Tips on how to keep a healthy immune system!

It's the flu season...

And allergy season... (man that pollen count has gone way up here in the PNW the last few days.)

And cold season...

And no one wants to get sick no matter what type of cold or virus is out there.

How DO we keep our immune system healthy?  Typically by eating healthy and taking supplements.

Did you know: Our body does not typically recognize synthetic chemicals.

Did you know:  95% of all supplements on the market are actually synthetic.

Did you know: The government only recommends that products be only 10% natural to be labeled as "all natural."

Did you know: 80% of all disease is nutrient related.

Did you know: Our bodies decrease the ability to digest our food beginning at the age of 40. By the time we are in our 70's, 85% of our body's ability to produce nitric oxide internally has been reduced. Nitric oxide is an essential molecule in our bodies that help increase blood circulation.

Did you know: 80% of our immune system is in our gut! 

How can we make sure that we get the correct nutrients our bodies need, that are NOT synthetic, as well as ensure we take in the  recommended daily allowance (RDA) of natural foods to keep our immune systems healthy?

Here's what I learned recently from Dr Debra Martin-Belleville, ND, a naturopathic physician based in Eugene, OR.

First of all, disclaimer: *All supplements are NOT evaluated by the FDA. What works for one person may not work for everyone, because we are all biochemically different... so use your best judgment when you choose a supplement.* 

Our immune system requires balance and harmony. Seems easy enough doesn't it?  Some things you can do is choose nutrient dense healthy foods.  Organic is best, always. But if you cannot get organic, choose fresh as much as possible. An adequate diet is 50% raw or fresh veggies and fruits and 50% healthy starches, proteins, and carbs. 

So here's a list of the vitamins that are essential to our bodies to maintain a healthy immune system, and what foods you can find that contain those vitamins:

1) Vitamin C. This is the #1 recommended nutrient ever. It is water soluble, which helps us to absorb it quicker. It is the most potent antioxidant out there. However, you can only get it naturally through our food.  The typical RDA is 65-90 mg at the low end, up to around 2000 mg at the high end.

Quality vitamin C is difficult to find. Unfortunately the majority of supplements have vitamin C as acsorbic acid, which is chemically synthesized in a lab with genetically modified corn syrup.

Foods that are rich in vitamin C include: arceola cherries, citrus, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, kiwi, and papaya

2) Zinc. The National Institute of Health (NIH) sates that the #2 recommended nutrient is zinc. The RDA is 11-12 mg.  What does zinc do? Zinc is found naturally in all cells of our body: it helps fight off invading bacteria and viruses! It also helps make the protein in our DNA. It also helps slow down the immune response and helps fight inflammation.

Foods rich in zinc include: oysters, crab, lean meats, chickpeas, beans, and yogurt.

3) Selenium. This one surprised me! Selenium is a trace mineral, like zinc, that helps slow the over active responses we get when we are sick. It has a powerful effect on the immune system. Countries that have had difficulty with viruses like SARS and Ebola have been found to have low selenium levels. It is very helpful against viruses that replicate, such as the flu and the common cold, that have an RNA origin. RNA is ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid present in all living cells. Its principal role is to act as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins, although in some viruses RNA rather than DNA carries the genetic information. 

Foods that are rich in selenium include: garlic, broccoli, tuna, sardines, brazil nuts, and barley. 

4) Vitamin E. This is also a powerful antioxidant. It's recommended to not go over 200 mg a day.

Foods that are rich in vitamin E include: green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli, peanuts, hazelnuts/filberts, sunflower seeds, and almonds.

5)  Vitamin B6.   This is an important co-factor in our body's bio-chemical pathways. It is one of the essential B vitamins that benefit our central nervous system! It is involved in producing the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, and in forming myelin. Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it dissolves in water.

Foods that you can find that contain vitamin B6 include: poultry, pork, fish, eggs, vegetables, oatmeal, and brown rice. 




WOW.  Do you REALLY eat all that every day? 

Do you eat 9-12 veggies and fruit every day?

Chances are definitely not.  Most of us don't eat to feed our bodies. The majority of humans, American's especially, eat for the pleasure of eating.  We revolve around large meals, fast food, and foods high in sugar and carbs.  

Maybe it's time we sit back and work more on eating to provide the proper nutrition for our bodies. 

Because we definitely don't eat what we truly need to nourish our bodies, supplements are available to help fill in those gaps. However, like I said previously, not all supplements are equal, and the 95% of the supplements on the market are synthetic. That's not to say there aren't any natural supplements out there, but again, remember that the FDA only requires supplements to be 10% natural to be labeled as "all natural." 

So how can we ensure that the supplements we are taking are indeed natural?

One way to determine if they are truly natural is by looking at the ingredients in the vitamins and minerals. Especially when you are looking at vitamin C in your supplements. If it says absorbic acid, then it is synthetic.

I've mentioned in a previous post that I started taking some 100% plant based vitamins and enzymes. Here is what I've been taking for almost 3 weeks now:

LIFE: this a plant based enzyme blend that helps break down the food into it's simplest forms. By breaking down the food into it's simplest forms, it's easier to digest.  The enzymes help break down the proteins into amino acids, the carbs into glucose, and also includes essential pre-biotics and pro-biotics! 

What's interesting to know is that 40-50% of all Americans are on antacids because they aren't breaking the foods down properly. Indeed, I've noticed that a lot of my digestive issues have started to ease up after 2 weeks of using the enzymes at every meal. I definitely don't experience loose stools anymore when I eat dairy products. 

BALANCE: this is a 100% food sourced multivitamin, multi mineral, and antioxidant supplement. It contains natural Vitamin C from acerola cherries, selenium and zinc, and different herbs to help support your adrenal glands that cause nervousness (in the form of ashwaganda root extract which helps fight off stress). Also contains shitake mushroom powder, which helps optimize the immune system. And guess what? It also contains the LIFE enzymes as well!! 

What I also learned is that the minerals in this supplement are chelated (pronounced key-lated). That means that the vitamin zinc and magnesium is bound to glycenate, which is an amino acid that helps the body recognize the mineral as a food source and absorb it more readily. If you see the mineral listed as a bysglycinate chelate  or glycinate chelate then you know they will be absorbed into your body properly. 

