Money-saving Resources

Source: http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com

Visit Jillee's amazing blog, One Good Thing at http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com

Trusting Him

I'm learning this the hard way -- by means of my illness.  And even though every minute of every day is a challenge, I can honestly say that I am THANKFUL -- thankful for the fact that He loves me enough to invest time with me.

Over the course of the last year or so, my love for my Lord has grown so deep and so vast.  He and I are "tight"!

I do trust Him --- more than I ever have.

If you're going through a difficult time, let me suggest getting "real" with your Creator.  He's waiting for you to call on Him.... 

 "Call on me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you and you shall glorify me."   

Psalm 50:15

Down On My Knees

I've been watching a lot of Beth Moore bible studies on my laptop lately.  Great encouragement to my soul.  Exactly what I need and have needed for some time.   If you've ever had the gift of being ministered through Beth's teachings, you'll know she often goes to her knees when she addresses the Throne.  It is so humbling - such an act of respect and honor for our Creator.

If only...if only I could do the same.  Drop to my knees in prayer.  With my Polymyositis, all joints are very inflamed and painful.  I tried months ago to get on the floor with our dogs, only to require immediate assistance to get back up.  Too painful.  I've tried getting into bed on my knees - won't do that again.

So what's my excuse for trying yet again the other day?!  Perhaps a lapse in memory -- who knows.  I've been wanting to clean the shower floor for some time and tried doing it with a hard bristle broom, a mop and a few other strange tools.  Still not up to par for me.

Here's the kicker.  My husband and daughter had just left to run some errands and I got the wild idea of trying again.  I put 3 towels down on the floor to cushion my knees, thinking that would make ALL the difference.   I slowly kneeled down onto the towels and instantly "PAIN"!  Excruciating pain.  I tried to reposition myself - this only made things worse.

Having been a serious weight lifter, I have learned to work through pain, so I told myself I could push through this and get this done.  After all, it would only take a few minutes of scrubbing.  So I started to scrub -- the more I scrubbed, the more my knees hurt.  I knew I had to get up - NOW.  But how?

I tried pushing straight up like any normal person would.  I couldn't get myself even an inch off the floor.

"Oh Lord, what am I going to do?"

I started to pray.

"Jesus, I was really silly trying this today - but I'm in serious need of help.

  I'm in pain.  Please help me get up."  

I considered staying in the position until my family returned home - but then again, they had just left.  They wouldn't be home for quite some time.  The pain was unbearable.

My thoughts turned to Beth Moore --  how ironic, I thought.  I'm kneeling - and talking to God - but I desperately need to get UP!

"Jesus, help me push through the pain and have the strength to get upright!"  

My final request before taking action.  I turned, wrapped my arms around the toilet and pulled up through the pain.  Oh my.  It hurt.  Badly.  But I was standing!

Just as I stood, guess who walked in the door?  My dear hubby.  He had forgotten his wallet.  He had no idea what I had done (or intended to do while he was out) - otherwise he would have said, "Sweetie, when I get home, I'll take care of that for you!" (which he did when he returned).  But I'm stubborn and sometimes I just want to do things myself.  (sheepish grin)  I know, I know....I need to work on that! :)

What brought me to tears was that the Lord provided a way out -- if I hadn't had the strength to push through the pain, he sent my hubby home just in case.  Is that a loving Savior or what?!!   He had a back-up plan ready for me.  I'm so very humbled.

Psalm 22:8 says, 

"He trusts in the Lord.....let the Lord rescue him.

 Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."

Lord, I may not be able to get on my knees when I talk to you - but in my heart, I'm so there.

Humbled. 

Broken.

  

So in love with You.

A Little Humor....and Nutella!

A Little Humor...

Forced to slow down...

I have been really struggling this week - more than usual.  Strangely, it has been a warm week - in the 70s - yet my body doesn't seem to care.  Warmer weather usual makes me more mobile but not this time.

My joints and muscles are terribly inflamed.  Every movement I make - literally - is painful.  If I raise my arm to brush my hair, I'm in pain.  I can feel every muscle striation. To get up out of any chair makes me cringe because I know what's coming. Pain.

I've been doing a lot of soul searching the last few weeks.  I believe the Lord is slowing me down for a reason.  After all, he ordains everything -- nothing happens that doesn't pass through his hands.  In spite of that knowledge, I still struggle - the emotional struggle is a strong one that I fight every single minute of every day.  Some days lots of tears.  Some days no tears.  I work hard at being "strong" internally.  Even that is tiring.

Yesterday my husband and I made our Sam's Club run.  It means so much to me to have him join me when I am out -- I feel more secure emotionally, I feel supported, I feel very loved.  And my husband is so very loving.

As we were passing the jewelry counter, I noticed this woman.  She had her back to us.  Her legs were lean and very tan.  Instantly I knew who it was.  My dear friend from Gold's Gym.  Though it has been a year or so since we've seen each other, she is always so warm and welcoming.
This was a godsend.  Dianne is one of those people that truly listens.  She's not distracted by the surroundings.  She maintains eye contact and listens with her heart.  What a dear.  It is always a pleasure running into her.

