Take a Stand in Your Community Against Bath Salts!

Bath salts are not just bath salts these days. Well, not all of them anyway. Although the compound that is present in bath salts, MDVP, has been along for as long as 1969, it has just recently become a trend in the United States.  With local gas stations and smoke shops selling it right over the counter, you can see how serious of a problem this really is. These fake bath salts, commonly manufactured in China and India, are being marketed as bath salts and are being sold in individual bags on the Internet and in convenience stores and on the street by the brand names Ivory Wave, Ocean, Charge +, White Lightening, Scarface, Hurricane Charlie, Red Dove, Cloud-9 and White Dove.

                                        

Moreover, because of the lack of information regarding this toxic substance, kids and teenagers everywhere are at risk. Unfortunately, in today's society  children are faced every day with the temptation to use drugs. Whether this be directly from their friends or indirectly by witnessing the behavior of their peers, it is something that is almost impossible to avoid completely. The best way for parents to handle this is to stay informed and educated about not only the effects of these new substances but the warning signs of use. Awareness is the best preventative measure available coupled with proper communication when explaining to teenagers the risks involved in recreational drug use.  A lot of times, kids don't see that parents have their best interest at heart and think instead they are just Big-Bad-Fun-Stealers! When approaching a young person about drugs, it is best to be honest with them and remain calm at all costs. Trust is essential on both ends and the lack of it can reverse all efforts made.

Although MDVP has been around since the 1960's, there has been a recent spread in its use. The first seizure was reported in 2007 in Germany. In 2010, the product became mass manufactured and therefore use increased. The chemical name is 3,4- methylenedioxipyrovalerone. It is commonly understood as a synthetic form of cocaine or methamphetamine. The physical effects associated with MDVP are increased heart rate, sweating, increased blood pressure and a constriction of blood vessels and arteries. The mental effects associated with this deadly chemical are euphoria, increased alertness, loss of appetite, insomnia, anxiety, and agitation. At the initial onset of the high, the user is filled with an abundance of happy thoughts and feelings. During the period in which the user begins to come down off of the drug, they are left with such anxiety, dread, and despair that many attempt suicide as a result.

These substances have already been banned in the United Kingdom and several other countries, including  Israel, Australia and Canada. In the United States, Kentucky has already filed legislation to ban the substance and North Dakota’s Pharmacy Board has added several of these same chemicals to their state’s banned substance list. In Lousianna, the possession, use, and manufacturing of this drug have been made illegal. According to the governor, Bobby Jindal, there have been a number of hospitalizations due to use of MDVP. In fact, from September to January there were 165 crisis phone calls due to the snorting, smoking, and misuse of these “so-called” bath salts in Lousianna alone which is only 57% of the calls made in the entire country. The  majority of the phone calls made  were by emergency room physicians and people caring for those in distress due to abusing bath salts.  

In total, there are six chemicals being added to the list of Schedule I drugs:

Specifically, the chemicals added by rule are 3,4-Methylenedioxymethcathinone (Methylone), 3,4-Methyenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), 4-Methylmethcathinone (Mephedrone), 4-methoxymethcathinone, 4-Fluoromethcathinone and 3-Fluoromethcathinone.

By adding these chemicals to the controlled dangerous substance act as Schedule I drugs, the possession, manufacturing or distribution of these drugs will carry penalties similar to those of heroin, which could mean up to 30 years in prison. The problem with this is that outlawing these substances can be timely and the chemists reponsible can alter the chemical makeup and have yet another go around even after the bath salts under these chemical names are taken off of the market. We, the People, DO  have a voice and CAN speak out against this horrendous drug! It isn’t out of our hands. Some of the people in my hometown, decided to take a stand against bath salts. They stood outside of the places that sell them with signs and wouldn’t you know they were taken off the shelves!! This has been done without legislation being passed. You see, when enough people speak out, businesses will listen. Sometimes it takes only a few people to stand up and say this is not working for us and it should not be working for you either!!! Be aware of not ONLY the dangers that our communities are faced with but be aware of what we CAN do to make a difference and PROTECT the lives of the one’s we love!

