I've moved by blog site...

If you are searching this blog and wonder why there are no new posts it's because I've moved my blog to www.activetcm.com/blog, so check it out and let me know what you think.

Simple exercise #1

Every morning I bring my dogs downstairs to my building's basement to let them run around crazy. That's their exercise. Easiest thing in the world for me and I used to just stand and watch them. It's fun to see the joy they get chasing each other, jumping over each other, and wrestling. But after awhile, day after day, I noticed I'm staring at the wall more often then not, so I decided to find an easy exercise I could do myself.

Because I spend all day leaning over people doing acupuncture (most of you spend all day leaning over a computer or something else too), I thought I should work on my posture.

So, I started pilates wall exercises. This is an example of one: http://pilates.about.com/od/pilatesmat/ss/WallRollDown.htm

Do you have simple exercise ideas that take 5 minutes or less that you can do anywhere?

Healing--A Taoist Appraoch

Healing

No matter how extreme a situation is, it will change. It cannot continue forever.

Thus, as a great forest fire is always destined to burn itself out; a turbulent sea will be come calmer. Natural events balance themselves out by seeking their opposites, and this process of balance is at the heart of all healing.

This process takes time. If an event is not great, the balancing required is slight. If it is momentous, then it may take days, ears, and even lifetimes for things to return to an even keel. Actually, without these slight imbalances, there would be no movement in life. It is being off balance that keeps life changing. Total centering, total balance would only be stasis.

All life is continual destruction and healing, over and over again.

That is why, even in the midst of an extreme situation, the wise are patient.

Whether the situation is illness, calamity, or their own anger, they know that healing will follow upheaval.

--Deng Ming Dao, Taoist scholar

Smelly factoids

I just learned a few interesting factoids about some of the most smell-inducing foods that we eat. I don't know how people can get past the smell of durian to be able to eat it, but it's actually banned in public places in some parts of the world. Others foods that are packed with volatile compounds that can stink up our breath include garlic, onions, and alcohol. Because they circulate in the blood and exit through the lungs, they can cause bad breath for up to 72 hours. Asparagus doesn't cause bad breath, but it does cause your urine to smell awful. Do you think that you're not affected? You're wrong. It affects everyone, but 60 to 80 percent of the population simply can't smell it.

Though coffee breath may not be pleasant, unlike alcohol which encourages the growth of bacteria in the mouth--bacteria that contribute to bad halitosis--coffee actually inhibits their growth and scientists are trying to find ways to use that in breath-freshening products.

Who knew sleep could be so interesting?

I've never been one to be all that interested in sleep. Some people love sleep. I know many who look forward to sleeping. I'm not one of those people. I sleep because of course we must sleep. I have always felt like I'm going to miss out on something and though I can fall asleep most times at pretty much the drop of a hat, I tend to stay awake way too late.

So, this month's newsletter I've just finished writing is about sleep, why it's so important, how to get more if you can't sleep well, and what to do to change that inner child's voice who still says "Can't I stay up for just a little longer?" I'll post that article once my newsletter goes out later this week.

In the meantime, I thought that these online articles about some other topics surrounding sleep were interesting and downright hilarious.

The first article discusses the ranking of sleep versus sex for hotel guests. In 2009 Westin Hotels and Resorts asked 12,500 frequent travelers of ten countries to rank the importance of things to do when checking into a hotel. On average, 51 percent chose sleep over sex. In 1999, the Westin did a similar study and found only 31 percent chose sleep over sex. http://www.nowpublic.com/health/great-sex-vs-good-sleep

A similar question was asked of new parents, "Is sleep the new sex?" http://lifestyle.ca.msn.com/family-parenting/moms-dads/rogers-article.aspx?cp-documentid=24238022

On an entirely different topic about sleep, this is definitely one of the funniest products I have ever seen advertised: The Better Marriage Blanket. This blanket uses activated carbon fibers, just like the military uses to absorb chemical weapons, to absorb "flatulence molecules" in bed! Yes, you read right. This blanket prevents "offending molecules" (their wording) from being released into the air. They say it makes a great wedding or anniversary present! https://www.bettermarriageblanket.com/

What are your tips on how to improve sleep?

Can't stop that cough?

