Old Wives' Tales? Yaass! 👍

I always believe in pursuing a natural, more holistic way of dealing with health issues.  So it’s time I share my favorite “old wives’ tales” that work for me.  These can absolutely assist with the challenges we face in this COVID environment.  The key is to stay on top of your symptoms and act swiftly.  Here we go:

Fighting COVID-19 By Addressing Junk Food

Even from the very beginning, I instinctively knew that diet played a big part in fighting COVID-19. I was and have been super-diligent about what I put in my body and I feel it has paid off.  I feel healthy and lucky that I did not succumb to this horrible illness.  It’s all about keeping your immune system strong and functioning at a very high level.  Junk food is really “bottled poison” but, unfortunately, many of us are addicted to it.  Cutting back on junk food consumption can really help us avoid the risk of COVID-19 and other health issues. 

The Scoop on your Poop

I don’t know about you but looking at my poop is an obsession.  Why you ask?  It is a barometer of what I might have and what might possibly be on the way.  Since I keep my immune system functioning at a high level by eating cleanly and exercising, I rarely get sick.  So if my bowels are off, it could indicate a cold in my stomach or something else brewing.  The size, texture, and color of your poop can tell you a lot about what's going on in your body. And it will vary depending on lots of factors.

The Eyes Have It

I have worn eyeglasses since the age of six and have hated them from day one.  So after begging my parents to get me contact lenses, I embarked on this new venture at the age of 12 going on 13.  What a world of difference in both my sight and my confidence!   My vision was always poor and worsened as the years went on leaving me severely myopic.  More than six months ago, my Doctor confirmed I had a "significant” cataract in my right eye and a “baby one” in my left.  “You will know when you need the surgery” is how he ended the conversation.  I knew this had to be on my agenda for the summer and I had my plan of attack.  I will share my journey so that if you ever find yourself in the same place, you will know what to expect.

Go Red For Women®

Go Red For Women®  is the American Heart Association’s national movement to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke in women and February is Go Red Month! All women and men stand united this month (and all year for that matter) to fight heart disease. We know all too well that heart disease shows up differently in women than in men when it comes to symptoms and course of action of the disease. Statistics show that heart disease kills more women than cancer. It remains the number one killer of women and 55% of women are unaware of their risk.

Pilates for Cerebral Palsy

It has recently been brought to my attention that Pilates can be used to help lessen the symptoms of Cerebral Palsy.  Physical activity is important for CP patients and Pilates can provide many benefits since it can be adapted to people with physical limitations.  It works to improve symptoms as it increases mobility and range of motion.   Clearly the following benefits would be uplifting for anyone with Cerebral Palsy:

Ten Signs You Might Have Vertigo

I keep hearing my students and clients complaining about the onset of Vertigo – the demographic is women from 45 – 65 years of age.  This has been so profound over the past year that I feel compelled to do a post on the subject to offer solutions. 

What is Vertigo?  It is caused by an inner ear problem. Some of the common causes include: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (or BPPV), which develops as  tiny calcium particles build up in the ear canals; Meniere’s disease, which is caused by fluid pressure in the ear and Vestibular neuritis, a viral infection of the inner ear nerves. All of these cause the body to become unbalanced, resulting in a feeling that the world is spinning or tilted and dizzy spells that come and go for about 20-seconds as your head changes positions.

Exercising During Your Period

Your period and all that comes along with it is enough to make you want to ditch the gym and stay in bed with a hot compress and a bag of salt-and-vinegar chips. But that bag of chips isn't doing that belly bloat any favors—while a sweaty workout can. Here's what you need to know about exercising during your period.

EW! Body Odor

Sorry if I have been knocking you out with my B.O. lately!  If you didn’t notice, that’s great.  My deodorant has stopped working:( I have used Crystal Deodorant for many years with much success.  Lately, I have been noticing a very strange odor coming from my underarms and I was really baffled.  Then I started to do some research and realized I was not alone.  So I will share my journey with you in case you or someone you know is having this experience.

Crepey Skin

It’s like an onslaught. One morning you wake up and suddenly realize most of your body parts—your butt, your boobs and your skin, once firm, are now headed south. If you don’t know what a saggy butt and boobs look like, lucky you!! Be patient.  You will eventually be graced with this wonderful phenomenon of aging.

