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Today I got to experience breast thermography at the Alternative Naturopathic Center here in Colorado. I had heard about it before, and since it was time for my mammogram I figured I'd try it out. I've had two mamms previously, and had always felt very uncomfortable getting them as I knew that they emit lots of radiation. Finding a place that does thermography wasn’t difficult but I know that Colorado has more in the way of alternative health than a lot of other states. I literally googled ‘breast thermography’ and up popped several that participated in it and I was lucky enough to find one close to my home. In case you don’t know anything about thermography, here’s the low down. In 1982, the FDA approved Thermography as an adjunctive breast screening procedure. Breast thermography has the ability to detect the first signs of a tumor that may be forming, up to 10 years before other procedures can detect it. The best evidence supporting the underlying principle of the thermal imaging regarding cancerous tumors surrounds the well- documented recruitment of existing vascularity and diagnosis. Conclusion- Thermography has the ability to signal that pre-cursers such as lymph congestion, hormone imbalance, and inflammation may be forming and set up an ‘alarm’ as much as 10 years before other procedures can recognize them. The focus on breast health is related to breast cancer precursors- those heat markers and areas that no x-ray or mammogram could ever show. A few things that thermography detects: -Chronic (prolonged) inflammation -Chronic lymphatic congestion (the systems that feed breast tissues and carry waste away) -Estrogen inflammatory influences (frequently when blood tests results show normal prognosis) In 1890 1in 90 women had breast cancer, in 2013 1 in 8 women, and today 1 in 6 women have it. Now don't get me wrong, I don't think that women get breast cancer because of mammograms, I think there are lots of other contributing factors. But, because of all the radiation that is emitted during, I wanted to try something else. And, here's a fun trivia fact, if you've had more than 7 mammograms in your life, you've increased your risk of breast cancer by 75%! Yup, you read that right. And our docs always tell us that by the time you reach the BIG 40, you need to have them every year! Every year for what, the rest our lives? Even if we don't have a family history? Even if we do? What about all that radiation? Won't that cause cancer? Answer, yes it does. In fact, more and more reports are coming out proving that not only do mammograms increase your risk of cancer, but if you have no history and are not at risk , you shouldn't even start getting them until you're over 50! What?! So, there I was, freezing and naked from the waist up (yes I had a gown on), filling out my health history and the health history of all the women in my family. They want you to sit in a cold room for ten minutes to lower your body temp so the DITI or digital infrared thermal imagining can read the heat in your body much easier. Mandy, the clinical thermographer, came in, talked with me for a minute or so and then instructed me to sit on the stool in front of the thermography machine. She then told me to raise my arms over my head, turn this way and that, taking images here and there. I could see the images appearing on the computer screen as she took them and after about five minutes she was done. There was no pulling or tugging, smashing or cold two ton machine squishing the girls into oblivion (I know dramatic. But those of you who have had a mammogram know what I’m feeling here!). I asked her a few questions about the procedure and honestly how accurate it is. She told me it’s actually more accurate than a mammogram because this procedure uses heat and cancer cells emit heat when they are dividing and growing. In fact, it can detect them ten years before the mammogram can. I left feeling good about it and not beat up or slightly bruised (I know, drama again). I would definitely recommend it to women, way before the mammogram. Before you get this done, do your research like I always say. Make sure you feel comfortable with it, make sure you’re able to have it done and that you’re not under a doctor’s care for some specific breast issues. I always look towards the alternative way of doing things, but some things may not be right for you. Educate yourself and then make the best decision for you and your body. No one knows your body better than you do! Here’s to your health and Namaste!
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It seems like sometimes I get distracted too easily, especially when it comes to health. Every week I have goals I set out to do, and generally I get them done, but lately I've been focused on other things. Ok, so this week I was supposed to work on my books and start a new project for my site, but this really cool thing came up!
