THE NEW YEARS RESOLUTION

There are just a few more days for us all to firm up our New Years Resolutions. The acronyms give us handy little short cuts that can save time. The first one that comes to mind is “TSA”. That powerful silent word known as “Thought” multiplies and prepares us for action since they pack a powerful punch as the brain spins us into promoting more happiness.

Speaking and sharing these thoughts with a partner magnifies them as they are physically placed into action throughout the day. The next acronym that would fit nicely here is “KISS” which translates as, “Kindness Is Sweet and Silent.” I notice that in this place I’m renting for a few months until I regain some weight and strength that everyone speaks gently and with kindness. Loud voices are seldom needed in everyday life no matter where one lives. Any thoughts or words that can be delivered with a smile are both enjoyed and felt no matter where or when they are expressed.

There are still a few more days until the New Year is silently ushered in by the calendar as 2011, and it would be nice to hear an acronym from you and add yours to the list. I can be reached at Carrington Place at (250 545-5704) and ask for Sue, the “Staying in Touch” lady.

THE LID IS DOWN

When asked about whether probiotics could be helpful with colds, Gene Stone (see yesterday’s Blog on How to Eat to Avoid Catching Colds) replied that some probiotics have proven helpful for digestive health and shows that one type lactobacillus casei lessens the duration of colds and flues in older people and that nothing is an immediate preventive or cures symptoms right away. You may have had to be eating yogourt for some time to get the benefits.

The interviewer asked him if any secrets that people gave him wound up on the cutting room floor. “Lots,” said Stone, “One of the most promising one was to close the toilet lid after flushing, which is one of those things your mother also tells you to do. It turns out that when you flush, amazing amounts of crap, literally gets in the air and it’s not good for you. I didn’t find the number of studies I would have liked, to back up these studies, but there is some research, and let’s just say, I always close the lid now.”

WHAT TO EAT TO AVOID CATCHING COLDS

A participating journalist in his book, “The secrets of People who claim never get sick, Gene Stone gives tips on how to avoid catching colds. His Number one mention is brewers yeast. This gives him all the B vitamins except B 12, and includes thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic and folic acid. Brewers yeast is also a great source of protein since the Bs also keep levels of homocysteine low. Epidemiological studies have linked high levels of homocysteine to stroke and coronary heart disease and one can get the needed minerals like selenium and potassium, a natural way in brewers yeast, unless it is purchased through a number of pills.

Aerobic exercises are also important as well since it helps to ward off mundane elements like colds. Strength training also releases natural hormones that rejuvenate the body and give increased energy that strengthens the body’s immume system because they fight off colds and flu.

For ancient news back to the Sumerians and Assyrians as well as the Native Americans, garlic has been renowned for centuries. This author picks garlic that stays at the top of his list with the B vitamins. He eats a clove of raw garlic each day even when he is on his book tour. A compound in the garlic called allinin, an enzyme that converts to what the body needs. He admits to not caring for the taste but for him a piece of dark chocolate immediately afterwards is reward enough.

Echinacea has been found useful as a cold preventative. The kind of Echinacea is of importance and he credits E.purpurea is the species that some studies have shown as to be most beneficial for the body’s health, and the German government has endorsed it recently as a cold preventative because it is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Further information can be found in the November 29th, 2010 issue of Maclean’s Magazine.

A CHILD OBESITY PROBLEM

The November 29, 2010 issue of Maclean’s Magazine carried an article titled “A Child Obesity Problem.” The ever-widening waistline in the larger centers in China is causing worries regarding the levels of obesity which has risen by 150 percent from 1996 and 2006. However, the country is still struggling with childhood undernourishment in poorer rural areas. The traditional culture equates “Fat Baby” as “Healthy Baby” but not in booming and northern and coastal regions. In Shanghai over one third of the children are overweight or obese.

China’s one-child per family has led families (mainly grandparents) to spoil and over-feed little ones. Chinese officials are well aware that the Western-style overall population is obese. Because of their sedentary lifestyle officials as well as parents, are taking a drastic approach to the problem, including military style fat camps and one-hour-a-day physical exercise which includes mandatory physical exercise in schools.

PEOPLE, PETS AND POSSESSIONS - ALL NEED CARE

According to a review in the March 2010 issue of the Veterinary Clinics in the U.S., one third of all cats and dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Excess weight harms their health too, including an increased risk of arthritis, heart disease, and premature death.

And how often have we heard the automobile “caregiver” say, “Let’s plan a vacation this summer with our motor home so we can give it a good run and keep all the parts running smoothly.

Italian researchers analyzed the most healthful ways to cook broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. Fresh vegetables retain more of their nutrients after cooking than frozen ones, and steaming preserved and, in some cases enhanced their nutritional profile.

According to a June 2010 study, being deprived of sleep for just one night impairs the ability of insulin to ferry sugar from the blood to the body’s tissues. Such insulin resistance may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

If you love ice cream but can’t downsize to the recommended half cup serving, fill a bowl with berries or other fruit and top with a small scoop of ice cream.

According to a survey of 4,800 adults, nearly 40 percent of the people who recognized common stroke symptoms in a friend or family member would not call 911. That is a potentially fatal error, since the sooner you get emergency care the greater chance of survival and recovery. Symptoms include trouble speaking or understanding, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, or difficulty in seeing from one or both eyes.

POWER UP THE DAY WITH A BETTER BREAKFAST

People who regularly eat breakfast have lower rates of type 2 diabetes and are less likely to develop heart failure over their lifetime than those who don’t. Prepare it yourself at home. A fortified breakfast is fine, especially if mixed with low fat yogurt help to meet the levels of key nutrients such as B12, C and folic acid. To find upper limits go to http://www.iom.edu/ and search for “Dri Tables”)

Breakfast boosts your energy and improves cognition, memory and problem-solving skills. “It gets the brain going,” says Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., M.P.H., RD., a physician and nutrition consultant in Sarasota, Fla. That’s because it swiftly replenishes the blood’s circulating level of glucose, which is depleted overnight and serves as the brain’s most immediate source of energy.

Besides providing a mental and physical jump-start, breakfast is a nutritional cornerstone for the day. Other breakfast standards, including eggs and citrus fruit, contribute various vitamins plus folic acid, which might protect against bone loss and colon cancer. Skipping breakfast deprives you of an opportunity to get those nutrients and increases the chance that you’ll reach for less-healthy options later in the day, when you’re too hungry or busy to eat sensibly.

Ideally your breakfast pantry should be eaten the first hour of two of the day and get up to 25 percent of the total daily calories from the meal and include a mix of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats and keep you fuller and more satisfied than just a meal of carbs. A University of Massachusetts study found that people who often ate out in the morning were more likely to be obese than those who didn’t. Consuming too many carbs makes the body beg for more of its complete needs. Oatmeal can be soaked and then cooked with milk adding raisins, dried cranberries, slivered almonds or chopped walnuts. If you’re watching your waistline eggs for breakfast helps lose weight because it reduces the chance of overeating later.

AVOID EXCESSIVE TESTING

Medical imaging can be life saving, but computed-tomographic (CT) scans and other tests also pose risks. The average radiation dose from medical imaging is estimated to be six times higher now than it was a few decades ago. A 2009 analysis of nearly one million medical records suggests that roughly 20 percent of the adults in the U.S. younger than 65 have a moderate or higher annual dose of radiation.

Such exposure increases cancer risk, especially in younger people and women. For example, CT scans of the heart cause one extra cancer for every 270 40-year-old women who undergo the test, researchers estimate. Yet in a study of CT scans investigating abdominal, hip, or pelvic pain, only 9 percent of emergency-room doctors knew that the scans increased cancer risk.

To reduce unnecessary imaging:

Make sure that the scan is really necessary and that there aren’t simpler safer options.

Avoid duplicate tests. Make sure that medical records travel with you to different departments and facilities. A study of 410 patients transferred to trauma centers found that more than half had imaging tests repeated.

Ask about guidelines. Following established protocols could reduce the number of unnecessary CT scans by 20 – 40 percent. For example, most people seen in an ER with only minor head trauma and normal neurological scans don’t require a CT scan of the head.

Consumer Reports, December 2010

HOW TO IMPROVE BALANCE

The American Heart Association has teamed with Nintendo to promote active versions like Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort for people of any age who don’t get 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

Two studies suggest that the devices – which use wireless, motion-sensitive, handheld controllers to interact with your TV – can improve balance and burn calories, which may help prevent falls.

Elizabeth Orsega-Smith, Ph.D., a professor of health behaviour sciences at the University of Delaware, studied 24 people 66 to 74 and found that they burned an average of 103 calories during 30 minutes of Wii bowling and 70 calories playing Wii baseball. A second study, of 31 adults 61 to 79, found an improvement in balance after four weeks of playing games that emphasize balance, such as skiing.

Tests in 2008 of the Wii Fit concluded that while the devices don’t offer much of a workout to people who are already fit, they might motivate people to become more active. “Caution is necessary, in case the devices might interfere with pacemakers and, like real sports, can cause injuries so talk with your doctor if you are middle-aged or older and just start to exercise,” adds Dr. Orsega-Smith.

FRIENDS AND THE FLU

Popular people get the flu, on average, two weeks earlier than other people, according to a study in the September 2010 issue of the online journal Plo5ONE. The study analyzed a flu outbreak last year among 744 Harvard students and concluded that people with more social connections got sicker sooner.

SIDE EFFECT OR SYMPTOM?

The risk of the effects and drug interactions increases with the number of medications taken. When a new symptom is noticed, talk it over with your doctor as soon as possible. New symptoms can create what appears to be a transient ischemic attack (mini stroke) can be suspected, and cause the patient to spend hours in bed.

