Blog Update
Posted by Michelle Moquin on September 18th, 2009
Dear Readers: I am taking my blog to another level. For you newbies out there, quite some time ago I moved my blog to this site so that I could advertise and generate an income. Why? So that I could continue to write daily and provide you with interesting articles on all the current topics and events happening in our world.
However, because I write out of the love of my blog and the goodness of my heart, because I write for the connection to you, my readers, and because I write out of the commitment that I made over two years ago, I never pursued getting any further than posting a ‘Donate’ page and offering a few products to buy. But that is now going to change.
I value my time as much as I know all of you value your time. I know it sounds trite, but we all know that time is money. And I have reached a point in my life where I not only want to be compensated for my valuable time, but that I need to be compensated for my valuable time in order to continue in the manner that I do.
Over two years, I made a commitment to start a blog and write, not knowing what my writing would evolve into. As much as I had an interest in current events and the things that I was passionate about, I never took action in the form that I do today…I never got as involved except as a voice for the animals, as I do today.
Today I don quite a few hats. I have become a political animal, I have become an environmental activist, I have become an crusader for women’s rights and issues, I have become a voice against racism, I have become an advocate for otw’s, and lastly, I continue to become a voice for the ones that don’t speak our language: the animals. All because I truly care.
Almost every moment that I am not working, I am either watching the news, listening to the radio or researching the net so that I can write, and present you with my daily writes, via my blog. Sometimes I learn so much on a daily basis, that I wish that I could post more than once a day. I am so driven by my blog…I am so committed to my daily writes to you, my readers, that there is rarely a moment that I am not thinking of you and what my next topic of discussion will be. Even when I am driving listening to the radio, I am scribbling notes on my notepad for reference later. (I know…dangerous and crazy and something I must stop.) But what goes through my mind is, “I have to jot this down; my readers need to get this information.” I barely have a life outside of my blog. (Really! Doug can verify this) This is not a complaint as it is my choice, as it has been my commitment to you, since day one. All because I truly care.
I have written every day and I want to continue to write everyday. My mission has always been to uplift and inspire you, to inform and teach, to shed light and enlighten, by writing and providing a variety of interesting, and thought provoking topics. Believe me, it is not an easy job, and many times my choice of topics are not always the most pleasant. But, I know how much you, my readers, count on this daily blog. I know how much you, my readers, count on me to show up. And really, I look forward to you showing up too :)
So this is what’s happening: The times are different than they were even a year ago. I can not continue my blog in the manner that I do unless I can generate an income from it. It is a full time job besides the work that I do outside of writing. It really is that simple.
I have always been here for you. Even when I didn’t want to drag myself out of bed. You have written me asking for me to write about certain topics, and I have. You have asked that I post by a certain time and I have complied though sometimes it has been challenging. You have the choice to tune me out by not tuning in. I have that choice too, but because of my commitment, it was a choice that I vowed I would never take.
This is where you come in. Now I’m asking for you to be here for me. Now I asking you to help me to be able to continue to write, so that I can fulfill my mission daily. If you enjoy my blog and the daily writes, if you look forward to the information that I and other readers provide, if you value my time and insight, if you enjoy the beings that show up here, human and otherwise, if you want me to be able to continue, I am asking you to make a donation.
You can donate as much as you want or as little as you want; the amount is entirely up to you. Any amount is appreciated. Or buy one of my products by visiting the Stock Ups page. Many of you asked for them and now they’re available. 10% of everything that you buy will be donated to one of my favorite charities listed on the Stock Ups page. And of course, your anonymity, as always, will be respected.
As mentioned above, I am taking my blog to another level, which means that I will be asking for donations more than just this once. I am working on a few ideas to make the pledge drives fun. You may have noticed that a ‘Donate’ button has now been permanently placed on the left hand column of this page. A ‘Donate’ button will also be at the end of every post. Both as reminders to support this blog.
Taking this blog to another level means that I will be advertising too. I am planning to have ads up by the beginning of next week.
That’s it. I hope that you can understand where I am coming from and you will support me in this much needed change. If you have any questions, comments, or complaints, as usual, blog me. I am open to all. Thank you again for all that you do to make this blog successful, and thank you in advance for helping me to keep it going. I am grateful to all of you.
