Iechyd » Mind Body Spirit

A Victim's Stages of Recovery

admin — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:00:04 +0000

When someone is victimized by another person and becomes deeply injured physically or emotionally, it can be difficult to feel whole again. A victim feels several stages of emotions before full recovery can be made. If a victim is not feeling whole, it may be that they are suffering in one of these stages.

The first stage is denial. For someone who has been seriously hurt, it can be difficult to admit that something is wrong. Feelings of shame and maybe even justification of the abuser may occur. Self-esteem is non-existent. The next stage is shock and disbelief. The victim is just beginning to realize that they are in fact a victim of serious abuse, but may be unsure how to act. So as a result, they may do nothing at all and continue living with the hurt and shame. Once a victim realizes that they have been abused, the feelings may turn to serious anger. Anger is the next stage.

Though anger is probably justified, without help a victim may act out. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a victim to remain in this stage for the rest of their life, which is why it is so crucial that an abused person seek professional help in order to continue to recover and move out of the anger stage. The last stage is personal responsibility. The victim realizes the situation and takes steps to get out of it. A victim realizes they are in control of their own life.

Unfortunately, many victims never reach the last stage. They suffer from feelings of anger and shame for the rest of their life. Fortunately, there are many avenues of help for victims. Shame recovery is one such avenue. Shame recovery can help a victim move on from their feelings of hurt and shame into the next stage of recovery that will lead them to full health and happiness.

Thresholds Shame recovery is not something we can do on our own or by ourselves. Find out more details at Thresholds. Ryan Coisson is a freelance writer.

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Evolutionary Thought – More Than Four Brains

admin — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 15:34:12 +0000

Quite often, people have been raised to think of their brain as a single — or at most, two sided — organ. In one sense, this is correct but in many other senses it is not. Through millions and millions of years of evolution our brains have developed into wondrous machines that not only are more powerful than even the most powerful supercomputers yet invented but are also capable of some of the most sublime thought processes yet known in the universe.

Evolution, at least as we know it, does not work in what is called a linear — or straight line — sequence. We grow as organisms and as thinking, feeling human beings in fits and starts. Sometimes we make great leaps forward and then fall back a little and other times we stay in place, treading water, before we make another great leap forward. This is just a fact of nature and we are no more immune to it than we are immune to eventual death in the physical sense.

What happens to our consciousness, of course, is the greatest mystery in the universe and one we may yet be able to figure out at some point in our evolutionary life that has not yet been reached. In actual physiology, we know that our brains are not in fact a single unit in the sense of the word. There is a series of interrelationships between at least four parts of the brain, which are usually referred to as being the four lobes. For the most part scientists usually concern themselves with only three of the four lobes, for some reason.

We also know that there are parts of the brain that serve highly specialized functions and purposes. This is part of the miracle of our evolution, though it is also helpful to remember that the brain will work in a holistic fashion in order to accomplish its main goal; to give life, breadth and scope to our consciousness, the outward manifestation of which is our corporeal existence. What we are also beginning to understand is that there are other levels to our brains than just the commonly-accepted four lobes.

Indeed, there seems to be seven levels within our brains which logic, direct experience and objective observation seems to confirm. These three other levels seem to center on what most professionals who study the brain call the “higher levels.” Generally, these fifth, sixth and seventh levels of the brain can be looked at as the final steps in a long stairway which leads to a platform that leads to ultimate consciousness.

In the fifth — or interbrain — level, we can work to gain a mastery of the thoughts and experiences which we have accumulated through a lifetime of living. Through this newly-developed ability we will be able to gain a new and fresh way of looking at history which we have either lived or learned about, and which we can then use to increase our sense of devotion and commitment to the accomplishment of other things.

The sixth level is highly interesting in that it — if trained properly — will allow us to look forward into the future with a highly developed sense of intuition. Using this level requires that we not allow ourselves to be bound up in the chains of our past experiences as things that hold us back. When employed with full effect it permits us to erase a sense of limitation that works to hold back human beings in general. We can make a “great leap forward,” in other words.

The seventh and last level can best be related to as one that can give to us ultimate consciousness of ourselves as a total entity. Some call this being able to use imagination to the highest possible degree. Through such consciousness even the most abstract of the thoughts, concepts and reasoning can become easily available to us with just a few simple mental commands.