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prescription drug use is rising. By 2008, 90 percent of Americans 60 and older reported using at least one medication and 40 percent took five or more. “This likely reflects the need to treat the many diseases that commonly occur in this age group,” the report says. “However, excessive prescribing or polypharmacy, is also an acknowledged safety risk for older Americans.”

The risk of side effects and drug interactions increases with the number of medications taken. If a new symptom is noticed, it pays to talk with your doctor immediately.

WALK FOR YOUR BRAIN

According to a study in the August 2010 issue of Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, the brain scans of adults 55 to 80 who walked three times a week showed increased connections between brain areas after a year, compared with adults who did stretching and toning exercises alone.

Another tip for improving health in general is diet. People who followed the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet for eight weeks – eating nine to 11 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, low-fat dairy products, and reduced fats – cut their risk of heart disease by an estimated 18 percent compared with people who consumed a more typical American diet. The September 2010 study found even greater benefits among African-Americans.

THANKS TO DOCTORS, CHEFS AND MANY OTHERS

Taking my doctor’s advice I have moved to Carrington, a residence that provides meals and does some light housekeeping for me together with advising that I do more walking and more gentle exercising. I am recovering from Pneumonia over a six-week week period of time where all food become unappetizing, creating weight loss and weakness. Then Shingles moved in for the next six weeks creating itchy pustules that beg to be scratched. A friend from Alberta had come for two weeks to assist me. My doctor tells me that stress can bring on these health problems and life changes have to be made to reduce stress.

The meals provided here are tasty and nourishing and the kindnesses and understanding of all the staff each day is greatly appreciated. It often comes up with the foursome folks seated at each table how considerate and cheerful the health providers are, including the efficient and gracious servers.

I am always so grateful for the food substitutes the chefs provide for me and the plain vegetables that help resist food items that can be too rich for me. For example after one evening meal I was helping a fellow diner with her TV remote and we visited together. She commented on how good the food is here and said “Now weren’t those chicken wings tasty tonight – they were just so good!” I agreed with her but have to use caution myself regarding foods that may be too rich for me that make them delicious but hard for my digestion to handle. Our table talk often includes guessing the seasoning the chefs may have used that make foods so delicious.

When I see those wonderful “trees” of broccoli, shredded spinach or other healthy and nourishing vegetables left on the plate of a fellow diner I want to borrow the words that many mothers used especially during the 30s depression, “Now eat all your vegetables or there is no dessert for you”. But I refrain from voicing it because each person has to determine the best for themselves from one of the entrees they have chosen.

I feel such gratitude for the patience and the wonderful help from the staff here. When my doctor had weighed me in at 98 pounds she said “I love your poetry, take time now to use your writing skills to help others learn not to be too trusting and they may be able to avoid the health problems that brought you here.” My appetite is being restored as I recover. Between meals I supplement snacks that include the ancient grains like Amaranth, Millet and Quinoa – all non acid foods. This with gentle exercising has helped me take a turn for restored health.

GOOD, BETTER AND BEST GRAINS FOR YOU

WHEAT is an excellent source of iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, copper, thiamin, niacin and vitamin B6. Wheat germ comes from the heart of the of the wheat kernel, high in fiber, and vitamin E. Many people are sensitive to its gluten, and people with celiac disease cannot assimilate the protein from gluten. Most hard eat is red wheat and soft wheat is white.

RYE is similar to wheat and this hardy grain can be milled into flour, is heavier and darker than wheat flour and excellent for sour dough bread and many people like to add whole wheat flour with it to be sure the bread raises enough to suit the family’s taste.

BARLEY is low in gluten, but not gluten free but can be tolerated by most people with wheat sensitivities. Barley is a great strength provider and the main staple of the Roman gladiators. It is good in soups, salads and oven pudding, and a nice alternative to rice. Whole grain rice should always be used since most of the vitamins and minerals are lost when using white rice. It is also a good source of soluble fiber, essential for healthy bowels and colons. It helps slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream and acts as a broom for the intestines, sweeping out accumulated wastes. Barley soup with green onions is good as a winter warmer.

OATS are tasty, nutritious and full of cholesterol-fighting fiber, with a full-bodied, nutty flavour. Oats are the third leading cereal crop in the U.S. behind wheat and corn. Oat groats are minimally processed with only the outer hull being removed and are chewier than rolled oats. Whole grain oats contain seven B vitamins, Vitamin E, and nine minerals including iron and calcium. It contains twice the protein of wheat and corn, and is rich in the active essential fatty acid gamma linoleic (GLA). Very small amounts of GLA can enter the metabolic system and allow the body to manufacture other essential fatty acids. For those with wheat sensitivities oats can be eaten with no problem. Check out 888-202-0463 or e-mail: easyas321@gmail.com. My cousin Ruth in Summerland tells me that when oats is grown next fenceline to wheat there can be some cross contamination. One doctor told her she should become her own detective and continue with research on her own. To lower the glycemic index of many grains, soak them overnight and eat the porridge without cooking it. This is another idea that has been found helpful for many. Using a blender and adding soaked prunes or a few raisins for natural sweetness is especially helpful for the elderly.

THOUGHTS THAT TRANSLATE TO DEEDS

The thoughts we form lead to our deeds that guide throughout the day,
Bringing peace and happiness, from things that folks may do or say.
Nourishing each day with love, as angels help from realms above,
Adding thoughtfulness and cheer through each day of the year.

The cook adds flavours to our foods with the salt or pepper she may use,
Small amounts will add the zest needed for our pleasure quest.
Conversation on our way brings more happiness each day.
Appreciation’s words of thanks – more than cash placed in the bank.

Background music helps to say, you’ve brought pleasure to my day.
A smile, a touch, a word of cheer adds its joy throughout the year.
Bundled up with memories sweet, brings pleasure to new friends we meet.
Enjoy each day, this gift of time, ours to treasure through Earth’s time.

ARTHRITIS - LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Wear-and-tear injuries and excess weight can erode the cartilage that lines the bone surfaces between the bone surfaces and joints. This can cause aching, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, and sometimes a grating or sticking sensation. If any of these symptoms are present for more than two weeks, consult a doctor who can rule out other causes of joint pain such as rheumatoid arthritis, a less common but more serious disorder. If you have osteoarthritis take these measures:

· Weight control. Shedding 10 pounds of excess weight can take about 40 pounds of excess weight off the knees and dropping 15 pounds can cut knee pain in half. If you are overweight – defined as having a body mass index of 25 or greater – try to lose at lease five percent of your body weight, especially if you have arthritis in weight-bearing joints. (To determine your BMI divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, then multiply by 703.) Or you can go to
· www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org/BMI.

* Physical activity. Exercise relieved the pain of knee arthritis as effectively as medication in a recent Cochrane review of 32 studies. Aerobic exercise keeps joints flexible and lubricated while strength training builds the supporting muscles. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, of low-impact aerobics such as walking, water exercise, and cycling, plus two days of strength training a week.

If an already aggravated knee deters you, consider a stationary bike. “sit high so the knee is almost straight,” says John Tongue, M.D., second vice president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “That takes the stress off hips and knees while lubricating those joints.” Go to http://www.consumerreportshealth.org/ and click on “Healthy Living” for our recommended bike models. Try to walk on soft, level surfaces, such as a high school track. Wear shoes with a low heel and a thick, soft, shock-absorbing sole for 5 to 15 minutes. Exercise when your pain is less severe, warm up first for up to 15 minutes, and rest frequently. Consult a physical therapist to learn which exercises are best for you. Go to http://www.arthritis.org/ or call the Arthritis Foundation at 800-283-7800.

BEST TREATMENT FOR ARTHRITIS

According to Consumer Reports on Health and best treatments for arthritis, Roy D. Altman, M.D., a professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles reports “No one therapy is as effective as we’d like, so patients are often best served by combining treatments.” Because people respond differently to the treatments, they often have to mix and match until they find the combination that works for them.

Half of all adults – and two-thirds of obese adults – will develop arthritic knees during their lifetime, researchers estimate. Despite those growing numbers and the considerable pain and disability the condition causes, treatment remains frustrating and confusing. Pills, rubs and shots offer limited benefits and cause side effects. Glucosamine supplements are promising but largely unproven. Joint replacement surgery has helped many but recent reports have raised concerns about one form of the operation may have complications even though it relieves pain. In spite of recent advances, the combination of metal and plastic parts may rub against each other and generate microscopic metal particles that appear to have toxic effects on the surrounding tissue. A small percentage, but sometimes patients have pain resulting in a large swollen mass around the hip known as a pseudotumour and death of the tissue. “If you don’t catch it early, it can be very difficult to put in a new implant,” says Matthew Kraay, M.D., a professor of orthopedic surgery at the Case Western Reserve University school of Medicine in Cleveland. “These reports have increased dramatically in great Britain, where they’ve used metal-on-metal hips for a longer time. There isn’t much reason to think it will be any different here.”

PROTECTIVE CARE

It is always a good idea to take time off from regular work and even volunteering. It will give time to study up on ways to improve energy levels by having an improved routine and caring for oneself. I have made changes in this regard and it’s helping me gain the weight I lost during the weeks I was recovering pneumonia.

BOILING WATER IN THE MICROWAVE: Since working for a large food company I do not use a microwave because of the possible loss of nutrients. But if you do, here is a word of caution if you use a microwave to boil water for making a cup of tea or for other reasons. According to the November 13, 2010 issue of Consumer reports on Health, water heated in a microwave may appear calm but suddenly erupt from its container when disturbed, causing burns.

BROWN RICE: Brown rice still has its kernel which leaves the bran and germ layers intact. These layers are packed with nutrients and fiber which might explain why a recent study linked brown rice to a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes.

HEART HEALTHY TEETH: British researchers found that people who brushed their teeth just once a day had a 30 percent increased risk of heart disease compared with those who brushed twice a day.

