Did you know that low Vitamin D levels are associated with osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer?
According to new research, adults who don't get enough of the "sunshine" vitamin, are 26% more likely to die early.
What can you do to get more Vitamin D?
*Drink Vitamin D fortified milk
*Get a little sun, even in winter
*Take supplements: 800 IU daily for adults; 400 IU for children
*Look for foods & products labeled 'D3' for greatest potency & absorption
(from Reader's Digest, January 2009)
January 25, 2009
Sinus Problems Misdiagnosed
During these winter months, sinus problems can be a major concern for many of us. But did you know that sinus problems can cause many other aches & pains that are easily misdiagnosed as different ailments?
For example, sinus conditions can cause serious bodily aches, all-over fatigue, stiffness in shoulders, neck, & hips. Sinus problems can even cause tooth pain & sensitivity.
Recurring sinus infections are sometimes misdiagnosed as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or even chronic fatigue syndrome!
For ease of sinus problems, try saline or decongestant sprays and stay well hydrated to keep nasal fluids flowing out of the body.
Prescription antibiotics might be needed. If there is no relief after 3 months of self-treatment with nasal sprays or prescriptions, surgery might be needed to enlarge nasal passageways & improve drainage. This type of surgery is becoming more & more common, but is usually only performed in cases of extreme recurring infections.
So be informed & talk to your doctor; your aches and pains could be connected to your sinus issues.
(ideas from Reader's Digest, Jan. 2009)
For example, sinus conditions can cause serious bodily aches, all-over fatigue, stiffness in shoulders, neck, & hips. Sinus problems can even cause tooth pain & sensitivity.
Recurring sinus infections are sometimes misdiagnosed as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or even chronic fatigue syndrome!
For ease of sinus problems, try saline or decongestant sprays and stay well hydrated to keep nasal fluids flowing out of the body.
Prescription antibiotics might be needed. If there is no relief after 3 months of self-treatment with nasal sprays or prescriptions, surgery might be needed to enlarge nasal passageways & improve drainage. This type of surgery is becoming more & more common, but is usually only performed in cases of extreme recurring infections.
So be informed & talk to your doctor; your aches and pains could be connected to your sinus issues.
(ideas from Reader's Digest, Jan. 2009)
January 22, 2009
Beauty for Ashes
So today I was reading "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, and he referenced 1 Peter 4:12, which states:
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
Chambers says to "rise to the occasion--do what the trial demands of you. It does not matter how much it hurts as long as it gives God the opportunity to manifest the life of Jesus in your body." He goes on to remind us that we "have been saved so that the life of Jesus may be manifested" in our bodies.
I love this! He says that yes, we are Children of the Most High God! God has special, specific plans for us & He gives our lives special purpose, abundance, and vitality.
However, we may be royal priests, but we still live in this world. We are called to be in this world, just not a part of it. So that means that we should expect to have troubles & trials. Things won't be any "easier" because we belong to Christ, but He will give us comfort, hope, & His amazing peace that surpasses all understanding. Because we belong to Christ, the Dark Enemy can only do so much to us. He can bring pain & trials our way, to try & cripple us, but Satan can only do to us what God allows. And Christ gives us a reason to persevere through all manner of trouble.
And that reason, as Chambers states, is so that God can continue to manifest Himself in us, as we continue to live for Christ and "work out" our salvation.
If we give our entire lives & selves over to Jesus, He will do with us what He wants, and we will be better for it.
A similar scripture passage: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."----James 1:2-4
Here James says that the trials we face in this life cause perseverance to grow within us, and perseverance in turn makes us mature & complete. So enduring through trials & troubles cause God's strength & power to show through us, and cause us to become emotionally & mentally mature & complete?!?
Well, in that case, bring on the trials! And thank God for them!
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
Chambers says to "rise to the occasion--do what the trial demands of you. It does not matter how much it hurts as long as it gives God the opportunity to manifest the life of Jesus in your body." He goes on to remind us that we "have been saved so that the life of Jesus may be manifested" in our bodies.
I love this! He says that yes, we are Children of the Most High God! God has special, specific plans for us & He gives our lives special purpose, abundance, and vitality.
However, we may be royal priests, but we still live in this world. We are called to be in this world, just not a part of it. So that means that we should expect to have troubles & trials. Things won't be any "easier" because we belong to Christ, but He will give us comfort, hope, & His amazing peace that surpasses all understanding. Because we belong to Christ, the Dark Enemy can only do so much to us. He can bring pain & trials our way, to try & cripple us, but Satan can only do to us what God allows. And Christ gives us a reason to persevere through all manner of trouble.
And that reason, as Chambers states, is so that God can continue to manifest Himself in us, as we continue to live for Christ and "work out" our salvation.
If we give our entire lives & selves over to Jesus, He will do with us what He wants, and we will be better for it.