Lately I've been treating a lot of coughs. Part of the reason is springtime allergies. Part is as a leftover symptom from a winter cold. But, not all coughs are season-dependant. I found this great article for 8 possible reasons for your chronic cough: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20358279,00.html

So, what can you do if you have a cough that won't go away? TCM has a variety of solutions.

1. Chinese herbs. Yes, they can taste awful, but to borrow from Buckley's "It tastes bad and it works." The key to a successful Chinese herbal prescription is a proper TCM diagnosis. We need to determine if that cough is because of "Phlegm-Heat", "Phlegm-Cold", "Wind-Heat", "Wind-Dryness", or other. Each of these coughs requires a different selection of herbs. It matters if that cough is accompanied by phlegm; if so, what colour is that phlegm, how much of it, and how easy is it to cough up; when the cough happens most; what the sound of the cough is like; what happened to start the cough; what other symptoms there are; and so on.

2. Acupuncture. Once again, the TCM diagnosis needs to be determined, but there are some acupuncture points that will be shared across all patterns of imbalance for a cough. I have had patients come in unable to stop coughing and once we do some needles, that cough stops.

3. TCM food cures. Some foods will produce more phlegm. Some foods will irritate the throat and lungs. Some foods will stress the immune system.We obviously want to choose foods that don't fit into those categories when you are suffering from a chronic cough (or acute cough, for that matter).

4. Lifestyle stuff. If your cough is caused by GERD, i.e. gastroesophageal reflux disease--one symptom of which is heartburn, you will want to consider your diet and stress levels. Lack of sleep can affect the immune system and your body's ability to heal an irritated respiratory system.

Have a cough? Ask me questions. I'm happy to help.

If you're not active, what's your excuse?

This morning I was invited by one of my patients to watch and try her Qi Gong class. I've taken some Qi Gong classes before, but none like this. I stood out because I was the only one under age 70 and the only non-resident of the retirement home where the class was held. My patient has been teaching Qi Gong for a long time. I expected that she would show that she knows what she's doing. I didn't expect to see how well her students did too.

There were 5 students in attendance today. Apparently there are usually 8 (it was a beautiful day out, so perhaps they were out enjoying it). One woman was seated, but that didn't stop her from showing that she could participate equally well.

There was no speaking during any of the Qi Gong routine. The only sound was the relaxing music. The students all knew the routine well and as I sat and watched the routine for the first round through, I thought how dance-like it was, smooth and graceful. For the 2nd round onward I joined in and did my best to watch and copy.

What I heard during the break halfway through the class was that one of the students has been doing this with this same teacher for the past 6 years. Another of the students said that she would not be able to go out for her morning walk if it were not for Qi Gong. Another was able to pass her driving test because the classes helped her to be able to turn her head and shoulder check.

I saw that it was keeping them limber, physically and mentally. I saw that they were enjoying themselves. I saw that it was proof that none of us have an excuse not to be regularly active in some way.

Think Wikipedia is neutral in allowing real info about nutrition? Not so...

This article was written in www.hans.org's most recent newsletter.

The Hidden Wikipedia: Find deleted material about nutritional medicine

by Andrew W. Saul, PhD, Orthomolecular Medicine News Service

There is nothing quite like a paper trail, and Wikipedia has one. Consequently, you can read for yourself all the material that has been added, and then deleted.

For example: Wikipedia's page about Max Gerson, M.D., is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Gerson . The doctor is widely known for the nutritional cancer therapy that bears his name. Gerson's principal biographer is his grandson, Howard Straus http://www.doctoryourself.com/gersonbio.htm . Mr. Straus tells the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service of some interesting experiences he has had with Wikipedia bias:

"Some years ago, on seeing that the pages for Dr. Max Gerson and the Gerson Therapy were only stubs (short place-holders with little information on them), I took it upon myself to flesh out the pages. I thought Wikipedia was fairly neutral on balance, so I put in all the information that I could, and kept it factual with references, citations, and literature links.

"Within a month, the following had happened:

"The information was labeled as "biased" and "unreliable" because I am Dr. Gerson's grandson and biographer. There appeared a big red flag at the top of the article labeling the articles neutrality "dubious." The photograph I posted was removed. Provable, referenced facts, with dates and places, all suddenly became "claims," even quotes from no less than Nobel Laureate Albert Schweitzer, M.D., who famously said: "I see in Dr. Max Gerson one of the most eminent geniuses in medical history." Dr. Schweitzer and his wife were patients of Dr. Gerson, making this a first-hand account from a rather reliable source.