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET SLOWS COGNITIVE DECLINE

According to research conducted by the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago over a 15 year period, involved more than 4,000 participants 65 years of age or older, researchers tested these participants at various points in time for their cognitive abilities. Both memory and perceptual skills were included in the test. The study is currently still in progress, but at the 15 year mark the results clearly indicted that those seniors whose diets most closely approximated the Mediterranean showed significantly less cognitive decline than those other seniors. Eating a few nuts every day, the researchers noted can keep you smarter.

A diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil, lower meat consumption, moderate wine and non-refined grain intake has proven and still continues to improve general health and well being.

Norman Shealy, MD, and PhD, is a neurosurgeon, psychologist and founding president of the American Medical Association. He has authoured 25 books as well as more than 300 articles. He is the co-founder of the American Board of Scientific Medical Intuition and perhaps the world’s foremost medical expert on medical intuition. His latest book, “Medical Intuition: Your Awakening to wholeness” is available at most bookstores, libraries, and published by 4th Dimension Press. His Website is NormShealy.com., or call 800-333-4499 and A.R.E. members receive a 20 percent discount.

BEST FOODS FOR BODY, MIND AND SOUL

The book of Genesis, second chapter tells us that God formed man of the dust of the ground, breathed into the lungs and man became a living soul. The great healer, Edgar Cayce reminds us that rarely does the body breathe as deep as it should and we should practice deep breathing more than we do. “Without proper oxidation of the whole of the blood stream, tiredness occurs at times, creating heaviness across the small of the back, just below the kidneys at times coupled with the lack of assimilations of food and proper combination of alkaline and acid foods. To avoid colds and flu and many illnesses it is best to consume 80 percent fruits, vegetables and salads and the other 20 percent the high protein foods like meats, fish, beans and dairy products.

“Since the skin breathes as well as every other cell in the body more exercises should be taken in the open air to bring the full expansion of the lung cells to purify and clarify our system. The respiratory system is one of the greatest principals through which eliminations are made in the body,” urged Edgar Cayce.

The tiger or any cat demonstrates very well the exercises needed for all the muscular forces. Take only three to five minutes morning and evening before an open window, gradually rising up on the toes and lifting the hands above the head on inhalation will help fill the chest with more oxygen, and then lowering the arms, one can exhale with a “whoosh.” Raising one arm at a time is best for those who have trouble maintaining body balance. Exhalations through the mouth help expel the carbon monoxide from the lungs and fill them with fresh air. For variety one can breathe in one nostril at a time while closing the other one with a finger and the reverse with the other. Staying close to nature helps rejuvenate the body through increased circulation and better eliminations. “Each person has a purpose in the Earth that is as a harp upon which the breath of God would play,” was Cayce’s beautiful conclusion to the importance of proper breathing.

For further information and more details on how to improve health and happiness call 800-333-4499.

LOOKING FOR A WINTER RESIDENCE

Our valley’s known for kindly hearts, for winter’s quarters – time to start,
We mice search through the late fall days – Looking for a place to stay,
A tiny spot that folks will share – within their home, just anywhere.
We're glad to eat leftover food, Our bathroom habits they feel crude.
Housekeeping work we leave for you, while we make nests for homes anew.
To make a lining for my nest, I’ll take some cloth from this silk dress.

And what a find, some lovely hair, cute ends of curls I'm sure she’ll share,
On padded feet her quilt I cross, It's soft and cozy just like moss.
But owner of this lovely home unwilling was her hair to loan.
Leaping up in frantic fright (I do such work in dead of night.)
She screeched, a terrible time ensued - the sounds I heard were really rude.
I raced along her soft white arm – then under sheets to keep from harm.

I'll take another look around, Near some books a space I’ve found,
I need more fabric for my nest, I trust she feels I’m not a pest.
Her lovely soft and dainty curls had looked and felt like real pearls.
With closets full of clothes to share, I’ll take small bites, she should not care.
But now I think she's changed her mind, She put out cheese, how sweet and kind.
Hey great! she’s added peanut butter, I can eat inside, no outside clutter.
Upon a tiny wooden tray, served on the floor, I'll eat it any way.
Outside the snow hides grains of wheat, This peanut butter, what a treat!
What’s that I hear, sounds like a snap, Grandma warned to watch for traps.

LIFE HERE AND THERE

Life on Earth is all about, helping out each other,
To find the good in everyone, parents, sisters, brothers.
Expanding on to church and school, we can always spare a smile,
And even add a word of cheer, or chat a little while.

Volunteering time to help, those with special needs,
A few hours given here and there, show your spiritual creed.
Adopt a needy family and help them on their way.
Encouragement and caring words cheers them through their day.

We are here to practice truth, text book for Heavenly school,
Saint John in Revelation, helps teach the Golden Rule.
The University of Heaven, text book to study life,
Through the ages violence proved, wars only add more strife.

Earth life is such a fragile thing, the soul goes on forever,
A time on Earth to learn and grow, then go back to the giver.
Another place as Heavenly guides, cheer each growing soul,
To learn of truth, then practice it, then write another scroll.

Recorded in your Book of Life, Within - your soul tells all,
A different space, another place as you answer new life’s call,
Your soul goes on forever as, windows open for your view,
You may face a wilderness, and agree it’s best for you.

FOR STUDENTS WHO NEED HELP

Summer days flew by with speed upon the wings of time,
No work was found for student needs, tuition funds to find.
Here’s help to meet this urgent need, no interest for use time,
Then write down terms to repay now, should layoff days you find.

Upon a paper write the words, terms for this friendly loan,
To help a relative in need and set the payback tone.
The urgent need for doctors here and eager minds to learn,
Called for help to meet this need, - good wages too are earned.

Write this down, your own needs may rise - their parents work full time,
Your working years for three years past now will come to mind.
My doctor says, “I like your poetry, so write - publish in your Blog today,
Your legacy of life on Earth helps other’s future ways.”

Money bears the “filthy lucre” charge for some uncertain ones,
And “root of evil’s frightening charge” from other voices come.
But money is an instrument that, like a stringed guitar,
When tuned and played in rhythmic tones, brings joy to near and far.

But when obtained improperly sends notes in strange discord,
Yet used through time for right design, brings pleasure and reward.
So when its true perspective blends in balance through life’s whole,
This instrument of help and love aids body, mind and soul.

The last two verses I copied from my book, “In Touch.”

DRUG RELATED DEATHS ON THE RISE

According to a 2010 analysis from the nonprofit Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration received 19,551 reports of deaths linked to prescription and over the counter drugs last year, a 14 percent increase compared with 2008. Six of the most deaths in the ISMP report are listed below. If you have taken any of them, do not stop on your own but ask your doctor if they are safe for you.

Rosiglitazone (Avandia) Used for Type 2 diabetes – It increases the risk of heart failure, bone fracture, heart attacks and stroke. It is involved in 1,354 deaths.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol and generic) and acetaminophen with hydrocodone (Vicodin and generic.) Used for pain and involved in 635 deaths. It is often implicated to intentional overdoses Even modest overdoses can cause severe or fatal liver damage. Some people take higher doses, increasing the risk of liver damage from the actaminophen.

Digoxin (Digitek, and generic). It is used for Atrial fibrillation, for severe pain 506 deaths. Even small doses can be fatal. Batches of digtek (no longer available) and in 2008 and 2009 because the pills were too strong.

Fentanyl (Duragesic, Fentora, and generic used for severe pain, causing 397 deaths. A powerful narcotic, linked to accidental and intentional overdoses and abuse.

Oxycodone (oxycontin and generic used for severe pain causing 251 deaths. It is a powerful narcotic linked to accidental and intentional overdoses and abuse.

Quetiapine (seroquel) Used for Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia causing 248 deaths. It increases the risk of sudden cardiac death, especially when taken at high doses.

TALKING TEETH

But are we listening to what our teeth are telling us? Researchers in Britain found that people who brushed their teeth just once a day had a 30 percent increased risk of heart disease compared with those who brushed twice a day.

Diseased gums can contribute to systemic inflammation, which appears to damage the lining of the arteries. In fact, people in the study who brushed less often had higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation.

BEST FOR BREAKFAST

According to Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., M.P.H., R.D., a physician and nutrition consultant in Sarasota, Fla., “Breakfast gets the brain going, that’s because breakfast swiftly replenishes the blood’s circulating level of glucose, which is depleted overnight and serves as the brain’s most immediate source of energy. It boosts your energy and improves your cognition, memory and problem solving skills.”

Besides providing a mental and physical jump-start, breakfast is a nutritional cornerstone for the rest of you day. Milk provides high levels of calcium, protein and usually vitamin D (if it is fortified). Have breakfast within the first hour or two of waking. Aim to get 20 to 25 percent of your total daily calories from the meal, including a mix of protein, complex carbohydrates that contribute various vitamins, plus folic acid which may protect against bone loss and colon cancer. Otherwise you may reach for less-healthy options later in the day when you are too hungry to eat sensibly. Heart-healthy fats include olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds and fatty fish, like salmon. Avoid transfats found in hydrogenated vegetable oil. Whole grain cold cereal, especially if mixed with low-fat yogurt is best. That will keep you fuller than a meal of just carbs. A University of Massachusetts study found out that people who often ate out in the morning were more likely to be obese than those who didn’t.

Key nutrients like vitamin C, B12 and folic acid are often in fortified cereals. To find the safe upper limits go to http://www.iom.edu/ and search for “DRI tables.”

OUR ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Whenever I see a new book out by Dr. Shealy, MD, PhD, and Neurosurgeon, I wonder if there are body systems left that this founder of the American Holistic Medical Association and president of Holos Institute for Health, has still more developments to write about. This new one is about The Endocrine System.