Source: Wikipedia

She asked how I was doing and I informed her about my Polymyositis diagnosis back in February.  Strangely enough, her mother (I believe 75 yrs old) has Dermatomyositis -- this is related to Polymyositis, as it is a connective-tissue disorder, however, this causes inflammation of the skin and muscles.   She went on to tell us that her mom gained 30 lbs of fluid, and her skin was horribly inflamed and itchy.  She had to have the fluid drained and is doing far better.

I had heard of Dermatomyositis.  It was explained to me by my family physician.  All I can say is, "This poor woman!  My heart aches for what she went through."  Dianne went on to say that her mom is back at the gym, working out 3x/week - trying to rebuild her body.  Oh my.  I know what that's like.

You see, Dianne and I worked out at the same time most days at Gold's.  She was amazed at how much weight I could lift.  This was always encouraging to me, to get those kinds of responses.  It fueled my desire to continue lifting because when I strength trained, I trained HARD.  It was work, not pleasure.  From my own observations, I was the only woman in that gym that trained with such intensity.  I was the only woman that could lift the weights I lifted.  I lifted more than many men.  I valued my strength.  Regularly I had guys approach me and ask me to "spot them" because they realized I could handle the weight and they could trust me to keep them from getting injured.  Talk about flattery!

Remembering what Dianne did before, I asked, "Are you still doing massage therapy?"  She was.  I told her that I was considering that form of therapy for my muscles because they're in pain all the time.  Massage relaxes those tight muscle striations and provides a dose of relief.   She gave me her card.

After we parted ways, I realized that we were supposed to run into each other.  I had recently been talking with my husband about massage therapy and where to go, etc....Naturally, I'd rather see someone I knew well and trusted.

The most difficult part of the whole situation is getting there.  It involves moving and moving is painful.  Thankfully, we now have a vehicle that isn't stick shift so I don't have to lift my leg every little while to use the clutch.  But getting in and out of the vehicle is still a challenge -- requiring that I pull each leg in one at a time.  And my lungs - well, they've come a long way -- but I still get winded very easily.  I often joke - just to keep things light - that I "walk like a turtle".....humor is a necessity these days!

So this was a gift seeing Dianne!  A tiny bit of encouragement.  I need all the encouragement I can get.

Lord, if you're trying to teach me something, let me learn quickly!

Vitamin C Better than Chemo for Cancer

This is not old news - but so few have heard of it:

Intravenous Vitamin C in high doses is far more effective 

than chemo.

Watch this short video to learn more.  (For those who receive my blog posts in their email, you'll have to click on the title of this blog for it to take you to my website where you can view this 2 minute video.)

This Year's Holiday Craft

Thanks to Pinterest, I found a simple idea for this year's holiday gifts for the amazing ladies at my husband's workplace.  I was saving all my broth and soup cans for awhile for this very purpose.  

After painting them red, I went to Goodwill to find all these wonderful belts.  I trimmed them to fit the cans and "Voila!" -- the perfect Santa tin!  Aren't they cute?

These cans were the perfect size for the holiday candles I found.  Once wrapped up, they were ready for delivery!  Fun fun!!

Super Charge your Immunity with Barley!

About a year ago after reading Suzanne Somers' book, Breakthrough, I learned about Life Extension, an organization that actively researches the latest in nutritional and medical breakthroughs(www.lef.org).One of the benefits of being a member is their monthly publication, Life Extension Magazine. As a member, you get excellent discounts on supplement products but the information in the magazine alone makes it worth every penny!

Source: Life Extension

As I began reading, I was blown away with their scientific research and began sharing this information with family and friends.  (If only I could remember everything I've read!)  My husband and daughter are the ones that benefit the most from the things I've learned but the more I learn, the more obligated I feel to pass this information along.

I just received my December 2011 issue in the mail over the weekend.  At the very top of the magazine cover, it reads: 

CONSUMERS WANT HEALTHIER FOODS!   

Even the large chain stores in my area are starting to recognize this trend, carrying more whole and organic foods.  One thing I know for sure  - the more my diet consists of whole foods, the better I feel and the healthier I am.  This makes complete sense.  Live, nutrient-dense plant foods, seeds and grains are the key to good health.

The December 2011 issue also included an article entitled, "The Link Between Alcohol and Cancer Death".  It's primary focus is on the contributory role of alcohol consumption to liver cancer and the natural ways to reduce the risk.  Among others the article describes antioxidants that are effective in reducing cancer risks.  The two that I am focusing on today are Chlorophyllin and Barley Grass - ones that I am quite familiar with.  Author Michelle Flagg explains:

"Chlorophyllin is a water-soluble form of the green plant pigment chlorophyll.  It has been evaluated as a chemopreventive agent in populations at high risk for liver cancer, one of the most common tumors known, and one that is frequently caused by ingested toxins.  Chlorophyllin is a large molecule thought to bind to many carcinogens and toxins, enhancing their excretion from the body before they damage DNA.  Binding to toxins in the intestine prevents their uptake, further reducing their cancer-producing effects.  Chlorophyllin also induces important enzymes that protect against oxidants arising from toxins such as acetaldehyde, while also reducing expression of inflammatory mediators."