RESTORE:  This is a vegetarian proteolytic enzyme blend that helps increase the potency of natural killer cells, i.e. immune cells. It also helps degrade the pathogens that inhibit normal immune function. Typical bacteria and viruses will create a protein sheath to essentially hide or camouflage themselves from the immune system. The proteolytic enzymes, also known as protease, proteinase, or peptidase, any of a group of enzymes that break the long chain like molecules of proteins into shorter fragments (peptides) and eventually into their components, amino acids. So they are essential in breaking those protein sheaths that bacteria and viruses create. 

SUTHE CBD:  Most people don't know that our bodies have a natural endocannabiniod system. It is basically our primary system that regulates all the other systems in our body; a molecular system responsible for regulating and balancing many processes in the body, including immune response, communication between cells, appetite and metabolism, memory, and more.  Suthe is a whole flower, water soluble supplement made from hemp. It contains around 114 natural cannabinoids that are raw and organic. The cannabinoid system is adaptive, meaning that it supports brain nerve, gut immune, and hormones, based on what is needed more urgently.  There have been Harvard studies that show that CBD helps support the immune system, as well as helps with anxiety and sleep issues.  I have been taking Suthe since July of 2019, and it had majorly helped my sleep patterns, eased a lot of my depression and anxiety, as well as lessened swelling in my legs.


Another product that I have not yet tried, but have been told I should, is called TECHNO. This is a relatively new product that contains the precursors to the nitric oxide in our bodies, and helps to lower the blood pressure and support the immune system. 

For me personally, I have found that my allergies are not NEARLY as bad as they usually are this time of year. My job is located right next to a filbert orchard, and I discovered that I was allergic to something in the orchards when the workers started stirring up the dust. I'm also majorly allergic to cottonwood, and we have a TON of cottonwood in my town. Typically at this time of year, my eyes are itchy and red, my sinus is extremely drippy, and I often loose my voice. So far, since I started taking the Life, Balance, and Restore, along with Suthe, I have noticed that the worst I have been in the last 3 weeks is a slight nasal drip and a sore throat that went away after 48 hours.  That is a HUGE change!!

Another thing I have noticed is that I have more stamina to work out! I have been going to the gym since the second week of January. I typically only work on the treadmill, but one day in early February I tried the elliptical. I only lasted 6 minutes before getting overly exhausted and out of breath! After I started taking the supplements, I tried again. I lasted 12 minutes!!! The next few days I tried to go longer on the elliptical, and discovered I can do 20 minutes or more on the elliptical and not be out of breath or feel fatigued when done! Most days at the gym I will now do 20 minutes on the elliptical first, then an additional 20-30 minutes on the treadmill on a 3.0 incline and speed between 2.9 and 3.2 (as long as I get there early enough!).  And boys does that FEEL AMAZING!!!

IF you have a question, don't hesitate to comment, and I will do my best to answer your question!

If you would like to actually purchase these supplements, you can through these links (available only to US customers at this time, sorry!)

For the LIFE, BALANCE, RESTORE and TECHNO: http://www.tranont.com/KiraLee

For SUTHE: http://www.brizopure.com/KiraLee

Major accomplishments this week!

Day... IDK?

I stopped counting after 3 days, lol. 

But this week has been an amazing week for me in regards to the gym!

Last week I made it to the gym twice. It had been almost 3 weeks from the last time I had been. 

As of today, March 5th, I've made it to the gym 4 days in a row. 

And I'm damn proud of myself for that!

Adding to that is the fact that I've been able to embrace the elliptical,  and that's no small feat either.  

Today, the elliptical machine recorded that I did 17.43 minutes, and went 1.08 miles. 

The screenshot says it all. 🔥

I actually woke up late this morning. 

Rather, I had a difficult time getting up this morning. No lie.

That meant I got to the gym late, like almost 6am late. Ideally I'd be there by 5:20 am. I didn't so I spent less time. 

My typical treadmill time is 30 min. 18 is better than zero though! ;) 

Although Fitbit only recorded 16 min? That's strange. 

Overall, I've managed to hit 11,000 steps or more every day this week. We'll see what tomorrow brings, as I'm nursing a migraine, so going to bed early!

TWO NSV's today!!!

NSV's are OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!

I mean, loosing weight and inches is an amazing feeling, but non scale victories, aka NSV's, are the best ever.

So, NSV #1:
This morning I made it into the gym about 10 minutes earlier than I did yesterday.

I went straight to the elliptical.

Last time I *tried* I lasted a whole 6 minutes.

OUCH

I couldn't breathe...

I couldn't walk steadily afterwards...

And that was ONLY 6 minutes.

TODAY however...

I MANAGED almost 13 MINUTES!!!

Ok, so my FitBit recorded 14, but I'll take it.

NSV #2:
I've been averaging 21-23 minutes on the treadmill to get one mile of walking done.

Today, I managed to hit one mile in UNDER 20 MINUTES!!!

That's walking a 3.2 speed at a 3.0 incline!

Overall, today was an amazing day. Not only did I manage to last longer on the elliptical AND walk a mile on the treadmill in under 20 minutes, but I also SURPASSED my daily step goal of 9,500 by 1,973 steps. ;)

I need to go to bed now so I can wake up and do it all again tomorrow! ;)  And tomorrow I'm hoping to complete the circles on each of those 4 bottom areas. We'll see if I can!

It's for real this time

How many times can one person "start over?" 

Asking for a friend. 

Ok, fine.

Asking for myself.

But really, the idea of "starting over" is getting old. We really don't get the chance to start over... unless you're playing a video game, lmao.

So here's what I'm doing at this moment in my life:

I started going back to the gym January 8th. Taking it slowly, and increasing the time spent there on a day by day basis. I managed to make it to the gym 5 times in the first two weeks, then 7 times during weeks 3 and 4. Week 5 I made it 4 days. Then I got sick with a bad cold, and didn't make it back to the gym until today. 1 week was because of how sick I was; the rest was because I kept oversleeping and sleeping through my alarm. 