"All my links, references and citations were removed. They were replaced by links to the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute, which offer only criticism of the Gerson Therapy. Even quotations from published scientific papers were removed. Attempts to rectify these actions were immediately overwritten.

"It's easy enough to show the progression of the pages, since Wikipedia displays former edits on request, dated and documented. One can verify this by clicking on the "History" tab at the top of the Max Gerson page, and looking at 2005 and before. My editing is archived at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/69.109.140.164 and also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/H...

"A second Wikipedia page, specific to the Gerson Therapy, has been completely removed. http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gerson_the... . To see something of what happened, you can click the "History" tab here as well."

The OMNS adds just one other intriguing statement about Dr. Gerson's work that is probably too "unreliable" to be seen on Wikipedia:

"I know of one patient who turned to Gerson Therapy having been told she was suffering from terminal cancer and would not survive another course of chemotherapy. Happily, seven years later, she is alive and well. So it is vital that, rather than dismissing such experiences, we should further investigate the beneficial nature of these treatments." (H.R.H. Charles, Prince of Wales)

Max Gerson is not the only nutritionally-oriented physician whose work is slanted or censored at Wikipedia. Others include Matthias Rath, M.D., and Robert F. Cathcart III, M.D.

For more information about Max Gerson, M.D.: http://www.orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v06n18....

For more information about Orthomolecular.org: http://www.orthomolecular.org/

Could your energy drinks increase your risk of a heart attack?

This study in The American Journal of Medicine says "yes". http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343%2809%2900874-2/abstract.

The study showed that when healthy young adults were tested one hour after consuming one 250ml can of a sugar-free energy drink, their endothelial function decreased and platelet aggregation increased. What does that mean? It means that the inner lining of their blood vessel walls became less functional and that their red blood cells started to stick together more. Bad on both counts. Both of these things increase your risk of heart attacks.

Take note that this study was done on healthy young adults. Imagine unhealthy or older adults who have generally have poorer cardiovascular function. And, this was with just one can of an energy drink. I know people who consume more than one in a day. And, people who consume these drinks regularly.

Some energy drinks claim to be healthy. "Sugar-free". So, what's in there to sweeten it? "No caffeine". No extra caffeine added or does is there guarana in there (note that guarana contains caffeine)? What other energy-promoting substances are added then? Some may be healthy. Some may not be. Some may be good for some, but not for you. We're all different.

Think about it...why do you need an energy drink? Are you getting enough sleep? Is your sleep of good quality? Are you actually really bored? Dehydrated? Undernourished? Over doing it?

The Biology of Belief

I just spent all day today at a forum held at UBC called "It's Time to Heal". It was created by Maple Ridge MD, Dr. Nelie Johnson. As soon as I saw that Dr. Bruce Lipton (PhD in Developmental Cell Biology) would be speaking, I knew that I would have to cancel my busy Saturday clinic day to attend this.

I first saw Bruce at a conference hosted by one of the herbal distributors for my TCM herbs several years ago. I had never heard of him, but after an intro 30 minute talk by him, I immediately called my husband and told him to stop whatever he was doing and get downtown to come see Bruce's lecture slotted for that afternoon. My husband was writing his Masters in Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), the study of how the mind affects the immune system via the nervous system. PNI is based on quantum physics and quantum physics is Bruce's area of expertise.

I, unfortunately, couldn't attend Bruce's lecture that afternoon as I wanted to attend the lecture on Balance Acupuncture and they were scheduled to take place at the same time. I'm still glad I made that choice as I use those acupuncture skills every day. If you've ever had me acupuncture your hand when your lower back is sore or your right wrist to treat your left ankle, you've had balance acupuncture. But, I always wished I could have seen more of Bruce's lecture...especially after my husband spoke on and on and on about him afterward.

Shortly after that weekend I bought Bruce's CD lecture "The Wisdom of Your Cells: How your Beliefs Control Your Biology" and was spellbound with what he had to say. He says it so much better than me, but basically it boils down to the truth that the foundation of what we teach in medical school is WRONG. DNA does NOT control our biology. Genes do NOT control life; life CAN influence and CHANGE how our genes express. We can control our genes! How? Because it's the signals that we get from our environment (energy--good or bad, trauma, toxins, and THOUGHT) that can change how the genes express and how how a cell is created. If you take in good energy (Qi) and thoughts, you can grow new healthy cells. If you take in negative energy and thoughts (e.g. fear, anger, anxiety, etc.), you are in protection mode, i.e. fight or flight. You cannot be in growth if you are in protection. Your body chooses one or the other.