"Barley is a fiber and antioxidant-rich grain with a number of chemopreventive properties of particular interest in the context of cancer.  Toxin-induced gastrointestional tumors in mice can be prevented using extracts of barley grain or bran.  A powerful cancer-suppressing protein called lunasin, first identified in soy protein, has now been discovered to be abundant in barley as well.  Barley lunasin suppresses formation of tumor cell colonies and protects DNA from cancer-inducing changes.  Barley grass extracts also serve a prebiotic function, modifying the intestinal environment to prevent toxin-induced colon cancers." 

I don't know about you, but when I come across information like this, I can't help but get excited.  If you know someone who is struggling with cancer, let me encourage you to share this information with them.  Nutrients such as these (and these are just a few) are powerful in fighting and oftentimes reversing life-threatening illnesses.  Remember, there is always hope!

This past July I joined The AIM Companies, a 30 year old whole foods nutritional supplement company, as an independent consultant.  The reason I joined was selfish -- I wanted a gentle product to detoxify my system (which I found in AIM Herbal Fiberblend) and by joining, I was able to get the product at a 30% discount.  That was my goal - to get a better deal.

However, as time went on, I began looking through their product line and came across another  product that REALLY excited me.

BarleyLife is their largest selling product as so many people have experienced significant health improvements using this one product alone.  BarleyLife is a non-GMO, all-natural, green barley grass juice powder concentrate that is naturally rich in chlorophyll.  It contains:

• Barley grass
• Lutonarin and Sponarin, two powerful antioxidants
• Vitamin K
• Kelp
• Chlorophyll 
• Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), antioxidants
• Beta-carotene (Vitamin A)
• Folic Acid

The benefits of BarleyLife are numerous:

1. Helps maintain whole body health for a strong foundation.
2. Delivers two to three times more nutrients per serving than a atypical serving of green vegetables.
3. Promotes a healthy immune system.
4. Increases overall energy.
5. Helps alkalize the body.
6. Offers unique and powerful plant antioxidants.
7. Enhances performance for those with active lifestyles.
8. Provides anti-inflammatory benefits to maintain healthy joints and tissues.
9. Helps maintain cardiovascular health.
10. Gives you the advantage of juicing without the mess.

This stuff packs a powerful punch!  I even know of a few people who give BarleyLife to their dogs, seeing health improvements in their beloved canines.  I plan on trying this with my two dogs.

Our immune systems are like soldiers going to war.  Without the right weapons, the soldier doesn't stand a chance of survival, let alone victory.  The same is true with our bodies.  Our immune system needs the tools and weapons to fight the enemy.  Super charging our immune system with the right nutrients is the key to fighting and winning against disease - both those already present in our bodies and those we are working to prevent.

The testimonies for BarleyLife are endless.  Here are just a few:

Click on image to enlarge

Give your body the tools it needs to fight the most important battle of all -- the battle for good health.   No risk involved -- no side effects -- no small print to read.  It's up to you -- It's in your hands!

What is your health worth?

If you'd like to know more about this amazing product, I'd be more than happy to share it with you.   Comment below or email me at eapcreations@gmail.com.

Here's a tip:  With Christmas rapidly approaching, consider giving a gift that keeps on giving --  a super charged immune system!  Order a jar of BarleyLife and send the message that you care!  To order, click here.

Life Extension is offering a free 3 month subscription on their home page.  Click here

Further Reading:  Super Immunity by Dr. Joel Fuhrman

To view a video on BarleyLife, click here

DANGER: High Fructose Corn Syrup

What's with Apple Cider Vinegar???

There are some great remedies from generations ago that continue to be very effective today.  Apple Cider Vinegar is one of them.  But not just any Apple Cider Vinegar....the best type to use is one made from cold pressed, organically grown whole apples, in which no chemicals or preservatives have been added.  And - it has to have "the mother".  What's the "mother"?  The "mother of vinegar" is  a natural gelatinous substance formed during the last fermentation step.  (You'll see it at the bottom of the bottle!)

Beware - Not all apple cider vinegars are created equal!!

Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss?

Most ACV weight loss remedies call for one or two teaspoons in a glass of water before each meal.  Raw honey can be added to this mixture to make it more palatable.   Weight loss will be gradual, so don't expect quick results.

How does it work?  Basically, the nutrients, enzymes and organic acids in the ACV cause weight reduction by acting as an appetite suppressant, by increasing the body's metabolic rate, by reducing water retention, and by helping you maintain a feeling of well being.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Acid Reflux?

This remedy has been known for quite some time.  Take 2-3 teaspoons in an 8 ounce glass of water, before meals or whenever you have heartburn.

The theory is that the acetic acid in the vinegar lowers stomach acidity (increases its pH) since acetic acid is a weaker acid than hydrochloric acid.  The vinegar may help buffer and maintain stomach acid at a pH level of about 3.0.  In this milder acidic environment, the stomach can still efficiently digest food but it causes less problems with the esophagus and thus less heartburn.