In this latest book he gives warnings of the major physical stressors as follows: The first group he details is the physical chemical, emotional, or electromagnetic stressors beyond the safe reserves of any given individual. Oh dear, is that why so many of us begin to worry when we need to bring up a needed word that we have not used for some time.

Here are the major physical stressors: Inactivity – being inactive is as stressful as a broken leg: physical or chemical injuries, sunburn or other burns; and Excess heat or cold.

The major chemical stressors are: Sugar, corn syrup, corn fructose, Caffeine; Monosodium glutamate (MSG); artificial trans-fats; Excess phosphorus, especially from soda pop; Mercury (fillings) all artificial foods, flavourings, and dyes. Deficiency of any essential-vitamin or mineral include: Iodine (medical,) magnesium, B6, D3, and C.

Emotional stressors include: Fear; Anger, Guilt, Anxiety; and Depression.

Electromagnetic stressors include 60 cycle energy, TVs, clocks, fluorescent bulbs, radios, refrigerators, furnaces, computers, cars, airplanes, high power lines, wiring in homes, telephones, cell phones and Nuclear energy contamination. For further information: ARECatalog.com

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

In my last Blog dated August l5th I mentioned that my old energy was starting to kick in and I
was enjoying getting my home back in shape again. I don’t think I tried to do too much in one day but when I retired that evening I noticed my neck, upper arms and chin were beginning to really itch. Next day I am at the doctor’s office asking what was happening. “You have shingles,” she said. “Hurry over to the drug store and get this prescription for VALACYCLOVIR HCL. Take six tablets each day – two at each mealtime for a full week. The faster you can start the better, because it will begin working and reduce your itching and pain.”

The doctor helped me get on her scales and they registered l00.1 pounds, even with my jacket and shoes on and told me that at 5 foot 7 inches I had to gain weight and start to eat five times a day with small ones between the main meals.

In her Blog “Cicero Sings” my niece says that oregano oil will take the itch away from a mosquito bite. She keeps oregano oil on hand for other stings like wasps. Perhaps it would also take the itch out of shingles. The lady in a nearby condo says her shingles became so itchy she had to take pain killers which had other deleterious effects. I am thinking of trying out the oil of oregano oil.
Addendum Thursday, August 26: I tried the oil of oregano and it worked fine for me, but try it on a small spot first. it seems to work for so many things. The girl demonstrating it said she puts it on a sore throat and it works for that also.

UPDATES ON PNEUMONIA

The first feeling of weakness that pneumonia causes arrived for me late in June. I see I have posted only three blogs since then. I guess the walk-in doctor was right when he said I could be in for a six week recovery period. Today I felt the strength seeping back in my system and am trying not to crowd any unnecessary tasks into the day.

One person e-mailed me to let me know that he had pushed himself a little too soon and that gave him a setback. The first day I noticed my problem was on June 24th which had been the first real hot day of this summer. On the way to a good-bye farewell service I rode in three different cars and had forgotten how allergic I was to air conditioning, especially if the unit had not been cleared after a half year of it not being in use. It happened once before when my husband did the same thing to himself. Our guest riders in the back seat had requested more cool air. My husband directed cool air past himself to our guests so it would bypass me because he remembered how allergic I was to it. That air conditioning unit had not been cleared yet for the summer season and he also became ill and could not attend the family reunion the following day. This is just a little warning for those who may have already weakened their lungs from chemicals required in their place of employment. Even this very day the people who live in the Soviet Union near Moscow, have suffered from the smoke from their forest fires and many lives have been lost.

In studying more about the most nourishing foods for any recovery I was delighted to hear a noon program from CBC radio about the importance of eating more fresh uncooked foods for building better health. One of the callers was my niece from Kamloops. It was so interesting to hear her clear musical voice tell about the raw food group she usually attends each month. The group of fifty or more share recipes and learn more about improving health as they learn together. Another caller told of his experience of having a number of operations that could not cure his stomach problem. With no criticism to our medical system he then tried the change of using at least 85% uncooked foods and for him it was the solution to his problem and he is back at work. I called a former neighbour and asked if they had any fresh fruit for sale. He brought me a box of apricots and a supply of fresh garden vegetables. He would take no money because he said he and his wife often spoke about how we had helped them get started when they moved across the road from us and gave them fresh fruit and invited them to graze their few horses in our pasture when their grass became low.

THE HEALING PROCESS

The doctor said it would take at least six weeks for the body to work out its healing process. My “borrowed daughter” has been with me for two weeks and was a wonderful uplift. Her own mother passed away from pneumonia after only one day in the hospital. I’ve had a little time to catch up on reading books on the subject. Here’s the experience of a student who had entered his first year of medical school - now a doctor.

Dr. George Ritchie died from pneumonia and was pronounced dead in a Texas hospital at age 20. In the darkened hospital room he “woke up” and wandered the halls of the hospital. No one seemed able to see or hear him and at that moment he did not realize he was dead. He wandered back into his hospital room and looked at his bed. A body lay there covered with a sheet and only a hand of the inert form under the sheet was visible. To his confusion and horror he recognized his fraternity ring on the hand. He thought, “I was planning to be going home for Christmas soon to be with my family and now I will not be able to see them again, I was in a precarious position, discouraged and frightened.” He tried without success to reenter his body and again without success to pull the sheet from the body and his hand went right through it. Ritchie wondered what to do and where to go. He saw the old body but was no longer a part of it and he felt in total isolation. At the moment of his greatest distress the room began to fill with light and he thought the dim hospital light was getting brighter. The light continued to grow in intensity beyond description. Immediately following the arrival of this intense light a powerful voice was heard. “STAND UP,” the voice said, “YOU ARE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE SON OF GOD.”

“Out of that brilliant light stepped the most amazing being I have ever seen,” Dr. Ritchie said. “The hospital walls totally disappeared and I saw in detail every minute of my life from the time I was born to my twentieth year, every thought, deed and event, as the soul judged itself and the spiritual lessons it learned. A question arose, “What did you do with your life. Have you loved others as I am loving you, unconditionally, each thought and intention. There was no question that the guide through this experience was Jesus. He was unlike the pictures I have seen in stained glass windows in our churches. He had strong shoulders, the most powerful male I have ever seen.” Dr. Ritchie is still living and further information can be found about his life and work in the book “The Place We Call Home” by Robert J. Grant at your local bookstore, library or A.R.E. Press, Virginia Beach, Va. 23451-2061.

SPEAKING LOUDLY WITH SILENCE

It seems the body knows its needs at a subconscious level and can reorganize itself from its silence within. The next morning my memory gradually came back and I could recall the events of the previous day. My grandson had taken me to the emergency hospital and I was placed with others already in the emergency overload section. After five days I was rolled from my spot and another bed rolled in immediately.

I’m taking a bit of time off from blogging. I was diagnosed with pneumonia and I am supposed to try to regain my weight and according to the doctor it will take a few weeks for me to heal. At five foot seven I should weigh more than a hundred pounds so I am working at it. The ladies in my condo building here have brought me soup and other gifts and I appreciate their kindness so much. Some even phone and ask if I need anything at the store, bought groceries and picked up my antiobiotic prescription for me. We have a certain family feeling here and I am so grateful. A friend from Alberta is coming tomorrow to be with me.

Later: Indeed my "Borrowed daughter" from Alberta arrived on Sunday and will stay with me for two weeks. She is cooking great meals for me and I am gaining strength. Her husband is the manager of a hardware store in Alberta so he had to hurry back.

THE END OF A PERFECT DAY

My two sisters from Kamloops and the husband of the younger one arrived near noon. They had already eaten on the way so I laid out fruit as we shared a little catch-up time on family news as they prepared to leave for the farewell good-bye service of a mutual friend. “I understand it wouldn’t be wise for you to go to the service with that bronchial cough to dispense throughout the area but since your doctor’s on vacation until the l2th of July, your choice is a walk-in clinic or the emergency and I’ll drive you to the door of either one since the B.C. Nurse Line has given this advice.” said my sister’s husband. In earlier years I once asked him why he found time to include us two extras at various gatherings and he replied that he had no sisters and considered us his as well and knew that we three enjoyed each other as good friends. My husband died of Parkinson’s disease after our marriage of 54 years during which his job required using chemicals that are now banned. My older sister had decided to spend her life in a needy area of Africa. Before leaving by ship she took a brief course in dentistry to use along with her missionary work during her more than 50 years in Ivory Coast. She relieved many hundreds of people in the outback of this country who had no other recourse for painful dental problems. The only anesthetic she used was a gargle of salt water. One man was so delighted to get rid of his aching tooth, he rushed from the little stool that was Helen’s dental chair, always placed under a shady tree, gave her a big multi coloured wet hug as he wished her every blessing in the Koran which included many children.

I decided to take the opportunity to go to the walk-in clinic at the Fruit Union Plaza so Lloyd dropped me off where I asked near a safe lighted corner as a steam of traffic thundered on. There were walk signals ahead where I crossed this main highway. At the walk in clinic I told Dr. Clark my tummy didn’t want to keep food down leaving me with a feeling of weakness although my cough seemed better to me. He did a push test of the lungs and pinpointed the area where I may have slipped a gear while coughing and set up an x-ray for me “Your body is sick, lacking fuel and needs fixing and is calling for help. Healing takes time and will occur as you take more care about eating basic foods more often. Dr. van Zyl works too hard and I’m glad to see she is vacationing. She can read the x-rays next week.” added Dr. Clark. After arriving home I found myself four hours later still dressed and in bed with the phone ringing and calls waiting on the answering machine. More tomorrow as I tell you about my lost hours.