If this makes sense to you, then you must have read some stuff about Quantum Physics and healing. If it doesn't, then you've got to learn more from Bruce or someone like him. Why? Because you can be in control of your own health, wellness, and happiness. And, it's more than just positive thinking.

My husband bought "The Biology of Belief" and I bought "Spontaneous Evolution". We have a lot of reading to do now!

Have you made any changes in recognition of Earth Day?

Earth Day happened on April 22nd, as it has since 1970. I was happy to hear from many about their regular contributions and commitments to making choices that benefit or minimize the detriment on our environment. But I was surprised about how many people forgot about Earth Day and also forgot about Earth Hour (when we were supposed to turn off all unnecessary power for just one hour on March 27th).

Of course it's never too late and it's really not about that one hour or that one day. It's about making big or small changes that collectively make a difference in lessening each of our negative impacts on our one and only planet Earth.

This year I thought about what I have done so far:
- the 3 Rs: reducing, reusing, recycling
- donations to the David Suzuki Foundation and the World Wildlife Foundation
- having meat-free meal days at least a few times a week
- choosing organic foods and products as much as possible
- choosing local foods as much as possible
- turning off lights and other powered items when not in use
- carry a reusable bag with me, always
- walk to work most days
- I opted out of receiving the Yellow Pages in paper format. I never use it. You can do the same by going to: http://delivery.ypg.com/delivery/

But I have room for improvement. I compiled a list of items that I could do.
- I'm minimizing the printing that I do at the office by emailing receipts as much as possible (many patients find that easier anyway as they can keep their receipts organized more easily and find that they don't need them all printed) and double-siding my printing. I'm also using scrap paper my husband collects from his office to print much of my stuff.
- carry a "Care bag" for my veggies and fruit when I go grocery shopping, so I don't have to use a plastic bag for them
- ask for a mug when I get a hot drink at a cafe (they usually assume I want a paper cup, so I have to remember to tell them) or remember to bring my own
- I already use biodegradable bags to pick up after my dogs, but now I use whatever other plastic bags I get as well, e.g. from bread; might as well reuse them at least
- talked to my strata council about making some small changes to the building that can help
There's more, but...you get the picture.

The point here is, that I'd love for you to join me in my attempt to make as big a difference as possible by working together and inspiring each other. Join the team I started to make your changes and be entered to win a prize! I'll enter everyone who joins for one prize and a prize to the top contributor as well (I will only mail prizes within Canada though). Go to http://calculator.ecoactionteams.ca. Sign up. Click on Join a Team. Join "Active Life".

Acupuncture for Back Pain

Video on acupuncture treatment for back pain:
Acupuncture for Back Pain

What are you putting on your body?

This article from the David Suzuki Foundation is a great one. We're polluting our bodies and our environment when we use so many chemicals in our cosmetics, our lotions, our toothpastes, our sunscreens, our shaving lotions, our perfumes, etc.







What are you putting on your body?
By David Suzuki with Faisal Moola

Every day, we slather ourselves with liquids, lotions, and potions – from shampoo and soap to deodorant and makeup. After all, most of us want to look and feel clean and to smell nice. It's not uncommon for a single person to use 10 or more personal-care products daily.

We don’t usually think of our cosmetics as a source of pollution. But U.S. researchers found that one eighth of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal-care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, plasticizers, and degreasers.

Take a look at the ingredient list on your bottle of shampoo or hand lotion. Most of us would have a hard time identifying which chemicals in the typically long list of ingredients may be harmful to human health or the environment.

Chances are your personal-care products contain “fragrance” or “parfum” – often the last item on the ingredient list. Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets so manufacturers don’t have to disclose the chemicals they include. More than 3,000 chemicals are used to create “fragrances”, usually in complex mixtures. Up to 80 per cent of these have never been tested to see whether they are toxic to humans. These fragrances are not just found in perfumes and deodorants but are also in almost every type of personal-care product, as well as laundry detergents and cleaning products. Even products labelled “fragrance-free” or “unscented” can contain fragrance, usually with a masking agent to prevent the brain from perceiving odour.