The other theory involves the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a pH sensitive valve.  When there is food in the stomach with insufficient acid, the LES valve can periodically flop open, causing acid reflux. Drinking the above tonic supplies the LES valve with the acidity it needs to function properly.

But don't just stop there!!  There is a reason why you're experiencing acid reflux.  As we get older, our bodies produce less and less stomach acid.  So supplement your diet with a digestive enzyme so your body will have enough stomach acids to do its job -- and no longer will you experience acid reflux!!!

For Digestive Enzymes:  (This is just one brand that I recommend)

www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Betaine-HCl-Capsules/dp/B000M4CD2C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314559490&sr=8-1

Back to Apple Cider Vinegar, there are dozens of benefits to this amazing fermented liquid.  You can even use it with your pets.  Do your homework.  Research it online.

Cool thing to note -- It has no side effects and it's inexpensive!!!  (woot woot!)

Related websites:  www.cureendometriosis.com/get-some-apple-cider-vinegar-in-your-diet/

Research Resource:  www.amazon.com/Renew-Life-Hope-Formula-Book/dp/B001ED1GN2/ref=sr_1_4?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1314559754&sr=1-4

Antibiotic use kills good bacteria

If you want to pick up an excellent book on health, go get Ultraprevention by Mark Hyman, M.D. and Mark Liponis, M.D.!!

In the chapter, The Myths of Modern Medicine, these two doctors elaborate:

Perhaps the most common place where we see doctors missing the boat is irritable bowel syndrome, from which more than 60 million Americans suffer.  Irritable bowel syndrome is a disturbance of the intestinal function, with two or three of the following features: abdominal pain that is relieved with defecation; abdominal pain that is associated with frequency of bowel movements, constipation or diarrhea; and loose, watery, or pelletlike stool.

Today's prevailing thesis is that irritable bowel syndrome is an unknown condition requiring medication to stop its symptoms.  That's certainly what most doctors will tell you if you ask. 

We think, however, that irritable bowel syndrome is caused by an imbalance of the ecology of the intestinal tract.  Like any ecosystem, your intestine - which breaks down, digests, and absorbs food, as well as helping to control water balance and eliminate waste -   contains a delicate balance of living organisms, known as your gut flora.  Around 100 quadrillion organisms live within every human digestive tract, which at three pounds, could be considered the largest internal organ other than the liver.  

The healthy bacteria in your intestine, including lactobacillus, bifidobacteria, and E. coli (not the killer E.coli you hear about in the media), aid your digestion primarily by breaking down tough fiber.  These beneficial bacteria also perform chemical transformations such as synthesizing vitamins and minerals - for example, they digest foods such as flaxseed and soy, change them into molecules possessing anticancer properties. 

These bacteria have an excellent symbiotic relationship with us.  They thrive because we feed them, and we benefit from their helping us digest food and produce important nutrients that we absorb into our bodies.  

These bacteria also serve another function.  They crowd out other, nastier flora in the gut.  Because of the stress we put on our bodies through antibiotics, alcohol, sugar and bad food or water, we often disturb the normal ecological balance in our gut, causing certain bacteria and yeasts to grow unchecked.  This creates a little fermentation factory, similar to what happens when you let apple cider stay in the refrigerator too long and the container explodes.

In our bodies, the internal fermentation process causes bloating, gas and pain.  Food remains undigested, and in turn also ferments.  When this happens, your breath contains an excess amount of hydrogen, produced from the fermenting bacteria.

The only thing separating us from these unfriendly bacteria is a membrane just one cell thick: the intestinal epithelium, or the gut lining.  If just a few of these nasty bacteria cross that lining, they can cause something as lethal as peritonitis, or something as common as irritable bowel syndrome, or even autoimmune or other inflammatory diseases.

The bacteria we like so much aren't interested in getting across that lining, but when the lining is inflamed or injured in some way, more dangerous bacteria can leak through it.

So our guts are the scene of a constant ecological struggle among bacteria.  The fewer good bacteria living inside of us, the more likely the bad bacteria or other organisms will have no competitors and will grow and reproduce. 

The most common reason for the death of good bacteria is antibiotic use.  An antibiotic will kill the sensitive bacteria, and all the ones that are resistant to it will have no competition in the ecological system and can proliferate.  In response to rampant overprescribing, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued a plea to doctors to stop prescribing unnecessary antibiotics.

What's the answer?  Nutrition is key to healthy gut flora - however, when you're taking antibiotics, it is essential to also take probiotics.

Brenda Watson's website clearly explains the importance of probiotics:

Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria or yeast) that have been shown to help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. This is especially important because nearly three-quarters of your immune system is located in your digestive tract, so when that balance is upset, your health may suffer as a result. 