This is why we should all strive to harness the power of our brains — all seven of them — to the maximum extent possible. We should not hesitate to break free of the bonds which chain us to this physical reality and mundane worldly existence.

Snoring Remedies are provided based upon your unique situation.For more indepth information about snoring remedies you can find out a lot more on my site. Helena Ederveen, Clinical Nutritionist is an expert in her field for many years.

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Medical Benefits From Essential Aromatherapy Oils

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:06:11 +0000

When essential aromatherapy oils are used specifically for the medical properties of the plants involved, it would be to your benefit to learn about medical research that goes into making oil blends. Today, you can find many great companies that take pride in offering the public only the highest quality oils possible to ensure the essential oils work appropriately for the specific reason you are buying.

In addition to the plant used for making oil a key component but plants are also vital to our survival. Throughout history, experts have discovered that plants have a direct link to a person’s well being, physically, emotionally, and mentally. To understand value that plants offer, scientists and researchers have conducted hundreds of studies and the knowledge gained intriguing.

Look at prescription medicine as a prime example of how plants are used. It is estimated that as much as 30% of all legal drugs in America are based on plants. This shows that even pharmaceutical makers realize the importance of plants but with only 700 plants being used for essential aromatherapy oils, we can see that experts have just begun to tap into the true benefits that plants offer.

Even plants used today for making essential oil have been studied in depth by leading universities and research firms, each looking to identify all the therapeutic values offered. To accomplish this, every part of the plant is used and interestingly, each plant offers something unique. In other words, the roots, leaves, flowers, stems, bark, and even seeds have something of value that can be used to make essential oil.

While finding some of these plants was easy, others were challenging, requiring experts to trudge up muddy hills, down into deep values, through heavily canopied jungles, and wilderness areas all over the planet. Just as with animals or creatures under the sea that have yet to be identified, we can only imagine the vast number of plants that have never been seen by the human eye.

Using essential aromatherapy oils is not just for the wonderful fragrance, although this is certainly one appeal. The plant properties of these oils can also promote health such as easing stiff joints, encouraging fertility, and eliminating headaches. Oils used for aromatherapy offer other medical benefits, being able to kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi. With new problems associated with the flu a current part of our society, people can use various oils to purify and sanitize the air, which means homes and offices become a safer place to be.

One of the benefits of buying quality oils from a reputable company is that the person creating blends is qualified. Some blends can be extremely complex to make and in fact, with so many plant components, one product could be made of hundreds.

Then, when you consider the high concentration level of essential oils, coming up with the perfect balance of low, medium, and high notes, using the right plant and plant parts, as well as distillation process, it takes someone with serious knowledge. The outcome is you end up with essential aromatherapy oils that are safe but also effective.

Are you confused about the best ways to put the amazing benefits of essential oils to use in your life?

My name is Becky Newman. You need to grab my 12 Part Mini Course uncovering the secrets of using essential aromatherapy oils effectively right now.

In 5 seconds or less, you’ll be well on your way! Head on over to http://www.essentialaromatherapyoilsguide.com to find out more.

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Baby Steps to a Healthy Life

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:49:41 +0000

We all want to live a healthy life. The choices we make decide on how healthy that life will be. There are certain people that take the “health thing” pretty seriously. They have made a commitment to be healthy and more fit. How do you live a healthier life?

Here are a few tips.

Wash your hands often for at least 20 to 30 seconds. A dose of preventions is better than an ounce of cure. Avoid certain behaviors such as smoking, excessive drinking of alcohol and eating excessively. That can dramatically improve your health all in it self. There are easy ways to get started being more healthy.

Strengthen Your Muscles

Muscles tend to weaken as we age. If you want to prevent a that from happening in a BIG way, you need to practice weight bearing exercises on a regular basis. Weight training increases lean muscles tissue. It also encourages bone Density. Bone density starts to decrease in our thirties but we can combat that with regular resistance training. Weight training also jump starts your metabolism and helps you to burn calories at a faster rate.

Go For A Walk

We are designed to be on the move. We started as hunters and gatherers on the move constantly. Walking actually triggers all of the bodies systems. digestion, stress relief, preparation for sleep, clarity of thinking. It is a free activity, It is easy, most everyone walks and you can get the exercise with out the wear and tear on your body.