A similar scripture passage: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."----James 1:2-4
Here James says that the trials we face in this life cause perseverance to grow within us, and perseverance in turn makes us mature & complete. So enduring through trials & troubles cause God's strength & power to show through us, and cause us to become emotionally & mentally mature & complete?!?
Well, in that case, bring on the trials! And thank God for them!
January 20, 2009
Heart Healthy Foods
Oatmeal (contains fiber: good for heart & digestive health)
*Alternatives: whole grains, beans, fruits, & veggies
Salmon (contains Omega 3 fatty acids)
*Alternatives: tuna, walnuts, flaxseeds, & canola oil
Avocados, Olive Oil, & Almonds (contains poly & mono-unsaturated fats)
*Alternatives: nuts, pumpkin & sunflower seeds, liquid vegetable oils
Red Wine (contains antioxidants: reduces risk of heart attack, stroke, & other cardiovascular diseases)
Benefits: prevents artery damage caused by LDL, inhibits blood clots, & raises HDL levels
*Note: Moderation is key. This means 1 glass of red wine a day for women; 2 for men.
This article also stated that all alcohol has heart healthy benefits, including spirits & beer. (But remember that moderation is key!)
--from Runner's World magazine, Feb. 2009
*Alternatives: whole grains, beans, fruits, & veggies
Salmon (contains Omega 3 fatty acids)
*Alternatives: tuna, walnuts, flaxseeds, & canola oil
Avocados, Olive Oil, & Almonds (contains poly & mono-unsaturated fats)
*Alternatives: nuts, pumpkin & sunflower seeds, liquid vegetable oils
Red Wine (contains antioxidants: reduces risk of heart attack, stroke, & other cardiovascular diseases)
Benefits: prevents artery damage caused by LDL, inhibits blood clots, & raises HDL levels
*Note: Moderation is key. This means 1 glass of red wine a day for women; 2 for men.
This article also stated that all alcohol has heart healthy benefits, including spirits & beer. (But remember that moderation is key!)
--from Runner's World magazine, Feb. 2009
Fiber--Not Just for When You're Old & Bound Up
Did you know that FIBER is not only good for your digestive system, but also for your heart? Who knew?
Soluble Fiber lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and flushes it from your system.
Insoluble Fiber helps move food through your digestive system.
It is recommended that you eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily.
Most Americans get only about half of that amount.
Fiber is found in all whole grains, beans, fruits, & vegetables.
FOR EVERY ADDITIONAL 10 GRAMS OF FIBER YOU EAT PER DAY, YOU REDUCE YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE-RELATED DEATH BY 17%.
*Oatmeal is said to be one of the BEST sources of fiber. Instant oatmeal works just as great as traditional oatmeal. (And it's easier to make!)
---from Runner's World magazine, Feb. 2009
Soluble Fiber lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and flushes it from your system.
Insoluble Fiber helps move food through your digestive system.
It is recommended that you eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily.
Most Americans get only about half of that amount.
Fiber is found in all whole grains, beans, fruits, & vegetables.
FOR EVERY ADDITIONAL 10 GRAMS OF FIBER YOU EAT PER DAY, YOU REDUCE YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE-RELATED DEATH BY 17%.
*Oatmeal is said to be one of the BEST sources of fiber. Instant oatmeal works just as great as traditional oatmeal. (And it's easier to make!)
---from Runner's World magazine, Feb. 2009
January 18, 2009
Omega 3's vs. Mercury
All the health professionals say that eating Omega 3 fatty acids are VERY important for your heart & overall health.
One of the most excellent sources of Omega 3's in food is fish, primarily tuna & salmon. But there is also controversy about how much tuna is safe, because tuna typically contains certain trace amounts of Mercury, an element that is pretty darn nasty to ingest into your body.
I don't know exactly how much mercury is in tuna & salmon, or if the benefits of getting the Omega 3's outweigh the negatives of ingesting mercury. I don't even know how much mercury is a "safe" amount.
So it would seem more research is needed on this topic.
In the meantime, or if you're worried, consider taking a vitamin supplement of "fish oil" which contains Omega 3's, instead of eating fish.
Omega 3 is an extremely important nutrient for your body; so one way or another, it would probably benefit you to get it!
If anyone knows anything more specific about this topic, please feel free to comment.
One of the most excellent sources of Omega 3's in food is fish, primarily tuna & salmon. But there is also controversy about how much tuna is safe, because tuna typically contains certain trace amounts of Mercury, an element that is pretty darn nasty to ingest into your body.
I don't know exactly how much mercury is in tuna & salmon, or if the benefits of getting the Omega 3's outweigh the negatives of ingesting mercury. I don't even know how much mercury is a "safe" amount.
So it would seem more research is needed on this topic.
In the meantime, or if you're worried, consider taking a vitamin supplement of "fish oil" which contains Omega 3's, instead of eating fish.