For the last few years I've been researching natural cancer cures and ways to get your body and cells regenerated after a bout with the ol' Darth Invader. It’s been a very interesting journey. It actually all started when my Aunt, whom I was extremely close to, died of brain cancer about five years ago. I felt so helpless, especially because of my field of study. She declined fairly rapidly, and during her treatments, I remember my mom calling asking me if there was anything I could do or if I knew anything other than Chemo with which to treat her. I spent hours and hours researching anything I could get my hands on to try and help my aunt naturally. But being that I was in Ohio at the time and she was in Arizona, not only did that make things more difficult, but I simply did not have the means or knowledge to help her. She was in such dire straits with doctors pushing every kind of toxic poison through her blood stream and little ‘ol me in Ohio, what could I do? I felt so helpless..She passed away and I didn't even get the chance to say good bye. Sorry to be such a downer. But since that time, I have spent thousands of hours researching cancer cures and it has taken me down some pretty interesting roads. While I was studying to be a Holistic Practitioner I also spent countless hours educating myself on cell regeneration and ‘whole’istics which includes everything from herbs to homeopathy to supplements and botanical medicine. This week, The Truth About Cancer aired and I’ve spent the last few nights watching it, and my brain is on fire! This has got to be the coolest most innovative research in natural cancer care since the 1900’s when Naturopathic doctors were regarded as actual chiefs in the field of medicine instead of quacks. After Rockefeller threw billions of dollars at the Western medicine industry, Naturopathic docs were run out of town. This documentary will be going on for ten days and I encourage you to watch it. It will open your eyes and at times may infuriate you. I really wish I had known then what I know now, as I am certain if I had, my aunt would be alive today…But, I’m learning now, and hopefully someday what I know and will continue to learn can and will help others and will change and enrich their lives. And I hope on some level, I can make that difference for you all, bringing you info straight from the source. Happy healing and Namaste! It seems like I’ve been doing that the last few weeks, trying things out. And while that’s probably how I will always be (my friends call me the lab rat), I can’t help but wonder when I will stop using myself and volunteer some of my friends, in the name of science of course! So, if you read my recent review, my pedestal pal is BioMatrix. The yummy ingredients in that lovely has given me the much needed energy to power my way through my day and write these blogs at 1 am. While I don’t recommend staying up late and supplementing your way through your day, when I do need an extra boost, instead of reaching for a 5 Hour, I’m using something I know is natural and helps my body through times of stress.
The other thing I’ve been into lately has been probiotics. I love probiotics, and have been taking them for years! While I’ve always believed having a happy gut makes for a happy human, the more I’ve been reading lately the more I’m realizing how scary true this is. Society has abused antibiotics for years, knocking out viruses left and right and destroying our friendly neighborhood bugs in the process causing a plethora of serious health issues along the way. When the gut ecosystem hits a bump in the proverbial road, i.e loss of our flora and fawna, crazy things will ensue. Crohns disease, IBS, obesity, inflammation, cancers, autism, C-Diff, heart disease, and diabetes to name just a few. Gigantic microbiota gut communities will be wiped out, causing major health issues. Lifestyle, stress, poor eating habits, illness, and the over use of antibiotics will and can cause the loss of our much needed flora. Doctors have been over prescribing antibiotics for years and years, even before I was born! Now we are paying the price and scientists are wondering how on Earth were going to fight off the fantastic super bug they keep talking about. So what is a starved microbiota gut to do? Well, stop eating crap for one. Sounds simple? Yeah, well it kind of is. I always tell my clients, even if you eat half the junk or downed 17 McDonalds burgers in less than 24 hours, take probiotics. Always. And the good kind. Not the stuff you’ll find in yogurt. The stuff in the dark bottle, that needs to refrigerated and has more than three strong strains and more than 3 billion of each, I said bill not mill. So take care of your gut, give back. Heal it. For every 10 days of antibiotics taken, it takes up to 6 months to get your gut flora back, and possibly even longer depending on how much or how little flora you have left. From here on out, treat your gut to some good probiotics. It will thank you by providing a good home base for happy bugs to grow, thrive and stave off the bad guys. Have a happy week and here’s to your health!! Cheers!! ---Good reading with regard to this subject is 10% Human by: Alanna Collen Gorgeous isn't it?! Yeah, I'm not much of a winter girl. Born in California, I never had to learn