Ideally, there should be a balance of approximately 80% good bacteria and 20% percent harmful bacteria in your intestines. Unfortunately, factors such as diet, stress, illness, and exposure to toxic substances can affect that healthy environment. Antibiotic use can also significantly alter the bacterial balance in your gut. Although their main purpose is to kill harmful bacteria, antibiotics often kill the existing beneficial bacteria as well. This can lead to diarrhea and other intestinal issues. Likewise, using anti-bacterial soaps has the same effect—killing many good bacteria at the same time it kills the bad bacteria.(1)

Check out the links below for more information on this topic - as well as the RenewLife brand of probiotics and supplements.

Sources:

(1) http://www.renewlife.com/learning-center/digestive-care-articles/probiotics-and-intestinal-health/benefits-of-a-probiotics-supplement

Additional Reading:

Probiotics are Essential to a Healthy Gut Flora

Cold Weather and Polymiositis

The cold weather has arrived here in the South - two nights ago it was below freezing.  I've always looked forward to the winter weather, but now it takes a difficult toll on my body.  Because polymyositis is a muscular disorder, the cold temperatures tighten and stiffen my muscles even more, making it very difficult to get up out of chairs and movement is painful.  The mornings are the worst because my body is cold from being still all night long.  I finally feel more like myself around 4 pm when I've warmed up.  The day is still far more challenging than usual.

This makes it frustrating as the holiday season has arrived and I have so much I'd like to do -- but am limited in what I can do.  My husband built an amazing fire in the fireplace yesterday which made a huge difference in my mobility.  Hot showers and long, hot soaks in the tub are gifts to my body -- but I can only stay in there so long!

I'm trying to tell myself that I don't have to do everything I normally do around this time of year -- but that's hard to do! :)  But that will just have to be reality.

Start your Christmas Shopping Early!

Raw - Optimal Nutrition Tshirt by ColumbiasPULSE
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Christmas is just around the corner!  
Get a jump on your shopping!

Be fit.Be strong.Be a girl. by ColumbiasPULSE
Browse other Fit T-Shirts

Take a peek at my Zazzle Store for

health and nutrition related gifts!!  

Real Men Eat Plants Tshirt by ColumbiasPULSE
Browse other Fitness T-Shirts

If I can make a custom shirt or product for you, 

please send me a note.  I would be happy to do so!  

The 411 on Rice Cakes!

Flu Shots & Alzheimers: The Link

In Dr. Joseph Mercola's book, Take Control of Your Health, he devotes an entire chapter to the subject of vaccines.  Once very much for vaccines, his view has radically changed with the research he has conducted as a private physician.  I respect him greatly and believe there is insurmountable evidence that vaccinating our young children with mercury-containing thimerosal is a definite hazard to their health, not to mention the elderly with decreased immune systems.

In the chapter, What You Need to Know Before Vaccinating, he writes:

Source:Amazon.com

"The CDC reported that, according to the most recent data available in 2007, a startling one out of every 150 children in the US has autism.  The link between vaccines and this neurodevelopmental disorder is growing every day.  The major concern is vaccines that contain thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative that can harm the brain, particularly in developing children.

Though this toxic additive has been gradually removed from vaccines since 1999, it is still present in some vaccinations, including nearly all flu vaccines (which is why I never get a flu shot and why I advise all people, especially children and pregnant women, against getting them too.)

Thimerosal is incredibly toxic.  An Institute of Medicine panel that reviewed data from the CDC's Vaccine Datalink found that children who are given three thimerosal-containing vaccines are 27 times more likely to develop autism than children who receive thimerosal-free vaccines.

There is also the hard to ignore evidence coming from the Amish community, where vaccinations are not typically given.  Among the Amish, autism rates are close to nonexistent.  When one reporter analyzed a group of Amish children, where, according to rates in the rest of the country, he should have found up to 200 children with autism, he found only three (at least one of which had definitely received a vaccine and developed the disorder shortly thereafter)."(1)

According to Dr. Russell Blaylock (RussellBlaylockMD.com), a brilliant neurosurgeon, researcher and consumer advocate:

There are research studies on the negative effects of excessive vaccination on a number of organs, especially the brain, as well as clinical evidence of harm.  My greatest concern is that hard scientific evidence has shown that excessive vaccination (and children are receiving 34 vaccines before attending school) can significantly alter the developing brain, resulting in a brain that is miswired and, as a result, unable to function on higher levels, as we see in ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.

Because the child's brain is undergoing rapid growth and development during the first two years after birth, vaccinations during this time can be especially harmful.(2)

He continues as it pertains to Alzheimers:

In the adult, we know that vaccinations can greatly aggravate the neurodegenerative diseases, and one study found a 10X increase in Alzheimer's risk in those who receive the flu vaccine five years in a row.  The public, as well as most physicians, are being kept in the dark concerning this vital research.(3)

As a parent of young children, this is an important and difficult decision to make.  Unfortunately, most parents are not given all the facts.  There are options available that are not toxic to the child and are discussed in Dr. Mercola's book.  I encourage you to do your homework.

Dr. Mercola's exhaustive website contains valuable information on this subject.  Here are a few links for your continued research:

Kids Given This Have 22 Times the Rate of Ear Infections

New Revelation - The Neurotoxin Far Worse Than Mercury

Vaccines Have Serious Side Effects - The Institute of Medicine Says So!