START ANYTIME ON ANTI-AGING

Growing research suggests that adopting healthy habits can significantly alter the course of aging even if you’re older than middle age. Many of the same benefits as people who have been active all their lives, according to a recent Swedish study of over 2,000 men. “The older you are, the more important lifestyle choices become,” says Robert Palmer, M.D., clinical director of geriatric medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

As more people live into their 80s, 90s, and beyond, researchers are asking what it takes not just to survive but to thrive. In the Journal of Gerontology explored the secrets of successful aging by following 2,432 older men and women for a decade. Those who aged with little disability tended to have a moderate-to-high income. Their lifestyle choices also helped set them apart. They didn’t smoke, drank in moderation, maintained a positive outlook, and reported less stress.

Your brain needs a workout just as much as your arms and legs. Education and an active work life when younger can help ward off dementia later building a cognitive so that small losses in function are not as noticeable. A recent study found that while career success in midlife boosted, so did staying motivated, working hard and being dependable. A 2009 study in 2009 of 500 men and women 75 and older, and published in the Journal of Neurology found that they could delay cognitive decline by participating in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, writing, doing puzzles and participating in group discussions, and playing games or music.

THE BEST WAY TO RELAX MUSCLES

According to Consumer Reports on Health, March, 2010 the answer is not a muscle-relaxant pill. Recent analysis showed those drugs are relatively ineffective and potentially dangerous. Michael Jackson and Anna Nicole Smith, for example, both reportedly abused the muscle-relaxant carisoprodol (Soma and generic), in a combination with other drugs, before they died. Most muscle-relaxants can cause sedation, which increases the risk of car crashes, falls and other accidents.

Instead, people with tight muscles generally opt for safer, more effective treatments. Spasms stemming from back or neck pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, or other forms of musculo-skeletal pain often respond to heating pads or hands-on therapies such as massage or spinal manipulation. For lower-back pain, Consumer Reports National Research Center survey of more than 14,000 people published in 2009, chiropractic was the most effective treatment. Other research suggests that acupuncture, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga may help some people. If the non-drug measures do not work for you (Tylenol and generic) works as well as muscle relaxants. Avoid carisoprodol, because it may be more likely than other muscle-relaxants to lead to addiction and abuse. More free reports at ConsumerReportsHealth.org.

HEALTH TIPS

CLEAN THE AIR WITH PLANTS:
Researchers from Georgia and South Korea took 28 plants and put them in jars with pollutants from building and cleaning products, fragrances, paints, and tobacco. After six hours, all the plants improved the air somewhat. The top four were the asparagus fern, the English ivy, the purple waffle plant, and the variegated wax plant.

BETTER BODY IMAGE, WITHOUT WEIGHT LOSS:
Men and women who start exercising are happier about their bodies even when they don’t lose weight, according to a study published in the September 2009 issue of the Journal of Health Psychology. Improved body image depended more on how often people exercised than on how long or hard they worked out, according to researchers at the University of Florida.

EAT SLOWLY, FEEL FULL:

European researchers had 17 men eat the same amount of ice cream in either 5 minutes or 30 minutes, then took blood measurements every 30 minutes for 3 ½ hours. The study, published in the January 2010 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, found that the 30-minute snackers had higher concentrations of several hormones that help make people feel full.

MANUFACTURING A DISEASE TO PROVIDE A CURE

The moderator of the science program on CBC Radio called Quirks and Quarks brings the latest in science and is broadcast every Saturday immediately after the noon news. Its host, Bob McDonald was absent this week to receive two prodigious awards for his diligence for his research in the field of Science. Listen for a repeat of the Saturday noon radio broadcast every Monday evening at ll:30 pm. In his absence this week Alison Molluk hosted the program for him. It explained how 50 million Americans as well as uncounted millions of Canadians were prescribed a newly minted disease known as Depression. Double blind tests for Depression were conducted with mixed results.

“Any kind of suffering is a target for creating a drug for pharmaceuticals to offer doctors to prescribe for a possible chemical cure for an imbalance in the system,” says Dr. Greenberg who has written a book on the subject called: Manufacturing Depression, A Secret History of a Modern Disease.

Through time immemorial people have felt anxiety, proven by the fact that students study before writing examinations as I noted in my blog dated June l2, 2010, called “Worried sick.” According to this medical doctor, millions of people have become addicted to this prescription for Depression that has become habit forming for many with great difficulties overcoming it.

The details are so well set forth in the repeat of this program and other science programs hosted by Bob McDonald Monday evening at ll:30 pm.
Set your alarm to be sure you don’t miss it. Another well documented science presentation by this host is presented every Saturday noon from CBC radio.

WORRIED SICK

Anxiety is the most common form of mental illness. Everyone worries sometimes, and there’s certainly a lot to fret about these days, but how do you differentiate mental, even healthy fears from those that are irrational or destructive?

In small doses, “worry and anxiety are adaptive,” says Michael First, M.D., Columbia University’s college of Physicians and Surgeons. “Nobody would study for a test if it weren’t for anxiety. But when it goes from something that motivates you to something that interferes with your life so you can’t concentrate or make you avoid social situations – that’s when you might need help. The good news is that there are many effective treatments for anxiety. No solution works for everyone and often requires trial and error, and more than a little patience.

The psychology sections of bookstores are filled with titles like “From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life, and, yes, “Overcoming Anxiety for Dummies.”

Anxiety often triggers depression, and it appears to increase the risk of other health problems like asthma, chronic pain, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, overactive thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke and even death.

The best-studied method is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing thoughts and behaviours that contribute to anxiety. The specifics often vary depending on the type of anxiety. For example, people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder can benefit from exposure therapy, in which they repeatedly encounter the situations or objects they most fear in order to become desensitized to them. Group training in problem-solving skills, relaxation and sleep hygiene can help. Finding a therapist through a friend or relative or a recommendation from their doctor had better outcomes than those who picked someone from the phone book or health plan’s provider list.

A FUTURE VISIT TO THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE

“I see you have brought your list of symptoms as requested,” said the doctor as he looked over the patient’s sheet of lined paper. “I think the CLC treatment will fix you up nicely,” he added as he pressed a few buttons and returned the page to his patient, together with Page 2 that gave the diagnosis and listed his instructions for treatment.

“Please note that it is important to consume all of these salad foods daily, preferably organic, fresh, and from your own garden if possible. Your Provincial Health Guide will explain the details on the meaning of the acronym CLC.

CELERY will give you a good source of dietary fiber, calcium, manganese, magnesium, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B2, and B6.

LETTUCE, especially the green leafy kind, is a good source of dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium. It contains Vitamins A, C, K, B1, B2, B6 and folate, iron, potassium and manganese. Together with cabbage as well, helps the system in the production of leucocytes in the blood, or their element of activity.

CARROTS contain large amounts of Vitamins A, K, C, B1, B3, B6, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, among others, and is a good source of dietary fiber.

“You will find all the details on each of these nutritional items listed in alphabetical order in the Provincial Health Guide. This will help your thought processes that encourage the cells of the body to put all of these nourishing foods into action. Thoughts are very important. A silent “Thank you,” to your wonderful body cells as they work together in this way,” our future doctor added. We do not need to wait for some future time to make good health possible and implement the CLC treatment immediately, make it a daily habit, and avoid future pandemics.

THANKS FOR OUR ANGELS

Our thanks for God’s angels, given us for our friends,
For protection and guidance, until life shall end,
For the privilege of being a part of Earth’s life,
As we honour our planet, live in peace without strife.

We’re one with this planet, its rivers and falls,
That start with a dewdrop, we’re part of it all.
The beauty of flowers, the grandeur of trees,
For breathing and living, so Earth life can be.

With kindness to all life, and truth always near,
Taking only that needed, brings calm with no fears.
Our thanks for each friendship, their hearts filled with love,
As designed through the ages, Heaven’s plan from above.

WELCOME RAINS HAVE ARRIVED

It’s almost a week since posting a blog so I better get busy or I’ll get an e-mail, usually from a relative that says something like: “What’s up?, no posting for almost a week.” Last time that happened I had a good excuse, the arrival of a new great-granddaughter on May 21st, all six pounds and ten ounces of sweetness and love. Not that I had much to do with it, but one set of grandparents from U.S. arrived for a month to welcome her. They drove to town from their hideaway near Kelowna each day to visit her and my son stopped by to tune up a few things in my condo like replacing light bulbs and ailing widow blinds.

June is often a rainy month for the Okanagan Valley and true to form it’s bringing the much needed rains, even a bit of snow on the nearby Silver Star Ski Hill. So far the rains have arrived mostly during the night, and will protect the forests and hopefully avoid the fires like we had last year.

Diana Beresford-Kroeger, a botanist and agricultural researcher, lecturer and scientist in the field of classical botany and medical biochemistry wrote ARBORETUM AMERICA, A Philosophy of the Forest, published 2004, 2005 and 2006. Photographs are by Christian H. Kroeger. This wonderful husband and wife team have presented nearly two hundred pages in printed word and pictures that virtually dance from its pages. The Acknowledgment page adds, “Without the continuing support of my husband and his editorial skills this book would never have seen the light of day.”

The news gets even better. A new book about America’s Arboretum is in some bookstores and will no doubt soon be available locally. I do not have one yet but if you mention the author’s name at the store or at your local library they will soon have it available. Since all plant life helps with our own personal breathing apparatus it is a good cause to be aware of and do our part to protect us all.

WHAT SHOULD A MOTHER DO?

A more appropriate question might be, “What should a son do about his mother who will be 87 next month and she can be recalcitrant at times?”
My son hadn’t been up to Canada for a year and noticed this time that my gait was a little unsteady at times but I think I’m doing fine living alone in my condo. He pictures me having a fall and creating a problem when least able to face it. Knees can create problems for some seniors but mine are fine and everything else seems to be okay including both knees and hips which can be problematic even for the young sometimes. When I was walking downtown a lady I knew years ago called out my name. She identified herself and said she didn’t blame me for not recognizing her because she was having health problems and was now quite lame. She added that she had wrecked her knees because of her barrel racing hobby years ago.