This past week I also decided to try something new and use supplements from a different company. I mentioned in a previous blog post that I started taking a CBD fluid. I decided to try the other products from the company. They arrived on Monday, and I started taking them Monday night. 

With this journey, I also decided to start vlogging to hold myself accountable. One of these days soon I'll be able to post the link to my channel, once I figure out HOW to do that, lol. (If you know how to do that via mobile, please let me know!) 

I started a video diary of my health journey. I'm no professional, and I've always HATED hearing my own voice... but I'm determined that I will stay on track and make my life better. 

I started Monday night, with a longer video sharing some of my health issues, and what I was going to be taking. Tonight was the end of day 3, and I did a quick update. The video is still loading as I'm typing this. 

I want to somehow connect the two, because some things are harder to talk about, and some things are harder to write about,  so I'm hoping to blog about some things and vlog about other stuff, but have content on both that are related and relatable. It makes sense in my head at least. 😉

So with that, today was an amazing day overall. I'm extremely glad I made it back to the gym. 30 min of treadmill felt amazing! Especially since I increased a couple things: first I did 10 minutes at 2.9 speed and a 2.5 incline; then I increased my speed to 3.2 and the incline to 3 for the next 10 minutes; I decreased my treadmill speed back to 2.9 for the last 5 minutes; the very last 3 minutes was a cool down, so there was no incline. I took a very brief video of the end of my treadmill, as proof that I DID go back to the gym. I've been posting my gym journey on my Facebook page.  

Ok. I'm FINALLY starting to drift off to sleep. Time to go to bed so l can get up and do it all again tomorrow. 

Who knows how consistent I'll be. My goal is to blog and vlog as often as possible.  Bear with me!

Here's to a happy 2020. 

What do you know about CBD?

Many things have happened in my life since I turned 40. I've had so many health issues, I'm beginning to think that I was cursed the moment I hit that magical number.

Anyone else feel that way?

It's been a year of frustrations, and many that keep popping up.

However, I have had MANY friends say, "You need to try CBD for that."  "Have you eaten any edibles? You need to try them!!"  "Try some gummies, that will really help!"

At first I thought those friends were CRAZY... telling me to eat or take something that comes from a marijuana plant.

Yea, me, who has always done the right thing, NEVER did drugs in my life, ALWAYS played it safe with alcohol... Me take a marijuana based product? YEA RIGHT!!!


Ok. But then over this summer I had some serious issues, that I was scared to even go to the dr about.

A friend kept trying to get me to come to a "plant based health talk."  I just kept saying "Maybe." and then never show up.

Then I finally showed up to one in June I think it was. It was ok honestly, nothing more nothing less. Then we had a local vendor event and she had her products there and a few friends that were in the same business.
Then she added me to a Facebook group that people left their testimonies on the product.

Then I finally bit the bullet and ordered the product.  Label says it has 50 uses, if you only use 2 drops a day. I figured, there was enough time to try it and see if it makes any difference in my health issues.

Well, suffice it to say, I'm hooked.

50 days later, and I'm ordering another bottle. Heck, I'm going on an autoship!!! That's how much faith I have in this product.

Before I get more into what health issues I had and what the CBD has done for me, I want to hear from other's out there who have had success with CBD, and who work in a job that does UA's... has anyone had problems with that?

Huntington's Disease: quick breakdown and how it affected me

On August 1st of this year, my mother passed away from Huntington's Disease.  I knew her time was limited, but I didn't expect her to falter so quickly since I last visited her. I last saw her in August of 2014. At that point, she was visibly getting worse, but I honestly thought she would hang in at least another 3-5 years.

What is Huntington's Disease you ask?

I still don't have a complete understanding, but I did find some useful images to share with you. Anytime someone asked me what HD was, I would say "It's like a combination of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's."  I wasn't too far off.

Here's another graphic, that actually has a picture of what a normal brain looks like vs an HD affected brain:

My mother was diagnosed roughly 15 years ago. At the time of her official diagnoses, my parents were divorcing, my dad requested the sale of the home they had lived in for over 20 years, and my sister chose to go live with our dad. Also, I was pregnant with my second child and heading to Mexico for a 6mo visit.  A lot was going on back then.  I was told of her diagnoses, and the impending divorce and sale of the house, while I was in Mexico.

Over the past 15 years, I never really read up on the disease. All I knew was that my grandma Helen had it, and my mom had it, and there was a 50/50 chance my sister would get it.

I watched and dealt with all of the symptoms my mom experienced, and the repercussions of the symptoms.  I found this graphic that explains the symptoms:

 At first my mom showed signs of rigid, inflexible thoughts, irritability, and depression. That was before the official diagnoses. Her symptoms then followed all the typical clinical stages as depicted below:

As my mom's disease progressed, she experienced many of each stage of symptoms all at once. Her Chorea started out as shoulder shrugging constantly, then progressed to the inability to sit still or stand still without moving the upper body as well as the shoulders. My mom used to dance, dive, and do synchronized swimming, so her balance and gait difficulties were difficult for me to watch progress. Then she had a period where she would want to walk constantly, and called me up once and said proudly "I've lost another 5lbs!!"  She certainly DID NOT need to loose weight, but at that time I had no idea that was one of the symptoms of the middle stage. Her personality changes, irritability, and anxiety continued through all stages. When I visited her in August of 2014 her chorea, her balance and gait was markedly worse. At that point, she had fallen for the fourth time that year and had broken her arm for the third time. She also had slight dysphagia, which is difficulty or discomfort in swallowing.  The last thing I noticed when I spoke to her on the phone before she passed was her slurring of her words, also known as dysarthria.  She would have to pause and over enunciate and over articulate for me to understand what she was saying. That was extremely difficult for me to deal with. :(

My mom showed every single physical sign, and almost every single mental and emotional sign of HD by the time she passed.  Perhaps the one that was least noticeable to everyone except the caretakers she had for the last 3 year was self neglect.  She had always dealt with insomnia, but it was questioned after the fact whether or not the insomnia and depression led to her self neglect on purpose. That would go along with the lack of motivation and memory loss, although her memory loss wasn't as bad as I hear it could get. I hate to think that she purposely caused herself to die prematurely. :(

At this time, there is tons of research going on, trying to find the cure. Sadly, there wasn't much that could help my mom live a longer more fruitful life.