Click here for more vaccine-related research and interviews by Dr. Mercola

Blog Sources:

1.  Take Control of Your Health, Dr. Joseph Mercola, p. 269
2.  Take Control of Your Health, Dr. Joseph Mercola, p. 270
3.  Take Control of Your Health, Dr. Joseph Mercola, p. 271

Encouragement for Today

Spiritual Nourishment for Today

The integrity of the upright guides them,

but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Proverbs 11:3 NIV

here's a different version - 

The integrity of the upright will guide them, 

but the crookedness of the treacherous 

will destroy them.

Proverbs 11:3 NAS

A personal challenge - 

Live each day with integrity, no matter the costs!  

Integrity - Does it still exist?

INTEGRITY,  how I love that word!  Unfortunately it's not a word that's part of our regular conversations anymore  --- but this last week, when our daughter got a new job,  during the orientation one of the questions asked was: "What is integrity?"  Oh, how refreshing to hear that it is STILL sought after!  This company even has an "Integrity Hotline" for employees to report unethical behavior.  

One of my favorite definitions of integrity is this:

Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching.

Integrity is honesty.  Integrity is transparency.  Integrity is moral character.  Integrity is living your life according to your values (or faith).   Integrity is taking responsibility for your actions, regardless of the consequences.

Being married to a police officer, I hear my fair share of stories that involve people lacking integrity.  That comes with the territory, I know.  Dishonesty.  Manipulation. Theft.  Perversion.  You name it, it's out there. Nothing surprises me anymore!

The reason I bring this subject up - the subject of integrity - is that we have an election coming up where integrity is a central issue.  To start with, I'm not seeing it in our current administration.  I haven't seen it in four years.  Our president promised to be the most transparent president around -- remember that?  When, in fact, making deals behind closed doors has been his "M.O".  Our current president has signed more "executive orders" than any other president in history, bypassing and circumventing Congress -  the entity designed by our forefathers as a balance of governmental power, a means to hold our president accountable.

Shouldn't our President be one we can trust?  Absolutely.  If he says he's going to do something, shouldn't we hold him to his word?  Absolutely.   Shouldn't his actions reflect an interest in what is  best for our country?

With Obamacare (the new healthcare legislation due to take effect in 2014), both the House and the Senate vetoed it, knowing the devastation it would bring to our nation on many levels.  Instead of sitting down and working with these elected officials, our president "signed it into law" on his own authority.  This is NOT integrity!  This is NOT working with our people -- this is furthering his own agenda in spite of the many concerns. This is NOT putting the American people first.  We won't even mention the 700 billion dollars that Obama took out of the Medicare program to put into his unpopular healthcare program.

Have you heard our president accept responsibility for adding so much to our national debt, putting our country in financial jeopardy?  I haven't.  Obama called George Bush "unpatriotitic" for adding so much to the debt, yet he added more debt in less than 4 years that Bush did in both terms.  George Bush was not perfect, but at least he honored our country's laws and abided by the decisions of a House and Senate from a party other than his own.  Obama cannot claim any such respect for our nation's laws and processes.

Do you think it's okay for Obama's campaign contributors at Solyndra (a now bankrupt solar energy company) to receive a 535 million dollar government loan, approved by one of Obama's fundraisers, even though it was known that the company was in trouble and there was an excellent chance it wouldn't be able to pay back the loan?  I don't.

Obama selected Tim Geithner, a man who repeatedly failed to pay his own taxes, to be his Treasury Secretary.  That's bad enough, but then Obama spent his whole first term lobbying for tax increases and accusing other people of being greedy for wanting to keep more of their own money.  When our Treasury Secretary refuses to willingly pay his taxes, maybe the problem is one of integrity?!

Here's one that really bothers me.  Despite claiming to be IN FAVOR of traditional marriage to get elected, our current president now touts he is in favor of gay marriage.  Regardless of where you fall on this issue, where is the integrity there?  More and more cases are coming to light each week of our current president tayloring what he says in each speech to fit the audience of the moment.  Changing HOW you say something, your choice of words,  that is a normal part of good communication.  But President Obama changes the very substance and content, his actual position on an issue, depending on the audience he addresses.  That is LYING!!! Not integrity.

I could go on and on about the lies and manipulation of our current president, but I won't.  If you do your homework, you'll find it yourself.  (Please, do your homework!)

Last night before going to bed, I came across a new television campaign ad from the Obama campaign that compared voting to having sex for the first time.  Really?!  I'm so disgusted and disappointed, I can't even express it adequately.   (Watch it below. Note: If you subscribe to my blog by email, then you'll have to click on the title of this blog post in your email so it will take you to my website to view this video.)

During my morning "quiet times" with my Creator, I came across this passage in Isaiah 59:3-4.  It is talking about the nation of Israel in the Old Testament - however, it parallels what is going on in our current administration:

For your hands are stained with blood,
your fingers with guilt.
Your lips have spoken lies,
and your tongue mutters wicked things.
No one calls for justice,
no one pleads his case with integrity.
They reply on empty arguments and speak lies,
they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.