PS: I do have a few of you that I want to respond to from yesterday’s comments, but I will reserve them for tomorrow.
Gratefully your blog host,
Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:
Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129 Thank you for your loyal support!
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September 18th, 2009 at 10:41 am
I hope that you don’t give those who donate more more time on your site. I liked your spot because it was free of the push to generate income.
Marion
September 18th, 2009 at 10:42 am
CAN BEETS BEAT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
Beyond being a treat for the eyes, with its gorgeous deep red color, beet juice serves up some pretty attractive health benefits — especially for people who need to bring down their blood pressure. Drinking beet juice appears to have a protective effect on blood vessels, which helps keep blood pressure under control, according to researchers from the UK. To learn more about the study and what it means for consumers like you and me, I contacted researcher Amrita Ahluwalia, PhD, a professor of vascular pharmacology at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry.
NITRATES IN BEETS PROTECT BLOOD VESSELS
In the study, 14 people with normal blood pressure drank two cups of either pure beet juice (with no additives) or water. Dr. Ahluwalia and her colleagues checked the participants’ blood pressure at regular intervals both before and after ingestion. They found that…
• Blood pressure began to drop in the beet group about 60 minutes after drinking the juice.?
• Blood pressure reached its lowest level in the beet group two to three hours after drinking the juice (a reduction of approximately 10 mmHg systolic at two and a half hours and 8 mmHg diastolic at three hours). ?
• No similar impact was observed in the control group, who drank water.
Dr. Ahluwalia believes the nitrates in beets are what help control blood pressure by protecting blood vessels. She explained that colonies of bacteria on the back of our tongues chemically change nitrate to nitrite. When we swallow saliva, this nitrite enters the stomach and then crosses into circulation, where it is changed into a very important molecule called nitric oxide (NO). This is a “vasodilator,” which means that it opens up blood vessels so blood flows more easily. With less resistance to blood flow, blood pressure comes down.
Results of the study were published in the March 1, 2008, edition of Hypertension.
HBP RX: BEETS
“Our hope is that simple dietary interventions — such as including more beets and other fresh produce in the diet — may one day replace some blood pressure medicines,” says Dr. Ahluwalia. We’re not there yet, however. She advises people with high blood pressure to carefully discuss all treatment options with their doctors before stopping any medication. In the meantime, you can buy fresh beet juice at most health food stores or make it yourself by steaming and juicing several whole beets. If you find beet juice too heavy, lighten it with apple juice. Other excellent sources of nitrates are spinach, lettuce and root vegetables. Two cups of beet juice is a lot, Dr. Ahluwalia notes, so she’s currently testing the effect of lesser amounts and will also be studying its effect on people who have high blood pressure.
Source(s): ?
Amrita Ahluwalia, PhD, professor of vascular pharmacology, Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK.
September 18th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Hi Mischa, I hear you BABE, if I could make money from blogging/writing I would still be doing it, I haven’t figured out the strategy for that and bc time is money and I need some of that for living without tapping what’s left of savings/investments and C I cannot continue the cause : ) I am having a meet with my SEO specialist friend and his Brazilian tech man bc writing is what I’d rather do. A friend of mine suggested that I teach yoga in my extra room and when it’s not in use turn it into a Zendo (plain old quiet mediation room) and put a ‘Ask Zen Lilli’ box there, pens and paper, leave a donation and I email you a response/suggestion/info, pretty funny but when I said what makes you think I can answer their q’s – she said, you’re insightful, people respect your opinion and you have great info, practical and otherwise, yeah…so how DO I market THAT? hahaha…like I said on the phone I’m trying all avenues that’ll supply cash flow…and that interest me. Good luck with this. I’m pretty sure Pavlina is making a reasonable living off his site and all adjunct ventures relating to the site.
Ruth, thank you for the answers, I surmised a few of the things you mentioned. You are quite professional and personable in your delivery so I would say you most likely deserved your promotion and I’m stoked for you that Anonz could supply it, I am envious of yor move to France. I love my country but I must say I am tired of some of the basic American attitudes, they’re old and tired and most people just lack class and manners.
