We Will Not back Down
Posted by Michelle Moquin on December 9th, 2009
Health care reform is thankfully still on the table, and it is a crucial time that we continue to give our support in any way that we can. The big insurance company lobbyists are still fighting big and will continue to do so with a vengeance- we need the ammunition to fight back.
I realize that asking for a contribution is tough on many of you. I join you in that arena. But I still need to ask, as we are so close. And as our president said in an e-mail that I received yesterday: “We will not back down.”
Michelle –
As we head into the final stretch on health reform, big insurance company lobbyists and their partisan allies hope that their relentless attacks and millions of dollars can intimidate us into accepting the status quo.
So I have a message for them, from all of us: Not this time. We have come too far. We will not turn back. We will not back down.
But do not doubt — the opponents of reform will not rest. So I need you, the members of Organizing for America, to fight alongside me.
We must continue to build out our campaign — to spread the facts on the air and on the ground, and to bring in more volunteers and train them to join the fight. I urgently need your help to keep Organizing for America’s 50-state movement for reform going strong.
Can you donate $25 or whatever you can afford today?
https://donate.barackobama.com/FinalStretch
Let’s win this together,
President Barack Obama
Readers: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “If we all just give a buck or two, we can make a difference.” Can you spare a few bucks for the health and well-being of America? You can always count on me to give my ‘two’. :) Thanks again.
Peter: Thanks to you and Anna, if any of my readers were not aware that Guam is a part of the U.S., they are now. I appreciate and admire your dedication to your island, not to mention the very interesting and enlightening historical lessons. Keep ‘em coming. Hafa Adai.
Ruth and Trudy: Both of your articles were so interesting and informative – Thanks for posting. Ruth, did you have a nice visit with Evelyn? How are things with you? And the girls?
Eham: I have tried to find information but not much has been written in regards to the student rallies. So I am lead to believe that those in power have been successful in portraying your movement as you have mentioned. Good luck in your endeavor in bringing your message to the people.
Al: Thank you.
Peace out
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor
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December 9th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
ASHWAGANDHA, AYURVEDIC IMMUNE-ENHANCING HERB
I was interested to read some new research about an immune booster I hadn’t heard of since it’s nice to have something to add to the ones we always talk about, Echinacea and vitamin C.
Since the study authors were from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, I went to our resident naturopathic medical consultant, Andrew L. Rubman, ND, for his opinion and advice.
POTENT IMMUNE POWER
The study was a small one, in which researchers found that Ashwagandha — Withania somnifera — raised blood levels of natural killer cells and other disease-fighting compounds. In this study, Oregon researchers decided to test the effects of Ashwagandha on healthy individuals when administered with whole cow’s milk.
In Ayurvedic medicine, herbs are traditionally mixed with carrier or “anupana” substances, such as olive oil, beer or milk, to better facilitate their digestion and effectiveness. As a baseline measurement, they tested levels of white blood cells in five volunteers (three females and two males, average age 27).
Researchers found that…
• There was a statistically significant increase in antimicrobial white blood cells.?
• This activation of new immune cells was particularly apparent with natural killer cells, which play a key role in the body’s resistance to viruses.?
• There was also a significant jump in CD4+ T helper cells that aid in coordinating immune system responses.
WHY YOU NEED A NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN
Ashwagandha has proven helpful in increasing the vigor of the immune response, confirms Dr. Rubman, saying he believes it may soon join the ranks of more established herbal immune boosters such as Echinacea and Astragalus in the annual battle against colds and flu.
You may recall recent news stories reporting that approximately 20% of Ayurvedic remedies tested (online or in stores) were found to be contaminated with heavy metals, including mercury — I asked Dr. Rubman about this. He told me this is yet another reason why it’s always best to take supplements and herbal products under the oversight of a naturopathic physician, since good ones research the reliability of the manufacturer in advance before prescribing.
Source(s): ?
Andrew L. Rubman, ND, medical director, Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines, Southbury, Connecticut.