 Truth is nowhere to be found...

(Isaiah 59:15)

I don't know about you, but I'm so disgusted - so repulsed with what I'm seeing in our White House.  Our nation is in crisis - a moral and spiritual crisis.

Maintain justice and do what is right.

(Isaiah 56:1)

Thankfully, no evil deed will go unpunished.  God Almighty has all this in his control.  This is my comfort.  God knows all this and His plan is perfect.

He brings princes to naught

and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.

(Isaiah 40:23)

Within a matter of days, we will know which direction our country is headed ---- either on a path to recovery or on a path to destruction.  We cannot continue down the same road we've been on for the last 4 years and survive.  It's not possible.

I trust you are praying for our nation and for the direction it is heading.  Prayer is our most valuable resource.

Most importantly, you have a responsibility, not to mention the most awesome privilege that many countries don't have -- and that is

TO VOTE!!

Don't take it lightly -- NOT TO VOTE IS TO VOTE!!  

So take time out on November 6th and use your right to cast your vote for the best of our nation.

Stand for INTEGRITY!!

Tapering off Prednisone

I'm learning more and more that I am responsible for my health - and that involves researching how to taper off this immuno-suppressant drug that I've been taking for months.  Several months ago I tried tapering slowly off prednisone, getting down to 10 mg/day.  I stayed on 10 mg/day for approximately three weeks - when one morning I woke up and could not move my muscles.  I couldn't get out of bed without assistance.  It was like it was when I came down with Polymiositis - scary!  I never want to go back there again.

But the truth is - I MUST get off this medication.  It is affecting me in the strangest of ways.  I'm still losing hair every day.  My skin feels like it is always burning.  My complexion has acquired acne, which was never a problem for me.  I could go on.

I told my husband that it is not optional for me to get off this medication -- it is mandatory.  He agrees.  He sees what it's doing to me.  So I went into research mode.  Big time research mode.  Thank God for my Journalism degree which taught me how to dig deep.

And what I found gave me the understanding of why my last tapering didn't go well.  I tapered too quickly.  Prednisone affects the adrenal glands, among other things.  And when you're tapering off this medication, it is essential you take it SUPER slow -- the slower you taper, the better off you'll be.  I didn't know this - my doctor didn't tell me.  (Honestly, I don't think he knew otherwise he would have told me.  He's that kind of doctor!)

I called my doctor today and asked him if prednisone came in 2.5/mg tablets -- it does.  So he called in a prescription with that dosage so I can taper more slowly.  He's awesome.

I'm pasting below what I found out -- for others in the same situation.  I hope it helps someone else!

Simple truth...

God's Word tells us what true beauty is --  Proverbs 31:30:

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain, 

but a woman that fears the Lord is to be praised."

Dark Chocolate Zucchini Muffins - Yum!

I'm always looking for breakfast options for my husband -- something other than his usual toast or english muffins with his eggs.  They get old after awhile.  So I found this recipe on Pinterest the other night.  I had some zucchini squash in the fridge so I figured, "Why not try it?" My husband loves anything chocolate!

I used Ghirardelli 60% bittersweet chocolate in this recipe.  They turned out amazingly well.  SUPER MOIST and delicious.  No butter needed on these!!   I will definitely make these again and again.

Note: I'd recommend using coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.  Generally, that's what I do but I was low on coconut oil so I used vegetable oil this time.   And the flour can be replaced with gluten-free flour from www.simplygluten-free.com.  That's what I use!

Here they are - don't they look great?!

Your mom ever say that?

I remember those days - ha!!  

What's your "terrain" telling you?

I'm on my second "read" through "The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book" by Jessica K. Black, N.D.   Excellent book!  Definitely recommended.

She talks about how disease is only able to affect a body that is susceptible.  When our bodies are no longer in homeostasis - such as improper diet, poor lifestyle habits, genetic family history, chronic emotional stress, environmental toxic overload or sedentary lifestyle - it becomes weaker, being unable to defend itself against certain microorganisms and other disease states.  She calls this general state of bodily reactivity and health one's "terrain".

What's your bodily "terrain"saying about you?

Simple truth:  We are largely responsible for our health -- what we put into our mouths, the amount of stress in our lives,  how much exercise we get and more.  Genetics is such a small piece of the overall picture.

Knowing that, it gives hope because we CAN change these factors -- we can CHOOSE to eat a healthy diet, we can CHOOSE to live an active life, we can CHOOSE to reduce the amount of stress in our lives....these are things that we have control over.

Empowering!  We CAN turn our health around --  

The question is -- how badly do you want it?!  Hmmm.....

Motivation for Today!

The importance of eating REAL food!

I know all about inflammation!

Sadly, I know all about inflammation.  I wish I didn't.  But I do.  My auto-immune disorder, Polymiositis, is rooted in inflammation!!  I have been doing so much research on my condition since April, I could probably teach a class on it.

