The Real Secret to World Peace

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These are incredible times! Can you feel the under-swelling of possibility for our Planet right now? I can. There is an urgency in each of us to “be the change”. For thousands of years we have asked for peace and joy. Our ancestors created this desire and now it is manifesting. We get to create the speed at which Heaven on Earth comes true.

If you find peace, compassion and happiness in yourself, it will expand into the world at large. In fact, if you don’t, it won’t. And even more so, YOU will not see the peace and joy anyhow, because you are too busy making yourself wrong or fixing yourself, to see the beauty all around you. Yet another aspect of creating your reality: sometimes your circumstances are filled with blessings, but you can’t even see them, because of your beliefs.

All you need is love. Be compassionate to yourself! You have lived through some stressful things, with some people who were great, and some who were not so great. Recommendation: give all your energy to those people who think you are great (from the past and the present). After all, the truth always feels good, and you wouldn’t want to give energy to things that aren’t true about you, would you?

Peace on Earth, good will toward you.

Jennifer Hough

Be Your Unique Self

Filed Under Entrepreneurs with a Conscience | Leave a Comment

Whenever I take a vacation, for some reason I seem to notice the people around me more than when I’m in my comfort zone. On my last vacation, I couldn’t help but notice a scary similarity between some of the people I saw. They all had the same fashion sense, wore their hair in the same way, and wore similar accessories to go with their outfits. It piqued my interest about my own originality and whether I was showing my true self.

Seeing people who dressed alike and then seeing those who dressed in their own way, was refreshing, inspiring, and great to be around. It reminded me that it’s OK to be a little different, to think a little different, to talk a little different, to even look a little different.

The fear of being different isn’t unfounded. Like many, when you were younger, fitting in may have been difficult and going against the crowd may have always sparked attention that you may have not wanted. Growing up you carry that fear – but in reality… what is the worst that could happen? Looking back, it wasn’t all that bad to be different, so as adults we have to remember that it’s OK to embrace (and enhance) those differences, and not be scared to show people who you really are.

Enrich your spirit and be your unique self.

~Amanda~

Thermography, Mammography or Ultrasound? Part 2

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Here are some points to consider regarding MAMMOGRAPHY:

• Structural test: can pinpoint the location of suspicious area
• Compresses the breast
• X-ray radiation produces an image; the area of concern must have greater density to stand out against regular tissue
• Can detect tumors in mainly slow-growing stage or pre-invasive stage
• Cannot detect fast-growing tumors in the pre-invasive stage
• The use of hormones decreases sensitivity
• Large, dense and fibrocystic breasts are difficult to read
• The upper portions of the breast (including the tail of the breast and the axillary region) cannot be visualized
• Can detect tumors 1-2 years earlier than physical examination
• Average specificity 75% (25% false-positive)
• 9 out of 10 biopsies initiated by mammography are negative
• Average sensitivity 80% with 20% of cancers missed in women over age 50
• In women under age 50, sensitivity is 60% (or, 40% of cancers missed)

Next week, I will go over the pros and cons of ultrasound.

Dr. Alex Mostovoy

Running Your Family: A Family That Runs Together Stays Together!

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In my classes, I certainly sing the praises of strength training for increasing lean muscle mass, which in turn burns fat. That being said, I think running is also a great exercise option for new moms for one simple reason: convenience!

While there are things to consider, especially for new moms (see my blog on feet issues), the one attractive quality is you can run almost anywhere! A favorite new line of mine is, “A family that runs together stays together.” I am proud to say this summer I recruited a new running partner – my four year-old – who was thrilled to participate in something he has watched his big brother do for some time now. My oldest son, who is 7 years old, ran a 10 km race with me and literally beamed with pride when he crossed the finish line. The pride he felt at that moment stayed with him for about three weeks. I’d say he ran 80 per cent of the race and got piggy back breaks from his mom (which by the way is a perfect substitute for hill training) for the remaining 20 per cent of the race. While it wasn’t my best time, it was certainly one of my best races because I shared with my son something more valuable than beating my best race time.

I had another great run when I was 7 months pregnant with my third child. I completed a 10 km race and came in only 7 minutes later than my previous “non–pregnant” time. I certainly enjoyed both the inquisitive looks and the support and encouragement of total strangers, but the most memorable moment for me was seeing the open arms of my proud husband and two older boys at the finish line.