December 9th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Hi Mischa, I get these email’s also, I cannot help wondering if its just another fleecing in a very good disguise. It’s no matter, I give whatever I can to whatever I deem worthy at the time (after a glance at the checkbook and stack of must/should/need to be paid statements)…
I like the common thread thought yesterday, I agree, I guess that’s why I am attracted to Anonz, he’s got his yin/yang act together : ) and Howie, same same to you bro : )
Al, whenever you and Howie don’t comment for more than 2-3 days I begin to wonder if there’s a medical complication and while it does no good to fret, my thoughts are always going out to wish you (or Howie) a speedy and pain-free recovery from episodic and/or chronic ailments. I’m glad you both wrote in : )
Women of MM blog, you can add this to the daily power walk and exercise time or you can repeat this randomly throughout the day, along with holding that G note in your crack this will pump up the rump volume as well : ) stand very straight behind a kitchen chair or office chair that has a back (and no wheels!) and then hold the top of chair, keep hips facing chair, ta’s up, shoulders back, and lift that right leg back, point your toe and hold (leg will be about 6-8″ off the floor) for 30 seconds squeezing like mad : ) and now hold it for 30 more with toes flexed – repeat 10X’s on both sides, do it 3X’s throughout the day, you may squeeze your Kegel’s at the same time, resulting in a good use of time, if you add your Kegel’s, when your finished and you’re so inclined, call your honey (be it a male or female hub/boy or girlfriend/whatever you call him/her) and tell them what you did and that you were thinking about them, hee hee, oh yeah…! My thinking: set em’ up for the next encounter ; ) elaborate on what you’d like to do if it pleases you…why wait to see what happens naturally when you can make it happen and exactly your way. Listen, if they can make burgers in the US ‘your way’ why not cross over the idea into other apsects of life : ) oh now, see – just saying all that gets my blood rushing, everywhere…!
Luv, Zen Lill
December 9th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Hafa adai
Thanks Michelle for acknowledging my hard work to get some recognition for Guam. Your blog sort of makes it easy. You have a rather large Island readership. It has been very good for me.
But I must continue to keep the Chamorros on their toes. We now only make up 37% of our Island population.
Here’s a little bit of arrogance on the houlies, part and ignorance on those of us who feel thankful for their “generosity” with our own land.
__________________________________________________
DoD returning 350 acres to people of Guam
Posted: Dec 08, 2009 9:22 PM
Updated: Dec 08, 2009 9:28 PM
by Mindy Aguon
GUAM – While the Draft Environmental Impact statements makes reference to various portions of land the military will need to acquire for the marines relocation, the Department of Defense has identified excess land to be returned to original landowners.
Governor Felix Camacho received the news today that 350 acres of land behind the former FAA housing will be returned back to the people of Guam.
“I think it’s in consideration of the fact that when you look at the whole typical area of where they’re going to build. Maybe there’s a realization that these lands that were deemed to be excess years ago with the promise that they were being returned are being lived up to those promises are met and they’re returning it to the government, ” Camacho explained.
The Governor calls this a strategic move on the military’s part. We should note the excess land is not included in the DEIS, although the DOD did express interest in utilizing some of the former FAA housing area.
___________________________________________
The military took 1/3 of the land on our island and we are supposed to be happy to get 350 acres back. Okay woopee! Now, give us the rest back, or at least pay a fair price for it.
Peter
December 9th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Michelle, you are so sweet. Evelyn and I had a great time. She really bonded with the girls. They cried when she left. They said that she promised to “beat up” anyone who threatened them.
I laughed at that one. They are more protected than our President evidently. Isn’t embarrassing how poorly the Secret Service performed by allowing that couple to crash Obama’s party? I guess it is no longer a secret how incompetent they are.
Ruth
December 9th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Hey Leroy, I found this one.
‘I’ve never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body,’ ?– Winston Bennett, University of Kentucky basketball forward . ?
December 9th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Hi Zen Lill, Thanks for the concern. The term episodic is a very insightful term. I try not to wander from the blog for more than a few days.
HOWIE
December 9th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Janet, right on re: above quote! And so it goes, it’s not just women who blurt out a dumb statements, it’s goofy or should I be PC and say ‘not thinking’ people of both sexes.
And Chamarros, I have to admit that although I did know about Guam/US I did not know all the historical info as well as other info I’ve read here. I skipped/skimmed it a bit at first, now I don’t, I read it all just like all the comments here.