This chart that I found on Facebook from RawForBeauty is a simple resource --- I love simplicity. And it ties in with the  name of my blog - Back to Eden - because all the things on the left side that eliminate inflammation were given to us by God for good health.  It's really not that complicated.

Simplicity - 

going to back to nature - 

that's how simple it is to achieve good health.  

A Polymiositis Update!

Fall is in the air here in the Carolinas.  The leaves are slowly changing colors and dropping.  Instead of the mid 90s during the day, it has been in the low 80s and absolutely lovely.  Not to mention the nights -- oh my -- we've been able to open our windows and sleep without the air conditioning!  Glorious!!  My favorite time of year by far!

Photo taken by our daughter in our yard

Today was a really good day.  I awoke early to let out the dogs and hubby and I got started on washing, waxing and detailing the cars.  Perfect weather for such a project.  Sitting there on my little stool while scrubbing the wheels, I told my husband, "I just can't understand why people spend big bucks to have their cars washed when they could do it themselves.  Imagine the money they'd save and the enjoyment of accomplishing such a task!"  (I probably owe the love of clean cars to my father -- he always kept our vehicle spotless!  Thanks Dad!)

Ok, so you worked on your cars today.  Big deal!  Yes, VERY BIG DEAL!   The reason it was such a big deal was that I was able to get out there with husband and work alongside him instead of sitting in a chair, watching him work.  HUGE accomplishment!  My damaged lungs from when I had pneumonia put a serious damper on any kind of manual labor.  I have permanent scar tissue in both lungs and my lung capacity is far less than it ever was.

Within the last few weeks, I was approved for home oxygen therapy.  It was something I asked for from my primary care physician.  My resting oxygen levels were below 90 (they should be 98-100) - and I was having trouble doing much of anything.  Five minutes of vacuuming the living room made me dizzy.  I'd be gasping for breath, forced to sit down and breathe deeply.  It was ridiculous.  I was frustrated, to put it mildly.

Today, though I got a little winded a few times, I was able to carry on after just a few minutes of rest.  (My husband keeps a collapsible chair right inside the garage door so I can sit down any time I need to. Isn't he awesome?!  I am so blessed.)  The point is - I was encouraged today.  I was able to "work" and accomplish something -- something that lasted longer than just a few minutes.

How are my muscles, you ask?  Well, my hip joints and the shoulder joints are always tender and sore.  The task of putting on pants or the sort is always a challenge -- I can't lift my legs very high.  Getting in the car is a somewhat painful experience, lifting my leg.  But...

Did I say I was encouraged?!  Yes, I am encouraged.  I choose to focus on the positive.

God is good and He is faithful.

A Cholesterol Story I Must Share with You!

So often we are misled by the media when it comes to nutrition and health.  Sadly, it often causes physical harm when we don't do our homework.  

I HAVE to share this amazing story with you -- it is taken directly out of the book, Ultraprevention, by Mark Hyman, M.D. and Mark Liponis, M.D.  

It just might turn your life around!  I hope it does!  

Cholesterol Quiz ANSWER!!

Dr. Mercola addresses this very topic in his online article, "Statins - Are YOU Taking These 11 Dangerous Cholesterol Drugs?"  Click here

Take the Cholesterol Quiz!

Source: Ultraprevention, Hyman/Liponis

What's YOUR answer?  If you subscribe by email, click on the TITLE of the blog post and it will take you directly to my website.  Below the blog post, you can send me your response - just tell me, "a, b, c or d".

I'll give you the correct answer tomorrow.  As an incentive for responding, I'll send you a sample of one of my AIM healthy supplements for you to try.

So let me know what you think! :)

In Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Mark Liponis' book, Ultraprevention, they explain:

The less you eat, the less oxidative stress is placed on the mitochondria - when they don't have to process as much food, they don't generate as many free radicals, toxins, and waste products.  

The people who eat the most food have the highest level of oxidative stress, and need the most vitamins to compensate.(1)

Here in the United States, everything is "super-sized".  It seems our motto is "The Bigger, the Better" - when in reality, the opposite is true - especially as it pertains to health.

How do you incorporate "less is better"?  Here's a simple idea:

When you're out to eat, before you begin your meal, ask for a "to go" box and put half of your meal in the box for another time.  Or share your meal with a friend.  But only eat half!  This will make a huge difference in your health, not to mention your wallet! :)

Take a look at this article comparing serving sizes from around the world - click here.

Source:

(1) Ultraprevention, Mark Hyman, MD and Mark Liponis, MD, p. 146

Cartoon of the Day

What more is there to say?!

Laundry Stain Cheat Sheet

Here's a helpful tool....

The Truth of the Matter

This may sound too simple -- but it's so true.  The things we put in our mouth are either feeding disease or combating it.  WE are responsible for our bodies, our health, our quality of life.  No one else.  WE have to take FULL responsibility -- don't blame it on your parents and how you were brought up, the school's cafeteria food, how much income you make or whatever reason you might have.

Take FULL responsibility for what goes into your mouth!  

The Importance of Breakfast

Advantages of Drinking Water in the Morning