Each day my son and his wife drive to town. His wife renews social contacts with friends and helps their son and his wife when needed. A new granddaughter arrived for them on Victoria Day weekend and of course that gives me another great-grandchild to enjoy as well. My grandson and his wife are wonderful parents and the baby’s Mom has chosen to stay home and care for them. The parents bring the four of them to visit me at least once a month and I write a story called the “Grandkid’s Gazette” that follows their progress until they can keep their own journals.

My son took me to all the nearby retirement homes in the area and we both agreed on one that would be suitable for my future needs. But I said “Not yet.” He e-mails my best friend in Alberta who is the same age as him and the next day brings a print-out of it for me to read that says “To help my Mother be more comfortable with this change I am hoping you may be able to help me with that. Do you have any ideas? Our son Luke, who lives here says he will help her with the move. Finances will not be a concern as I will assist with payments if she has any difficulties with that.” My best friend e-mails back that she and her husband will be coming here in a few weeks and will be helpful. My son reminds me that I have helped some of our nieces and nephews with tuition for university when needed and now it is my turn to receive his help when needed. I gave up my driver’s license a few years ago and with my little cart am able to carry my groceries up this steep hill. I will listen to any advice anyone cares to offer.

A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

In a recent Blog I told you about Dr. Melvin Morse, a neuroscientist, critical care physician and pediatrician in Seattle who shared children’s drawings and stories on what it is like to die. This doctor was able to resuscitate them and has written about it and told how children spoke of a white-robed spiritual figure in what they called Heaven who had lovingly told them it was not their time to stay in Heaven yet and their parents were praying for them to return. Local libraries may have his book available or will bring it in from another branch or a bookstore can order it for you.

My husband passed away in 2003 after a struggle with Parkinson’s disease. A week later I have a dream one night and find myself driving on a freeway that showed an arrow that seemed to indicate it was my turnoff. I see a large empty parking lot but no other parked cars. A door to the only building on the lot is unlocked. I walk down a long corridor and see my husband, alive and well, coming toward me. I rush toward him but he raises his hand, smiles pleasantly and says, “It is time for us to move on.” He pauses at the next intersection to make a right turn, smiles again and repeats, “It is time for both of us to move on.” I wake up with a moment of sadness that changes to a realization that he seemed to be excited about what lay ahead for him. With his scientific mind he was always full of ideas and made sketches about future inventions. Perhaps his work in this other plane is keeping him busy and happy.

Three days after his passing I had been busy with arrangements for a Celebration of Life for him. A sudden flash of him appeared “in mid air” it seemed. He raised his arms above his head. As his fingertips touched he said in excited tones, “Look I can raise my arms now and clasp my hands together.” Then he disappeared. Parkinson’s disease causes joints to stiffen and even feet seem to “freeze” to the floor temporarily.

These two dreams made it much easier for me to face the future alone without him. There have been such experiences happen for many who are reluctant to speak about them in case they are thought to be losing their minds. But leave it to children to lead us and “tell it like it is” in other planes that await us after the passing of the body.

THE ROYAL BREAKFAST

What did Queen Victoria and Prince Albert have for breakfast? History books often do not detail the day-by-day dining habits of royalty, perhaps concentrating more on relationships with other countries. Her father, George III died when she was just eight months old. Her mother, a German princess of Saxe-Coberg-Gotha gets little mention in history books. The education of the blonde blue-eyed Victoria was supervised by her shrewd uncle Leopold who was elected King of the Belgians in 1831. In 1838 she was crowned in Westminster Abbey. The prince consort, Albert was said to be hard working, studious and patient. He calmed her occasional tantrums, shared her delight in literature and music and catered to her youthful love of pomp and ceremony. Five daughters and four sons were born to them and they firmly instructed the children in religion and family discipline. When Albert died of typhoid fever she was so saddened she went into seclusion from all except for her household and cabinet. The basic principles of life were laid as the British Empire grew on all continents.

It is time to take a peek into Victoria’s dining room and see what the queen and her consort may have had for breakfast. I think it was basically corn bread with a sprinkle of fruits that came by ship from southern possessions like Australia and India. She was deeply interested in the welfare of her people and in the growth of the empire and in l846 supported the repeal of the Corn Laws of 1815 that would lower the price of bread, the chief food of the working people. It apparently took nearly 25 years for the common people to be able to reach for a second serving of corn-bread burgers perhaps with ground lamb as the part of the filling. The Duke of Sandwich was said to have been the first one to officially ask for a sandwich so he wouldn’t have to leave his gaming table to go to the dining room.

According to James Belch, M.D. the only grain that contains a complete protein source is quinoa. Amaranth is second to quinoa in protein and millet comes in third. Buckwheat is high in potassium, rutin, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin E and other B vitamins. Very few people are allergic to rye. Spelt is better tolerated than any other grain with all essential amino acids, the only grain containing mucopolysacciarides. Many of these ancient grains may not have been available in Victoria’s day. We are of course referring to whole grains in all instances.

THE OTHER SIDE OF DEATH'S DOOR

Tremulous times we live in and in so many ways we face the question of survival. No wonder we seek comfort in miraculous reports of transformative near-death experiences or messages from those who have passed over. In his book, “Experiencing the Next World Now,” (Paraview Pocket Books), Michael Grosso, Ph.D., shares with us his discoveries, and they are worth examining.

He points out that deathbed visions fall short, to a logical mind, as proof of actual existence after death but we should not underestimate their value in enhancing our intuitive sense of an afterlife. At times the remaining family members have dreams concerning where a will, the life insurance papers and other valuables including cash can be located, in order to complete the final accounting required for legal papers.

George G. Ritchie, Jr., M.D., author of “Return From Tomorrow,” recommends Robert J. Grant’s book “The Place We Call Home, Exploring the Soul’s Existence After Death”. Of it he says, “After reading this book, you will never again believe that we have no knowledge of life after death. This is the handbook we need to help us prepare for the realms to come.”

An emergency doctor in Seattle gave little thought to the afterlife until he had resuscitated children whose parents feared had drowned. The children told wonderful stories of finding themselves in another world of light. Since they were too young to write he told them to draw pictures. With crayons they drew “stick pictures” of angels and a person in a white robe greeted them warmly but said they were not yet ready to come to Heaven and to think about their parents. They found themselves back on Earth with their parents embracing them. Each child had drawn a large circle with long shining rays depicting the sun. Internet: http://www.edgarcayce.org.

CT SCANS AND CANCER

Health Wire reports that one of every 270 women at age 40 who has CT angiography – a test for clogged coronary arteries – will develop cancer from the radiation used in the test, a study published in the December 14 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine has found.

Those CT scans typically expose women to as much radiation as from 51 mammograms or 309 chest X-rays. Radiation to the abdomen, chest and pelvis is riskier for women than men because of the chance of breast or gynecological cancers.

From: Consumer Reports on Health – March 2010

OKANAGAN VISITORS

My son and his wife come up from the U.S. for a month every summer to visit with family and friends. They stay in a lovely spot where they can enjoy the sounds of a bubbling brook and the sunny skies of our valley. In the afternoons they drive to town to visit family and friends. While his wife goes shopping with friends he stops by to help me with some chores; light bulbs that need replacing and today will install new window blinds.

Sunday morning he picked me up to attend Grace Bible Church. It was so crowded we got jostled close to the front. The orchestra instruments were tuning up and two from the young peoples group arrived on stage to announce the activities slated for the following week and introduce a visitor. I didn’t recognize either of them and was checking the program leaflet when a familiar voice made me look up. It was my grandson, but what happened to his hair. My son explained later that he had challenged his office mates at Kal Tire to contribute a total of up to fifteen hundred dollars for charity (The Heart and Stroke Foundation), he would have his head shaved. Earlier a short film had been made showing hair clippers racing through several stages of hair fashions finishing up with one called the “smooth dome” style. His office friends kept their bargain and so far more than seventeen hundred dollars have been raised for The Heart and Stroke Foundation.

When I was clearing out my files recently I found an article I had clipped from The Morning Star dated August l, 2004. It recounted a story about a local resident, Lisa Hanson who experienced her first mission trip to help underprivileged children in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The trip was organized by the Alliance Church that pictured an orphaned boy of about eight wearing a donated hat from here. Volunteers learned Spanish here before leaving to help a Mexican protestant church that runs a school called School of Champions where they get a meal at the end of the day and the family gets donations of clothes brought by the volunteers. The children are eager to learn English and Math and later are able to qualify for jobs in the tourist industry. Sometimes parents live nearby in hovels and with their children can make up to three dollars a day. One family of five children had been abandoned there and are known as Children of the Dump. Our son tells us that he is amazed at the amount of funds that both Canada and U.S. have given to Haiti after the recent earthquake disaster.

SIZING UP FOOD PORTIONS

A portion is how much food you choose to eat. A two slice sandwich is one portion; a serving of bread is usually one slice. With no measuring cup or spoon handy make a fist for size comparison. One cup is one serving of cereal, milk, yogurt, soup or chopped leafy vegetables. One-half cup is one serving of cooked beans or rice, fruit or most vegetables. Look at your palm for one serving (three ounces) of cooked fish, meat or poultry. Cup the palm of your hand for a one ounce serving of cheese or nuts. For one tablespoon of jam or jelly, or salad dressing, use the thumb nail for a one serving. To size up one serving of butter or oil use the index nail for one teaspoon.

Take time to eat mindfully to enjoy the taste of food and the experience of feeling full. Avoid eating when driving, reading or watching TV. When eating out use a doggy bag for extra food and wrap it up early for "take home" so there’s less temptation. Americans’ average calorie intake has risen nearly 15 percent in the past 20 years so avoid sweetened drinks and order water instead.