Caio, Zen Lill
PS Misch, thanks for the good wishes on my sample sale and my ski wish – I’m working all angles on both big time : ) LA’s small surrounding mountains are snow capped right now, and it looks beautiful…
December 10th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Zen Lill
I am thrilled that you are in our corner. We on Guam have long wanted to have the rest our fellow US citizens know that we exist. It is so frustrating trying to convince people in the post office, phone companies and other american businesses to believe that we are not a foreign country.
Guam is where America’s day begins.
The sun sits on Guam first, then it moves to the next place where the American flag flies proudly and free.
Hafa adai, Zen Lill
I would love to send you a post card from Guam. Maybe I can send it to Michelle and she can forward it to you.
I am not fishing for private conservation so I will send it sans a return address. But the post stamp will tell you it is from Guam.
I am up early today. When I say Guam is where America’s day begins, I mean it. It is 3:09 AM and counting Friday morning. That is the earliest time in any American territory or state.
Would love to see you on the Island
Anna
December 10th, 2009 at 9:17 am
You are right Zen Lill about Leroy and his women are stupid crap. Men sometimes the stuff that comes from that easily distracted brain of theirs is senseless. But you are right we need to be considerate of men too.
So with that in mind I want to alert Leroy and the rest of the tiny weenies of is ilk that he should be wary of buying some of those sex supplements big pharma and the scammers are pushing.
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Beware of tainted sex supplements
Here’s a sad reminder that the word “natural” doesn’t mean squat when it comes to marketing.
The feds say a “natural” sex remedy is actually contaminated with a Viagra-like substance… and that the additive is illegal and potentially unsafe.
The product is called Stiff Nights and, amazingly, is still widely available – both online and in stores. Goes to show you just how powerless the FDA really is.
The product claims to be made of “natural enhancement herbs and greens,” but the FDA says the real active ingredient is sulfoaildenafil, a substance similar to the sildenafil sold as Viagra.
Now, the feds and many in the mainstream media will try to cast this as some kind of failure of natural remedies — when in fact there was nothing natural about this beyond a word on a label.
The problem is not natural treatments, but shams and scams that try to capitalize on your interest in drug-free alternatives.
Stiff Nights isn’t the first sex supplement to try to slip something unnatural inside – it’s not even the first to use this particular dangerous compound – and it certainly won’t be the last. The marketplace is full of poorly regulated sex supplements, and taking them is the adult equivalent of accepting candy from a shady stranger.
Never – and I mean NEVER – put anything into your body from a company you don’t know or trust. As with anything else, you need to be an informed consumer before you buy supplements, especially remedies that promise better sexual performance.
There are completely natural recipes for some real stiff nights out there – but they’re in danger of being shouted down by products that are dangerous, ineffective, or both.
The key to male sexual health is the circulation. Remember, erections are caused by the flow of blood to the penis. If your blood roars like a river, you’ll be fine. If your blood is struggling to make its way around an oversized, unhealthy body, you’re going to have some problems.
And there are two great ways to improve your circulation. First, consider some supplements aimed at your circulatory system. Promising studies suggest that both ginseng and gotu kola can help with the circulation – and, conveniently, both have been used as aphrodisiacs.
The amino acid L-arginine may also help with both circulation and sex, and omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) are great for improving the circulation and so much more. Talk to your doctor to find out if these might work for you, too.
And most importantly, lose any extra pounds and get some steady exercise – around 20-30 minutes a day on most days will boost your circulation.
There’s a side benefit to that, as well – you’ll help build that stamina you’ll need to take full advantage of your reinvigorated sex life!
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So Leroy and the rest of you who think through that often limp head of yours should be more careful because men have no problem duping “smart’ men.
Roberta
December 10th, 2009 at 9:30 am
BEAT SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER WITH HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Who wants to think about the winter doldrums before Thanksgiving has even arrived? Yet if you have a history of suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), now may be exactly the right time to focus on how you will manage the problem — before it even becomes one. In sensitive individuals the annual shift from the bright days of summer to the brief, dark ones of late autumn and winter can trigger a drop in mood right along with the dip in temperature.
ANNUAL BLUES AND BLAHS
It is estimated that a half million Americans suffer from some form of winter-onset depression during the cold, dark season, with symptoms such as lethargy and fatigue… difficulty concentrating… irritability… sleeping and/or eating too much… carbohydrate cravings… weight gain… and a reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities, such as social interactions and intimacy.