Jokester, that is the sitch in every ski town from Aspen to Sugarbush, unfortunate but those in the service sector rarely make enough money off of 2 jobs to pay for the basics ‘in town’ so there are forced to be subservient, work long hour and live 30-45 minutes away from those jobs. It’s whacked and a microcosm of the US in general, no?
Kelly, good info…I have been doing some research for quite some time bc I thought I’d get back to blogging and take up my health initative (if we can’t have real health care in US then why not run a wellness site, right?) and one of my areas of research was the almost epidemic quantities of breast cancer and Ovarian cancer, guess what – in backing up one sites info after another, most women were lacking Vitie D, imagine that – and the numbers are staggering, 90-93% were found to be deficient. So here’s the real scoop, 15 minutes a day in summer mid-day sun with NO sunscreen (you may put in on after you’ve gathered your Vitie D if you’re fair, if not keep on taking in sun, just don’t burn your skin, there’s nothing wrong with oilve skin taking in 1 hour a day) provides 10,000 IU’s of Vitie D, in winter take Cod Liver Oil again 10,000, other good sources but way lower in quantity of IU’s is oily fish (which also supplies that omega-3 we require, mackeral, sardines, anchovies and salmon are great choices). Kelly, this research also disclosed this: Vite D prevents MS, cardiovascular disease, streengthens bones, eases winter depression, prevents onset of diabetes type 1 & 2, controls weight and body fat (yes!), slows aging by up to 5 years, lowers risk of colds/flu, prevents cognitive decline in elderly, controls pain (thise with low levels of D require twice as much pain meds) and 93% of people with painful diseases like Fibromyalgia are Vitie D deficient, so – Mischa, there’s many reasons why you and I are sun worshippers : )
so that info leads me to…
Women of MM blog, when you are taking your 15 minute walks, do not wear sunscreen if you are in a hot/summer climate, women walking in cooler climes, take 2 tablespoons of Cod Liver Oil a day (they make a lemon flaovered one and it does not leave you tasting it all day long, I’ve experimented – I live in a hot clime I can take my Vitie D straight from the source) – oh and todyas exercise is Superwoman, so after you do all the others but before you “chase spiders” lie on your belly and lift and extend your arms up and off the floor and your legs (all the way up to your thighs should be off the floor) and you should look like Superwoman in flight! Hold for count of 5, release for a count of 3, repeat 5x’s – and that’s it for today. Let me know how you’re doing on holding in your G note in them cheekies : ) along with shoulders back, ta’s up and belly button held in towards your spine, and how was that eggless caesar dressing, yum, right?
Marion, we all have to earn our keep somehow and writing and thinking of topics to write about all takes up precious money earning hours, Mischa’s been supplying a free venue for 2 years – it’s her time to ‘take it to another level.’
Right on and good luck with that, my friend : )
Luv, Zen Lill
September 18th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Just read the above, I make beet and carrot juice everyday, it’s yummy and I’m experimenting with research on eye sight as well, when I stop needing readers to see what I’m writing I will be pleased to report that the combo works! – ZL
September 18th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Michelle, I am a Disabled person who cannot ever work again. This is my classificatioon.
I live on a tiny S.S.I. check which ismy entire income for the month.
I spend much time reading and even contributing to this blog, yet Ido not beg for money to do so.
I find it in bad taste, no matter what you proclaim to be in your Post, a blog is not meant to be a source of income. How many days do you just leave a few words and tell your readers to just have at it? Should you be paid for that too?
You often mention that you must leave to go to work, therefore you have a job and an income — notto mention a Husband who supports you as well.
I find begging for money a low place to go. I do not do it and I really need it. I have no Wife, no Family or anyone except a roommate who is also disabled. Together, we try to survive in this horrible economy.
We live without luxuries. We do not spend $12 to see a movie. We seldom eat out and if we do, it is very inexpensive.
We have something called PRIDE.
If one loves what they do, that should be its own reward.
Without your blog you would not have met the TAO and become the Commander of the Earth Girlz. Isn’t that enough reward?
Why don’t you ask Madeline to bring you a sackfull of gold from another dimension? She would do anything for you, Sir.
Some people never have enough. You seem to be one of them.