to drive in the snow, scrape my car, wear gloves when I drove to work, deal with my eyes balls freezing over, or wearing socks to bed. After living in New Mexico, Ohio and now Colorado I have definitely had my fill. I learned to drive in the snow when my oldest was a baby, and I promptly got stuck in a ditch. So I grabbed my little bundle, who was 6 weeks old at the time, and trudged through knee deep snow to a nearby house to call my then husband to come pick me up. That was a while ago and I still hate driving in the snow. Not to mention slipping on the ice and waiting impatiently for my car to warm up in the morning. But, there are benefits to winter, as I must remember while I wait anxiously for warmer weather. The calm it brings, snuggling under blankets while there's a blizzard outside with that 'I'm inside safe and toasty' feeling. Spending time inside working on projects that are gathering dust from the summer when you decided to start them, having the excuse 'My car is stuck in the snow' so you can stay home and catch up on your shows on Netflix, and now that its the beginning of the year, assessing where you want things to be this year and how you see things playing out. I don't hate winter. I think I would like it better if I learned to snowboard and didn't notice I was freezing to death because I was having fun. Maybe next season. I keep saying that, but really maybe next. Then Ill spend my winter in a body cast, catching up on my Netflix shows, and staying warm in my plaster. Enjoy your winter and stay bundled!! Cheers! Today felt odd. There seems to be a strange energy in the air, a uncertain question that doesn't feel answered. I sense an uneasiness with the Universe that I can't quite describe. Whenever I feel this way, a dis-ease with the world around me, I try and get quiet, try to become as peaceful as I can within the confines of my own discomfort. There is a lot of negativity happening in the world, and its disruptive. Being a sensitive, sometimes not always a good thing, I think it really gets to me sometimes. I could never really put my finger on it in the past, just felt a sense of discomfort, of tension and concern. Now that I am vibrantly into holistics, I can pinpoint it. And even then, I have to stop and think "What the heck is going on?" So yeah, today I felt off. Did it to you? And it seems like things may take time to cool down, to catch up, to calm down. But as the new year progresses forward, I've decided to challenge myself. We all make resolutions, whether its at the top of the New Year or just any ol' day when we feel like it, we are always trying to change and better ourselves. Whether it be just to say hello to more people, or to really dive deeply into self awareness and go for it, we all at some point will try and escape our comfort zone and make a change. And sometimes those changes don't come that easily. Our comfort zone is well, comfy. Pulling ourselves out of that can be tough. So, I have made some resolutions, and I'll share them with you- and I'll get to my challenge. - Love more - create more - smile more - travel more - sleep more! (this one I really need) And I come up with others here and there that I add. But what my challenge is, is to become more aware. Not in the sense that I wasn't, as I have always been very aware and open minded, but instead of focusing on how I feel in the moment, focusing on what the other person or people may be doing and feeling. Not that I didn't do this but here's what I mean. We all are inherently egotistical. I know you're saying " I am not!" I'm not saying this as a negative, I'm saying this as something we all do. Clearly some more than others, but we all do to some degree. Instead of acting out of love, our ego gets hurt and we lash out, and sometimes at the people we love. That sends the wrong message, when all were really trying to say is, "I love you, please hear me." And that comes from both sides. I consider myself a very compassionate and loving person, but the ego is very cunning. It likes to be fed and when it gets ignored it gets hurt and angry. So my challenge is to hear first, the words of the person who needs to be heard. with an open mind, with an open heart and with open ears. I think I do that a lot, but I need to do this more. Because its important to me. So this is what I am challenging you to do. There's a lot happening right now, worry, fear, concern, because the ego has been ignored and now its angry and hurt. Set aside your ego, listen to the words of people around you, listen with love and with an open heart. And if that isn't easy for you, get quiet about it. Meditate on it and listen. Instead of always needing to be heard, listen. Now is the time for that, for your patience. Think of how freeing this will be for you. To hear, and to be aware. Let me know your thoughts on this. Be peaceful and take care. Cheers. So, Im sitting here reflecting on the holiday season, and I have to tell you, I feel so grateful. First off, I love this time of year. The energy, the beauty, the lights, the giving. Even though it can get crazy, and people can be off and rushing and feeling the strain, I actually love the hustle and bustle and everything that goes along with the season. Its like an overwhelming need to give, and love and be with people.