One of the things she did while she still could, was knit and create hats, blankets, scarves, and other handmade items. She would sell them at craft fairs, and donate 100% of the money earned to HDSA research. I am slowly going through all the boxes and totes she packed everything in, and will be selling as much as I can. I have created a Facebook page to post pictures of the items I'm selling. The ones she specifically made for HDSA research will be sold in the same manner, with 100% of that money going to the local research chapter.  Those items will be marked SPECIAL. You can find the page here:  https://www.facebook.com/Grandmas-Handmade-Creations-930655380349298/timeline/

Huntington's Disease is not a pleasant disease. Truthfully, none are, but this one is the creme de la creme because there is NO CURE. For now, stem cell research has provided with a few breakthroughs on coming close to eliminating some of the symptoms, but that is all that has been happening.

Round 1 complete, Round 2 is a go!

I'm not sure what to say. I completed round 1 of my 21 Day Fix. However, I didn't complete all of the workouts as scheduled. I actually didn't start the workouts until the last 6 days of the fix. So many things kept me procrastinating; my son was on a trip to Costa Rica, and I was vigilant on my phone for when he messaged me; I got sick with a cold; and the worst part, I had the mother of all cramps and the heaviest flow of the year. Yea, I know. Excuses. I am ashamed of myself.

HOWEVER:

I managed to loose 3lbs and 3.5 inches DESPITE all my excuses. I stuck to the shakes and followed the meal plan and portion guide almost to a "T."

So here are my stats:

Before 7/6/15

• CHEST 41"
• ARMS 14"
• WAIST 41.5"
• HIPS 47.5"
• THIGHS 24"
• TOTAL INCHES 206"
• WEIGHT 208.4lbs

After 7/26/15

• CHEST 41"
• ARMS 13.5"
• WAIST 41"
• HIPS 45.5"
• THIGHS 24"
• TOTAL INCHES 202.5"
• WEIGHT 205.4lbs

So not bad, considering my struggles. Hooray!!!  (sorry, no pictures right now. I'm waiting until I'm done with round 2.)

I jumped right into another round of 21 Day Fix on Monday, 7/27/15.  So today marks day #3 of round 2. Here's what I can tell you right now:

I DISLIKE leg day (aka Lower Fix). I absolutely LOVE arm day (aka Upper Fix). Total body cardio is, well, it is what it is, lol. BUT, this week so far, I've been able to complete more of each round of the workouts than I did last week being my first week. When I started last Monday, 7/20/15, with the Total Body Cardio, I could barely walk for the next 4 days. So, arm day was amazing. I had no issues with doing the arms, but my legs were protesting so much, the first two days I ended up sleeping away my afternoon after the workout and my shake. That probably wasn't a good idea. I could be doing the workouts before bed, but from past experience, I've found working out in the morning helped me get through the rest of the day. It also gives me more motivation to wake up early. I'm a night owl, so this is going to take a while to get me to bed earlier to wake up earlier. Especially during the summer! Anyway- tomorrow is Pilates Fix, and I'm looking forward to doing that. It is one of the exercise programs I've always wanted to try.  I completely skipped that last week because of how much pain my legs were in. I also skipped Cardio fix on Friday, the dirty 30 on Saturday, but I did the yoga on Sunday. I've always loved yoga!! 

I'm glad that this week my muscles are not protesting as much! I can actually walk normal, lol. I looked like a sad penguin, hobbling about most of last week.  Right now, my abdominal muscles are feeling it, my thighs and shoulders as well, and my back. I really need the muscles in my back to get stronger. I tend to slouch. A lot. :(

So in addition to my 21 day fix, round 2, I am participating in another challenge that will start August 1st, and run the entire month. I can't wait to see what this brings me!! I can't wait to compare my side by side before and after pictures either! I'll catch up with everyone in another two weeks, when I'm halfway through the second round!

Starting my transformation in ... 3.... 2....1...

Today is Day 1 of my total transformation.

I'm starting a new lifestyle. I'm going to eat better, workout more, and shed a ton of weight!

What will I do to accomplish all this, you ask?

 Start with the Beachbody 21 day Fix.

I've got my blender bottle, my Shakeology, my meal planner, my portion containers, and my workout dvds.

I'm ready to get healthier, build muscle and stamina, and keep up with my kids!

So, yesterday I took my measurements, weighed in, and took my before pix.

My beginning weight is 208.4 lbs. I'm really taking a step out of my comfort zone by sharing this picture!! But you know, it's part of the accountability!!  The more I share, the more I will be motivating myself to do better! :)

So my daily routine consists of eating from the following containers: 5 green, 3 purple, 5 red, 4 yellow, 1 each of blue and orange, and 5 teaspoons. Those teaspoons can be any of the nut or seed butters (peanut, almond, cashew, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, tahini), EVOO, EVCO (that's extra virgin coconut oil if you didn't know), walnut oils, pumpkin seed oil, flaxseed oil.  The Shakeology shakes are considered 1 red, plus whatever you add to them, such as fruits or peanut butter. 

This is an example of one purple container. I can add this to my ShakeO, or eat it by itself (which is what I did today).

AAAAANNNNNDDDDDD THIS is my Shake! I combined a cup of cold coffee with my chocolate shake mix to make a mocha!! It was yummy! This was 1.5 of my red containers for the day because I added just a little extra to it... so I'm down to two more reds to actually eat from out of my 5.  There are literally thousands of shake recipes to choose from!! I'm going to also buy a new blender just for my shakes, so I don't have to compete with my family and our enormous blender. :)

My breakfast was 1 orange, 1 blue, 1 yellow, 1.5 reds. I had a snack of the 1 purple. Then I had the shake which was the 1.5 reds, I need to have a least half of the amount of greens at one point still, plus the remaining purple I'm going to be eating in a few minutes as a snack at a meeting. I think I'm going to be ok!! :)

The next step is to incorporate a workout from the 21 day Fix program. Tonight's workout is going to be the upper body. I need to go buy some resistance bands and a yoga mat still, but I'm determined to get this done!! 