Omega 3 is an extremely important nutrient for your body; so one way or another, it would probably benefit you to get it!
If anyone knows anything more specific about this topic, please feel free to comment.
January 16, 2009
Food Allergies
My husband, Eric, has several severe food allergies. His mother, Valerie, also has several severe food allergies.
Eric is allergic to all dairy, peanuts, eggs, & wheat. The dairy & peanuts will cause him to go into anaphylactic shock, and need immediate medical attention.
The eggs will cause Eric to become very lethargic, his brain muddled, his reactions slow. He has said that after he has eaten eggs, he just wants to sleep for the next couple of days.
His wheat allergy presents itself mildly. It produces phlegm, and he coughs a couple of times after a meal. But the coughing spell is short-lived and then he's back to normal. He jokingly says that he refuses to acknowledge his wheat allergy because he already has so many.
Most of Eric's food allergies were discovered when he was very young, although the egg allergy wasn't diagnosed until his later childhood.
I keep meaning to purchase an epi-pen to keep in the car, just in case Eric eats something he's allergic to. I think, although he is always very careful, that an epi-pen would be a wise thing to have handy.
We have had a couple close calls, like when we were eating at Jimmy John's (a sub sandwich restaurant), and Eric asked for "no cheese", but they put cheese on it anyway. Eric didn't realize there was cheese until he started feeling some mild effects of anaphylactic shock.
We sat, holding hands, until it passed and he was well again. He got a new sandwich made and a refund on the old one, which was professional of Jimmy John's, but it still scared us to death! (Or should I say, I was scared to death!)
So, even though we're both very careful to know the exact ingredients in food (especially when we eat out), mistakes do sometimes happen.
Just a couple weeks ago, Eric ate some homemade gingersnap cookies that our good friends from church baked. They weren't sure if there was butter or milk in the cookies, so Eric ate a small bite and waited for a few minutes. He felt no reaction, so he ate half of a cookie, and still nothing. So he ate a whole cookie and still felt fine.
Well, he ended up eating about 10 cookies, and only as we were leaving did he feel slightly nauseous. The feeling passed within a few minutes, so he thought nothing of it.
Only later did the baker of the cookies call Eric & tell him that the cookies were loaded with butter! So apparently dairy, when baked into something, must not be as potent as normal dairy products. These are the hard lessons we've learned about Eric's food allergies.
Food allergies are becoming more & more prevalent in children, perhaps because technology enables premature babies to survive, when they may have died in earlier times.
I wanted to tell Eric's story and encourage anyone who thinks they may have food allergies to get tested.
Eric is allergic to all dairy, peanuts, eggs, & wheat. The dairy & peanuts will cause him to go into anaphylactic shock, and need immediate medical attention.
The eggs will cause Eric to become very lethargic, his brain muddled, his reactions slow. He has said that after he has eaten eggs, he just wants to sleep for the next couple of days.
His wheat allergy presents itself mildly. It produces phlegm, and he coughs a couple of times after a meal. But the coughing spell is short-lived and then he's back to normal. He jokingly says that he refuses to acknowledge his wheat allergy because he already has so many.
Most of Eric's food allergies were discovered when he was very young, although the egg allergy wasn't diagnosed until his later childhood.
I keep meaning to purchase an epi-pen to keep in the car, just in case Eric eats something he's allergic to. I think, although he is always very careful, that an epi-pen would be a wise thing to have handy.
We have had a couple close calls, like when we were eating at Jimmy John's (a sub sandwich restaurant), and Eric asked for "no cheese", but they put cheese on it anyway. Eric didn't realize there was cheese until he started feeling some mild effects of anaphylactic shock.
We sat, holding hands, until it passed and he was well again. He got a new sandwich made and a refund on the old one, which was professional of Jimmy John's, but it still scared us to death! (Or should I say, I was scared to death!)
So, even though we're both very careful to know the exact ingredients in food (especially when we eat out), mistakes do sometimes happen.
Just a couple weeks ago, Eric ate some homemade gingersnap cookies that our good friends from church baked. They weren't sure if there was butter or milk in the cookies, so Eric ate a small bite and waited for a few minutes. He felt no reaction, so he ate half of a cookie, and still nothing. So he ate a whole cookie and still felt fine.
Well, he ended up eating about 10 cookies, and only as we were leaving did he feel slightly nauseous. The feeling passed within a few minutes, so he thought nothing of it.
Only later did the baker of the cookies call Eric & tell him that the cookies were loaded with butter! So apparently dairy, when baked into something, must not be as potent as normal dairy products. These are the hard lessons we've learned about Eric's food allergies.
Food allergies are becoming more & more prevalent in children, perhaps because technology enables premature babies to survive, when they may have died in earlier times.
I wanted to tell Eric's story and encourage anyone who thinks they may have food allergies to get tested.
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