Stop eating before you feel full so follow the 80 percent rule and you will feel more comfortable. That is the strategy reportedly common on the Japanese island of Okinawa which has one of the highest concentrations of people in the world living to 100. For a few days keep a journal detailing everything you eat including visits to a snack dish. A list can help you identify where you can cut back. A small silent “thank you” to your taste buds and digestive system with a smile or word of thanks to those loving hands that prepared the food will cap it all off nicely.
Web site: http://www.consumerreports.org/.

HONOURING MOTHER ON HER SPECIAL DAY

This is a picture of my mother that was clipped from a group picture taken at the wedding of their second son in 1939. She is 40 years old here with a new degree after her name, MIL - mother-in law. She dearly loved her new daughter-in-law, as did my father, brothers and sisters. With her love of gardening and good management skills she brought us through THE GREAT DEPRESSION of the 30s with no debts. My sister, Helen, born in 1921 was two years older than me and we were her garden helpers. In the fall hundreds of jars of canned vegetables and meat bubbled away in her oval boiler heated with a wood stove and were lined up in the basement for winter's food supply. Eight children joined the family and Mother used to joke about the "threshing crew" she cooked for each day. At that time the combine had not yet been invented for harvesting the crops in the fall. Together with preserving food for winter and cooking for a large threshing crew it was a busy time. She lived to be 81. Thank you Mother for everything.

FAMILY WITH A TEN MILE DIET

Shown in this picture are my parents John F. Krueger and his bride Elsa Dorothy Marie on their wedding day in l915. Eldest son Paul, on the left and Fred, second son, on the right. Middle row: Albert (Al), Helen, and Sophia (Sue). Bottom row: Esther, Harold, and John. During the depression of the l930's a scarlet fever epidemic took the life of our little brother, Harold.

Our family lived on a farm ten miles south of Orion, Alberta. The mail came once a week and the little store in town carried items of food like baking powder, and other items my mother could not grow in her large garden. Chokecherries grew in the sandy hills four miles distant. We raised chickens for eggs and cattle for milk and protein needs. Fast foods were unknown except for a fast trip to the garden for lettuce for a salad.

IVORY COAST - 1945-1997

Re-reading my sister Helen Krueger’s book about her 52 years in the Ivory Coast, it seems to get more interesting each I time I open it. Through the 85 pages of her book “Chosen to Go” one can feel we’ve been there and walked with her. With more book requests she had an additional 100 copies printed. She sells these reprints at cost which is ten dollars plus postage. She took a tumble when using her walker, is in good spirits, and recovering without complaint from a broken femur. Her phone number is: 1-778-470-4450, or e-mail elhoward@ telus.net.

Helen suggests the people she worked with in the outback of the Ivory Coast gave her tips for everyday living that we all, even now, might benefit from, especially with our increasing needs for energy, air and water. She never asks for money and feels that living honestly and “growing in grace” as scriptures advise us, prayers for necessities are answered. She now lives in the Overlander Care Home in Kamloops with four room mates, knows their names, and many others in the building and adds, “I enjoy them all.”

Before she went to Ivory Coast in 1945 she took a nursing course in Toronto that included basic dental needs. She realized the importance of education and with only a small pension helped Mme.Yvonne Dilou’s two sons complete their university degrees. Mme. Dilou (whose husband was killed in a motor bike accident) had taken care of Helen when she broke her hip in 1997. When able to travel Helen returned to Canada for retirement.

Later when she broke her arm, I went to Kamloops for three weeks to help out and she shared her mail in the evenings. She usually sent “round robin letters” to family and friends. To save paper she might append a note “This letter goes to ‘so and so’ next.” The same pen then went to work making out two cheques for well over two thousand dollars each for two nieces for university tuition when they had expressed desires to become doctors. She handed them to me to check to be sure she had made them out right. One of her letters included a small cheque from friends in our home town with a note that read, “Buy something for your self!” Most of her own clothing always waited hopefully on hangers at the Thrift Store. My younger sister and her husband drive 35 kilometers three times a week to visit her and bring her mail that comes from the Ivory Coast. He has equipped his computer keyboard to include the circumflex letters required for French. After returning home, he types her answers on his keyboard and lets Cyberspace take them the Ivory Coast.

IVORY COAST - HUNTING FOR FOOD

Since the growing season is a long one without frost during the night there are many varieties of trees that produce fruit all year around. This has value for green vegetables as well as yams that also need a long growing season. It then becomes important to hunt animals for extra protein foods. If no animal is found in the trap that has been set the night before or been snared in any other way the mother hopes there is something left in the dried food storage container as part of the entree. Even the small children have been able to help harvest this protein source that virtually drops into their laps.

After five months of extremely hot dry weather, a large variety of flying ants come out and gather in swarms around any lantern or light source. These ants are edible, sweet and oily and the children rush to catch them around any light. They pop some of them into their mouths for an immediate treat and the rest are placed in a pail with water so they can’t fly away. The mother puts these into an earthen cooking pot to roast and when dry they are crunchy and taste like bacon rind after being fried. These tasty treats are even available at the market.

Helen added, “Large hairy caterpillars are caught as they come down from the trees after they have eaten all the leaves. They are tossed live onto hot coals to singe off the hairs and of course quickly meet their demise. They are dried in the sun until crisp and stored in earthen containers for future use in the gravy when no other protein is available. Once cooked in the gravy the dehydrated caterpillars swell up and pop at first bite. This bothered me and I never did eat one, but ate the gravy when it was shared in the villages.”

“When that protein source is low the women wade in the streams and put their wicker baskets under the water. When they raise the basket, the water leaks out and small fish can be found at the bottom. Crocodile meat and fruit bats can be bought dried at the market. Someone gave me a piece of elephant meat and it was very tough and took many hours to cook. Children are very helpful in many ways by chasing the birds away when they come in flocks to scratch out the newly planted rice seeds. After the rice grows a few inches it is safe. Farmers often keep the children out of school because they are needed to chase the rabbits and large agouti rats out of he rice fields and gardens. Agouti rats are a favourite wild meat.

DINING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

We are all glad to say goodbye to the ice and snow of winter and soon we can roll out the deck chairs and picnic tables to enjoy the great outdoors. Families in the Ivory Coast have picnics every day all year and my sister, Helen, was able to enjoy outdoor dining for more than fifty years in the Ivory Coast. She has authored a book about her experiences that tells us about many wonderful people she associated with there. In yesterday’s Blog I recounted some of her experiences that included taking care of urgent dental needs that for years had been unavailable in many of the outback areas. Houses are close together in the villages that featured mud huts with no walls to separate one family from another.

Helen joined some of their outdoor evening meals and all members of the families dine together. The food in the earthen cooking pot simmered in the “three stone” outdoor stove. Before dinner the mother goes to the water hole for a large bowl of water she carries on her head that she heats up to wash the children after a dusty day of working or playing outside. The older children stay with the grandmother as guardians for the small children while she is away to be sure they do not get too close to the fire. Young girls carry their corn cob “dolls” on their backs leaving their hands free for dining and will sit together with the mother. When the food is ready the mother serves a large bowl of rice and meat (or fish) and brings it to her husband, often placing it just on the ground as he sits on a small stool. The boys sit with the father, using the one hand they washed before dinner to eat with. No one speaks while eating lest their share of food be eaten while they talk. All varieties of meat are acceptable except hyena because they eat decaying meat in the bush. This evening the mother has cooked a 20 foot long boa constrictor (it tastes like white fish) and there is plenty for all. The father divides up the meat left in the bottom of the gravy bowl to be sure each one gets his share of this good protein source. In chapter 12 of her book Helen recounts, “Once when given gravy and rice in a village, I found a little monkey head in the gravy bowl. The hollow eye sockets and teeth bothered me and I placed it back in the bowl for someone else to enjoy.” Chickens scratch around at dinner to snatch a fallen rice grain and dogs hover near hoping to get a bone. Helen adds “The full moon is the favourite time of the month to run and play until midnight. Drums are played and the children dance. The African moon is special and we love to sit outside and watch the moon rise against the silhouette of the tall palm trees.”

IVORY COAST EXTRA

After reading my recent posting about my sister’s experience of meeting two gorillas while riding her bicycle on a narrow bumpy road I was asked what she might be doing on a typical day in these nearby villages around 20 kilometers from home. According to her book she was asked about everyday health problems. Many water holes or swamps were contaminated with guinea worm eggs, invisible except under a microscope. They ask how illness could be caused from something invisible and wind up in the body over two feet long. They feel it must be caused by someone doing sorcery against them. We told them to filter the water through a fine cloth that the eggs cannot pass through or else the water could be boiled to kill the eggs. The worm grows for about a year and when it wants to get out it begins to bore its way out of the stomach and works its way down into either a leg or arm. Slowly it winds itself up in the muscle and flesh until a large bulge is formed. It cannot be operated on surgically as it is entwined in the flesh, becomes very painful and the victim is unable to walk or to move the painful limb. The worm bores a hole to leave the body and takes ten to fourteen days to come completely out. Its body is carefully wound around two small sticks to keep it alive because if it dies in the process more problems ensue. Occasionally a worm can be pulled out in a day without breaking it.

Once the people heard that the white lady was able to pull teeth, word was spread around from village to village and people would come one by one all afternoon. A dentist from Alberta had given me a complete set of dental tools and I kept my forceps handy and with no anesthetic pulled the painful tooth. They would rinse the mouth with a salty mouthwash afterward. One man had a back molar which kept him from sleeping. I told him that would be very difficult but he begged me to try. My nickname among some of the natives was “the strong one.” I pulled with all my strength until I felt dizzy. He begged me to try again. I breathed a prayer and tried again and finally succeeded. A very happy man indeed with his mouth full of blood tried to hug me and utter Moslem blessings such as, ‘May Alla cause you to remain a long time in our country, - may you prosper, and may you have many children!’ For more than forty years I was the only one available to carry out pulling teeth duties. The government finally brought in a registered dentist that cost them ten dollars each. I felt so sorry especially for the little old women who would come to me for help. Finally I was told I could help those I knew did not have the money to pay.