Stay tuned to my next posts as I update you on my journey to a better, healthier me!! :)

Day one- My personal journey through Depression

Life is hard.  We all know that. If life was all roses and rainbows we would not be so different.

But life has thorns and thunderstorms.

Some of us can weather each storm and stay away from the thorns and live a "normal" life.  Then there are those of us that no matter how hard we try,  the thorns dig deeper into our souls and the storms are never ending.

When we reach the point of not being able to handle things,  the medical term is depression.  Some people are able to handle thier depression with lifestyle changes,  such as a change in diet and adding exercise.  Then there are people like me who just cannot fix themselves.

In 2008 I was diagnosed with severe post partum depression that had gone undiagnosed since '97/'98 when my first born was still a baby.  The diagnosis happened in the middle of my pregnancy (6.5mo) with my third child. There were so many things happening in my life that I couldn't handle.

I was put on Zoloft,  which was deemed the safest medication to use during pregnancy at that time.  I started out with 50mgs, then by the time he was born I was up to 150mgs. I stayed on the medication until my insurance coverage stopped,  which was 6 mo after he was born. So I want on it for a whole year. More like 8 months.  Then my therapist agreed I didn't need it anymore. So I stopped after lowering the dose  and finishing the bottle I had.

Only,  things got worse in my life and I ended up back in the vicious circle of depression.  It took me another 4 years, and finally a good insurance,  to admit I couldn't deal with life and I wasn't myself.
So three weeks ago my current doctor put me back on Zoloft, 50mgs. Life is a little better to deal with.  However the side effects I experienced with Zoloft were already wearing me thin and were almost outweighing the positive effects.  So yesterday my doctor said I could try something different if I wanted to. I said yes. Anything to get away from the awful side effects of excessive sweating.

So this morning was my first dose of Effexor. We shall see in two weeks how I'm doing with this new medication.

I'm going to be changing the way this blog looks!

I haven't been able to blog as steadily as I have wanted to. However, I am now connected mobile and via desktop, so my blogging will be, hopefully more frequent.

I still will be blogging on health matters. Actually, I will be blogging on issues I personally face, with the hopes that I can reach out to someone else out there facing the same issues.

So please watch in the coming days for a new look to the blog and possibly even a new name. I may re-name the blog to be more specific to my personal health issues.

The 5 Advantages of Drinking Water in the Morning

Try it for a week and see what differences you see. I certainly will watch myself for a week and see what changes I find. ;o)

Anyone challenging themselves to loose weight?

How are you doing with your challenge?

When did you start?

What are your goals?

What are you doing to reach your goal?

Yes, I am asking a lot of questions, but you need to push yourself sometimes and ask a lot of questions to make sure you are actually doing the things you need to be to accomplish your goal.  In the words of Jim Rohn:

But you can also DO something about that, instead of just wishing. :o)

Challenge yourself to:

•  walk more, 
• buy one less latte or mocha a week, 
• eat an apple instead of that donut that taunts you just one time a week, 
• take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator,
• don't eat late at night (after 9pm),
• create a rainbow on your dinner plate once a week,
• dance while you are vacumming or washing dishes,
• drink more water,
• go to bed early...

What else can you come up with to challenge yourself? ;o)  Comment with what you are doing!

I have been taking a 5 mile walk every Sunday with a few friends, up and down a very hilly street in town. I have also cut down on how much coffee and sodas I drink (again, lol) and replaced a few of those drinks with water. The hardest for me is to try and not eat the turnovers at work. I have been watching my calories as much as I can, which is hard for me becasue I do not EVER count calories... it's a lifestyle change, and I have done it before, and I can do it again. Motivation is the key, and determination, and willpower!  For me personally, I have more to gain from making these changes in my lifestyle- not only will I improve my health, but I will be able to show my kids that being healthy is the right way to live. Mentally, I will be more satisfied with myself as a person, and be more positive.

Whatever you are doing, I hope that becoming a happier person overall is one of your goals!

Pancreatic Cancer- basic information for people like me

I wanted to blog about pancreatic cancer, partly so I can learn more about it, but also to help spread awareness. I currently know two people that are battling this scary cancer, that seems to have no cure... One person in particular has just decided today to quit chemotherapy. This person has just lost another 11lbs in one week. In the year that I have known this person, I have seen them change from being a vibrant healthy person to a frail skeleton of a person. :'(   BTW, in order to respect privacy, I will not divulge whether the people I know are males or females, nor will I say names. Thank you for understanding.

First thing I needed to know was, what EXACTLY is pancreatic cancer. The only things I knew about it was that the famous actor, Patrick Swayze, died from it, as well as Steve Jobs, who was founder and CEO of Apple Computers.  So I did some digging. I found the website http://www.pancreatica.org.  There is a beautifully done FAQ section about this disease. It really goes into great detail, although the disclaimer says that it was not easy to come up with the "answers" to such general questions.

There are quite a few origins for pancreatic cancer, but from what I was reading, the most common starts as a tumor and spreads rapidly. For many years there has not been a reliable screen for this type of cancer, so it usually isn't detected early enough to eradicate it completely- by the time most people are diagnosed, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It is stated in the FAQ's that every year over 40,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the US, and most of those people will die within one year of diagnosis. :o(

Which brings my next question- what is the average life expectancy after diagnosis? The FAQ's state: "The median survival period from the time of diagnosis until demise is arguably the worst of any of the cancers. The median survival for untreated advanced cancer of the pancreas is about 3 1/2 months; with good treatment this increases to about six months."

Yowzers. That doesn't sound very pleasant. Sadly, the person that I menti oned earlier has been battling this cancer for about a year now. I keep hearing from others that the minute someone decides to quit chemo, it is only a matter of time before they actually pass. The other person I know was recently diagnosed, about 2 months ago. This person was told by the doctors "no treatment and you will probably die in 3-6months, but if you opt for treatment, you can live up to 2 more years."  That's a hard pill to swallow, being told by your doctor that you will only live for another 3 months to 2 years.