The negative effects of some fragrance ingredients can be immediately apparent, especially for the growing number of people with chemical sensitivities. For example, fragrance chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and migraines. Researchers have even found evidence suggesting that exposure to some of these chemicals can exacerbate or even contribute to the development of asthma in children.

Other chemicals may have harmful effects that don’t show up right away. For example, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a cheap and versatile chemical widely used in cosmetic fragrances to make the scent last longer. But it is associated with a range of problems. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed it as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function. Phthalates have been linked to early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men, and reproductive defects in the developing male fetus (when the mother is exposed during pregnancy).

Some research has also suggested that phthalate metabolites may contribute to obesity and insulin resistance in men. Health Canada has moved to ban six phthalates in children’s toys, after evidence showed that prolonged exposure can cause liver or kidney failure, but it has no plans to regulate the chemicals in cosmetics. DEP is also listed as a Priority and Toxic Pollutant under the U.S. Clean Water Act, based on evidence that it can be toxic to wildlife and the environment.

Fragrance chemicals often harm the environment. Some compounds in synthetic “musk”, which wash off our bodies and find their way into nature, remain in the environment for a long time and can build up in the fatty tissues of aquatic animals. Researchers have found measureable levels of synthetic musks in fish in the Great Lakes (PDF), and they’ve found that levels in sediment are increasing.

In response to the sensitivity many people have to airborne chemicals, a growing number of offices and public spaces are becoming “fragrance-free”. This is a great initiative, but what are these and other harmful chemicals doing in our cosmetics in the first place?

Canada’s regulations don’t measure up to standards in other parts of the world. The European Union restricts many fragrance ingredients (PDF) and requires warning labels on products if they contain any of 26 allergens commonly used as cosmetic fragrances. Europe also prohibits or restricts the use of chemicals classified as carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins in personal-care products.

The David Suzuki Foundation and other organizations are working for safer products. We’re conducting a survey to raise awareness and to find out what’s in the products people use every day. We plan to present the results in September, along with recommendations for strengthening laws to protect Canadians and our environment from harmful chemicals in personal-care products.

You can help out by becoming more aware of what’s in the products you use and switching to products that don’t contain harmful ingredients.

Ready to make a change? Ask me for options.

What's your excuse?

Or mine, for that matter? Check out this 91 year old woman who's a yoga instructor and dancer. And, she's not just telling others what to do. She can do it too!

http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2010/04/12/n_cmr_92_year_old_yoga.cnnmoney/

What do tigers have to do with health?

It's the Year of the Tiger. A dynamic and powerful year. But how will it affect your health? I found this great newsletter from a TCM:
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/23890/2010-forecast-year-of-the-tiger/

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

Every now and then I’m asked if acupuncture works only if you believe it will work. I won’t refute that the mind is powerful and will influence the body. In fact, I hope that people will use their minds to help their healing.

But, acupuncture works even despite your beliefs. It has been shown to increase the release of endorphins (your feel good hormones), your body’s own morphine (painkillers), and a variety of other chemicals that help in symptom relief and healing.

It has also been shown to increase blood circulation.

And, even change the way that the brain signals. In fact, when the brain has been scanned using a functional MRI during acupuncture, the same point used traditionally to help the eyes lights up the part of the brain that relates to vision. When a different point is stimulated, a different part of the brain lights up.

Western Medicine has about 200 year of scientific methods of observation and testing of hypotheses to prove its effectiveness. Chinese medicine has about 5000 years.

So, to borrow an Olympic phrase, "Do you believe?"

Cannabis linked to schizophrenia?

Basically, this article writes of a link between marijuana use and (mostly) schizophrenia. Not that pot use will cause psychosis in all users. The study suggests that if you have a tendency for psychosis, then marijuana use could potentiate the illness, e.g. cause it to start at an earlier age. For those who wonder if cannabis use might not cause psychosis, and might instead just be because those with psychoses are more likely to smoke pot to manage their illness symptoms, that may not be the case. Or, at least not the only factor. That's because cannabis use preceded the onset of psychosis by several years. Here's the article:

Evidence Accumulates for Links Between Marijuana and Psychosis
Michael T. Compton, MD, MPH

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/719139?src=mp&spon=17&uac=81951DV

My dog loves lettuce!

