm a wife, mother and grandmother. I'm opinionated. I contradict myself frequently. Most of all, I love my kids. I believe in them. I fight for them. They're weird and wonderful. If you want to know more, here's a bunch of other stuff from my old site.
Archive for the ‘Health’ Category
Today is the 31st annual Great American Smokeout. It’s the day when people who smoke are encouraged to put down their cigarettes for just 24 hours.
In my 33 years of smoking, I never participated. Not once.
I’m not going to rehash my smoking history. I’m not going to tell you about health and living longer. If you’re alert enough to light a cigarette and hold it up to your lips, you know why smoking is not good for your health and why it’s so hard to quit.
I will tell you that before I quit, I was nervous scared terrified. Even hours before the moment, I wasn’t sure I’d make it. After 18 hours of being smoke-free, I was still preparing to fail. It took a full week for me to realize what I had been doing, subconsciously, to get to that point. Luckily, some of what I’d learned while my son was in drug rehab stuck with me. After 25 days, I was able to see the positive effects of being smoke-free.
Anyone who has ever been addicted to nicotine knows how difficult it is to quit. If you’re trying to get through today without a cigarette, good for you! If you make it only half the day or just a few hours, good for you! If you just don’t think you have the will power or desire to try, that’s fine. You have to be ready. You have to have your own reasons, even if they’re not the same as anyone else’s. Heck, my health wasn’t even on my list, yet that’s always the big reason the experts give for quitting. My guess is that the experts have never been addicted to nicotine.
Yes, quitting cigarettes is good for you. It’s good for your health. It’s good for your appearance. It’s good for your wallet. If you’re waiting for some of that lawsuit settlement money that the tobacco companies were supposed to payout, when the jury determined that they did, in fact, target kids, well… I’d forget about that. I started smoking because I wanted to be the Virginia Slims lady. HA! I was 14. Not only did I not get any settlement money from the tobacco companies, I never got any help with nicotine gum or patches when I quit. Ironically, as a “victim” of the tobacco companies (the government sued on my behalf, right) I did have to pay the settlement in the form of higher prices for cigarettes as well as higher taxes on them. Any legal eagles out there want to tell me if the victim has ever had to pay the judgment before? I’m curious.
Anyway, even though I gained weight when I quit (which I am now, finally, losing) I do not regret quitting. I regret not quitting sooner. My son who inspired me by beating his own addiction has not relapsed. My son who inspired me with his brave battle against asthma did not spend an entire day in the hospital last winter. And according to the FireFox add-on Quitomzilla, I’ve saved $7,772.36 by not smoking 41,015 cigarettes these past 16,300 hours (1 year, 10 months, 2 weeks).
Not bad.
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When I first set my mind to losing all my “baby fat” back in 1999, I gave up all sugar. I even refused to consume artificial sweeteners. It wasn’t that I worried about the effect on my health; instead, I simply hated the taste of any of the artificial sweeteners available at the grocery store. Needless to say, I missed having a something sweet now and then. But I was strong and stuck to my eating plan.
I don’t remember exactly when I first heard the word “Splenda” but I do know I was excited and curious about this new artificial sweetener that supposedly left no aftertaste. Not finding it in my local stores, I ordered it online. Problem was, after getting it I wasn’t sure how best to use it. You see, I was never one to bake sweets and I’d never made candy. Next step, then, was to track down a recipe. Or several. In the end, I settled on a low-carb version of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups that turned out to be absolutely scrumptious. To this day, they are still my favorite low-carb sweet snack. This is the recipe for one batch:
Low-Carb Peanut Butter Cups
- 1 Stick butter
- 1 Tablespoon Virgin Coconut Oil (optional)
- 3 Tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/3 cup Splenda
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
Melt Butter and Virgin Coconut Oil (if used). Blend in chocolate until completely dissolved. Beat in Splenda, Peanut Butter and last, the heavy cream. Pour into cupcake papers in muffin tin and freeze. Lick the bowl. Ready to eat in 15 minutes.
The only problem with the recipe is that it doesn’t make enough for me and all my kids. Yes, my kids love them, too, and even though the kids don’t eat strictly low-carb, I do like to limit their sugar consumption. Making this recipe doubled or tripled is hard on my poor arm, though. You see, I have only a hand held mixer. Also, I’m just 4′11″ so in order to hold the mixer in the bowl, I have to hold my arm up in the air. I guess that’s why I’ve never really baked much. It’s just that this recipe keeps me on my low-carb lifestyle so I suffer through the preparation to satisfy my sweet tooth without the sugar.
Since my birthday is just around the corner, I’ve dropped several hints around here about possible presents. I’ve cut out and posted on my fridge a picture of an Eclectrics® Mixer that I think would look great in my kitchen. You see, my kitchen has light gray floors and a darker, slate gray countertop so I think the Licorice mixer would fantastic on my counter. Or should I go for more contrast with the Apple or Sterling?