My next question is now how is it detected, or rather, what are the signs that doctors look for? In all fairness, the basic symptoms are often overlooked, since they are fairly common; such as loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, and nausea.  In actuality, this is part of the reason why this cancer is not detected early on, when it is entirely possible to kill it. From the onset of the symptoms, years can pass before the cancer is officially detected and diagnosed, and sadly that happens when it has spread throughout the body. That is the number one reason why the mortality rates are so high with pancreatic cancer. Detection itself can be through lab tests, which check for a certain marker called the CA 19-9. Traditionally, that marker elevated meant cancer, but is also is measured to tell the doctor how widespread the cancer is.  Other methods of detection include ultrasounds and surgical methods.

If, the patient is extremely lucky, and the cancer is detected when it is still just a tumor and has not spread, surgery is the first option to remove the tumor. Sadly, only about 15-20% of diagnosed patients are eligible for that surgery.

Treatement options vary, to reflect on the patients individuality, wishes, and preferences. Typical treatment is chemotherapy plus radiation, aka chemoradiation. In patients that have been diagnosed earlier where the cancer has not spread very far, the chemoradiation often prolongs the patients life anywhere from 6 months to one year. In patients with advanced cancer, various other treatments are available, including new clinical trials using new drugs and/or mix of different drugs. The person who decided today to stop chemo was going through a new clinical trial.

As I was looking for information regarding pancreatic cancer, I came across this interesting article on the Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/25/pancreatic-cancer-celebrities_n_1700645.html#slide=1275360  I had no idea that Sally Ride had recently passed away from this cancer, nor did I know that Luciano Pavarotti and Dizzy Gillespie also died from it. This article has some interesting information about some of the famous celebrities that passed from pancreatic cancer, as well as a few that battled and survived, such as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.   Did you know that Steve Jobs battled pancreatic cancer for 7 years??  Sally Ride battled it for 17months.  Patrick Swayze was diagnosed in January of 2008 and passed in September of 2009, making that a 21 month battle.  Luciano Pavarotti was diagnosed July 2006, and passed September 2007, making his battle a mere 13 months.  Other famous celebrities that passed include Jack Benny, Donna Reed, Ben Gazzara, Fred Gwynne (better known as Herman Munster from the 60's show "The Munsters"), Joan Crawford, Charlie Louvin, Michael Landon, and Count Basie.  The Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was extremely lucky to have had the cancer detected so early. She had battled colon cancer in 1999, and because she was a cancer survivor, she had to endure constant ct scans and other preventative measures to ensure the cancer didn't come back. During one of those routine scans, a small tumor was detected in her pancreas. As of the date of the article, July of 2012, she had remained cancer free!

I hope that whoever reads my post takes precaution and does thier own research as well. I only have the basic information here. I also hope that anyone who is searching for information to understand this disease better, will have a better knowledge after reading this. There is sooooo much information out there on the internet- I honestly felt overwhelemed when I did a google search. But what I have read, and reported here, I personally have a slightly better understanding of pancreatic cancer. Sadly, I will never understand this disease, and it seems that most doctors will never fully understand it either. This disease is sadly one of hundreds of cancers that are still being studied to get a better understanding of.

This is what I understand now: Pancreatic cancer is a difficult cancer to diagnose, and usually is not detected until it is late stage cancer, meaning that it has spread throughout the body. By that time a patients life expectancy is honestly only a few months after diagnosis, unless the patient opts for treatment, and then that will only add a few more months at the worst to a few more years at the very best. Pancreatic cancer is aggressive because it affects the main organ that helps control blood sugar and also helps aid in digestion and absorbtion of nutrients. Patients will have a decreased appetite, rapid weight loss due to the decreased appetite, and a huge decrease in energy.  I have overheard descriptions of family members telling others that the person who died of pancreatic cancer looked like a concentration camp refugee right before death. Not a very pleasant picture. In fact, the person who lost 11 lbs in one week is sadly starting to look like that. :o( Since diagnosis, this person has lost over 80 lbs, in a period of nearly one year- good for an overweight person who needed to loose the weight, but not for someone who weighed 200something lbs at the time of diagnosis. I believe that this person currently weighs around 120-140 lbs right now.

To say it bluntly: pancreatic cancer is bad.  I would not wish that on even my worst enemy.

Please pray for my friend who is nearing the end of life, as well as everyone else in the world that is battling pancreatic cancer... pray for everyone who is battling any type of cancer. Pray for peace and comfort and either healing or quick endings. Pray for thier families- comfort and peace as well for them.

One day we will beat cancer. It may not happen in MY lifetime, but it WILL be beaten!

Happy New Year to ALL!

My sincere apologies for not updating this blog more often. I am hoping that 2013 will be a much better year and I will be able to share a lot more with everyone on this blog.

Health wise, I am still struggling personally with a few issues. I think that this year it will be time to explore some health issues more in depth and finally bring some guest bloggers to the mix. :o)

Kidney stones and ovarian cysts

Two things I thought I would NEVER have to deal with. It looks like I am though, although I have not had the opportunity to have either confirmed by the doctor.

First, ovarian cysts: I am shocked at how common they really are. In my chats with other moms in the online community of Cafe Mom, I have discovered that a good majority of moms have dealt with them at one point in their lives. I haven't done much research yet on how common they are, but I do know that PCOS (aka poly-cyctic ovarian syndrome) just seems too common. As taken from the Mayo Clinic's website http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cysts/DS00129/DSECTION=symptoms

The symptoms of ovarian cysts, if present, may include:

• Menstrual irregularities
• Pelvic pain — a constant or intermittent dull ache that may radiate to your lower back and thighs
• Pelvic pain shortly before your period begins or just before it ends
• Pelvic pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Pain during bowel movements or pressure on your bowels
• Nausea, vomiting or breast tenderness similar to that experienced during pregnancy
• Fullness or heaviness in your abdomen
• Pressure on your rectum or bladder that causes a need to urinate more frequently or difficulty emptying your bladder completely

Well, I have had pelvic pain constant on my right side ever since I was pregnant with my last child- since 2008 when he was born. It's been on and off with the intensity, but it's been constant. Lately however, I've noticed that it's more painful about the time I should get my period. I also have experienced the pressure on my bladder and need to urinate frequently and the fullness/bloating. Now I should mention that I also am on the 5 year Mirena IUD, so there was a concern that it may be embedded. When I finally went to the gyno, she didn't think that was the case, but based on my pain symptoms and the length of time I have been experiencing them, she highly suspected that I have ovarian cysts and recommended that I go get an ultrasound to confirm.  And of course, due to me, at the time, not having a job I couldn't afford to go and pay out of pocket $200+ for the ultrasound. So, now that I have a job and mediocre insurance, I hope to be able to go and get that ultrasound... although I may have to go see another gyno to have him/her refer me.