Over the last eight years since becoming a mom, I’ve had to adapt my running routine to the ages and stages of my children. For instance, while I was pregnant and running with one child in a jogging stroller, my oldest son rode his bike along side us. Over time, we have created running circuits that accommodate our differ0ent levels so we can all run together and stay side-by-side. I can say without hesitation it is far from perfect. There have been days when I’ve had to deal with a child in a full-blown temper tantrum 5 km from home and days when I’ve felt defeated, all of which set me back. But as a family in training, we try to learn from every “bump in the road.” I now accept the fact that we are a team in training, preparing for all of life’s challenges and successes, and navigating a road that has much to teach us about what it means to be a family. Check out our ebook “Fit New Mom 101″ at www.newmom101.com; it includes a 5 km and 10 km run plan.

Cheers,
Andrea Page

Choose Peaceful Imaginings Instead of Fearful Ones

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Do you see that you have the power to co-create a miraculous day? If you let yourself see that, you will feel great peace. If something inspires you, or brings you peace, it is toward your greatest life.

Anxiety is simply the opposite of faith in yourself, the Universe and your ability to create the life you came here for. Feeling bad and having anxious thoughts… well, they’re simply not true! You can tell they’re not true because they feel bad; that feeling is a clue from the Universe that those thoughts are not part of the life you are meant to live. Anxiety is therefore quite an unproductive place to spend your time.

I am the thinker of my thoughts that cause me to be anxious. Only when I am more conscious of my thoughts can I start to think new ones.

If I am the one imagining the future image that scares me, then it is just made up. It’s time to make up a new picture, yes? Try imagining futures that feel good (vs. scary) to you, and revel in the TRUTH of them. You deserve to imagine magical outcomes… and to live them, as well!

Jennifer Hough

Self-Worth Vs. Self-Esteem

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Have you ever done something that you KNEW was silly, or not right? I have… many times!

How to reconcile those times? Just know that your self-worth is never in question. If you are breathing and alive, then you are worthy, for how much more worthy does it get than to be granted life by an unconditionally Loving Force that makes Milky Ways? Doing things we are not proud of is just part of being human. How else would you ever be able to remember that the point of life is the journey… not to get it done, nor to get it perfect? Sometimes what you are most proud of is how you handled the situation. Oh, the opportunities to shine!

Sometimes self-esteem is the issue, when we judge ourselves based on our actions. Remember: the point of being on Earth is not to get things done PERFECTLY, it’s to go on the journey… and if you sometimes have an unproductive adventure, just learn from it. Then follow your heart, and do what you need to do to make it right in your heart. In an instant, your self-esteem will be lifted. You are worthy of good self-esteem.

How wonderful must we be? We can only do the best we can, based on the beliefs we hold. We can only attract to ourselves events that reflect our current thoughts on every subject. There’s no point in taking score of ourselves because only the Universe knows who we really are - and it reminds us daily through who loves us and the miracles we are blessed with.

Jennifer Hough

Feet Facts: For New and Expecting Moms

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Yes, there is one more thing for you new and expectant moms to be concerned about – your feet! They lug us around for life but sometimes we forget that they need a little TLC every now and then in order to continue to do their job well. Here’s why.

During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is released throughout your body. Its main purpose is to help certain areas of your body expand during pregnancy and delivery. As this is occurring, your feet are expected to carry more weight than usual and deal with the decreased stability that naturally results because of the laxity in the joints and ligaments. Moving from a size 6 to a 7 shoe is not unheard of during pregnancy, as pregnant women’s arches often begin to fall (caused by overpronation or flat feet) and the feet begin to widen. In addition, your hips are spreading, causing certain points in the knee to become more angular, leaving them vulnerable to pain. As a result, most pregnant women compensate their stance without even knowing it.

Left untreated, these problems can worsen and progress into more serious conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, metatarsalgia, tendonitis and bunions.

In addition to these conditions, some women may experience swelling of the feet or edema. In most cases, this is not something to be concerned about; however, these can be signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia, and your caregiver should be contacted.