Stop Drinking Soda

This is a big one. All of the processed sugars in these sugary drinks just makes you crave more. These drinks have contributed to the skyrocketing rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Diet soda is the worst because it tricks the brain with the sweetness but there are not any calories so the body is not satisfied and craves more. It is easy to put down 40 pounds of liquid calories a year by just having 2 glasses of milk, one glass of juice and one glass of wine a day. That is 200,750 calories a year the 40 pounds of liquid calories represents. Add soda to that and the calorie count could easily double along with the liquid calories consumed. These are all USELESS calories that do nothing but eat your teeth and add unwanted pounds.

Keep a Food Journal

You can double your weight loss by just writing down everything you eat. Doctors have found the more people wrote down what they ate the more weight they loss. We become aware of our habits when we go through the process of reflecting on what we eat. That is the only way to change a behavior, to become fully aware of it. There are online food journal sights that can make it easy or you can get yourself a cheap notebook and write it all down there. Make sure you include the time so you can see any patterns forming with they type of food and the time. Make sure to write how you felt at the time. Measure your hunger from 1 to 10, just that alone may keep you from putting that extra helping on your plate.

Relax, take a “Chill”

If you are a stressed out person, you are more vulnerable to colds and flu all winter long. When you get sick it will take longer to recover if you are a stressed out person. People that do not know how to relax gain more weight and get more illnesses than a person that has learned to “Chill”. People that have learned to combat stress sometimes use exercise or specifically weight training to relieve it. Some find peace in music or humor. Other good ways to reduce stress are Tai Chi and Yoga.

Get Plenty Of Sleep

People really over look this factor. Sleep is one of the most important aspects of health. Without it hormone levels go “whacky” and you do not have the energy that you might have, you gain weight easily and you are moody. Do not put your self in the path of the flu this season. Not getting enough rest will make you more susceptible to what ever is going around. One thing that helps sleep is to have a routine and stick to it. No excitement late in the evening, a dark sleeping environment that is 50 to 60 degrees is best.

Eat Outside The Home Less Often

Eating out at restaurants just makes you loose control of what you are eating. Many times they get prepared foods and fail to really cook anything. many additives and preservatives are used in the foods and many meats are soaked in a “salt brine” to keep it from spoiling (salt is a preservative). Be careful about the foods you buy for home, Look at the label. Be aware of sodium levels and keep them as low as possible. Be a conscious eater.

Eat Whole Foods and Go Organic Where You Can

Any un-processed or un-refined with no added sugar, salt or fat. usually whole foods have a low glycemic index so they will not increase your blood sugar and insulin levels as quickly as processed foods. Eat wheat bread, stay away from french fries. Eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible. Stay away from anything in a bag, box, or can.

Find Your Passion

What is Life without passion?
Life needs to have meaning or we are not fulfilled and that is not something that we enjoy. having a “higher purpose in life” can reduce the risk of death among older adults. Purpose is stimulating cognitively so the real truth is “use it or loose it”, they have been saying it for years, now I believe it. Everyone needs to feel useful and have interests or what is life about.

Be As Social As Possible

The reason that we are so social as human beings is that we re-create and in order to do that we need to communicate (although some of us do that better than others). In order to create a strong sense of social identity it is necessary to belong to social groups, clubs, teams or church is another option. Having this strong sense of social identity significantly reduces your chance of having a stroke, dementia, and even our yearly common illnesses such as the flu and a cold. Loneliness breeds both illness and early death.

follow these steps to ease your self into a healthier life

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Remake Your Life With These Seven Health Habits

admin — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:53:24 +0000

If you realize you need to make some changes in your lifestyle-for the better–here are a few ideas to help you get started on the right track.

