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!

   

Say Goodbye to Acid Reflux

Do you suffer from reoccurring heartburn caused be acid reflux disease? Do you frequently skip pizza with your coworkers or pass on the Spaghetti Warehouse because you know the price you will inevitably pay later for these indulgences?    You are not alone!  Millions of Americans rely on their prescriptions of Prilosec, Prevacid, or whatever new medication the pharmaceutical companies are promoting now.   I am one of many who has to keep a bottle of tums in my medicine cabinet and a roll inside of my purse.  It wasn't until one afternoon my mother and I decided to take a trip to Yellow Springs to do some shopping that we came across the answer.  We went to No Common Scents, which is a store that sells herbs and essential oils among other things.

   

         My Mom was explaining that her monthly costs for her heartburn medication were seventy dollars a month!!!  I suggested that she ask the woman at the shop if she knew of any herb that would do the trick.  To our amazement, she not only suggested one that she thought would work but swore by it.  Not only did she claim that it would treat the symptoms of acid reflux but said that after using it for one year, she has been cured and no longer has to take anything.

         SO, bring on the PIZZA and the SPAGHETTI!  And no more monthly prescriptions!  It's that easy and it's natural of course with no side effects. BARLEY GRASS worked for us.  It is a  bright green powder and you can buy the capsules already made up or you can make your own.  I prefer to make my own as it is cheaper.  Barley grass helps to make your body more alkaline which reduces acidity and can heal peptic ulcers.  Don't just take my word for it, try it for yourself!  Not only is barley grass effective in curing heartburn but is also great for allergies and as an energy booster.  My mom and I have been using it for over six months now and the results have been amazing.  You don't have to continue taking man-made pills that cause a whole new slew of problems.  We were given the plants on Earth for this very reason so when exactly did we decide that man's solution is always the best choice?  There is no doubt that there will be a time we need to rely on these man made concoctions and we won't have a choice.  I am a firm believer in skipping out on them until absolutely necessary!

Green Tea for All!

I recently bought a book called Healing Teas written by Marie Nadine Antol which I found very informative.  It is no secret that green tea is supposed to be the best tea to drink.  It is loaded in antioxidants as we all know but a lot of things claim to be these days.  So what is the hype about Green Tea that sets it apart from all of the rest?  

        

        It turns out that there is something that sets green tea apart from all of the other teas and that something is its presence of plant chemicals called Polyphenols.  Polyphenols are antioxidants.  Antioxidants are the substances that actually fight free radical cells which cause cancer.  Free radicals are also tied to premature aging and a whole list of other diseases.  These antioxidants that are present in green tea are lost during the fermentation process of other teas.  The most important of these polyphenols is called EGCG and is considered stronger than either Vitamin E or C-with medicinal properties.

                                         

          It is known that more people in Japan drink Green Tea than in any other country in the world.  As a result of this, there have been a number of studies done to analyze just how beneficial drinking green tea is.  It has been found that those who drink green tea on a regular basis have a much lower incidence of various types of malignant tumors including those found in the liver, breast, pancreas, skin esophagus, and even the lungs.  This is in spite of the fact that the Japanese love cigarettes.  In 1991, The American Cancer Society reported that those who regularly took green tea actually had a 45% less chance in developing lung cancer than those who did not!!!!

          It was also found in a double blind study that those who drink green tea each day can help to decrease excess body fat.  On the other hand, this only works with excess body fat.  It will not cause weight loss in people who are not overweight.   Additionally, green tea is good for the heart.  It actually prevents the production of platelets that cause the blood to thicken and clump into clots.  So, what's all this hype about green tea?  Well, obviously it isn't just hype.  It can help to treat a number of ailments common to people all over the world.  It has shown to lower blood pressure, prevent stroke, treats influenza, and fights bacteria that causes cavities and tartar.  The Japanese had it right again!  So, even if green tea isn't your ideal "cup of tea" the scientific data as not just a preventative but a healer is simply too strong to ignore. 

Benefits of Lavender

                                              

If there is one essential oil that is a must have for every home, indeed Lavender is the one. Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, and detoxifier. It promotes healing and prevents scarring, and also stimulates the immune system. It is very effective in the treatment of scalds and burns and is safe to use even on babies. Lavender oil truly is the miracle oil of all. It is one of the few oils that can be applied directly to the skin without the need for diluting. When combined with other oils, the effectiveness increases not only of the lavender oil itself but of any other oil it is combined with.