My Secret Recipe part 2

As the days continued, I still did not feel like I was recuperating from my stomach bug.  This past weekend, I had an Acupuncture treatment scheduled – I was grateful for this.  I do schedule these along with Amma massages every month just for maintenance.  I told my main practitioner, Theresa, about my wild ride and the fact that I woke up that morning with my nose dripping and a few sneezes.  In addition, I had rashes all over my body that, when itched, would bleed.  

My Secret Recipe

I recently had a bout with the stomach virus that has been making its way through the human race the last few weeks.  I NEVER get sick. I pride myself on keeping my immune system operating at an optimum level.  But I must say this bug took me down.  When I woke up with a fever of 100°, I knew it was time to see the Doctor.  He said there was no medication that he could prescribe for me; I had to ride it out.  That meant whatever way (top or bottom) LOL.  Well, this thing took its sweet time and ranged from nausea, headache, vomiting, fever, aches, chills, cold sores and diarrhea.  When I was able to eat, the Doctor suggested I follow the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast).   Since I had no real desire to eat due to the nausea, this tasty diet didn’t even phase me.  When faced with my choices, it seemed like a root canal at the Dentist.  I was told the average length of this bug was 10 days and I was determined to speed up the process.  I turned to my trusty recipe that never fails me when I am under the weather:  Garlic and Echinacea.  I usually take the following combination every 4 hours for 24 hours and it works like a charm:

What your hands say about your health

You see them every single day, but when was the last time you really looked at your hands? If it's been a while, you may want to start studying. Everything from raggedy nails to shaky digits could signal that's something is not quite right with your health.

Holiday Weight Gain

This time of year it's nearly impossible to avoid parties bulging with buffets of tasty food and drink. Most of us have 1 -2 parties a week in the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.  But all that indulging can have a downside: holiday weight gain!  Try these simple strategies and you can still eat, drink, and be merry without ending up looking as plump as Santa Claus:

What Those Strange Body Noises Mean

Whooshing in your ears

Whooshing that you hear when you're lying with your head on a pillow could be blood moving through your carotid artery and jugular vein, which run behind your ear. The sound becomes noticeable when external noise is blocked. Whooshing you hear 24/7 may be due to an infection or allergies. Congestion in your Eustachian tube, which connects your nose and throat to the middle ear, also muffles external sounds; it should clear on its own or with the help of an antibiotic or decongestant.
When to worry: Whooshing without obstructed hearing could mean a blood vessel blockage or abnormality.

Whistling in your nose

Whistling is a sign of airflow obstruction and may mean excess mucus is lining your nasal passages. Clear things out with a decongestant (if you've got a cold) or an antihistamine (for allergies).
When to worry: If you suffered a nasal trauma, whistling may indicate a tear in the cartilage between the nostrils, repairable by an ENT or plastic surgeon.

Sneezing

Sneezing may be triggered by anything from a virus to bright lights, which can stimulate a reflex response running from the brain to the diaphragm. Some sneezes are louder because of the volume of their lungs, size of their trachea or strength of their abs.
When to worry: Chronic attacks may require allergy testing.

Ringing in your ears

Ringing in one or both ears is known as tinnitus. Infections, aging and very loud noise can damage hair cells in the inner ear that translate sound waves into electrical signals. The result: your cochlea sends signals to the brain even when no sound waves come in.
When to worry: If a phantom sound lasts more than two days or is accompanied by pain or vertigo, see a doctor for tests to rule out infection or neurological issues.

Belching

Belching is the sound of air escaping your stomach. No surprise it’s usually a result of swallowing air. Reduce burps by not talking with your mouth is full, eating slowly and skipping carbonated drinks.
When to worry: Burps plus burning chest pain or a sore throat might be symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, which can be treated with medication.

Hiccups

Hiccups occur when your diaphragm spasms, causing an inhale that's abruptly stopped by the glottis (part of the larynx). The diaphragm is partially controlled by the nerves, which can be stimulated by excitement, nervousness, certain medication or stomach distention after a big meal. You might be able to halt them by holding your breath, which ramps up carbon dioxide levels in the lungs and may relax the diaphragm.
When to worry: If hiccups last longer than 48 hours, seek medical care to rule out nerve irritation or a central nervous system problem.

Rumbling in your gut

Rumbling or gurgling that seems to come from your belly is actually the sound of air and fluid as they're moved by muscles through the digestive tract. If you experience the noise on an empty stomach, it could mean your gut is sweeping out leftover debris or it's a signal that it's mealtime. When you're hungry, your brain sends a signal to your intestines that can stimulate the same activity.
When to worry: Experiencing high-pitched noises (with pain, cramping or nausea) with no bowel movement is a marker of partial bowel obstruction, which may require surgery.

Farting

Farting is often a melodious indicator that your gut flora are digesting high-fiber foods, like cruciferous veggies and beans. The by-products including methane, nitrogen and hydrogen gases are expelled through your rectum. Give your digestive system time to adjust to a fiber-rich diet. It's worth the wait: fiber has been linked to lower cholesterol, better bowel health and a slimmer waistline.
When to worry: Flatulence (with cramping and diarrhea) that occurs after you eat dairy could indicate lactose intolerance. Having these symptoms after drinking soda or fruit juice might point to a digestive disorder called fructose malabsorption. To check, try cutting out the offending foods for a week or two. Otherwise, flatulence is rarely something to worry about.

Your vagina queefing

Your vagina queefing (aka vaginal wind) is the sound of an air pocket being pushed out of your vagina. Air can get trapped up there when the vaginal opening closes during physical activity or sex, for example. Good old Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor may help keep air from getting into the vagina in the first place.
When to worry: If you notice a foul odor or find stool in your vagina, call your gyno right away. Both are signs of a rectovaginal fistula, a tear that links the rectum and vagina, which typically requires surgery to repair.

Your joints popping

Your joints popping and cracking are usually no biggie. Your joints are lubricated by fluid; when you squat or stand, the pressure in a healthy joint changes and the fluid may form bubbles that pop.
When to worry: If you have popping associated with pain, locking or instability, see your doctor. It could be a tendon or ligament rupture, a fracture or a cartilage injury.  Hear creaking with a grinding sensation? That might signal osteoarthritis, as cartilage starts to deteriorate. Anti-inflammatory meds and physical therapy can bring relief.

Conditions that require immediate attention:

Wheezing

Dial 911 if you can't catch your breath. Allergies, asthma or even congestive heart failure can cause the bronchi in your lungs to become inflamed and swollen. Heart failure may require hospitalization, while allergies and asthma can typically be treated with medication.

Snorting or gasping at night

Both are associated with sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway frequently collapses. Two other telltale signs: you snore and regularly feel tired during the day.  You should get tested by your Doctor and he may prescribe a CPAP machine for sleeping.

Whooping

People who have pertussis (or whooping cough) make this strange sound when they try to inhale through an inflamed airway following coughing spasms. Episodes are usually worse at night. The infection is highly contagious and is considered especially risky for children. All kids —and adults — should get the DTaP vaccine.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  By now, we have all heard the usual precautions that we should be taking to prevent this disease.  To give you just a few, they are:

• Watch your weight
• Do a check of your family’s history
• Stop smoking
• Exercise
• Eat a more varied diet
• Alcohol in moderation
• Do a breast self-exam

What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Wearing Heels

There comes a time in every woman’s life when wearing heels just isn’t worth it anymore. The peep toes, the three extra inches of height, and the fact that your legs look great in them stop outweighing the blisters, the bunions, and your quickly fading will to live.

Anxiety / Sleeping Problems

Taking medication is not the optimum way to address anxiety or insomnia.  Besides the addiction and dependence issues, this method tends to disrupt your body rhythms and is not a healthy way to live your life.  

Rescue Remedy is a solution and it is one of the most famous of the Bach remedies.  It is in fact is not a “remedy” at all. Instead it’s a blend of five different Bach Flower Remedies:

Impatiens: For those who act and think quickly and have no patience for what they see as the slowness of others. They often prefer to work alone. Impatiens teaches empathy and understanding of, and patience with, others. It has been found to be very effective in alleviating an impatient attitude and lowering stress.