As for the second item- kidney stones. Oh boy... I have heard many many stories about people and the pain they have gone through with having them. Here is what I found from the Mayo Clinic's site on the symptoms http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-stones/DS00282/DSECTION=symptoms

 A kidney stone may not cause symptoms until it moves around within your kidney or passes into your ureter — the tube connecting the kidney and bladder. At that point, these signs and symptoms may occur:

• Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs
• Pain that spreads to the lower abdomen and groin
• Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
• Pain on urination
• Pink, red or brown urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Persistent urge to urinate
• Urinating more often than usual
• Fever and chills if an infection is present

Pain caused by a kidney stone may change — for instance, shifting to a different location or increasing in intensity — as the stone moves through your urinary tract.

Ok... so this is what I am experiencing: severe pain in my lower back, enough that there are times I can hardly move. The pain is mainly in my lower back right now. The pain does come in waves and fluctuates in intensity, but mostly stays as a dull ache all day otherwise. I have had foul-smelling urine (sorry if that is TMI, but I have to address everything). The persistent urge to urinate I can't pinpoint as a symptom though because it's also a symptom of the ovarian cysts, as is the frequent urination. Then again, I do drink a lot of water sometimes... 

SO hopefully I can get to see a doctor this next week or two at the latest. I am worried and don't want to have to deal with anymore health problems. I have enough as it is alongside the depression that keeps coming in waves and being alone. :o(  IF you have any symptoms or have experience ovarian cysts or kidney stones, PLEASE leave a comment with what you went through and how you dealt with it! Let's try and help other people who are going through the same insecurity as I am!

The Juicy Lemon (info found on FB)

HEALTH BENEFITS OF LEMON

Lemon: Nature’s Boon
Lemon has proved to be nature’s boon to the entire mankind. It gives solution to many health related problems. It has its own set of antiseptic and natural medications. Make sure you eat atleast one-fourth or half lemon daily.

Health benefits of lemon are due to many nourishing elements like vitamin C, vitamin B, phosphorous, proteins, and carbohydrates present in it. Lemon is a fruit that contains flavonoid, a composite that holds antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. It helps to prevent diabetes, constipation, high blood pressure, skin care, fever, hair care, dental care, indigestion and many other health problems. Studies conducted at the American Urological Association highlight the fact that lemonade or lemon juice can cure kidney stones by forming urinary citrate, which can prevent formation of crystals.

# Indigestion and Constipation:
Lemon juice helps to cure problems related to indigestion and consitpation. Add a few drops of lemon on your dish (take care lemon does not go well with milk), and it will aid in difestion. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and a cleansing agent. A good drink post lunch or dinner is fresh lemon soda (also called fresh lime soda in many places). The recipe is add lemon juice, some cold water, soda, salts (common salt or rock salt) and sugar/honey (if you want it sweet), and mix it in a glass. You can also add some mint leaves or crushed fennel seeds for added taste. Drink this whenever you have a heavy lunch/dinner.

# Fever:
Lemon juice can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.

# Dental Care:
Lemon juice is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums. In addition, lemon can also be used in regular cleansing of your teeth. You can look for a toothpaste containing lemon as one of the ingredients, or add a drop of lemon juice on your toothpaste. Some people also rub their teeth with the outer shell (the inner side touching your teeth) of a lemon after removing the juice. Take care - if you mouth starts burning, quickly put some water in your mouth.

# Hair Care:
Lemon juice has proved itself in the treatment of hair care on a wide scale. Lemon juice if applied on the scalp can treat problems like dandruff, hair fall and other problems related to hair and scalp. Lemon juice if applied on the hair, gives a natural shine to hair.

# Skin Care:
Lemon juice, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon juice can be applied to stop sun burn also. It helps to get relieved from bee sting as well. Lemon juice can also be applied on the skin for acne and eczema problems. It acts as an anti ageing remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Drinking of lemon juice mixed with water and honey brings glow to the skin. If you search thoroughly in the market, you will find some soaps containing lemon juice also.

# Burns:
Lemon juice if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.

# Internal Bleeding:
As lemon has antiseptic and styptics properties, it can stop internal bleeding. You can apply lemon juice on small cotton and place inside to nose to stop nose bleeding.

# Rheumatism:
Lemon is also a diuretic and can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.

# Weight Loss:
If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well.

# Respiratory Disorders:
Lemon juice assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma. Lemon, being a rich rich source of vitamin C, helps in dealing with respiratory disorders.

# Cholera:
The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon juice, as it acts as a blood purifier.

# Foot Relaxation:
Lemon is an aromatic and antiseptic agent and is useful in foot relaxation. Add some lemon juice in warm water and dip the foot in the water to get foot relaxation.

# Corn:
Lemon juice can dissolve lumps on the skin. It can be applied at the places where the skin has been hardened up. Drinking of lemon juice with water can facilitate the patient to get rid of stones.

# Throat Infections:
Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections as it has an antibacterial property.

# High Blood Pressure:
Drinking lemon juice is helpful for people suffering with heart problems as it contains potassium. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as provides relaxation to mind and body. It reduces mental stress and depression.

People use lemon to make lemonade by mixing lemon juice with water. Many people use lemon as a washing agent, as it can remove stains. Lemon can also repel mosquitoes. Drinking of lemon juice with olive oil helps to get rid of gall stones. Lemon is well known for its medicinal control and is used in many different ways. As per the results reported in a study of Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, lemon provides human guard against inflammatory polyarthritis and arthritis.

source:organicfacts.net
I found this posted on https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Medical-Awareness/304386039612985

I've heard of how lemons can benefit burns and help weight loss, but many of those items I had never heard of... I think I will be paying more attention to lemons from now on! ;o)

Day #5- Ekphrasis Post :o(

I am sad to say that no matter how much research I have done, I still cannot understand the meaning of Ekphrasis.