Energy is Life

The entire universe is made up of energy. The Tree Outside, a Basketball, Insects, Plants, You and Me, We are all Energy! Everything in life is formed of vibration and that vibration is energy. The Law of Attraction written by Isaac Newton and added onto by Einstein and many others' states that Humans are Energy and our Thoughts Have a Frequency that Attracts Other Energy. Because everything around us and inside of us is made up of vibrations and energy similarly our organs, tissues, and systems within our body are comprised of vibrating atoms. When something like an allergen or contaminated food substance enters the body, it can alter the vibrational pattern of the body or particular system. If our flow of energy is Blocked, Overactive, or even Under active, DISEASE and AILMENTS can occur. We are made up of Body, Mind, and Spirit. When one is harmed, the others fall right behind. They are connected! There isn't one without the other just like the Trinity. So, why then do we only treat one part of ourselves?

There are different approaches to Energy Healing practiced throughout the world. The most common used being Traditional Chinese Medicine which uses a system of 14 meridians to analyze energy levels and treat through Acupuncture. The Chinese also use Shiatsu, Tai Chi, and Chi Kung for balancing  the energy pathways. Yoga, Aromatherapy, Chakra Healing, Flower & Gem Remedies, and Reiki are also used to balance subtle energies within the body.

Acupuncture has been extremely effective in treating as well as preventing many common health issues that we are plagued with in the U.S. and is Less Expensive but unfortunately hasn't been used nearly enough. It is becoming more and more widespread and many insurance companies will cover it. Although proven to work, the availability of places around that actually practice acupuncture are scarce! Yoga, which you can do at Home for Free helps to balance energy levels throughout the Body and Mind and there are many specific poses that can be done specifically for balancing the body's energies.           

 

 What are Chakras? Chakra comes form the Sanskrit Word meaning 'wheels of light'. There are Seven Major Chakras that interact with the body's endocrine glands and lymphatic system by feeding in good energy and disposing of unwanted energy. Chakra Healing focuses on the major and minor points in the body where energy is said to radiate. There are seven major chakras (see picture) and twenty one minor chakras throughout the body. The minor chakras are thought to be the energy defenders in the body and the major chakras are considered the initiators of key body functions. Both are vital to your body's functionality! There is no doubt that we are creatures that are made up of Energy as is our Entire Universe. We need to be aware of our Flow of Energy and its direct connections to our Organs and Body systems. 

                                              
There is a website that give you an overview of Chakras and allow you to take the Chakra Test. It introduces Chakra Healing and will show you how your Chakras rate. It is through increased awareness that we open the door to new opportunities for growth and optimum health.

Eating Healthy is Delicious!!!

My Lunch:  Spinach Wrap with generous amount of Hummus, Baby Spinach, Red Bell Peppers, Cucumbers,  and Shredded Carrots; Little side salad with vinegar and oil with leftover veggies; Glass of Green Tea Unsweetened.

 

                                                              

My fiancee and I have passed the SEVEN day mark and have decided to KEEP GOING with our Vegan Diet. It is wonderful to feel good about the most EVERYTHING you are putting in your body. My energy levels are HIGH! I have been getting up earlier and feeling good throughout every day. And I must add that we in NO WAY have been limited in our diet. There are plenty of REALLY GREAT alternatives to meat! We have had no trouble going out to eat and ordering, it just takes a little more thought to do so. There is great satisfaction in knowing that you are controlling EACH and EVERYTHING going in your body and that you in fact are very CAPABLE of doing so!! It is so rewarding!

We had originally planned to stay on this diet for seven days. Just a couple days into it, it became clear that seven days is UNDOUBTEDLY too short! Giving it a little thought and the primary purpose of this diet being to become more DISCIPLINED and CONSCIOUS about the foods we are putting into our bodies, we decided to stay on this diet for 21days! There is a theory that 21 days is the amount of time it takes to MAKE or BREAK a HABIT. I have tested this with other things like exercise and the results have been REMARKABLE!!!