1. Keep a set of workout clothes and running/walking shoes in your car. That way, you won’t be able to use the excuse that you can’t work out because you would ruin your “good clothes”. If you’re at soccer practice with your kid, you can always change shoes and walk around the soccer field for some exercise.
2. Cut the size of portions that you put on your food. This could go a long way in helping you lose weight. One suggestion that you can consider is to use a salad plate for your dinner plate. That will give you the illusion that you have a full plateful, when indeed your portions are smaller.
3. Think orange. Eat and drink oranges and carrots. A daily glass of orange juice can reduce your risk of stroke as well as lower your cholesterol. Carrots can also go a long way in reducing your risk of stroke. Carotene (which is in carrots and other orange/yellow vegetables) can also lower the risk of cancer and heart attacks.
4. Learn how to relax for a few minutes several times a day. Take a ten minute break and sit in a comfortable chair. Relax the muscles in your forehead and around your eyes. Then allow the muscles in your jaw and your cheeks to relax. Continue to move on down to your neck and shoulders. Breathe deeply and slowly as your work your way down your body. Try to do this at least twice a day.
5. Change out your pillow. If you’ve used the same pillow for several years, it may be keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep. If you sleep on your side, your best bet is a thicker pillow which will help align your head with your body. If you sleep on your back or stomach, a thinner pillow will be your best bet.
6. Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare healthier, more nutritious and tasty meals. Eating healthier is a lot easier when it tastes good.
7. Learn how to compromise. Don’t tell yourself “I don’t have 30 minutes to exercise today.” or “I blew my diet at lunch so it doesn’t matter what I eat for dinner.” Learn instead to say “Well, I don’t have 30 minutes to exercise, but I can do 15 minutes.” or “Yes, I cheated on my diet at lunch, but I need to get back on the bandwagon for dinner.” You don’t have to be perfect all the time. Learn to make progress in small steps.

Hopefully, these few suggestions will give you some ideas on how to get your life on a healthier track. You don’t have to do it all at once. Gradually implement these changes into your lifestyle and you’ll see long-term rewards.

In addition to writing, Donna has many other interests in her life. She loves to cook and listen to music. She is also interested in collecting memorabilia from the 1960’s space race. Check out her newest website related to waffle makers at http://www.bestwafflemaker.org.

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Essential Oils Recipes For Better Health

admin — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 12:42:46 +0000

Although therapeutic properties associated with essential oils have been known about for many years, most people still associate these oils with aromatherapy. Yes, pure oils blended with plants are used to create wonderful aromatherapy products but they offer many additional benefits. As you will discover in this article, essential oils recipes can actually promote health, not just helping a person feel better but also, preventing illness.

To show you some of the essential oils recipes proven to support good health, we have provided some that you might try. Remember, along with known recipes, you can take time to learn about various plant options, properties of these plants, and the way in which notes (high, middle, and base) are used to produce oils that smell incredible while supporting health. With this knowledge, you have the opportunity to come up with essential oils recipes of your own liking and for your specific health issue.

It is also important to understand that in addition to essential oils recipes providing benefits for physical health, they also support good mental health. The following are examples of plants used in both instances.

· Depression – Clary Sage, Geranium, Frankincense, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Mandarin, Orange, Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon, Grapefruit, Neroli, Rose, and Helichrysum

· Fatigue and/or Burnout – Patchouli, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ginger, Cypress, Peppermint, Lemon, Jasmine, Bergamot, Basil, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Black Pepper, and Helichrysum

· Concentration and Focus – Black Pepper, Lemon, Peppermint, Hyssop, Basil, Cypress, and Rosemary

· Panic Attacks – Lavender, Neroli, Helichrysum, Frankincense, and Rose

· Stress – Clary Sage, Frankincense, Bergamot, Geranium, Jasmine, Benzoin, Lavender, Neroli, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Rose, Vetiver, Roman Chamomile, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, and Sandalwood

· Respiratory (Colds, Asthma, and Pneumonia) and Flu – More than 30 plants are commonly used when making essential oils recipes for these health conditions but some of the most popular include Anise, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Peppermint, Fir Needle, Frankincense, Ginger, Sage, Myrrh, and Pine

· Arthritis and Joint Pain – Chamomile, Black Pepper, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile, and Helichrysum

· Weight Loss – Essential oils recipes also work great for people wanting to shed pounds, in a safe way, without the use of chemicals. Popular plant material for this includes Peppermint, Grapefruit, Orange, Lemon, and Rosemary

Of course, if you are experiencing some kind of physical or psychological issue, the first thing would be to see your doctor so anything overly serious or something that puts you in immediate danger could be diagnosed. With emergency or serious issues ruled out, you would then begin your search for a reputable resource where you could purchase already made products or ingredients needed to come up with essential oils recipes on your own. No matter the direction taken, you will be amazed at how well essential oil works.