I even asked my other blogging friends, and my photography friends, and they were as stumped as me!

So with that being said, I am sad to report that this is going to be one of my "get out of jail free" days.  I hope that in reading other posts from other bloggers I will finally understand what Ekphrasis is all about!

Day #4- I write about my health because...

Writing about my health has helped me to keep track of things going on with me, and sometimes see a pattern that could help me figure out what is wrong with me, if anything.

It's helpful to be able to keep track of certain symptoms, ailments, and other problems. More for yourself, it helps with a diagnosis for your doctor, if you need to see the doctor for a specific issue.

Another great reason to write about your health is to share with other's what you have dealt with, and hopefully help someone else who may have the same symptoms find the help they need. Also it gives others the reassurance that they are not alone in their health problems.

Since I started this blog, I have been mostly focusing on several areas of importance for myself. Weight  loss, healthy eating, safe pregnancy, and products that are better for your health have been a few topics that I have blogged about. When I blogged about my battle with staph, I also found a lot of information on the internet to talk about and refer to. Little did I know that I would end up on the top of the search engines with those posts. I had quite a few comments from others who have had problems with staph as well, as well as compliments on how informative my blog was for others.  Just knowing that I was able to help someone makes me even more willing to share with everyone some of my health issues, along with other information that I find to compliment.

I don't pretend to be a health expert, and I have that stated clearly on the main page of my blog. I hope to be able to continue being a source of information and a stepping stone for others who are looking for more information before going to their doctors.

Day #3-Superpower Day :o)

Oh boy. If I had a superpower, what would that be???? You honestly got me on that one, LOL!

I think the lazy person in me would say the power to move solid objects with my mind.

That being said, being able to move solid objects with my mind would make it easier to multitask, I think. That would mean that I can sit at the computer and work, while I'm "cleaning" the house. Just the thought of thinking about doing that sounds like so much fun!! In fact,  being able to do that just may help me get over my laziness and be more productive. Although, the downside to that would be me sitting at the computer for longer periods, or even just being too inactive at times.

Boy, I still think that would be AWESOME to have that superpower... hmmm, what would give that to me?  A vat of super-radio-active slime? Being bitten by a strange insect or animal?  Having an alien posses my body???

Day #2- Quotation Inspiration

Day #2- Quotation Inspiration

A simple saying. Powerful though.

I do over think things. Sometimes to the point that I am doubting my own decisions that I either already made or that I need to make. Like where diet and exercise are concerned... I think to myself and imagine in my head how I'm going to be doing certain exercises, eating certain foods and being overall happy. Thinking is way easier than actually doing. Like the other saying "easier said than done."

And, actually, I was over thinking how to do this post, LOL! I came up with another great quote though that is extremely powerful when you think about it:

And yes, it really has a lot to do with what you think. It's a challenge for some people though to think before they speak, and when you think about the meaning of Mr. Krabs wise words (which I'm sure he copied from someone else somewhere cause he didn't want to think) you will know that thinking and expressing what you think without words CAN be very powerful.

Wow, I'm sure that by the end of this post you will have counted the word "think" too many times :o)

When I was younger I was always the quiet bookworm that just happened to enjoy music, therefore turned into a bookworm band nerd... But my one fault was that I never thought about what I would say before actually saying it. That fault of mine would get me into trouble sometimes. I remember back in elementary school, I had been invited to play softball with some other 4th graders that I had previously had problems with. I was so excited that they had said that they wanted to try and be a friend and were supposedly sorry for causing problems with me. After a few days, I overheard one boy telling another that he was not going to allow a certain person to play because of something he did or had said before. Well, when we went out for lunch recess, I ended up walking with that particular kid, and I told him that so and so had said he couldn't play. Well, that turned into a right mess. Everyone got mad at me, calling me a tattle tale, liar, stupid (you name it, they said it), and then they kicked ME off the team.  I remember distinctly saying to the one boy in particular that started everything "But I thought you said..."

That right there was my downfall for a number of years. Some kids said I thought too much, LOL! Well, let me tell you right now, if Mr. Krabs had been around when I was in elementary school and had told me "it's not always what you say that matters. Sometimes, it's what you don't say." then I know things would have been different. I THOUGHT I had been doing this "poor" kid a favor by telling him what the other boys had said.

Now, I know that I think too much. And that first saying "I over think things" is VERY accurate. Going back to this diet and exercise thing: thinking is not the same as doing.  I see an idea for a recipe and I think "Oh, that looks good. I will try it."  Who knows how much later and you ask me how was that dish, and I'll have to think about it then truthfully say "I haven't made it yet. I think I will do that tomorrow"  Or, when I read about a particular exercise routine I'll think that's cool as well, and make a mental note to try it out, but do I actually put thoughts into actions?? Nope. Not one iota of my thoughts make it past the thought stage. Ok, I lied, some do, but the more important ones don't. Important ones such as calling a doctor and making an appointment to have my moles checked, or sending in an application for a job.

And then when I think about what it is I have to do, I start worrying. Worrying is the "what-if" stage of thinking. Your thoughts always start with "what if this happens?" or "what if I don't get that job?" Then I start fretting, which is the "OMG what the hell am I going to do about all my problems" stage of thinking.  Then all that fretting and worrying can sometimes overlap and actually happen at the same time... by that time you start to become depressed. Some people even become bi-polar or even as bad as schizophrenic!

When you get to THAT point in your life, you may want to actually STOP thinking for a while.

Strangely enough, my thoughts wandered a bit during my preparation of this blog post. Did I over think what I was going to do??? Sometimes what I think never even hits paper, or my fingers to be typed, or my mouth to be said. They just stay in my head and drive me absolutely bonkers.

Which is happening right now. I am getting distracted and my thoughts are heading elsewhere. Maybe because it is after midnight and I am getting tired.

So just remember the wise words of Mr. Krabs "It's not always what you say that matters. Sometimes, it's what you don't say."  I will leave you to your own thoughts to mull that one over! ;o)