HOWIE
September 18th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
RUBMAN ON L. GLUTAMINE AND OTHER NATURAL ULCER TREATMENTS
Gastric ulcers are a perfect illustration of the way medical thinking can change dramatically over a relatively brief period of time. It wasn’t long ago that most people — including doctors — believed stomach ulcers were the result of intemperate living, primarily caused by spicy foods and stress. Scientists then discovered that in many cases, the real culprit was Helicobacter pylori bacteria, so that became the new target of treatment. Then they learned that killing off H. pylori can increase risk of cancer, so now the latest thinking represents another shift — instead of aiming for eradication of H. pylori, altogether, the goal is control of the bacteria so that it remains in a healthy balance. This, it’s believed, can support optimal overall health, including of the digestive system.
This is but one of several new, natural directions I’ve been hearing about for ulcer management in recent conversations with Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND.
WHAT CAUSES ULCERS?
One important role of the linings of the stomach and intestine is to protect against stomach acid and bacteria, but when intestinal balance is disturbed — for example, when H. pylori bacteria run rampant and begin replicating uncontrollably — the digestive tract becomes irritated and inflamed (gastritis), a condition that over time weakens and damages the protective mucus coating. If a sore or erosion then develops in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), you have an ulcer. In addition to H. pylori, other possible causes of ulcers include a high intake of aspirin, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), alcohol use or smoking. Some people believe stress contributes to ulcers, but scientists continue to debate the issue.
Whatever their cause, ulcers are painful and can disrupt your life. To prevent that from happening, treatment for serious ulcers generally consists of seven to 10 days of prescription proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to suppress stomach acid and give the tissue a chance to heal, plus a longer course of antibiotics to suppress H. pylori bacteria. Taking PPIs for much longer than 10 days — a common mistake — can backfire and alter the natural acid-producing abilities of the stomach. As for antibiotics, bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to these drugs, which makes it all the more important to identify other means of treatment.
GIVE YOUR STOMACH A REST
Dr. Rubman stresses that the single most important rule in treatment and recovery is to give your stomach and digestive tract a rest. Just as you need additional rest to recover from illness or injury, Dr. Rubman advises taking measures to allow your digestive system to heal. He said that natural care is also beneficial, even as an adjunct to the pharmaceutical drugs necessary to treat severe ulcers. Specific advice includes eating smaller meals, three or four times a day, consisting of light proteins with easier to digest fats, like boiled eggs and steamed chicken… fresh low-fiber vegetables and their juices… and soft rice. Chew food slowly and thoroughly… limit fluid with meals… don’t eat within two hours of bedtime… don’t smoke or take NSAIDs… and avoid stomach irritants such as heavy animal protein (including beef, lamb and others), fatty and fried foods, stimulating spices like black pepper, and spicy dishes, refined sugars, colas, caffeine and alcohol.
In his practice, Dr. Rubman also prescribes some combination of the following to ulcer patients…
L-Glutamine. In a study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, mice that were infected with H. pylori and given supplemental L-glutamine experienced a significant improvement in gastric inflammation and early immune response, which helps to minimize further inflammation and damage. Dr. Rubman prescribes this simple amino acid to support mucosa and protect against gastric damage. Take it in the form of gelatin capsules, apart from meals in a little applesauce.
Botanical medicines. To soothe the stomach and speed healing of delicate mucus membranes, Dr. Rubman prescribes Glyconda, a ready-made mixture of Turkey rhubarb root, cinnamon and goldenseal (you can buy it under the name “Neutralizing Cordial O” at http://www.eclecticherb.com). Dr. Rubman tells his patients to dissolve 10 to 20 drops in two ounces of warm tea or water and drink before meals, but says it’s best to ask your doctor about the right dosing for you. Since botanicals can have strong, drug-like effects, it’s important for him/her to consider your medical history along with all drugs you take currently before you begin treatment.
PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES
Digestive enzymes can help you better absorb nutrients by working alongside the natural enzymes produced by your body to break down chemical bonds in foods. This process helps re-establish a more balanced environment in the gastrointestinal tract so your gastritis and the scar left by the ulcer will heal completely. Though it may seem counter-intuitive to take additional acids when your stomach lining is irritated, supplemental digestive enzymes properly prescribed can in fact be helpful to the digestive process for middle-aged and older individuals whose natural stomach acid levels are waning. Dr. Rubman often prescribes DuoZyme by Karuna (www.karunahealth.com) due to its combination of assorted enzymes. Take the dose prescribed by your doctor at the beginning of meals (check whether you should adjust for meal size and composition). Don’t self-prescribe — taking the wrong amount can cause inappropriate acid release when the stomach is empty, of particular concern for those with a history of acute gastritis or ulcers.
Ulcers are dangerous. Dr. Rubman emphasizes the importance of not undertaking their treatment — natural or otherwise — on your own. It’s far better and more effective, he said, to work with a physician who is expert in digestive issues and can help you learn to encourage your body’s own natural healing processes to successfully cope with ulcers and other stomach and digestive challenges.
Source(s):
Andrew Rubman, ND, director, Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines, Southbury, Connecticut. http://www.naturopath.org.
September 18th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
EXTREME FLU FIGHTER: NAC PREVENTS FLU SYMPTOMS FOR 75% OF THOSE INFECTED
Fear of flu is even more potent than usual this season thanks to H1N1… so it’s definitely not too soon to get the knack, or NAC, for fighting it. NAC stands for N-acetyl cysteine, a nutritional supplement that is natural and inexpensive, appears to be safe for most people and is a way to prevent and treat the symptoms of seasonal flu viruses.
To learn more about NAC and how it works against seasonal flu and other less easily anticipated outbreaks such as this year’s H1N1 virus, I spoke to one of the naturopathic physicians I trust most, Mark A. Stengler, ND, regular contributor to Daily Health News. He told me that NAC is a natural derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine and a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione that acts as a free radical scavenger to rid the body of inflammation provokers. NAC is well-known for both its anti-inflammatory qualities and its immune-boosting power, making it particularly helpful in thinning the mucus that collects in the respiratory system in response to colds and viruses. In fact, in conventional medicine NAC has long been used to treat respiratory conditions where mucus thinning is required, such as chronic bronchitis (especially in smokers or those with emphysema), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis.
THREE-QUARTERS OF NAC-TAKERS HAD FLU… BUT NO SYMPTOMS
The flu-fighting ability of NAC was clearly demonstrated in an Italian study that found that people who took daily doses of NAC developed few if any flu symptoms, even though blood tests confirmed influenza infection. In the 1997 study, conducted at the Institute of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine at the University of Genoa, participants were given either two 600 mg NAC tablets or placebo versions daily, for six months throughout the winter flu season. Blood tests of both groups showed similar presence of influenza A Singapore/6/86 H1N1, indicating that NAC did not prevent infection… however, the majority of those taking the supplement did not develop symptoms. In fact, just 25% of those taking NAC actually developed flu symptoms, compared with 79% of the placebo group. The researchers concluded that NAC treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the frequency, severity and length of flu-like episodes. Dr. Stengler told me he believes NAC can be very effective against H1N1 and other strains of seasonal flu in this upcoming flu season.
TAKE NAC TO FIGHT FLU
It’s important to emphasize that NAC does not prevent flu. Rather, it can reduce the likelihood of the emergence of flu symptoms, and that’s what really matters. There is an added benefit — getting infected without getting sick means you may develop some immunity to future strains. NAC is prescribed as a daily supplement at 1,200 mg per day (600 mg twice a day) and is safe for most people to take year-round. Dr. Stengler told me that when his patients get exposed to flu or experience early symptoms, he typically increases the dose to 2,000 mg to 3,000 mg daily for two to three days. “I usually advise people fighting a full-fledged cold or flu to maintain this higher dose until symptoms are completely gone,” he said. Your own doctor may advise a different dose, however, so check with him/her before taking NAC.
Source(s):
Mark Stengler, ND, a naturopathic physician and leading authority on the practice of alternative and integrated medicine. He is author of Bottom Line/Natural Healing newsletter, author of The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies (Bottom Line Books), director of the La Jolla Whole Health Clinic in La Jolla, California, and adjunct associate clinical professor at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. To learn more about his work, visit http://www.drstengler.com.
Be well,
Carole Jackson
Bottom Line’s Daily Health News
September 18th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Zen Lill
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Here is an article I received.