My mom always had a Hamilton Beach® Mixer so I already know the company’s long history of quality products. And with 400 watts of power, I could easily quadruple my recipe and be done in a matter of minutes. In fact, with the extra attachments and 12 settings, there’s no telling what other recipes I’ll try! I may just discover a hidden talent for baking.
Luckily, my birthday is on Monday. That means that if no one in my family takes my hint, I still have plenty of time to order a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer online and take advantage of the free UPS shipping during the month of November. What a great month for a birthday!
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My first experience with Alzheimer’s Disease was our next door neighbor when I was growing up. Baba lived with her daughter and her family. She spoke Russian and very little English. My aunt Jo used to sit and talk to her. No, aunt Jo didn’t speak Russian but somehow, they understood each other.
Baba began to get confused and before long would wander off. Neighbors would call to tell us she was walking around the playground or that they’d seen her walking toward the highway. Once, she knocked on my mom’s door and said she was hungry because there was no food in the house. We knew that wasn’t true but my mom gave her a bowl of soup anyway.
Baba was old. Alzheimer’s always seemed like a disease that afflicted old people. In fact, that’s what most of us believe. That isn’t always true, though.
My friend Lori and I went to school together for 12 years. We went to the same church. Lori’s mom was young and pretty and always dressed so well. She was one of the nice moms. Lori and I were in our mid-twenties which means her mom was in her mid to late 40s. My dad mentioned that he worked a church dinner with her and she seemed confused when she was making coffee. She kept stopping and thinking. Her husband had to come over and help her.
About six months later we learned that Lori’s mom had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She wasn’t even 50 yet. I’d never heard of anyone so young having it and that scared me. In fact, it terrifies me now that I am approaching 50. I’m not even so worried about myself as I am about those that would have to care for me. This is one disease that becomes more and more difficult on the family as the patient becomes less and less aware of the symptoms.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America works hard to raise awareness of this disease and to help both those afflicted with Alzheimer’s as well as the families and caretakers of Alzheimer’s patients. The store on their website is currently featuring a beautiful necklace signifying the heart of the caregiver. Not only would this be a lovely gift for all caregivers but would make a perfect holiday gift for anyone with a generous heart and giving spirit. All proceeds from the AFA store benefit the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Caring for those with Alzheimer’s can be frustrating and lonely. Losing the person who you had planned to grow old with, in mind if not in body, is devastating. Many must care for loved ones at home since professional care is so costly. The AFA is a helping hand during a time when kindness is needed for both the patient and the caregiver. Please consider shopping at the AFA store this holiday season.
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I’m really trying to get back into my soapmaking and lotion making. I have so many herbs and essential oils just screaming for attention. Every time I walk past my ingredients and supplies, I get a little ache. I love doing that stuff!
Recently someone asked about natural remedies for a particular ailment. I used to know that stuff off the top of my head but it’s been so long that I found myself going to my old computer to look through my notes. I suppose if I start back up again with the herbs, I’ll need to read through my notes and re-learn everything.
It’s interesting that so many ailments can be treated with plants that grow wild. I even have notes on herbal blends that can help when trying to quit smoking. It’s important to be careful, even with so called “natural” remedies, though.
I realize the skeptics will say that herbs don’t help or that it’s all hype and there’s no proof and that’s fine. I know different. There are skeptics who will dismiss anything, from cancer cures to Botox for migraines. And yet these medical treatment exist and work also. Just as herbs do, with the right knowledge about them.
I guess the only question that remains is whether or not I can find the time to make a batch of soap and get back into this. I say yes. What do you think?
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Do you remember when Bob Dole brought Erectile Dysfunction from the whispers at the doctor’s office to the living room? At the time, there were some jokes made but mostly people were surprised to hear a man admit to having this type of problem. Let’s face it, for as long as such things have been discussed, women’s aging issues - specifically, menopause - have been talked about, joked about and, at times, scorned. I believe it’s because women are generally more apt to talk about such issues; men mostly keep such things private, often even from their own doctors. Such a shame.
I truly don’t believe that erectile dysfunction is a new problem that developed in the past 20 years. It’s been around forever. Perhaps we would have seen medication to treat it sooner if men had been more vocal about the problem. Nevertheless, for whatever reason, men have suffered silently until the introduction of Viagra. Yes, that little blue pill that caused such a stir when Dole became their spokesperson has changed the quality of life for aging men. And don’t be fooled, an active sex life as we age is absolutely beneficial to our quality of life.
Interestingly, the thing I recall most clearly from the TV ads for Viagra and similar prescription medications is the warning. The list of possible side effects always scared the heck out of me. Fortunately, my husband doesn’t need the medications - yet. If he ever does need them, though, I’d hesitate to jump into any of them considering the possible side effects. One alternative, though, is herbal viagra.
I’m all about herbs and natural or alternative healing resources. I take a number of supplements and use many herbs in formulating skin lotions and creams. I’m well aware of the potent healing properties of many plants. In fact, a number of medications we buy are synthetic versions of the chemicals in plants that have shown beneficial effects on the human body. For example, white willow bark contains salicin which is chemically similar to acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin, and has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation just as aspirin does.