Growing up, my mom did everything she could to make sure us kids had an amazing and wonderful Christmas. She did it on her own, with three kids, and she and my grandmother started traditions that I still do with my own children. When my three older were small, I too was a single mom and didn't always have the means to give them everything they wanted so I had to get very clever. Along with those traditions I passed down from my mother, I started a couple little ones. I made gifts for them at times, planned a very special meal with all their favorite foods, (like mac and cheese and hot dogs), and saved every bit I could to get each child one very special gift. I look back on that now, and even though things have changed for us, I still do all those things. Along with the things the kids get for Christmas, and sometimes they get so much, I give them their one very special gift, I still do the scavenger hunt for them (something I've done since they were toddlers) and I still make them their favorite dishes on Christmas Eve. My children can honestly say that Christmas is in fact their favorite time of year also. Because of course, not only do they get gifts and get to eat a lot, but they remember the pure joy of giving, the beauty of the season of love and the wash of joy they have, as I do, of family and gatherings and coming together. Even though the season might not always be perfect, as it wasn't always when the kids were little, we love eachother, we put things aside, even for a day, and smile a little more and breath in the air of the Christmas season and our hearts become engulfed in the joy of the energy around us. So, my message to you is, love a little more, give a little more, smile a little more and rejoice in the hoilday season! It goes by way too quickly! Cheers! I'm still recovering from the Thanksgiving feast, and now I'm forced to go shopping and brave the crowds with my belly looking as though I'm about 5 months pregnant!! We had a great time, made tons of food, had the family over, and ate way too much. By the time 8pm came rolling around, we were all sitting around the table, eyes half closed, and talking about how much we loved each other. I'm not sure if that was the wine or the tryptophan talking but it was nice. And since I'm finally back in Colorado with my family, it made this Thanksgiving extra special. In fact, just before we ate, I had everyone say one thing they were thankful for. That was my thing, that I'm back here, celebrating with my family again. And that my kids are healthy of course!
So, the day after is when the Christmas shopping shall commence. Black Friday. I always wondered why they call it that. Because its the day that the shopping apocalypse starts? Crowds of crazy people looking for the best deals, and there I am right in there, part of the crazies. Although this year I didn't get up at my usual 3am, I slept in. Why? Two words that have literally changed my life. ONLINE SHOPPING, Yes, I never thought I would go there. To give up the 3am rush, standing in line with your Starbucks, snow blasting in your face, eyes barely open but your mind thinking "This woman and I joke about being here so early and how insane people are, but when those doors open, that $125.00 42 inch tv is mine! All mine!! I will pry it from her hands!" So now, I have turned the corner. No longer fighting the crowds for the last Hatchimal, but casually browsing on my own computer, in my jammies if I choose. Its lovely. And really you can find great deals. Then they started this thing Cyber Monday, a few years back, in case you missed Black Friday. They also have sales the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and while your turkey or tofurkey is digesting you can head over to some stores that open early for deals. Either way, this time of year can get pretty nuts, but I try and take a little time to chill. So as I'm cleaning carpets just before I set up my tree, looking up holiday recipes, trying to find deals online for my family, or getting the house ready for Christmas, I will brew a cup of tea and flip through Netflix for a wonderfully romantic holiday movie. Or watch Elf for the 10th time, which is never enough. Enjoy the turning of the seasons and remember to take time out for you!! Love you all! Cheers!! So, now that the election is over and done with, thank you, I would like to know how you all are feeling. My perspective is that no matter how things turned out, err on the side of positivity. I have friends and family from both sides and both sides are concerned, but in light of all this, even though you may be feeling odd or worried or sitting on the side lines thinking 'what the heck is happening to our country?' let me remind you of this. Some of us may be feeling divided, but when it comes down to it, we are all here trying to do the best we can. We are all trying to figure it out, even if life throws us curve balls, and hammer us with lessons that at times seem useless and confusing. But were in this together, and to use that saying, none of us are getting out of this alive. SO, do the best you can everyday. Find the beauty in life, the miracles and the things that make you smile. Lets take care of each other by doing one thing everyday that helps another. Whatever it may be, a smile, a 'hello' , pay for someone's coffee or pay it forward. Those little things is what keeps us going and makes our own concerns seem a little less concerning. On a lighter note. I have finally, thank the stars above, finished my courses! Every two years I have to do continuing education to keep up my license, but this year I went a little further with it. I've taken so many courses over the years and this one kicked my butt. I absolutely love health and wellness and this just furthered my education. I have to say, that even though it was very difficult, I had the best time! Health and Wellness is an ever changing study that keeps evolving and its very important to me to evolve with it. Not only because I just love it, but also because I want provide the best of me and what I know, to you. So, enjoy the rest of your week, keep on moving forward no matter what life throws at you, and remember, life has so many opportunities that are just waiting for you to grab them! Cheers!! Hands down one of my favorite holidays! I always had a dark side, since as far back as I can remember, but you don't have to have a dark side to crave the excitement of Halloween! The glorious colors, letting your creativity shine as you dress up as whatever you want (yes, you should still dress up even if you're a grown up!), enjoying delicious treats, the autumn leaves, and joyous smiles, and just well, Halloween kicks butt is what it comes down to. You can get all arts and crafty, its a time for all ages to party, traditions, decorations don't have to be sentimental or overly expensive.