Here are some tips:

• Determine with your caregiver/holistic practitioner/chiropractor if arch supports might be appropriate and which type would be best. In many cases a generic brand will be acceptable until you’re in the postpartum period and then your feet can be reassessed for a prescription pair if needed.

• Exercise regularly and balance your activity with rest and good nutrition to avoid additional edema.

• After your baby is born, check your shoe fit regularly, especially if you plan to resume high-impact sports like running.

• To help your feet regain their pre-pregnancy state, your shoes may need to be refitted every 3-6 months.

For more feet facts and information to get you back on your feet, go to www.newmom101.com.

Cheers,
Andrea Page

Putting a Different Twist on Letting Go

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It may feel like there are people in your life who have done you wrong. It may even be you who is “doing yourself wrong”. Just know this: it could only have happened exactly this way. The Universe knew the exact experiences that would blatantly show you where you are vibrating so you could change your mind, change your beliefs, find peace and become a more joyful person as a result. It couldn’t have gone any other way! When we realize the gifts our experiences have given us, no matter the price, often there is nothing left to forgive.

If you would like to turn hurtful incidents into blessings, ask yourself this:

How can my life be better because of what happened? What golden blessings can become of this?

Remember, resentment is like what would happen if you took rat poison and hoped the other person would get hurt. Very unproductive.

If you spend more than a second being angry over a perceived “wrongdoing”, you are missing the point. If you feel bad, you are believing a lie. The Universe gave you feelings to determine the lies you think from the truth. Lies feel bad, truth feels good.

• “I am powerless” is a lie.

• “Somebody else controls how I feel” is a lie.

• “I am powerful beyond measure to change my thoughts and reality in every moment” is truth.

• “I am an extension of source with the freedom to dream and manifest new worlds. I forgive myself and others because I deserve a great life, and I love that the world benefits from my connection to love and joy.” Now that’s truth! You don’t want to rob us all of you, do you?

Use your challenges to more clearly define what you want. The more focused you become, the more miracles abound.

Jennifer Hough

Living with Lupus – Part III

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Being diagnosed with lupus is no longer the death sentence it used to be. Many lupus sufferers live long and productive lives. It is all about being positive and hopeful about your success. If you have a negative attitude about your disease, then the negativity is what will make you sick. Many people live with chronic illnesses everyday and live a very happy life. Just because you have a chronic illness doesn’t mean you have to live as if you are chronically ill.

With some planning and care you should be able to stay ahead of your lupus and live a life that is full. Here is what I recommend:

Get a good night’s sleep. The body needs time to recharge and to perform self-maintenance. It does this when we sleep, so give your body about eight hours of good restful sleep every night.

Get plenty of rest. Rest is not the same as sleep. By rest, I mean give your mind and body a break. Try to lay down for a brief rest a couple of times a day. If you can’t do this, then take a mind-body break a few times during the day by closing your eyes for 10 minutes and thinking good thoughts.

Be active. Exercise is great for the body and the soul. But don’t overdo it, as lupus tends to affect the joints. If you can, try swimming or even walking in a pool. Water is very gentle to the joints and provides a great way to exercise the body.
Listen to your body. If you are tired, then rest. You are not in a competition, so please don’t overdo it.

De-stress. Stress can play havoc on the body. There are a variety of ways to manage stress: yoga, meditation, taking a bath, listening to music, journaling, or painting. Everyone is different; find what works best for you and practice it daily.

Talk about it. Keeping your emotions inside can only lead to stress and illness. So talk about your feelings – your fears, what scares you, and the like.

Stay out of the sun. The sun is not a friend of lupus; it can actually trigger a flair-up. Maximum strength sun block, loose-fitting breathable fabric, and even a wide-brim hat will help keep the sun off your skin. Also, stay indoors during the sun’s strongest part of the day.

Avoid crowds or people with infections. Your immune system is already compromised. There’s no need to tax it further.

Eat nutritiously. Food is fuel for the body. If you give the body good sources of fuel it will have the tools needed to help combat illness and give you energy.

Do not smoke. Nicotine hurts the body; it doesn’t help it.

Do not combine drugs and herbal remedies. Many people today want to be more proactive in their health, and this is good! But always check with your doctor before starting any health care regimen.

Be prepared for your doctor visits. Keep a list of issues, concerns, or changes in your condition. Partner with your doctor; he or she is there to help you.