A huge advantage of opting for the herbal alternative is that you can then buy viagra online rather than having to fill a prescription at a pharmacy. The privacy of purchasing herbal viagra is a huge plus. I know that around here, I know just about every pharmacist and most of the pharmacy technicians in a 30 mile radius. I have a feeling that if my husband needed this, he would hesitate to buy it locally where someone knows us. Men are like that.
I’ve read the testimonials also and can see that herbal viagra does provide a reliable treatment for men who are suffering from erectile problems. I noticed, too, that this company ships internationally and very discreetly. I’ll bookmark this for future reference, just in case. And if anyone decides to order from them, let me know. (Anonymously, if you prefer!)
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I stopped by the health food store on Thursday for my Protein powder. I have a favorite brand but I was looking at some of the other brands they carry, just out of curiosity. Any time you’re in a store and you’re looking around, like you’re not quite sure what you want, you can expect a sales person to offer to help you. Sometimes that good but other times it’s just an intursion.
Anyway, the salesgirl asked if she could help me and I told her I was just looking at some other protein powder options. She figured I was trying to lose weight and offered me information on some of their other products. I was surprised when she mention hydroxycut; I remember when it first came out and thought it had been taken off the market. Apprently it’s been reformulated and is even better but much safer now.
I didn’t buy it but I am going to research it a little. Do you use this or have you ever? I’m curious about it. I’m having success with my new weight loss program but I’m always interested in doing better. If you’ve used this, drop me a note and let me know.
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My self improvement program is still going strong. It began almost two years ago when I quit smoking. It continued when I realized that I’d gained back all the weight I’d lost almost a decade ago. So now that I’m smoke-free, I’m trying to get my body back. It sure is different this time!
I’ve also been taking various nutritional supplements and have finally settled on a handful that I really like. Besides my multi-vitamin, I take SAM-e, Sun Chlorella, a B-complex and Calcium. I’ve dropped some weight and I’m not feeling tired or run down so I guess the eating plan and supplements are working well for me.
I think I need a blog just about my weight loss and my journey to good health at 50. Hmmm…. That may be an interesting project!
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I used to sit and watch TV all night long, thinking I was the only person in the world who couldn’t sleep. It wasn’t until I got online and began chatting with other insomniacs that I realized how many people suffer with this. None of us had any real solutions but at least now I know I’m not alone.
Over the years I’ve tried one insomnia cure after another. Needless to say, none have worked consistently. After all, here I am at almost midnight, still wide awake. So why might I be interested in a cure that is based on a CD? Well, I guess it’s because it makes sense to me.
This CD offered at sleep-deprivation-cd.com is based on binaural beats, sounds at 8-12hz that help to relax you. The technique of using sounds at this frequency range dates back to 1839, although it’s been only recently that the process has been applied to an insomnia cure.
I know that sounds have amazing effects on all creatures. I still have a doggy lullaby CD that I used quite a bit to keep Belle calm, especially when she was in heat that first year. And I still believe it was the “white noise” of the vacuum cleaner and the dryer that often soothed my kids when they were infants.
So that’s why I’m so interested in this site. Getting only 4 or 5 hours of sleep every night takes its toll on the body. I think, too, that this sleep deprivation contributes to my headaches and other ailments. Sleep is so important for every part of your health, from mental acuity to ability to lose or maintain weight.
I really want to try this CD. The price has been reduced and they’re even offering free shipping which makes it even more tempting. I’m going to give this insomnia another night or two to straighten up on its own but if it doesn’t I’m placing an order. I’ll let you know how it goes.
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Interesting how you can start out at IMDB researching movies and end up at a different site, learning about a condition like Erb’s Palsy, the result of a birth injury. I’ve tried to retrace my steps because my surfing habits just confuse me more and more these days.
I don’t even remember what movie I was first searching but I landed on the page about Martin Sheen. Next thing I know, I’m reading in a Wikipedia article that he was injured during childbirth and has a mild form of this condition which causes paralysis to the arm.
Now I want to go out and rent Apocalypse Now and pay very close attention to his left arm. I’d never noticed it before so I’m really curious. And I still don’t know how I got from one site to another. I think I need software that tracks my path, like a map, and saves it so I can go back and read more. Interesting stuff.
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For those wondering where I’ve been, I’m here, dealing with life’s little obstacles. I’ve had one kids with the flu this week. I ended up with a cold. And then there was Nick’s kidney stones…. overnight in the emergency room while the kid was doubled over in pain.
After a CT scan, we learned that the 2mm stone had moved from the kidney to the bladder, which caused the pain. It isn’t blocking anything but when it moves and he passes it, more pain will likely ensue.
Oh, and we also found out that he has two more, larger stones in the kidney. Yep, my boy is kidney stone former. He gets that from my dad and my sister. No doubt, working outside in the heat without enough hydration caused these ones to form.
Anyway. I’m tired and I have to help Maggie with her homework. If I can keep my eyes open. Vacation, anyone?
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