Yes, my dog eats (and loves) lettuce. She holds it between her paws and pulls it apart to chew bit by bit, just as she would a treat. Since I had never seen a dog do that before I wondered if it's ok to give her lettuce...or cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. I never thought to feed her a whole salad, but didn't want to be poisoning her with the bits I did give. After all, I remembered we used to feed grapes to our old dog Pebbles (the people who had her before us named her). I now know that grapes are poisonous to many dogs. Luckily Pebbles was ok and lived for nearly 16 years, but better safe than sorry!

I found this site for what not to feed your dog: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat

And, if you have a cat, here's one for your cat: http://pets.webmd.com/cats/slideshow-foods-your-cat-should-never-eat

Dyes in even the most natural-seeming foods...

...and they might be contributing to health problems.
http://blogs.webmd.com/health-ehome/2010/03/just-say-no-to-blue-green-red-and.html

Oats for your immune system

Have you eaten your oats today? These grains are immune boosters, rich in B vitamins (stress reliever), E, folate, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and more. They contain flavonoids that help break down cholesterol and are thought to prevent cancer, particularly colon cancer. They are well-known for their high fiber content, but did you know that the silica in them is anti-inflammatory and can help soothe the digestive tract? And, as a bonus, they can help in weight loss as their energy is slowly released, keeping you full longer and staving off hunger pangs.
And, if you are suffering from the itchiness of eczema, psoriasis, Chicken Pox, bug bites, or other, you can tie a muslin bag of oats over the tap when you run a bath. Soaking in that bath will bring you relief.

Olympics and Paralympics Review and Remembrance

If you would like to add your own story, a friend is trying to create a book to commemorate the Olympics/Paralympics. This is her blurb and the link to her blog where she is gathering stories:

Hello everyone

Laurie Johansen and I are writing a book about the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and Paraolympics.

Throughout the Olympics so many people felt and experienced the incredible, positive energy of the Olympic Spirit, generated by the Olympics. It didn’t matter if you were in Vancouver, or across the other side of the world, the Spirit was felt. But no one could really define what “it” was.. we hope to accomplish this and more through the book.

This book will be a collaboration of people trying to define what “it” was, what “it” means to each one of us in our own worlds and what we can do to maintain that spirit and use “it” in our daily lives.

We invite you to join us in this collaborative process by expressing your thoughts, feelings, insights and experiences on our blog, With Glowing Hearts, http://withglowing-hearts.blogspot.com , or by emailing Sue (sue@suestudios.com) directly with photos and stories.

We would like to gather many perspectives – torch bearers, volunteers, athletes, tourists, Canadians, and international people from around the world – young and old, from all walks of life. Let us record our memories in print before they fade and give expression to the spirit and dynamic of the Olympic essence that touched us all.

Thank you for all of your help, contributions and support.

Susan Chepelsky

Another reason to buy organic and wash your fruits and veggies VERY well

Check out this video from Australia about 2 chemicals that are sprayed on many fruits and veggies and nuts. The chemicals are endosulfan, an insecticide, and carbendazim, a fungicide. As far as I can find, they are still allowed for use in Canada and the US, though they have been banned in many other countries because of their risks for cancers, birth defects, neurological damage, hormone disruption, and more.
http://www.foodmatters.tv/_webapp_296563/Poisoned_-_New_60_Minutes_Report_On_Pesticides?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=poisoned&utm_content=body&utm_campaign=march-31-2010

Motivating yourself to action

So often we have things that we want to do, but for whatever reason we don't. Sometimes it's a matter of not having the time. Sometimes it's because we don't WANT do something, even though we know we should or have to do it. Sometimes it's because we keep forgetting that task.

How do you motivate yourself to do the things that you like to do and want to do and actually do do? Is it a feeling you get? Feeling happy to have done something that makes you do that thing? Maybe you picture the completed task? Is it someone else's praise that helps you? Is it because you scheduled it in your iPhone, Blackberry, other PDA, or paper calendar? Did you set everything up the night before to make it easy to accomplish the task the next day, like laying out your clothes or writing out your "to do" list? Is it just a regular part of your routine now?

Find the things that make you successful and use those methods to do something difficult today.