It’s common for conventional medical practitioners to prescribe antidepressants for this problem, but these drugs are not always effective and can cause many side effects. In his practice, Daily Health News contributor Mark Stengler, ND, finds homeopathic therapies to be particularly useful in countering the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR SAD
In my view, one of the most fascinating things about this approach to medicine is the way the homeopathic practitioner carefully matches remedies and dosages with personal symptom patterns and even individual personalities, in order to best stimulate the body’s own natural healing response.
Accordingly, here are some of Dr. Stengler’s observations about the effect of homeopathic remedies on SAD. He says that if you are prone to the problem, you may want to start using these remedies in early December before you typically get depressed. Take them for two weeks, then stop. If symptoms return, take for another two weeks.
• Aurum Metallicum. Also known as metallic gold, this is a classic remedy for many of the symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder, and is often prescribed for bouts of depression associated with a lack of sunlight. It may be specifically helpful for stress, tension and sadness. People in authority and those with a strong sense of duty are good candidates for Aurum Metallicum.
• Ignatia. Homeopathic physicians frequently prescribe Ignatia for symptoms of SAD and other types of depression, emotional distress, anxiety, moodiness and grief. Dr. Stengler finds that perfectionists among his patients, in particular, are likely to benefit from Ignatia.
• Natrum Sulphuricum. Dr. Stengler prescribes this remedy especially for patients with depression that grows worse with dampness. Natrum Sulphuricum is particularly well-suited to those who are sensitive to changes from dry to wet weather.
• Pulsatilla. Dr. Stengler finds this homeopathic preparation from the windflower most beneficial for individuals with gentle, sensitive personalities — patients whose feelings are easily hurt and who tend to extend themselves in order to avoid hurting the feelings of others. In addition to using Pulsatilla for SAD, Dr. Stengler often prescribes it for anxiety, arthritis, headache and hormonal imbalances.
• Sepia. Made from cuttlefish ink, Sepia may be helpful in treating the symptoms of SAD and other forms of depression and may be especially effective for those who are irritable, overwhelmed, exhausted and who have a tendency to isolate themselves from others.
MORE WAYS TO COUNTER WINTER DOLDRUMS
Dr. Stengler says that other natural treatments can also be helpful for seasonal affective disorder. He often prescribes…
• Light therapy. Experts believe SAD is at least in part caused by a lack of sunlight, so it stands to reason that light exposure may ease symptoms. Dr. Stengler often prescribes 30 minutes of daily exposure to light, noting that even on winter days this can be accomplished with a brisk walk outdoors. However some people (especially those living in northern latitudes) find it worthwhile to purchase a special lightbox containing full spectrum — 5,000 to 10,000 LUX — bulbs.?
• Vitamin D. When the body’s exposure to sunlight wanes in gloomy winter months, so does your supply of vitamin D — the sunshine vitamin. Dr. Stengler says he believes people prone to SAD should supplement 2,000 IU vitamin D during winter months. Or you can take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamin D, and eat plenty of salmon, tuna, eggs and vitamin D-fortified dairy foods.?
• Melatonin. Some research suggests that seasonal affective disorder may be linked with melatonin, a light-modulating hormone that has already been associated with other forms of depression. Blood levels of melatonin rise and fall along with exposure to light and darkness. Since the reduced exposure to light in the winter months can derail circadian rhythms, a melatonin supplement may help get you back on track. Note: Melatonin should be taken only with professional oversight and advice.
NOT DO-IT-YOURSELF
Even with homeopathy, there’s always some risk associated with self-prescription. Using the wrong remedy, at the wrong strength or potency, or taking doses too little or too often may impede efficacy and can even make matters worse.
Also, depression can be an especially difficult condition to manage, so it’s best to seek expert medical supervision for homeopathic treatment and also to see your physician immediately if your symptoms are persistent or severe.
To learn more about homeopathy or to locate a practitioner in your area, visit the Web site of the National Center for Homeopathy at homeopathic.org… the American Institute of Homeopathy at homeopathyusa.org… or the Council on Homeopathic Education at chedu.org. Since naturopathic physicians are trained and experienced in homeopathy, you may also want to consult the site of The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at naturopathic.org.
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.
July 4th, 2010 at 4:57 am
Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor.