Wow!! It’s been a journey! Finally, new prescription glasses. Since I don’t shop very well, I finally decided to put my new eyeglass prescription into my old glass fames. I’m a little disappointed, but this is probably better than getting all new glasses and risking falling. The little bit of shopping that I accomplished did not turn up any frames that were anywhere near the size of my old glasses, not even men’s glasses. All of the store personnel said that this was probably what I would find all over town, with the exception of a new small place downtown. So, I knew that the placement of the bifocal line in my old glasses didn’t cause me to trip, why not just re-use them. Besides, the quality of my old frames was so much better than that of the new ones that I was handling.
Another case of “new is not always better.” When I put the new, old glasses on, I thought someone turned up the lights! Things seemed so much brighter. Everything that I do seems so much easier now. No more squinting or reaching for the magnifying glass for the least little thing. I’ll just keep watching and if I happen to see some frames that have big lenses maybe then I’ll get “new” glasses. Meanwhile, it’s nice to have clear eyesight again!
Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Which Vitamin this Time???
Well, I’m back to B Vitamins, again. One of the e-letters that I subscribe to is Orthomolecular Medicine News. I just received a copy that states Vitamin B6 reduces colon cancer. It also quotes a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that most of us do not get nearly enough natural B6 from our diets. Most populations across the U.S. were only getting 2 milligrams or less, even those who were supplementing. Our modern diets of processed foods are very lacking. Deficiencies can also be caused by using oral contraceptives, smoking, or being elderly. For joy, for joy!!! There has been an upper limit on the consumption of Vitamin B6 of 10 mg. That has been proven erroneous and the new upper limit is 100 mg and even that is being questioned by some researchers as too little and 200 mg is their new benchmark. So, I added all of the Vitamin B6 from all of my supplements and XS Energy drinks, and I am taking in about 25 mg a day.
So, I started thinking about the Gensona Genetics test that I took. Could they give me any information or insight? The test results indicate that I have a genetic variation that gives me a less effective utilization of B Vitamins.
I wasn’t sure what to ask or what they could tell me. So how does a person find out? Well, this person got on the phone. A very nice lady gave me as much info as she could. The constraints were really due to the fact that genetic testing still has a long way to go and at this time all my questions couldn’t be answered. However, she did tell me that utilization of Vitamin B6 is increased with the presence of folic acid. That is another of the things about B Vitamins, they work in our bodies best when all are present. An aside to all IBO’s, this lady was very helpful and not rushed in our conversation. I took it that they are very happy to be of any help and callers are welcomed.
So, at this time, I will just continue as I am and keep asking questions and keep reading. I’ll also ask questions about Vitamin therapy, to anyone who seems knowledgeable. It’s fun to learn new things or to have old things re-affirmed.
Healthy Days to You...Your Smiling Maven
So, I started thinking about the Gensona Genetics test that I took. Could they give me any information or insight? The test results indicate that I have a genetic variation that gives me a less effective utilization of B Vitamins.
I wasn’t sure what to ask or what they could tell me. So how does a person find out? Well, this person got on the phone. A very nice lady gave me as much info as she could. The constraints were really due to the fact that genetic testing still has a long way to go and at this time all my questions couldn’t be answered. However, she did tell me that utilization of Vitamin B6 is increased with the presence of folic acid. That is another of the things about B Vitamins, they work in our bodies best when all are present. An aside to all IBO’s, this lady was very helpful and not rushed in our conversation. I took it that they are very happy to be of any help and callers are welcomed.
So, at this time, I will just continue as I am and keep asking questions and keep reading. I’ll also ask questions about Vitamin therapy, to anyone who seems knowledgeable. It’s fun to learn new things or to have old things re-affirmed.
Healthy Days to You...Your Smiling Maven
Flopping Aces
I just put this link on the site. This is for the conservatives among you. If you're not, you won't enjoy. I am and I do. There is a video from Fred Thompson posted on the 24th on there that is terrific. You'll love it, if you enjoy Fred. Happy watching. Your Maven
Monday, October 20, 2008
TUCK IN
For the winter, that is. It's that time of year again. Time to cut things back in the yard and put the tender plants in the greenhouse. We've had terrific weather to do this. Lots of sunshine and only short bursts of rain. It's cool and crisp and beautiful. The geraniums are so pretty, it's a shame to cut them back. This is the time of year that I pick geranium blooms from the greenhouse for fresh flowers in the house. The "burning bush" euonymus is a gogeous bright red and the clematis paniculata is in full, billowing, white bloom, next to it. That is our offering of fall color on our street. Quite the display, if I do say so myself!! But by next weekend, depending on the weather, we will have to finish cutting everything back and finish our yard waste pickup for the year.