Be proactive. Learn everything you can about your lupus. Armed with knowledge, you are powerful!

You are not alone – there are many other people in your situation. A support group is only a phone call away. Start or find one in your area! Be an active participant in your lupus care!

In health and wellness,
Dr. Linda Mundorff

Beware of Some Popular Detoxification Methods

Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) | 1 Comment

Dr. Rona:

I heard from a friend who went to a recent lecture of yours that you do not recommend fasting, colonic irrigation and ionic footbaths for detoxification. I’ve been using all three for years at the recommendation of my chiropractor. Why do you think there’s a problem with them?

AA

Dear AA:

Re: FASTING
Fasting with water has been used for centuries, but could be dangerous for some without supervision and support. Since most of the more dangerous toxins are stored in fat cells, abstaining from food will force the body into burning off fat reserves and thereby release the toxic substances into the bloodstream. This in turn increases the risk of serious damage to tissues, especially the brain and nervous system. Fasting sometimes simply moves toxins from fat cells into more active tissue such as the liver and brain, and doesn’t really cleanse the system.

Secondly, the liver needs a steady supply of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to produce the substances that make detoxification by the liver possible. Depriving the body of these nutrients at the time they are needed the most can make body toxemia worse. Fasting also deprives the digestive system of fiber, the very thing needed by the liver and bowel to rid toxic substances from the body.

Re: COLONICS
Colon hydrotherapy (colonics) involves inserting a tube into the anus and then flushing 1-5 gallons of water through the colon in an attempt to remove impacted waste out of the system. This process is said be effective at getting the compacted material out of the large intestine rapidly but it is not without its hazards.

Aside from the costs (between $50 and $100 per treatment), there is the distinct possibility for the process to unnaturally extend the bowel and colon, potentially causing rips or other damage to the large intestine. There have been several reported cases of dependency on colonics. Over the years I have heard many clients say things like, “I can’t have good bowel movements without my colonic.” This is hardly something that should be encouraged.

Other scary issues involving colonics include potential perforation of the colon leading to septicemia and shock, infection from improperly cleaned instruments, electrolyte imbalances and fluid absorption, and overload leading to heart failure. Deaths have been reported from both perforation and infection. Although these harmful events are rare, why take the risk?

Re: IONIC FOOTBATHS
The ionic footbath has come to be a very popular gadget for body detoxification but, unfortunately, has no scientific validity whatsoever. Sadly, ionic footbaths are being peddled by both health food stores and natural health care practitioners who can charge thousands of dollars to either sell or rent out these contraptions.

Here’s how it works: while you just sit there and soak your feet, these gizmos claim to selectively remove toxins from the body. The electronic current passed through the footbath apparently triggers the body to release toxins into the water, which then changes color. This is said to be “evidence” that poisons are being released through the pores of the feet. Dr. Andrew Weil has an article on his website that explains what really happens best:

This is all complete nonsense. The Guardian Unlimited, an online British newspaper, sent a doctor to have an ionic detox footbath. He took water samples before and after and sent them to a lab for analysis. Neither sample contained any toxins.

And when a Guardian Unlimited reporter suspected that the discolored water might be due to rust, he tried an experiment: he rigged up a bowl of salt water with two metal nails attached to a car battery (to simulate the metal electrodes used in the ionic detox footbaths). That water turned brown with some sludge on top = the same type seen on the footbaths.

A footbath, ionic or not, can’t detox your body or rebalance cellular energy. If you buy one of the devices (which cost in the neighborhood of $1,200) the only rebalancing you’re likely to notice will be in your bank account.

Dr. Andrew Weil

The only change found comparing the before and after samples was a jump in iron content. None of the common blood toxins such as urea or creatinine had migrated into the water.

Ben Goldacre writing in the Guardian in September, 2004

Foot detox patches making similar claims are another waste of time and money. Once again, there is not a shred of evidence that these products do anything more than pull hard-earned money out of your wallet.

If you want to listen to my lecture given on November 24, 2007 at a Whole Life Expo, you can order a copy of the lecture on CD from http://www.softconference.com/071123

For more references re: the ionic footbath scam, visit http://www.denvernaturopathic.com/news/footsoaks.html and
http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/badscience/story/0,12980,1294819,00.html

Dr. Rona

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