Are YOU one of those people who CAN"T even bear to IMAGINE a life without meat? Well, I AM one of those people! I love steaks, chicken, ribs, bacon, chicken, hot dogs, seafood, YOU NAME IT!!! It wasn't until here recently that I realized how much things like this DOMINATE my diet. Comparatively speaking, We need 5servings of fruit and vegetables and 6-12grains per day. When you have your dinner plate sitting in front of you does the meat take up more of your plate than anything else? You are not alone!!! As Americans, this is how we have been brought up! We get more meat and in return we are giving up the necessary components for a healthy and balanced diet. If we are eating more meat than we need, chances are we are eating less of the things we do need!! This is clear when you go out a restaurant and you see the portion sizes! There is so much meat on the plate that they try to compensate by adding more of the other foods and before you know it, you are walking out with tomorrows dinner too! Below are some guidelines to just how much meat IS or SHOULDN'T BE on your plate.

                                  3 servings/ounce equivalents of fish 
                                               = 1 checkbook
                                3 servings/ounce equivalents of meat or poultry 
                                               = 1 deck of cards
                                2 servings/ounce equivalents of peanut butter 
                                    = 1 roll of 35 mm film/1 ping-pong ball

We need two to three servings of meat per day at three ounces per serving. When you sit down to eat an eight ounce filet at night with a steaming baked potato, you are eating almost your ENTIRE days requirement for meat!! With obesity such a growing concern among Americans and the rates CONSISTENTLY INCREASING annually, this is something that needs to be looked at if we want to live Long Quality Lives! I urge everyone to THINK before you EAT!! What is it that is really going into your mouth and into the mouths of your families? Do you feel good about your answer? Are there some things you can do or not do that would make you feel better?

                                   

Vegan Diet

Okay, three days ago my fiancee and I started doing a vegan diet. We watched an episode of Oprah and were impressed with the results for the people participating. So, we decided to try it. We had planned to do it for one week but after beginning we have decided that is not long enough. I am not sure how long we will do it but we are feeling great about it!


The biggest challenge during the first couple of days was  making sure we are getting enough protein. We drink a protein supplement mixed with almond milk and that helps but even that only brings 15% of our required daily amount of protein. We have been eating a lot of nuts also. I discovered yesterday that a been burrito without cheese, of course has 16g of protein!! That's almost half of mine for the entire day! We went to Subway today and got foot long veggie subs on whole wheat and discovered there was 18g of protein!! As of two o'clock I am only 15g shy of my protein for the day and after I drink my protein drink, I will be there!


Now, obviously I can't eat Taco Bell everyday and so I got a recipe book filled with vegan recipes. However, it is comforting to know that if I am out on the go, I do have an quick food option that is quite tasty! We are extremely happy about our new diet (if you want to call it that) and feel wonderful!!! I didn't miss the cheese on my sub or burrito at all. In fact, I couldn't really tell a difference.

This I Believe

Life is a play...We are the producers...We write the script.

The Earth is our children and grand children's playground; whether they exist now or will in the future.  Litter is the destruction of that playground.

Music is therapy to our mind, body, and soul.  It is the EVER present presence in the air we breathe and without some for of it, life would cease to exist.

There is no love even minutely comparable to the unconditional love a parent holds for their child.  With that being said, those who give the gift of life, in return are given the most precious gift of all.  

Life includes friends & friendship is impossible without love.

Closed-mindedness  is a barbed wire fence separating us from understanding.

What do you believe?

No More Antidepressants

About this time last year, I was going through a lot of changes.  After a tough breakup, my job ending, and making the decision to agree to the shared parenting proposal my ex was requesting, I felt more alone that ever.  I had never lived alone up until this point and it just seemed as if my entire world was crumbling around me.  I decided to make an appointment to get on an antidepressant.  I took this pill for just about six weeks and was beginning to see results. However, when it came time to refill the prescription I started to have some doubts.  I knew that if I were to continue to take this antidepressant that the chances of me NEEDING to take it forever would be great.  I have always had strong opinions regarding doctors and their readiness to prescribe a pill for just about everything.  This began as a child when I regularly pretended to be sick to get out of going to school.  My mom would take me to the doctor and you would be surprised the diagnosis' they would come up with.  Once, I was told I had ulcers without any tests being performed to confirm.  This is just one example.