Today, I finished picking and drying the basil. It's so sad that the fresh basil will be done on our deck. I know it can be purchased, but it's just not the same as picking what's needed off of my own plants. Oh well, something to look forward to next spring.
I also potted the last of the geranium cuttings that I took this fall. So fun to see new little plants!! I also was finally able to get a couple of Peegee Hydranges started. I've been trying for several years, with no success. They are such a beautiful, late summer, blooming plant. They also get more beautiful and larger blooms, as they age. At least the one in my yard has done that. Now to just keep everything alive through the winter. It would be nice if we had a mild winter.
MDH was very good about helping me this year. It has to be done and I drag my feet every year. He did the lifting and hanging of the plants that have to be hung up in the greenhouse and of course the cutting back of plants in the yard. He will cut back the clematis because it is so big and quite the job. And then I will need to find something to do inside. Maybe we will get some painting done. We'll see.
Change of seasons. Change of focus. Always something to look forward to.
Your Smiling Maven
Today, I finished picking and drying the basil. It's so sad that the fresh basil will be done on our deck. I know it can be purchased, but it's just not the same as picking what's needed off of my own plants. Oh well, something to look forward to next spring.
I also potted the last of the geranium cuttings that I took this fall. So fun to see new little plants!! I also was finally able to get a couple of Peegee Hydranges started. I've been trying for several years, with no success. They are such a beautiful, late summer, blooming plant. They also get more beautiful and larger blooms, as they age. At least the one in my yard has done that. Now to just keep everything alive through the winter. It would be nice if we had a mild winter.
MDH was very good about helping me this year. It has to be done and I drag my feet every year. He did the lifting and hanging of the plants that have to be hung up in the greenhouse and of course the cutting back of plants in the yard. He will cut back the clematis because it is so big and quite the job. And then I will need to find something to do inside. Maybe we will get some painting done. We'll see.
Change of seasons. Change of focus. Always something to look forward to.
Your Smiling Maven
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Same Thing...Again!!!
Have you ever purchased a new car and suddenly the same kind of car was everywhere? Well, that’s how I feel about Vitamin D. Every time I turn on the TV or read something on-line or in a book, Vitamin D is being discussed again. It’s been like this since my Dr. asked to have my Vitamin D levels checked last summer.
So, to reiterate, research has shown that most people, in the US, have very low levels of Vitamin D. It is felt that our lifestyle is a contributing factor, ie., we work indoors and wear sunscreen when we are outdoors, and a great many of us live too far north to even get any help from the sun for the majority of the year. Low levels of Vitamin D are associated with more cancer, heart disease, pain, osteoporosis, viral infections, and diabetes, to name just a few maladies. The research suggests, that with optimal levels of Vitamin D, our bodies utilize our nutrients more effectively, and our immune system operates at a higher level.
There is a move afoot to raise the RDA of supplemental Vitamin D. Canada has already done this. The new suggestion is 400 IU for children daily and 1,000 IU daily for adults, Minimum! When a person is shirtless out in the sun during the summer months, their bodies produce 10,000 to 20,000 IU a day, with no adverse affect. I purchase my supplemental Vitamin D on-line at www.iherb.com or at www.swansonvitamins.com. It is very inexpensive and well worth the effort, which is minimal. My suggestion, for children, would be to make sure that they are getting 400 IU in their multivitamin. Also, serve cold water fish, like salmon, and make sure that their grains and dairy have Vitamin D. Even if you, as a parent don’t give your children a daily vitamin, you might want to rethink this, if only to get Vitamin D. The suggestion is one should have fewer colds when getting optimal levels of vitamin D, due to it's anti-viral properties. Then again, you might not notice any difference. However, when your child is 40 and hasn’t contracted any life threatening diseases, they may thank you for giving them a little extra Vitamin D.
A few years back I read an article that was talking about skin cancer and what might be the reasons that it is so prevalent now and wasn’t in years past. Why now and not then? What has changed? They discussed diet as a possibility, specifically the amount of sugar and toxins that the average person ingests now as compared to then. Hmmm? Just a thought.
Anyway, you know I’m all about natural and supplements and personal responsibility, when it comes to health. These suggestions for Vitamin D supplementation make sense to me and we (I and MDH) have upped our Vitamin D intake.
As always, these are just my thoughts and musings. I'm just presenting my interpretation of things that I read.
Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
So, to reiterate, research has shown that most people, in the US, have very low levels of Vitamin D. It is felt that our lifestyle is a contributing factor, ie., we work indoors and wear sunscreen when we are outdoors, and a great many of us live too far north to even get any help from the sun for the majority of the year. Low levels of Vitamin D are associated with more cancer, heart disease, pain, osteoporosis, viral infections, and diabetes, to name just a few maladies. The research suggests, that with optimal levels of Vitamin D, our bodies utilize our nutrients more effectively, and our immune system operates at a higher level.
There is a move afoot to raise the RDA of supplemental Vitamin D. Canada has already done this. The new suggestion is 400 IU for children daily and 1,000 IU daily for adults, Minimum! When a person is shirtless out in the sun during the summer months, their bodies produce 10,000 to 20,000 IU a day, with no adverse affect. I purchase my supplemental Vitamin D on-line at www.iherb.com or at www.swansonvitamins.com. It is very inexpensive and well worth the effort, which is minimal. My suggestion, for children, would be to make sure that they are getting 400 IU in their multivitamin. Also, serve cold water fish, like salmon, and make sure that their grains and dairy have Vitamin D. Even if you, as a parent don’t give your children a daily vitamin, you might want to rethink this, if only to get Vitamin D. The suggestion is one should have fewer colds when getting optimal levels of vitamin D, due to it's anti-viral properties. Then again, you might not notice any difference. However, when your child is 40 and hasn’t contracted any life threatening diseases, they may thank you for giving them a little extra Vitamin D.
A few years back I read an article that was talking about skin cancer and what might be the reasons that it is so prevalent now and wasn’t in years past. Why now and not then? What has changed? They discussed diet as a possibility, specifically the amount of sugar and toxins that the average person ingests now as compared to then. Hmmm? Just a thought.
Anyway, you know I’m all about natural and supplements and personal responsibility, when it comes to health. These suggestions for Vitamin D supplementation make sense to me and we (I and MDH) have upped our Vitamin D intake.
As always, these are just my thoughts and musings. I'm just presenting my interpretation of things that I read.
Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
Saturday, October 11, 2008
I Just Love This
"There is a growing body of evidence that wellness programs that promote lifestyle changes can diminish the incidence and severity of chronic disease, provide a substantial return on investment, and reduce reliance on the conventional medical care system." This is a quote from the resolution that congressman Jim Langevin of R.I. has introduced into congress. This man also wants universal healthcare, but at least he’s on the right track with this.
I’ve seen two more TV programs this week that talked about taking responsibility for our health thru diet, exercise and supplements. One was on a PBS station and the speaker was Brenda Watson, ND, CNC. She was saying a lot of the things that I have been saying here. Fiber, digestive enzymes, omega 3 oils, and probiotics, are all included in her program. You can google her and get some of her materials, ie, books cd’s , etc.
The other program was on Canadian TV and they talked about functional foods. Remember I wrote about them a few weeks back This nutritional expert, Sherry Torkos, B.Sc.Phm., talked about certain foods that actually help a person lose weight. I’ll go thru the list briefly.
1. Green Tea – contains antioxidants and caffeine, which interact together to increase calorie-burning and boost metabolism. 5 – 10 cups a day is a recommended amount to show beneficial results.
2. Apples – They might just keep the fat away, along with the Dr. The soluble fiber makes a person feel full and that can lead to eating less often and therefore fewer calories. They can also stabilize blood sugar and this will keep the body in a fat-burning mode instead of a fat-storing mode.
3. Chia – Yep! The same seeds that grow on “the pet.” The seeds, as a functional food, can support weight loss, balance blood sugar levels and provide high-octane energy. Chia is also high in fiber, protein, essential fatty acids, and many nutrients.
4. Soybeans – Research from the University of Illinois found that soymilk and tofu raise metabolism, helping to lower body fat percentage. It also stabilizes blood sugar and insulin levels, which means fewer hunger cravings and fewer calories being stored as fat.
5. White kidney bean – works as a starch neutralizer; reduces amount of starch absorbed from a meal, lowers GI, and promotes weight loss. This supplement allows you to enjoy starchy carbs without guilt.!
6. Cayenne – a great spice to give your food some kick and help burn calories by triggering a thermodynamic response that lasts hours after eating.
7. Cinnamon – works synergistically with insulin to improve blood sugar control. As little as 1/4 teaspoon added to food helps the body metabolize sugar faster and lowers the body's blood-sugar levels.
I had not heard of the Chia seeds before, everything else I am familiar with. The only one that I do not use is Soy. I just don’t like it. I’ve tried it in many different forms, but it doesn’t really like me and the feeling is mutual. So, I get my protein from other sources.
I’m just happy that achieving and maintaining good health is being talked about, more and more, in terms of “It’s your responsibility”. Brenda Watson said “Education is key to good health.” My sentiments exactly!!
Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
I’ve seen two more TV programs this week that talked about taking responsibility for our health thru diet, exercise and supplements. One was on a PBS station and the speaker was Brenda Watson, ND, CNC. She was saying a lot of the things that I have been saying here. Fiber, digestive enzymes, omega 3 oils, and probiotics, are all included in her program. You can google her and get some of her materials, ie, books cd’s , etc.
The other program was on Canadian TV and they talked about functional foods. Remember I wrote about them a few weeks back This nutritional expert, Sherry Torkos, B.Sc.Phm., talked about certain foods that actually help a person lose weight. I’ll go thru the list briefly.
1. Green Tea – contains antioxidants and caffeine, which interact together to increase calorie-burning and boost metabolism. 5 – 10 cups a day is a recommended amount to show beneficial results.
2. Apples – They might just keep the fat away, along with the Dr. The soluble fiber makes a person feel full and that can lead to eating less often and therefore fewer calories. They can also stabilize blood sugar and this will keep the body in a fat-burning mode instead of a fat-storing mode.
3. Chia – Yep! The same seeds that grow on “the pet.” The seeds, as a functional food, can support weight loss, balance blood sugar levels and provide high-octane energy. Chia is also high in fiber, protein, essential fatty acids, and many nutrients.
4. Soybeans – Research from the University of Illinois found that soymilk and tofu raise metabolism, helping to lower body fat percentage. It also stabilizes blood sugar and insulin levels, which means fewer hunger cravings and fewer calories being stored as fat.
5. White kidney bean – works as a starch neutralizer; reduces amount of starch absorbed from a meal, lowers GI, and promotes weight loss. This supplement allows you to enjoy starchy carbs without guilt.!
6. Cayenne – a great spice to give your food some kick and help burn calories by triggering a thermodynamic response that lasts hours after eating.
7. Cinnamon – works synergistically with insulin to improve blood sugar control. As little as 1/4 teaspoon added to food helps the body metabolize sugar faster and lowers the body's blood-sugar levels.
I had not heard of the Chia seeds before, everything else I am familiar with. The only one that I do not use is Soy. I just don’t like it. I’ve tried it in many different forms, but it doesn’t really like me and the feeling is mutual. So, I get my protein from other sources.
I’m just happy that achieving and maintaining good health is being talked about, more and more, in terms of “It’s your responsibility”. Brenda Watson said “Education is key to good health.” My sentiments exactly!!
Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
Monday, October 6, 2008
Discrimination...Really?
If you’re like me and you probably are, discrimination is just a word. It doesn’t affect our daily lives and we don’t do it or so we think. It’s just a word and we remember the old saying that we all grew up on…”Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” So, get over it! Right?
I have thought for a while now, that people look at me and think because of my cane and my gray hair, and apparent lack of vigor, that I am “less than”. Then I tell myself that I’m just being overly sensitive or paranoid or something. I tell myself that it doesn’t matter, ignore it, “get over it” and so forth.
And then I was personally confronted by discrimination. My reality changed all of a sudden. I realize now why we had to have a law to protect disabled people. The ADA Law has become a living document for me. Discrimination is an ugly thing. I had no idea. I realize that I owe many apologies, over my lifetime, because of my indifference and lack of compassion.
It took a while for me to realize how hurt I was. At first I was mad, then as time passed, I realized that I was so very hurt. I am a living, breathing, human being and I didn’t deserve to be treated like that. Yes…I will get over it, but I will not forget it. I will keep it in my mind so as not to repeat the same behavior toward someone else.
Personal experience is definitely a very good teacher!! Why does that have to be? However…I’m still smiling!!
Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
I have thought for a while now, that people look at me and think because of my cane and my gray hair, and apparent lack of vigor, that I am “less than”. Then I tell myself that I’m just being overly sensitive or paranoid or something. I tell myself that it doesn’t matter, ignore it, “get over it” and so forth.
And then I was personally confronted by discrimination. My reality changed all of a sudden. I realize now why we had to have a law to protect disabled people. The ADA Law has become a living document for me. Discrimination is an ugly thing. I had no idea. I realize that I owe many apologies, over my lifetime, because of my indifference and lack of compassion.
It took a while for me to realize how hurt I was. At first I was mad, then as time passed, I realized that I was so very hurt. I am a living, breathing, human being and I didn’t deserve to be treated like that. Yes…I will get over it, but I will not forget it. I will keep it in my mind so as not to repeat the same behavior toward someone else.
Personal experience is definitely a very good teacher!! Why does that have to be? However…I’m still smiling!!
Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
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