I finally finished my March e-newsletter! That's what motivated me to write this blog. I used a few of these methods to accomplish this task. I had someone remind me to do it. I remembered how good it feels to complete the job. I love checking something off of a "to do" list that I created on my Google homepage. I prepped ideas last night so that I could write it all out today. Now, all I have to do is the same thing in April, just a bit earlier as there are only 30 days in April!

Curious...what do you think?

What do you think of this video? To those who may be offended, please note that there are crude lyrics in this song.
http://www.cafeoflifepikespeak.com/Videos/Licensed%20To%20Pill.swf

Best Allergy Test? - Dr. Weil

If you're suffering from allergies and are considering an allergy test, here's an article about that by Dr. Andrew Weil:

Best Allergy Test? - Dr. Weil

What celebrities use acupuncture?

Many have seen the picture of Gwyneth Paltrow with the cupping marks on her back, but who else uses Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Read here to find out:

http://www.acufinder.com/celebritiesturntoacupuncture

"How I fell in love with a fish"

That's the title of this video segment. The speaker is a chef. He knows fish. Well, at least how to make it taste yummy. And, how do you get the yummiest fish? By finding healthy fish. Usually healthy fish is not associated with farmed fish. Farmed fish has been recognized as also causing tremendous environmental problems. But, this speaker/chef found a fish that is yummy even when overcooked, that is farmed, and that is good for the environment. Sounds impossible? Listen to this video. He's entertaining as well. http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_barber_how_i_fell_in_love_with_a_fish.html

Must watch!

• Can your kid identify a radish or cauliflower or eggplant when shown it?
• The additives put in milk to entice kids to drink more make a carton of milk equal in quantity of sugar to a can of pop. A wheelbarrow of sugar in just 5 years! That's child abuse!
• The number one causes of death in America are food-related
• Kids are expected to live 10 years less than their parents!

These are just a few things that Jamie Oliver covers in his lecture about food.

Watch this!

http://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_oliver.html

Your thoughts

I was recently asked if I would accept an article on a health topic for this blog. I hadn't ever considered accepting articles for this blog site, but I've been so neglectful of my blog, so what a great idea! What health tips/ideas/questions/comments do you have?

Even as little as 2 pop per week increases your risk of pancreatic cancer by 87%!

If you thought pop was bad for you only if you guzzle it by the gallon, you may be wrong. As little as 2 soft drinks per week showed an 87% higher diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The study is relatively small with 140 participants, but it was done over 14 years and there was no increase in pancreatic cancer for those who drank juice (even though that too is high in sugar). It is unclear whether the link is causal, i.e. did those people get pancreatic cancer because of the pop? Or are those people just generally making other poor lifestyle and dietary choices, such as too much meat or smoking? Red meat has also been linked to pancreatic cancer, particulary when the meat is burned or charred.
The rates of pancreatic cancer are relatively low, BUT pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer.
This is just one more reason not to drink the garbage that we call pop or soda. Empty calories. Full of health risks.
And, the diet stuff is no better. Aspartame...yum. (sarcasm included)
Oh, and how about this??? http://www.killercoke.org/

The full article on it: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN07113352
The actual study abstract: http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/19/2/447.abstract

This is your brain on acupuncture...

Acupuncture has been found to deactivate areas in the brain that are associated with the processing of pain. Check it out: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204101736.htm

Wow! You've got to check out this artwork!

I'm always thinking whole health, not just physical, so when I see something that awes me like this, I have to share. Check out what these farmers in Japan have done with their rice fields (oh, and that's not Buddha as this UK site names the image, that's Daikoku, the god of wealth, one of the 7 lucky gods):
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/howaboutthat/5965421/Paddy-art-farmers-create-colourful-rice-murals-in-Japan.html

How is this related to health? Well, seeing something beautiful or amazing or inspiring does fire off chemicals in your brain that puts it into a positive frame of mind and that affects your whole body.

This is how the farmers did it: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/5965073/Farmers-create-coloured-rice-murals-in-Japan.html

So, what inspires you? What makes you say "wow!"?

What's the most common question?

I recently watched a commercial that asked what the most common question is. Can you guess?

It's "What's for dinner?"
The voiceover then goes on to say that the question that's not asked is "What's IN dinner?"