Instead of suffering in silence or feeling frustrated that traditional treatments are not working, you need to know that you have options using ingredients that are highly effective, cost efficient, and safe. With a growing concern regarding pharmaceutical drugs, new plants are being discovered and essential oils recipes developed to give people an even greater number of remedies.

Have you been confused about the best ways to put amazing essential oils recipes to use in your own life? My name is Becky Newman. You need to grab my 12 Part Mini Course uncovering the secrets of using essential aromatherapy oils effectively right now. In 5 seconds or less, you’ll be well on your way!

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Stress, Mood and Food

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:01:02 +0000

Globally, three out of five doctors visits are down to stress-related issues. That’s a scary statistic if you consider not only the financial drain on society, but also the psychological impact on families and relationships.

Although a lot of the stress we encounter is out of our control, there is much we can do to enable us to deal with it more effectively, from breathing techniques to regular exercise and importantly good nutrition. But to do this, we must understand what stress is and how it impacts the body.

Stress

Stress is the non-specific response of the body to any demand, whether it is caused by, or results in, pleasant or unpleasant conditions.

Acute stress is the most common form of stress. It comes from demands and pressures of the recent past and anticipated demands and pressures of the near future. Acute stress is thrilling and exciting in small doses, but too much is exhausting.

Prolonged exposure to stress becomes a problem and can leave you feeling unable to cope with daily challenges. Heavy workloads, insomnia, physical illness, excessive alcohol and stimulants (tea, coffee, smoking and social drugs) are common physical factors that contribute to chronic stress whilst psychological issues like depression and anxiety are contributing factors.

The stress response is controlled through hormones secreted by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). The HPA axis regulates many body processes including digestion, the immune system, mood and emotions, sexuality, energy storage and expenditure. Chronic stress will eventually lead to an imbalance in the hormones adrenalin, cortisol and DHEA. Imbalances in these hormones may lead to decreased energy production, blood sugar problems, memory impairment, cardiovascular disease, increased weight gain and reduced immunity. Identifying adverse effects of stress in the early stages can help to prevent more serious problems down the line.

Nutrition & Stress

Nutrition is extremely important in helping the body cope with chronic stress and changing hormone levels. For example, fluctuations in blood sugar levels are associated with changes in mood and energy, and are affected by what we eat. Focusing on a diet that helps to balance blood sugar, support energy production and calm the nervous system can have a profound effect on helping the body cope when exposed to stress.

Stress-busting foods

The most vital substance for a healthy mind and body is water. Drinking at least 8 big glasses each day is a low-cost, convenient, self-help measure that can quickly change how we feel, mentally as well as physically.

Having a minimum of five portions, daily, of fresh fruit and vegetables provides the nutrients needed to nourish mind and body.

It’s best not to skip breakfast, to keep regular meal times, and to choose foods that release energy slowly, such as oats and unrefined whole grains.

It’s important to eat protein foods, such as, beans, eggs, cheese, nuts or seeds, every day. Protein is made up of fragments known as amino acids. Some amino acids can have a direct affect on levels of certain brain chemicals. Good mood protein, including tryptophan, is concentrated in oil-rich fish, nuts, seeds and avocado. For example, eating foods naturally high in tryptophan can improve mood as the tryptophan is converted by the body to serotonin, an important brain chemical that regulates impulse control and appetite, elevates mood, self-esteem, feelings of optimism and induces calm feelings and sleep.

Essential fatty acids, particularly the omega-3 type found in oil-rich fish, such as mackerel and sardines, linseeds (flax), hemp seeds and their oils, are vital for the formation and healthy functioning of the brain. The brain is over 60 per cent fat. Avoiding all types of fat can lead to anxiety and depression and other mental health problems.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for emotional and mental health. For example the conversion of tryptophan into the good mood brain chemical serotonin is helped by various ‘co-factor’ nutrients. Some of these co-factor nutrients are listed below along with example ingredients where they are concentrated:

Vitamin C found in watercress, oranges, tomatoes, red pepper, broccoli

Folic Acid found in avocado, lettuce, walnuts, lentils, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables

Vitamin B6 found in chicken, avocado, banana, sunflower seeds, walnuts, watercress

Biotin found in oil rich fish, fruit, lettuce

Zinc found in corn pasta, oats, sardines, walnuts

Author: Hannah Kaye from Fresh Earth Food Store:
http://www.freshearth.co.za/store/p-2306-stress-mood-and-food.aspx.