—————————————
Chances are that as a woman you do a monthly breast exam. But when is the last time you checked your blood pressure? It used to be thought that high blood pressure, and other heart concerns, were “men’s issues.” But did you know that women—and especially women in menopause—are at an even greater risk for high blood pressure then men?
This was something I learned in my own family. Despite our strong family history of high blood pressure and other heart health issues, the women in my family all had low blood pressure in their younger years. Our systolic blood pressures tended to hover around 100, and our diastolic numbers ran between 58 and 60.
But as many women in our family reached menopause, and their natural estrogen levels tapered off, their blood pressure increased significantly. This isn’t something to take lightly. High blood pressure is linked with serious health issues like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and renal failure—and can shorten a woman’s life by ten to twenty years!
What’s even scarier is that high blood pressure often has no visible symptoms. In most cases you’ll feel just fine, except perhaps a vague headache. That’s why high blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer.”
So, what can you do to protect yourself?
The most important thing you can do is test your blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure means you have a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or greater, and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or greater. Systolic is the pressure when your heart contracts and diastolic is the pressure between heartbeats when your heart relaxes. A normal blood pressure is considered 120 over 80, or lower.
If you have a strong family history of high blood pressure, like I do, I recommend getting a blood pressure monitor you can use at home. Not only does it let you test your blood pressure more frequently—it helps you avoid something called “white coat syndrome.” That’s when your blood pressure spikes in the doctor’s office due to the anxiety of the situation, giving you an artificially high reading.
If your blood pressure numbers are high, or borderline high, there’s no reason to think that pharmaceuticals are your only option.
There are many ways to keep your
blood pressure in the normal range, naturally
Be Careful with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In 2004, results were published from the Women’s Health Initiative, a study including women taking Premarin. The women taking this pharmaceutical form of estrogen, (made from the urine of pregnant mares), were observed to have “skyrocketing” blood pressure levels. But Premarin is not the only HRT that causes high blood pressure.
Dr. Sinatra has noted that Provera, another HRT mainstay, drove up blood pressure in the women he treated, many of whom were no longer hypertensive once they discontinued the drug.
What we’re learning is that individually tailored bio-identical hormone therapy from more natural plant and synthetic sources is better for women. Combining estradiole, estriol, estrone, testosterone, and progesterone may soften those arterial walls that can stiffen with age, and may even intercept elevating blood pressure. So please consider this approach if you are on the traditional HRT medications, especially if you have high blood pressure.
Watch the Painkillers: A report from the Harvard School of Medicine’s ongoing Nurses’ Health Study, published in the September 2005 issue of Hypertension, concluded that women are at increased risk for high blood pressure if they take daily doses of non-aspirin painkillers such as extra-strength acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
If you take painkillers regularly and have high blood pressure, please ask your doctor for safer recommendations. What we use at our house—and it works well for various muscle aches and pains—is Traumeel, a homeopathic remedy you can find in health food stores. Traumeel is available in both a topical cream and a tablet that you place under your tongue.
Make Some Simple Changes to Your Diet: To keep your blood pressure under control and your heart healthy, you want to increase your intake of complex carbohydrates (like oatmeal); low-glycemic vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, and kale; legumes like chickpeas and lentils; fruits; cold-water fish (especially fatty ones); organic eggs; olive oil; and nuts, seeds, and flaxseed.
At the same time, you want to decrease your intake of refined white flour and sugar, partially hydrogenated oils, starchy vegetables like corn and peas, processed fruit juices, organ meats, cashews (because they’re high in saturated fat), full-fat dairy products, and omega-6 oils (such as corn, safflower, and sunflower).
Eat More Garlic: An Australian review of 11 studies in which hypertensive patients were randomly given a garlic supplement or placebo, found that garlic can lower blood pressure as effectively as some drugs. On average, the mega-analysis turned up blood pressure reductions of 8.4 systolic points, and 7.3 diastolic points. The higher a patient’s blood pressure was at the beginning, the more it was lowered by taking garlic.
If you can manage it, I recommend four cloves of raw garlic (about four grams) daily to achieve a noticeable blood pressure lowering effect. You could also toss crushed garlic into food for the last few minutes of cooking, but anything more than lightly warming it will destroy its medicinal properties.