Star of Bethlehem: For trauma and shock, whether experienced recently or in the past.  It promotes the ability to recover from traumas and to integrate them into the present life.

Cherry Plum: For those who fear losing control of their thoughts and actions and doing things they know are bad for them or which they consider wrong.  It imparts trust in one’s spontaneous wisdom and the courage to follow one’s path.

Rock Rose: For situations in which one experiences panic or terror.

Clematis: For those who find their lives unhappy and withdraw into fantasy worlds. They are indifferent to the details of everyday life.  Clematis allows one to establish a bridge between the physical world and the world of ideas and may foster great creativity. It is also used to bring clarity and alertness to the present moment.

Rescue Remedy was created by Dr. Bach to deal with emergencies and crises. It can be used to help us get through any stressful situation, from last-minute exams or interview nerves, to the aftermath of an accident or bad news. It helps us relax, get focused and attain the calm that is necessary to carry on.  Many people chose to carry Rescue Remedy in their purse, use it at the office, in the car or in the diaper bag. You never know when you may need it.  I have used it to get through trying times in my personal life (similar to the ones listed above) and it has been a homeopathic lifesaver.  Check out the Bach Flower Remedy website for more information:  http://www.bachflower.com

If you have trouble staying asleep, Melatonin might be just right for you.  It is a very important hormone that is secreted naturally by the human body. We produce much less of it as we age which is why I hear a lot of older women complain that they cannot sleep through the night.  There is nothing worse than waking up suddenly and having to listen to your significant other snoring in the bed beside you!  The link between Melatonin and insomnia seems to become stronger and stronger with every passing year, as more and more studies show a connection between the two. Interestingly, since insomnia is much more common in older people - and levels of Melatonin naturally begin to decline with age.  If you suffer from insomnia, you should definitely look into Melatonin and find out more about what it can do for you.

Treating insomnia with Melatonin

Treating insomnia with Melatonin is surprisingly easy to do. First, you need to find a suitable and reputable supplement that contains the right amount of Melatonin. Usually, it is best to try to treat insomnia with a small dose of Melatonin to begin with. It is important to keep in mind that it is necessary to take it regularly for a while before you will begin noticing any obvious relief from your insomnia symptoms. That's because levels of Melatonin in the body take a while to reach optimal levels; until they do, sleeplessness may still be a problem. When taken consistently and as directed, many people find great relief from their insomnia by taking Melatonin supplements. The key is taking it regularly at and at approximately the same time every evening.

Is taking Melatonin for insomnia safe?

As with any kind of herbal remedy or supplement, many people have a natural hesitancy about taking Melatonin to treat their insomnia. However, any concerns about safety can be quickly put to rest.  Numerous studies have shown Melatonin to be perfectly safe and highly effective in treating insomnia. There are no major side effects that have been proven to be caused by taking Melatonin; most people barely notice its effects, except when it's time to sleep and drifting off is much easier to do. Additionally, sleep is much more rejuvenating when taking Melatonin and people frequently remark on how much more refreshed they feel upon waking. Compared with many other sleep aids, Melatonin is a very safe and effective way to get a handle on insomnia and to begin sleeping healthily again.

For additional information, please refer to the post I wrote on April 27, 2015.  You can search for it under “Health”.

Heatstroke - Would You Know the Signs?

Summer has arrived and extreme heat can be hazardous. When it's sweltering hot, mere minutes can seem like hours. But that intense summer heat can do more than sap your energy and make you sweat. If you're not careful, it puts you at risk of heat illness. And if you become dangerously overheated, it can result in heatstroke.

Help - I never get enough sleep!

So are you like me where, whatever the reason, you never get enough sleep?  Could the reason be that you logged too many hours at the office, on the social circuit or your baby was teething?  In any event, the bottom line is that your body didn't get the rest it needed to function at its peak.  No matter what your age, lack of zzz’s increases toxins, free radicals, cortisol and stress hormones while tripping up thyroid function and spinning your adrenals out of whack.  Increased toxins can cause early aging, aging skin and early organ degeneration.  Increased cortisol and stress hormones can lead to weight gain in the belly, blood sugar imbalances, poor memory, anxiety and depression while hormone imbalances can create PMS, fertility issues, acne, lowered sex drive and lowered metabolism.