Health and dis-ease

Before there were antioxidants, there were berries.  And, in my taste buds, they were (and are) a delight to the palate.  Yes, there is a quote from some olde English dude about strawberries doubtless being the zenith of God’s berry creations, but I will vote for all the berries.  I recently stumbled upon a recipe for a fruit tart using blueberries, raspberries (red), and blackberries.  The magazine in which this gem rested touted all the antioxidant properties of the three featured fruits.  But you and I know what is really important:  they taste fantastic!  Add a little lemon zest and you have a killer dessert which makes you supremely glad to be alive!

Summer seems to bring out the band concerts – at public museums, community celebrations, and holidays.  Often, the offerings are outside and free.  (I must explain that I am speaking as someone who lives in a 4-season locale, so outside winter music is pretty much limited to Christmas caroling.)  In 1697, William Congreve wrote: “Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast” which I will translate to 2009-speak as “Music is a stress-buster.”  Therefore, music performers are healers.  So, scour your local area for freebie concerts.  Check your Art on the Avenue nights, First Sundays for Families, 4^th of July, even the local high school’s marching band camp.  I am sure you will score something good!

It worked for me.  I took it and aspirin when I was feeling scratchy, drippy, and achy.  Instead of blossoming into a full-force cold, my symptoms abated.  I have taken zinc in the past for cold prevention and had the common side effect of upset mild nausea.  The creator of Airborne wisely added ginger, a homoepathic remedy, to counteract that effect. Additionally, the bonus of this treatment is that I really like the choice of flavors and the fizzy drink. 

The site www.chemotherapy.com is owned by Amgen. 

Amgen is a biotechnology, genetic engineering firm (http://www.amgen.com/about/amgen.html)  which markets medications used in the treatment of cancer.  Therefore,  I will  assume that any of its products or general treatment modes in which its medications fall will be favorably reviewed on this site.  Accordingly, one cannot expect totally impartial, unbiased information here.

The page has very attractive, up-to-date graphics and includes these links:  Understanding Cancer,  About Chemotherapy,  Treating Cancer with Chemo,  Chemo Side Effects,  Other Treatments, Tracking Test Results, Insurance Tips,   and more.  These are very useful.  Additionally, there is an option for a  complimentary subscription to the print journal Women and Cancer.  However, it seems that some mail list inclusion may be a condition for receiving this.

I find much of the information to be on the basic side.  However, it is worth a look to see how it may meet your needs.

Sometimes people use positive thinking to ward off colds and viruses.  Other times, they think they are practicing “positive thinking,” but are really practicing denial.  Thus, instead of mind-over-mattering away a dis-ease, they are losing an opportunity to engage the enemy germs in battle.

I realize that I may have been one of the latter types.  Therefore, when aching shoulders joined a few days worth of slight deep bronchial itchiness and post-nasal drip, I decided to take action.  I have heard many positive testimonies for the Airborne product, so I am giving it a go. 

The list of ingredients includes many vitamins that I would be taking IF I took all the vitamins I intend to every day.  Sadly, I do not meet my vitamin goal.  Subsequently, I feel comfortable trying this vitamin-mineral immunity product without fearing an overdose.

It has appeal.  In my local grocery, it comes in three adult flavors and a kids’ type.  I chose lemon-lime.  I like the fizzy effervescence – that is just fun.  In addition, it feels official because other cold and flu remedies use this format for medicine delivery.  I feel good at the moment – two hours post first dose – however, the extra-strength aspirin I took concurrently with the Airborne may deserve the credit.

I work with children.  I live with an immune-compromised person.  Let’s hope and see if this works.

I have started a journey in Reiki.

It began with curiosity.  I saw the word listed among services at massage studios and in alternative medicine journals.  I didn’t even know for sure how to pronounce the term (it is RAY-key.)

Well, in the world of alternate energy and thought, the concept of “coincidence” is not accepted.  Every opportunity is regarded as being purposefully offered or attracted to oneself.

Happily, I had an opportunity to “try” reiki after years of wondering about it.  I was at a party at which a practitioner was a guest.  She was offering her talent to anyone interested and was holding her hands above another guest.  When she was “done” and asked if anyone else was interested, I jumped at the chance. 

She stood behind me and held her hands about three inches above my shoulders.  Everyone continued with party chatter and conversation.  I just settled into my chair and waited.  After a few minutes, I had the most extraordinary sensation: I felt as though my shoulders were laughing.  There is no other way to describe it!  It felt that inside each shoulder was a mouth and that it was laughing hilariously!

I was sold.