Lavender, or Lavendula Angustifolium, originates in England, France, Tasmania, and Yugoslavia and the oil is obtained from the flowering tops of the plant. It is very important to ensure the healing properties of the oil that the botanical name and country of origin is specified. Otherwise, one cannot be sure that it is not a perfume oil. Perfume oils have no healing properties.

I have included a list of the Aromatherapeutic uses of Lavender and the name of a book where more information like this can be obtained.

In Home Uses: Burns, Inflammation, Cuts, Wounds, Eczema, Dermatitis, Fainting, Headaches, Influenza, Insomnia, Hysteria, Migraines, Nausea, Nervous Tension, Infections, Bacterial Conditions, Sores, Ulcers, Acne, Boils, Asthma, Rheumatism, Arthritis

You see the possibilities are endless. Lavender truly is a must have for any home! If this interests you, I highly recommend The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Wormwood.

White Wine or Red?

It’s no secret that the wine industry is one that is adored by many and restaurants have been around for as long as anyone can remember, so it’s no wonder that the two coincide. After all, who eats without drinking? Food and beverage are not only something one does merely to survive but are considered by many as a fine art. From the growing of the grapes to the technique in which a chef uses to position food upon a plate for presentation, both are very unique and yet work together so melodiously that for many it is difficult to enjoy one without the other.

I come from a very food oriented background. As a small child, many of my own memories include being beside my mother in the kitchen. Whether assisting her with peeling potatoes or simply setting the table for a holiday feast, this is something that has carried through with me to my adult years. After working as a manager in an upscale American Bistro where wine and food were equally important in determining the overall satisfaction of the guest, I considered myself to be quite the aficionado. It wasn’t until a trip to the Bahamas on a cruise ship that this proved to be untrue.

It’s funny really, five years of regularly attending wine tastings along with working in an atmosphere where the money I made depended on my knowledge of wine and food and I found out in one hour that I knew nothing! I was always taught that if you order white meat (fish, chicken, creamy pasta) that you would pair it with a white wine. Accordingly, red wine went with the bolder tasting dishes (steaks, ribs, Creole favorites). I discovered after a one hour wine and food pairing seminar which cost me only ten dollars that my teachings had been limited. There is so much more to it!

The question of white or red does not rely solely on the color of the meat that you are ingesting but all of the flavors that make up the dish itself as well as the manner in which the dish is prepared. A nice oaky chardonnay is not only excellent with a rich pasta dish or walleye but also with a char-grilled filet mignon. You see, the wood taste that is given by the oak in a chardonnay is enhanced by the smoky taste of the grill. That’s right, white wine with steak! What’s that you saw on the menu? Shrimp Jambalaya, no problem! The fiery sensation left upon the palate by your cuisine will go magnificently with the full-bodied spice prevalent in a nice Shiraz. The possibilities are endless.

There are many other factors that can help one to successfully pair the food they are ordering with their beverage. Take into consideration the acidic content of both the food and the wine. While eating a chicken salad with granny smith apples, what better than a sugary Riesling? Sure the apple is sour and the wine will inevitably be sweet but the combination of the two will undoubtedly balance each other out as both contain a lot of acid. On the contrary, try taking a taste of lemon followed by a nice cabernet. You will wish you hadn’t! The acid in the lemon will be at force with the rich tannins of the cabernet. It can seem a bit overwhelming but keep in mind that art can be simple as well as diverse. Just as there are many different instruments used in the composition of a masterpiece, rightly so there are just as many types of canvas to portray it on.

So, it’s your anniversary and you’re planning to make it a night to remember. The waitress has given you a dinner menu in addition to a list of around thirty wines. Before you panic, remember to keep it simple. First choose the type of wine you will drink. Once you have done this, it will be much easier to sculpt your dinner accordingly. After all, there are only so many types of wines and many possess the same characteristics. Next, think about the dish you are considering. There are four things that need to be kept in mind while making your decision.

1. Type of Meat you are Pairing

2. Manner in which the Dish is Prepared

3. Spices/Sauces that will Accompany

4. Characteristics of the Wine (Similar to the Food?)

After you have done all of this and are still apprehensive, don’t hesitate to ask your waitress. They are there to assist in making your experience all that it should be. A good waiter/waitress will not be afraid to admit what they don’t know and will make it a priority to answer your questions even if they have to search for the answer. They should even allow you to sample wines in order to aid in your decision. Chances are if they lack the understanding, your inquisitions will help them in attaining this knowledge. You don’t have to be a sommelier to pair wine with food, just a few tips and a little practice! Bon Appetite.