After a lot of thought and talking with a friend, I was told about Noni-Fruit.  After doing my research, I became convinced that this was the route for me.  After reading all of the positives regarding Noni-fruit, I was very confident that it was worth a try.  I stopped taking my antidepressant and instead began taking Noni-fruit three times daily.  I combined this with yoga and exercise and in a couple of weeks, saw dramatic results with no side effects.  Now, this is not the proper way to do it.  It can be harmful to discontinue use of an antidepressant after you have been on it for a long time and you should definitely consult with your doctor before making such a decision but I hadn't been on the pill for very long and am a bit stubborn at times.

I have included some information from Steven Hall M.D., of the state of Washington who is also a Noni user.  I thought it important to include this because I am not an expert.  I only can attest to what Noni has done for me.  

'Not only does noni provide many benefits on its own, but it also increases the effectiveness of other treatments.' He has found that 'noni is incredible because it offers help to people who could not be helped by traditional medical science.'

'Increased effectiveness and an alternative treatment to drugs are just two of the reasons that noni is such a valuable herb. Hall's results were consistent with the previously reported positive response from 78 percent of noni users. Noni also has the following characteristics:

'Noni works synergistically with other food supplements and/or medications.'

'Noni probably helps with prevention, and works optimally in conjunction with other antioxidants.'

'Noni helps animals heal faster.'

'Dr. Schechter, director of the Natural Healing Institute in California, reports that there has been a wealth of information supporting the traditional uses and health benefits of noni. His work supports what the Kahunas (traditional healers in Hawaii) have known and used beneficially for thousands of years. He confirmed in an interview that the positive results obtained by physicians using noni were consistent with the results obtained by naturopathic clinicians. Dr. Schechter has treated hundreds of patients with noni and has been very impressed with the variety of illnesses that responded to noni.'

'The following gives a synopsis of some important data concerning Dr. Schechter's clinical investigations:

'Noni stimulates the production of T-cells in the immune system. T-cells play a pivotal role in fighting disease.'

'Noni acts to enhance the immune system involving macrophages and/or lymphocytes, which are a vital part of your body's natural defenses.'

'Noni has been shown to combat many types of bacteria.'

'Noni has unique anti-pain effects.'

'Noni inhibits precancer function and the growth of cancer tumors by allowing abnormal cells to function more normally.'

'Dr. Schechter states, 'As a clinical therapist, I have seen noni generate significant, even profound, therapeutic benefits for both prevention and self-help of a wide range of health problems.'

'From Dr. Schechter's list and from the information provided by the other professionals with whom I communicated, I have determined the primary application categories, which are discussed in the following overview. Though there are many other valuable uses of noni, as the charts show, only those with the most support have been included.'

'Actually, noni has over a hundred primary and secondary applications. This booklet will focus mainly on the primary uses. Noni is invaluable as a healing herb because of the following functions, which will all be discussed in more detail:

'Increases body energy.

Alleviates pain.

Acts as anti-inflammatory and anti-histaminic agent.

Has antibacterial properties that can protect against digestive and heart damage.

Works with melatonin and serotonin to help regulate sleep, temperature and mood cycles.
Inhibits precancer function and growth of cancer tumors.'

'The following table contains statistical analysis of the data, including both primary and secondary applications, that I obtained from surveying more than 50 doctors and other health professionals who had taken noni and/or given it to over 10,000 patients. It depicts the number of people who drank noni juice for 23 different conditions, the percentage that were helped, and the primary active components (PAC) believed to be involved. It is my belief that although the PAC is the major component, it is the total blend of all natural ingredients that result in noni's optimal health benefits.'