Exercise: Regular exercise is a sure way to help prevent and reduce high blood pressure. Physical activity also lowers levels of stress hormones circulating in the blood, which is important since stress tends to constrict arteries and drive up blood pressure. You want to strive to exercise three to four times a week. Try taking a brisk walk, getting on your bicycle, playing noncompetitive golf or tennis, or even dancing —all of which are great for your blood pressure and your stress level. Even simple day-to-day activities like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further back in a parking lot, or a leisurely walk, are helpful.
De-Stress: Stress is a major mitigating factor when it comes to your blood pressure, so be aware of the psychological pressures you’re juggling. Overachieving and time urgency are all-too common “normals” for women. We juggle multiple roles as breadwinner, wife, daughter, mother, and friend that often involve nurturing others at our own expense if we don’t refuel.
Some good ways to de-stress include meditation, relaxation, imagery, yoga, prayer, tai chi, exercise, reading, listening to calming music, or incorporating playing with children and friends into your daily life.
Also remember that not all venting is “complaining.” Talking with someone you trust about the stresses in your life, benefits your well-being—and your blood pressure.
Finally, remember to stay positive
No woman is sentenced to a life of high blood pressure because of her DNA. It’s not our destiny! Our blood pressure reading is only a number, and it’s one we can lower with our own conscientious lifestyle changes, and medication if needed.
Getting your blood pressure checked and tracking it is simple—and quite frankly, it could save your life!
————————————–
Ruth
September 19th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Jokester:
i’m from Denver. I am 43 years old. I have lived in Denver 21 of those years. It is a beautiful city with people of excellent character.
I have visited many other places in the United States and abroad. Denver is as good to its citizens as any if not better.
Think again before you malign a place you have little knowledge about.
Burt
September 19th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Michelle
I wish you would send Madaline to Malaysian and wipe out all the stinking males here. They use the sharia law to punish and keep women their sex slaves.
Muslin men are the poster children for your tiny d**k theory. You can tell Al that you don’t have to examine every pit viper to know that they have fangs.
Here is but a few examples of these misfits making up a low to control women they culd never attract with their tiny wewes.
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Lovers to be caned for steamy session in car
Malaysian couple fined, face 6 lashes each after being caught in underwear
updated 3:57 a.m. PT, Fri., Sept . 18, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – An Islamic court has ordered an unmarried couple to be caned for trying to have sex in a car in the latest of a series of harsh punishments for Muslims in Malaysia, a lawyer said Friday.
Though Malaysia has long been upheld as an example of a moderate Muslim-majority country, recent verdicts sentencing Muslims to whipping for drinking alcohol have made headlines. Two months ago, an Islamic judge triggered a national debate when he ordered a woman to be caned for drinking beer.
In the latest case, the Shariah High Court in central Selangor state sentenced the couple Wednesday to six strokes of the cane after they pleaded guilty to trying to have sex out of wedlock in their car, said prosecutor Shafezan Rusli.
Shafezan said Islamic religious police caught Mohamad Shahrin Abdul Majid, 29, and Nadiah Najat Hussin, 24, with only their undergarments on in a car at an office parking lot in May.
Appeal looms?He said they are appealing the caning as they plan to get married soon, though they have paid the court-ordered fine of 5,000 ringgit ($1,400) each.
They could have been jailed for up to three years for the offense, the lawyer said.
Shariah laws apply to Muslims, who make up about 60 percent of the 28 million population, in all personal matters. Non-Muslims — Chinese, Indians and other minorities — are not subject to the laws.
Earlier this week, an Islamic court in another state ordered an Indonesian Muslim man to be whipped six times and jailed a year for drinking liquor at a restaurant.
In July, the same court had sentenced a Malaysian woman to six strokes of the cane and a fine for drinking beer in public. The caning, which would be the first time a Malaysian woman has received the punishment, has not been carried out yet. Many see the sentence as a setback for the country’s reputation as a moderate Muslim nation.
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Michelle, the Als of the world will always find an excuse to support their male companions. He may not be evil towards women, but he can not know the suffering of women at the hands of evil men.
Send Madaline to start the killing and we will finish the job.
Li-Sze