Halloween celebrates gluttony. Its all about consuming delicious treats and who doesn't like permission to indulge in their sweet tooth?? Its the only day of the year where kids are allowed to talk to strangers! HAHA! They bang on the doors of people they've never met and expect a gift from them! WHAT!? Better yet, when the people leave candy outside on the porch and say 'one please' and its a chance for kids to practice good behavior! (fingers crossed they've listened to you when it comes to manners!) Halloween music is better than Christmas music. The Monster Mash, Rocky Horror Picture show, Thriller, Nightmare on Elm Street, Season of The Witch, and so many more are songs I can play over and over during this time without anyone yelling at me!! Farmers win this time of year! They finally get to sell all their pumpkins. The only time you can dress up your dog or cat without anyone thinking you're insane. You don't agonize about what to get someone for Halloween. Forget about gifts planning, wrapping, and gift returns!! Its a voluntary holiday and anyone who wants to can join in the fun! Young, old, rich or poor. Even dead people love it!! Halloween is also about conquering your fears. Its breathing a sigh of relief at the end of a horror film that you just survived it. Or a haunted house safe and sound, thank gawd you made it out alive! We look at the grim reaper in the eye and tell him "We got some partying to do dude!" And its the only day of the year where civilized people let go of their inhibitions and let their crazy take over!! They dress however they want, even a baby in a diaper with a bottle, and no one will say a word, at least not to their face! You can create together! Family and friends come together and create decorations for a party or costume and that when they can let their creativity take over. Women can dress slutty and no one says anything! HA! For those women who are more reserved, they can finally dress how they want to and discover how sultry they can be. Halloween movies are awesome, pumpkin carving beats hands down, and falling in love with a vampire or warewolf isn't so Twilighty! So, enjoy this year and blast it out! Let it go and have fun!!! Happy Halloween!!!! Cheers!! I LOVE Fall!!!.This has got to be my all time favorite time of year! Really, I love every season in Colorado, but truly, Fall beats out. Its just such an amazing transition time for everything and everyone. Not only is Mother Nature in high gear with gorgeous colors, but it seems like things are starting to slow down. Become at peace, quietly settling into a season that will soon be at rest. In Colorado the aspens change, and wow is that a sight!
I spent last weekend in Steamboat Springs with my boys and hubby doing a little fly fishing and hiking and I'll tell you what, I haven't felt that at peace in a long time. Driving up, seeing all the trees changing, nature becoming a whole new wonderful, and just the overwhelming feeling of joy as I just couldn't get enough. The lakes in Steamboat are amazing. We hiked around Pearl Lake which it just so happens that day, there was no one around and it was so incredibly quiet, all we could hear was nature. Fish jumping, hawks flying overhead, critters scampering, and our voices that were forced into a whisper. We were all in awe. My youngest son caught an artic grayling fish, which apparently isn't that common in Colorado. We always catch and release, so he unhooked it and it swam away unscathed. After our hike, we went back to the room. cleaned up and headed over to Moe's smokehouse for dinner. It was at the edge of town and the kind of place where you can wear a ball cap and flip flops and feel dressed up. I loved it! Had a lot of personality and while we waited for our food, we carved our names in the table among the many before us. We ate smoked turkey and wings, yes I know not the healthiest thing in the world, but hey, everyone needs a day, and potato salad which I'm sure was made fresh just before we got there. The next day we did our usual routine of visiting the candy store, we visit the candy store in every town we vacation, and headed out, back to our lives. After spending the weekend among the aspens, the colder weather and fishing, I felt refreshed and totally ready for change of the season. Embrace this time, settle down and enjoy. Take advice from the critters and nature around you who are settling down, and savor the time to take it down a notch or two. I'm going to. Give it a try. Breathe deeper, sleep longer, smile more and observe the things around you. Let me know your thoughts. Cheers! |
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