'Conditions helped with Noni: # of users: % helped: probable active Noni compound:

Allergy, decreased symptons 948 84% Xeronine
Anti-Aging, Look Better 148 78% Terpene
Arthritis, Lessened symptoms 719 81% Terpene
Breathing, Improved 2,854 77% Xeronine
Cancer, Lessened symptoms 889 65% Xeronine
Depression, Lessened symptoms 807 77% Xeronine
Diabetes, Types I and II 2,773 84% Scopoletin
Digestion Improved 1,593 89% Xeronine
Energy Increased 8,327 92% Xeronine
Fuzzy thinking, helped clear 373 88% Xeronine
Heart Disease, Decreased symptoms 1,123 80% Xeronine
High Blood Pressure, Decreased 938 85% Scopoletin
Kidney Health Improved 2,372 67% Xeronine
Mental Acuity, Increased Alertness 2,983 72% Xeronine
Muscle, Increased Body-building 816 71% Protein
Obesity, Lost excess weight 2,841 75% Xeronine
Pain, including headaches, decreased 4,231 88% Xeronine
Sexuality, Enhanced enjoyment 1,608 87% Xeronine
Sleep, Improved 1,231 73% Xeronine
Smoking, Stopped 452 58% Xeronine
Stress, Helped cope with 4,113 72% Xeronine
Stroke 1,019 57% Xeronine
Well Being, Increased feeling of 4,561 80% Xeronine''

Morinda contains healthful phytonutrients that are unique to the Morinda plant. It also contains appreciable amounts of the precursor of xeronine which works at the molecular level to repair damaged cells.

Many people using morinda have reported that it is helping to clear type II diabetes and arthritis.

Many users of Morinda report that it is amazingly effective but that it works gradually over a period of several months. About 25% of Morinda users report benefits within a few weeks. About half report benefits within 2 months.

The fruit powder can be encapsulated, or stirred into tea.

After reading this information, I decided that it would be crazy not to give this a try.  I am glad I made the decision.  You can purchase this at a health food store or you can buy it direct and make your own capsules for a cheaper price.  You can also mix it in a smoothie or make tea with it.

Gene Modification

I recently read an article called Evolution by Intelligent Design which discussed the possibility of using biotechnology to manipulate genes and the DNA of unborn children.  The article discusses the advances in technology that are enabling such gene manipulation to be a possibility.  Their belief is that by manipulating genes, they will be able to eliminate diseases that they have otherwise been unable to cure.  They also discuss the possibility of creating genes that will prevent children from being unattractive and unintelligent.  The article explains that the research and experiments that are being done at the present could allow gay couples to have children by using skin cells from only one of the parents.  The article suggests that we humans can be solely responsible for determining our own evolutionary patterns thus creating our own human genome.  The scientists in the article support the participation in gene manipulation and believe that in doing so, we can create our own new species.

           I have heard on television during current topics in the news that parents may be able to choose the hair color of their unborn child.  I was aware that there were scientific breakthroughs taking place regarding gene and DNA manipulation.  However, I was not aware that it was to this extent!  To think that embryonic cells can be produced using only a few skin cells and that from these cells a human being can be made!  I find this not only mind boggling but extremely disturbing.  They are taking the guesswork out of the childbearing experience all together. The whole idea of having a child means that you love the child the way it is because it is an extension of you and your significant other; not that you make the child into something that you can love.  Having a child, in my opinion, is the only way to experience unconditional love and should NOT be something that we as humans control.

            The future of our species is at risk with this new found phenomena.  We are all at risk if this becomes something that is readily practiced.  Not only will the children being born without this element of gene manipulation be at almost a disadvantage to the children whose DNA are changed but the parents will also have to deal with their children's feelings of inadequacy.  Self esteem issues are and always have been something that children struggle with and this would undoubtedly escalate the issue for those whose parents decide against it.  On another note, what will happen if the experiments don't go as planned?  We could have a million little Frankensteins running around.  What if the adverse effects of the experiments didn't show up for many years later and all was thought to be well? There is a lot at risk when thinking about this possibility and I believe that there are just certain things that should be left alone.  This is no doubt one of them!