IVORY COAST ADDENDUM

Regarding Helen Krueger’s work in the Ivory Coast it should be mentioned that she was also honoured at the Canadian Embassy in Abidjan. Linda Nagel, the group leader accompanied her in response to their invitation and part of their written response said “Canada’s reputation around the world is enhanced by the accomplishments and commitment of such people as yourself.”

It is interesting to note that Helen did not ask for funds during her furlough visits with family and friends or by letter. A member of the family she boarded with while attending high school in Medicine Hat sent $50.00 per month for her work during her 52 years in Ivory Coast. Family and friends from her birthplace at Orion, Alberta assisted as well. From the port of entry she and her co-worker Adeline Wilke walked to their destination. At the end of each day they stopped at the next village before dark. They hired a boy each day to carry their 40 pound suitcases to the next village until the 300 mile journey was complete. During their early years they traveled by horseback and bicycle. When going on trek to Gouro villages, Helen would pay a man to carry the necessary bed sack and box containing food items. Returning the fifteen kilometers home in the cool of the evening after 5 pm, Helen found the road extra rocky with sticks, stones and bumps and had to watch carefully. “I saw what I thought were two people coming toward me, likely two men returning home from their farm and planned to greet them in their own language. Ruts in my path had kept my eyes focused on the road and finally looking up was surprised by two large gorillas. I was so close it was impossible to turn around and fear clamped my throat, but suddenly remembered the bell on the handlebars and began ringing it furiously. It startled them enough to step off the road. African boys told me later it was good there were two gorillas, perhaps male and female who found walking on the road easier than going through the thick underbrush. If it had been one old male that had been chased out of the herd, he would have been vicious and could have carried me off into the forest. I told the boys it was God who had saved me and not any charm or fetish.” She wrote “round robin letters” to family and friends each month and it was probably incidents like this that encouraged family to pool resources and buy her a small car.

BLOG CORRECTION

In my April 14th Blog I recounted a weekend visit from my brother, John, and his wife, Jean who started farms in Kenya under the auspices of International Fellowship. Each family agrees to take four extra children who are orphaned or whose parents are no longer able to care for them due to illness. In addition to growing fruits and vegetables cows and goats are raised to insure a good protein supply.

I also told about my older sister, Helen, now retired in Kamloops. I said she had spent 54 years in Ivory Coast but when re-reading her book, “Chosen to Go” I see she spent 52 years in the Ivory Coast. She had learned French which is the main language but there are several others including Dioula. It is best to travel in pairs so she and Adeline hired a shoemaker who knew both languages and they paid him to go with them on trek to translate. Being a Muslim, they gave him time off when the call to prayer came so he could join the rest to do prayers for twenty minutes. Another time our Pastor Bamoussa told us about his experience. He had been blind for eight years and was led about by a boy holding a stick for him to grasp. Our African Pastor Samuel prayed for the sick, lame and blind and many were healed. He talked to Pastor Samuel and asked to be prayed for but said he would never become a Christian even if he were healed. After three days of hearing the testimony of many who were healed, he got up one morning and found his eyes were opened and he could see. He asked Pastor Samuel where this was written in the Bible and wanted to read it for himself but had never gone to school and was not able to read. He asked the pastor to pray for him and open his intelligence so he could read it right away. “Do you believe Jesus could do this for you”? Pastor Samuel asked. “Didn’t he open my eyes and give me sight.” The pastor prayed for him and then handed him the New Testament. He started to read. He then said he would no longer be a Muslim and wanted to become a Christian. Helen is having 100 additional copies of her book printed because of many requests for it. After Independence in 1960 Houphuet Boigny proved to be wise and greatly loved leader and the country made progress. He died in 1995 and Helen watched huge crowds at his funeral singing their thanks and praising him for all he had done for them. In 1997 Helen returned to Canada after recovering from a broken hip. At a farewell party she was presented with the "Knight of the National Order" - the Ivorian Government's highest medal.

WARNING

A news clip yesterday suggested that people who use debit charge cards should check their statements carefully. Thieves have been removing bank machines at night and leaving a decoy in its place. Through modern technology the thief removes the cash and the decoy is replaced by the real bank machine before morning.

Encyclopedias tell us how thieves were treated before the days of cameras, finger prints and other modern technologies. Throughout England and European countries stocks were placed in prominent places. A heavy frame of timber with movable boards showed openings through which the feet and hands would be forced into these openings and then clamped into place. For several hours the thief would be exposed to public ridicule. This was even brought to America for a short time but the vast distance between cities and towns soon made it less effective.

While kings and nobles were planning religious wars and fighting over territory men could always join the army and escape the disgrace of being seen in the stocks. The amount of time spent in the stocks could vary with the seriousness of the crime. Sometimes the guilty party would be placed in the stocks if he failed to attend his proper church on Sunday morning. In modern days the offenders can be viewed on cameras and be identified when their pictures appear in the daily papers.

APRIL BRINGS EASTER AND THE TAX DEADLINE

After Easter Sunday breakfast of blueberries and ground flax, sharp pains sent me to the phone to call the B.C. Health Nurse. After explaining the radiating pain through the back area and everywhere else it seemed, the nurse told me to call an ambulance and go to the emergency. X-rays and CT scans, showed a stone had been left in the gall duct a decade ago and it was necessary to be taken to Kelowna where a specialist reached down the esophagus with a dipper-like instrument that had a light at the end to locate the wandering stone. The surgeon worked with great dexterity and care and I was home within three days.

My grandson came to the hospital for at visit and brought a book for me to read. During that hour he told me about his wonderful wife who stayed home to bathe their three small daughters and do the bedtime preparations. I knew they had a happy home but it was nice to hear his words of gratitude and happiness as a family. He even brought a get-well card the five and six year olds had designed for “Gi-Gi,” (the name they have given me as great-grandmother.) Their card said how sad they felt that I was in the hospital but glad Daddy could bring their get-well card for me to recover soon.

After three days in the hospital I had a new realization of how great it is to have a wonderful health system on standby with health professionals who work so well together. The month of April finds us all busy to meet our income tax deadline as we all unite to keep the health system itself strong and healthy. It encourages us to do our part by overcoming bad habits like smoking as we learn more about foods that build health and the all important walk to exercise the body. Being kind to one another also adds mutual health benefits as well. The book my grandson brought to me was written by Max Lucado who explains the need for spiritual help as well. His closing words were: “The same one who saves your soul longs to remake your heart for God is willing to guide us to change us into the likeness of His son.” That seems to be what the gift of life is all about, to grow in grace with kindness and love while here attending Earth School.

WEEKEND VISITORS FROM AFRICA

My kid brother, John, (15 years younger than me) and his wife came for a visit on the weekend. I was so glad our weather had been turning warmer but still he was almost shivering after spending time in Kenya in Africa and then flying to Malaysia for ten days where it was really cozy. We went to the White Spot for lunch and he got fortified with a generous meal. The server brought warm milk on the side and he soon felt warm again. I think he was suffering from jet lag. After a stop in Seattle his wife will go back to Kenya with him where they as well as other volunteers work together to set up mini farms for the people in Kenya. They work under the auspices of International Fellowship in Lynnwood, WA, Box 2359, Zip 98036-2359.

In addition to the local families with their own children, each family at the farm agrees to accept four more children who are orphans or their parents are too ill to care for them and the farm pays them extra from farm proceeds. Goats, cows and other animals as well as large gardens are all part of the farm. They bring books back from U.S. and Canada and it all helps with the children’s education. Sometimes volunteers from America, Germany and other places come to help out and have a working vacation there at the farm.

My older sister, Helen, now 88, spent 54 years in Ivory Coast and is now retired in Kamloops where my younger sister and her husband live. They visit her three times a week and look after her needs. She has written a book about her work in the outback areas of Ivory Coast. I love the cover picture of her extracting an impacted tooth while her “patient” sits on a little stool under a large shady tree as two of her friends in colourful dresses stand by. The patient is so glad to get rid of the painful tooth she doesn’t complain about the pain and washes her mouth out with a little salt water. A walk of 60 miles return would bring her to a dentist in the nearest city but no money to pay the dentist. A complete set of dental tools was sent to Helen from an Alberta dentist. One lady was so grateful she insisted on running home and bringing an egg as a gift. The egg “peeped” and my sister thanked her with a smile and told her to put the egg back under the hen and a chick would arrive soon.

BANISH THE BELLY- FAT TRAP

High blood sugar causes red blood cells to clump, and makes them appear thick and creamy. The cells randomly cling to each other and the blood stream can barely squeeze through veins, triggering fatigue that can lead to high blood pressure which increases the odds of heart disease and stroke.

When the blood sugar cells are under control, the blood can flow freely in separate round droplets and deliver oxygen throughout the body and brain, thus normalizing blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals that people who reduce their intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates have a 32 to 62 percent decrease in subcutaneous belly fat and 47 percent decrease in visceral liver fat within four weeks, putting an end to the inflammation/belly-fat cycle.

Sugars and carbs have an important place in the food system as long as they are kept in balance. A fruit snack mid morning and afternoon can be planned ahead of time to avoid too many carbohydrates. One dietician suggested preparing a quick meal with 2 cups of cubed chicken (or ground turkey another day) add a pinch of chili powder and one can of kidney beans, a cup of salsa and l/2 cup oat flakes. Let simmer for five minutes. An easy dessert can be made as follows: 3 cups milk, l cup oat flakes and stir in one mashed banana. It can be divided evenly among half a dozen dessert dishes and then topped with a spot of maple syrup.