So true! Now, the commercial is for McCain's and I'm not sure I agree that they make the healthiest food options. It's been a long time since I've purchased any McCain's items, so I can't comment either way now, but the only thing I can think of by them are orange juice and frozen french fries.

Anyway, why is it that we don't focus enough on what's actually in the food that we eat? Read the ingredients on the food you eat. Do you know what's in there? How about when you go to a restaurant, or even worse (in most cases), a fast food joint? Many people pay more attention to the labels on their clothing (is it designer? is it a popular label?) than they do on the labels that report on the ingredients in their food!

I sometimes drive my husband nuts because I will put back a food that looks delicious on the package picture, but that has ingredients that are unhealthy. Just because it's labelled as "healthy", doesn't mean it is. It used to be that Captain Crunch and Fruit Loops were sold because of the colours they turned your milk and the toy inside and how yummy they are to kids. Now they sell those cereals with the idea that they are healthy because they contain fibre and vitamins. Too bad that they also contain all sorts of junk. Think Oatmeal Crunch is healthier? Sounds healthier. It's not. More sugar per serving size than Fruit Loops! Sunny D, Wonderbread, Nutella, Chef Boyardee, and more are all jumping on the "healthy" junk food bandwagon. Don't believe what they tell you. Read the labels.

UCLA Basketball player finds his rhythm with acupuncture

UCLA BASKETBALL: Honeycutt finds his offensive rhythm

By Jon Gold, Staff Writer

Posted: 01/22/2010 10:39:36 PM PST

LOS ANGELES - Trying to find some offense from Tyler Honeycutt has at times this season been like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Maybe all he needed were some needles in his shin - and his back - and his hip.

Honeycutt visited an acupuncturist on Wednesday and it paid off on Thursday in UCLA's 62-61 victory over Washington at Pauley Pavilion.

Honeycutt had 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block in what UCLA coach Ben Howland called his best performance of the season. In scoring double figures for just the third time, the freshman forward hit all four of his shots and both 3-point attempts.

"Body-wise, today was the first day I can remember since I've been here that I haven't had any pain," said Honeycutt, who is averaging 4.9 points and 5.9 rebounds in 12 games. "I've been having hip problems, so yesterday I got some acupuncture. Got it in my calf, my lower back - (Thursday) I woke up and everything is feeling good. I guess it works."

For the full article:

http://www.sgvtribune.com/sports/ci_14251804

Rescue Dog Rescued by Acupuncture

A search and rescue dog in Iowa able to run and jump and move without pain because of acupuncture treatments. After being nearly lame, they now believe he'll get two more years of rescue work. Check out the video: http://www.kcci.com/news/22308928/detail.html

5000 vs. 200 years

That's the difference between the number of years that Traditional Chinese Medicine has been in practice versus the number of years that conventional Western medicine has been in practice.

I liked this quote I pulled from an article:

'"To Westerners, scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses," says Chuang Shih-ming, a Chinese medicine doctor based in Taipei City.

"Chinese medicine also takes the same approach," he argues. "The only difference lies in the fact that Western medicine uses about 200 years of such 'scientific' methods of observation and testing of hypotheses to prove its effectiveness, while the Chinese version uses several thousands of years."'

http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=1159633&lang=eng_news&cate_img=240.jpg&cate_rss=news_Supplement

President Obama Wants Acupuncture

Obama stated in a town hall meeting that he could use some acupuncture for a stiff back. When it was mentioned to him that alternative medicine is often more cost-effective and result-positive as conventional medicine, the President said, “it is pretty well documented through scientific studies that acupuncture, for example, can be very helpful in relieving certain things like migraines and other ailments — or at least as effective as more intrusive interventions.”

Obama also noted that the problem with implementing acupuncture and other alternative medicines into health policies is that the policy makers and insurance providers are thinking short-term. They recognize that preventative medicine may not show results immediately while policy makers and politicians are in office or while a person is employed with one company. That is part of the challenge.

http://www.healthcmi.com/index.php/acupuncturist-news-online/222-obamaacupuncturestlouis56398

Happy New Year! Learn how acupuncture can make 2010 even better...

This article was recently sent to me to show how acupuncture can help you to achieve some of your New Year's resolutions. Or, if you prefer not to make resolutions...how to make 2010 your best year yet...

5 Ways Acupuncture Creates Lasting New Year's Resolutions