The Fresh Earth website offers: Healthy Meal Plans, Vegetarian Recipes, Health Articles, Expert Advice and Organic Grocery Shopping Online. http://www.freshearth.co.za

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Aikido and Technology – Why Aikido is Good For Children and Adults

admin — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:16:57 +0000

It is no secret that the human body grows weaker as it is used less and when life becomes easier. While this is not necessarily a reason to make your life more difficult, it is a reason to take a good, hard look at ones everyday interactions, as well as gain some perspective on the evolution of technology and how we may be going backwards by trying to move forward.

The technological advances we have all around us have made life, in many ways, much easier than it may have been 10 years ago, but have we become better as a result? Its a worthy question and one worth delving into, especially when it comes to our children and their future.

Elevators, escalators, cars, video games, computers; all of these things have rendered once firm and strong muscles weak and flaccid from lack of use. Our minds have become weaker as we utilize calculators, computers, and video games to do much of the thinking for us. Children, especially, are becoming less creative and have far less patience and focus as a result of all the technological stimulation that is such a prevalent part of their lives.

The paradox of technology and innovation is that, instead of creatively or constructively utilizing all of the time thats been freed up by our gadgets, we tend to use the time to sit back, relax, and demand to be entertained by yet more electronic stimulation.

Kids today are being stimulated and hypnotized by an endless stream of animated figures on the TV screen, whether from television shows or video games. Our kids no longer need to utilize their imaginations to create their own games and activities because it is all being done for them electronically.

Physical activity is mandatory for children. In addition to the standard PE classes kids have in elementary school, children need to activate and stimulate their young brains with activities that inspire them to be creative and help them access areas of their brains and bodies that, without use and with over-stimulation from TV and video games, will certainly atrophy and eventually just wither and die.

It has been said that “Happiness is born of adversity”. Without the experience of difficulties and hardship, all of the beauty and the blessings of life are taken for granted.

Aikido is a japanese martial art that focuses on conflict resolution and non-contention of force as the primary means of self defense, as well as personal development. Since it is a martial art, it is a physical training method for children and adults to utilize all of their muscles, joints, connective tissue, and brain. Since it is a physical art of conflict resolution, and not of conflict escalation, it forces young minds to access their creative and imaginative abilities to find ways to end the conflict.

Aikido for kids and adults is just one of the many recommendations for overcoming the physical and mental atrophy we all experience as a result of technological advances. There are many good activities to get children involved in and a well taught kids Aikido class is certainly one to check out! Aikido has been recommended as one of the best physical arts to teach children diagnosed with ADD or ADHD due to the discipline it teaches, the specific breathing techniques taught as a part of the martial art, and the character building aspect that follows from the techniques unique to the martial art of Aikido.

Blaine Feyen is the founder and chief Aikido instructor at the Toyoda Center of Aikido and Kendo in Grand Rapids, MI. Mr. Feyen was a live-in student (uchideshi) under the renowned Aikido and Zen master, Fumio Toyoda, in the mid 90’s. http://www.toyodacenter.com

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17 Tips For Holistic Good Health – Or How I Found Mine After Years of Illness

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:59:11 +0000

As a busy homeopath and mother, my time is valuable. After detours, mistakes and years of searching for the healthiest ways of living, I’ve boiled down my research and time tested tips to a simple seventeen. Here are my top all-time favorites:

1. Stay calm. The world is not as scary a place as the media and other self serving concerns might lead us to believe. When I’m anxious or worried I repeat “Be still and know that I am God”. This gives me inner peace to know that God is protecting all of us. No matter who you believe God to be, pray or study daily. If you’re Catholic, say your rosary. If you’re protestant, read your bible. If you’re Jewish study your teachings. Don’t miss out on the importance of faith.

2. Don’t watch TV, or spend unproductive time on the Internet. After working in the field of media, I learned that it is not in our best interest to be subjected to most forms of media as a steady diet. Protect your children from it as well.

3. Eat like your great grandparents did. Eat whole, real and “untampered-with” foods. Make your meals yourself. It takes longer, but the rewards are worth the effort. There is something therapeutic about chopping fresh vegetables and creating soup from homemade stock. And you’ll earn a reputation as a good cook!

4. Learn enough homeopathy to be able to treat yourself and family for life’s little unknowns. The more you know, the more you’ll want to know. Homeopathy is timeless and enduring. At the very least, find yourself a credentialed, experienced homeopath and use his/her services liberally.

5. Stay away from conventional medications as much as possible. Most meds are dangerous and at best superfluous. Every drug has a healthy counterpart either homeopathically, as a kitchen cure or an herb. (My CD “Homeopathy First Aid; Perform in the Storm” is available my homeopathy website.) Learn the safe alternatives and use them with confidence. Save the use of modern drugs for life threatening situations only.

6. Get fresh air and direct sunshine at least 30 minutes daily. Throw out the sun screen. Have you read the ingredients? It inhibits vitamin D and is loaded with chemicals not meant to be slathered on skin. Instead, if needed, protect your skin the old fashioned way: a hat, cover-up and common sense when in the sun.

7. Get daily exercise. I realize how trite this statement sounds, but after years of resisting exercise myself because of time constraints, I’ve come to learn that I’m more productive and happier when I work out. Even a short walk is good enough.

8. If possible, keep a garden and animals. A flower or vegetable garden can be a sight for emotionally sore eyes. They keep us closer to what is important in life; simple pleasures.

9. Protect your family and the integrity of the family in our society. That means your marriage and the marriages of those around you. A unified family is the basis of a healthy, prosperous and creative society.

10. Keep your exposure to electromagnetic fields to a minimum. Use a cell phone directly at the ear only when absolutely necessary.

11. Expose yourself and family to the intelligent, creative and lofty of our society by listening to classical music, reading fine literature, viewing fine art, we are inspired to greatness ourselves. Then emulate and study those who have had successful and creative lives: Mother Teresa, Benjamin Franklin, Gandhi, Churchill, Beethoven.

12. Drink fresh, raw milk. If it’s available in your part of the world, take advantage of it. If not, find a farmer who will sell this to you on a regular basis. Most people who believe they are lactose intolerant are actually intolerant of pasteurized, homogenized, ultra-pasteurized milk. These products are a paltry resemblance of real milk. The changes you’ll see in imbibing this elixir may amaze you.

13. Eat raw dairy products from animals that are pasture fed and preferably organic. Raw sheep’s milk cheese from Italy, raw goat and cow’s milk from France, Denmark, Ireland and sometimes the US.

14. Eat organic. At least as much as possible, buy or grow your own vegetables and eat meat from pasture fed animals. In other words, support local, organic, family farms.

15. Include some fermented food or drink with every meal. Old fashioned sauerkraut, pickles, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, fermented carrots, etc. They provide live enzymes that allow us to break down the cooked foods we eat. They are excellent for intestinal disorders and are utilized by the healthiest people on the earth.

16. Try to eat as close to 80% raw foods daily. This is not as difficult as one would imagine when drinking raw milk, eating fermented and fresh vegetables, and incorporating raw yogurt, cheeses and butter.

17. Do good work. Prepare your food and nurse your family with love. Whatever it is you choose to do, do it with aplomb, commitment and joy.

“Health is not random” says homeopath, Joette Calabrese HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na). Her book Cure Yourself and Family With Homeopathy and her CDs Perform in the Storm, a Homeopathy First Aid and Secret Spoonfuls; How to get Healthy Foods into Kids Without Getting Caught are collections of experiences as a skilled homeopathic consultant to hundreds.

Her lively, entertaining examples and solutions of what to use for the most common ailments a homeopath is confronted with, have graced national journals such as Homeopathy Today and Wise Traditions. The author, practitioner, mother splits her time between working with clients throughout the U.S. and abroad and speaking in arenas such as Chautauqua Institute, national radio shows and college campuses. Join her at Homeopathy Works for events, forums and consultations.

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