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• Obesity in the United States is becoming an epidemic.
• Obesity unfortunately is a risk factor for many disease.  Such as: diabetes, arthritis, heart problems, and certain cancers.
• Other health problems that can develop are: strokes, varicose veins, kidney problems, infertility, gallstones, high blood pressure, hiatel hernias, hemorrhoids, and liver disease.
• People who are obese are likely going to consume high amounts of toxic food which depresses the immune system.  When the immune system is weakened we become more susceptible to viruses or bugs that are being spread at home or in the work place.
• Don’t go on a diet!  I suggest you don’t count calories or fat grams either.  The best way to start to loose weight or avoid putting on weight is to eat more fresh foods, like fruits and vegetables.  Whole grains are best too. Continue Reading »

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• Are you able to get out and get some exercise, walk at the mall, go to a gym, or do some yoga during the winter season?  Are you eating  fresh unprocessed foods?  Are you getting out in the sunshine or taking a Vitamin D supplement?
• These are a few things to consider while trying to stay healthy during the winter and all year round.

The following are suggestions on helping keep yourself healthy:

• A person does not have to do strenuous exercise to receive the benefits of staying healthy.  A 30 minute walk will raise the heart rate helping pump blood and oxygen throughout the body.  When exercising toxins that build up in the body are released by sweating.  Releasing a toxic build-up is beneficial to improving the immune system which helps keeps us well.  One of the risk factors for atherosclerotic coronary heart disease and stroke is the lack of exercise.  Exercise and optimum nutrition helps a person be less susceptible to type-2 diabetes. Continue Reading »

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• Do you become depressed when there is a lack of sunshine?  You may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) usually develops during the dark winter months mostly with symptoms of depression.  The feeling of depression lifts with the upcoming spring and summer seasons.  A person who is affected by SAD can experience poor concentration, fatigue, and extreme craving of carbohydrates.  The feeling of much need sleep can be experienced even though the sleep is rarely refreshing.
• When we get a lot of sunlight a substance in our body called melatonin is secreted.  When there is not enough sunlight keeping the melatonin levels in check it makes it difficult to drag ourselves out of bed.  Also cortisol, our stress hormone, can possibly rise which contributes to depression, insomnia, fatigue, and a decline in the immune system.  Lower levels of serotonin may occur, which play a part in the development of depression.  The length of bright sunlight is what directly affects the production of serotonin.
• Some people may be affected by the lack of sunlight more than others. Continue Reading »

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• Ginger should always be on your shopping list.  It is one of the most all-purpose herbal stimulants.
• Herbal stimulants combined with other herbs promote functions of eliminating, maintaining or building.  The body is warmed when using herbal stimulants, along with boosting circulation and breaking up obstructions such a mucus.
• Did you know by eating ginger you can help nausea?  You could try drinking ginger ale, chew on ginger candy or crystallized ginger, and/or eat ginger cookies.  This would be a more natural way to relieve an upset stomach condition.
• Carminatives are herbs and spices that when taken help relieve gas.  Ginger is included in this catagory.  Other herbs that are beneficial in relieving gas or griping (severe pains in the bowels) are peppermint, fennel, cumin, dill, caraway, and anise.
• Ginger is also considered an anticatarrhal herb which helps eliminate or counteract the development of mucus.  Other anticatarrhal herbs are: black peper, cayenne, sage, cinnamon, anise, gota kola, mullein, comfrey, wild cherry bark, and yerba santa. Continue Reading »

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• I will be taking a break from my writing so we can travel from Taos, NM to the Dayton, OH area, to be with family and friends during the holiday.  I will continue my writing next year.  It has been fun coming up with subjects to write about that I think people are interested in reading, and enjoy learning from.  There has been challenges that have made me work my brain when it gets lazy.  That has been a good thing.  My goal is to continue coming up with fun recipes and subjects everyone can learn from, taking away some knowledge of healthy living.

• Remember to take deep breaths when you feel the stress coming on over the holidays.  Stop and take a power nap if necessary.  If you find yourself really feeling run down don’t forget Vitamin C can be a very important vitamin supplement that can boost the immune system tremendously.  For the new year make it a goal to be the healthiest you have ever been.  Being healthy can be your life insurance.

I wish everyone a safe, healthy, and enjoyable holiday.

Happy New Year 2010! I wish it to be the best year ever for all of you!

Melinda Baker

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• I thought I would share some ideas on ways you can get a “warm fuzzy” feeling during the holiday season.  It isn’t all about buying that expensive gift…remember it is “the thought that counts.”  Be creative, maybe you can come up with your own idea.

Tips for a Soulful Holiday Season

1. When wrapping gifts use old newspaper, magazine pages, and reuse good condition gift bags.  By recycling paper you will help save the trees of the world.  The soul will feel feed by changing the way you wrap those gifts. Continue Reading »

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I had no clue what Essiac Tea was all about until I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2000, and a Naturopath advised me to start using it, which I have done twice a day every day since.

• The tea is named after a Canadian nurse Rene Caisse.  Essiac tea is blend of four herbs that was shared with Rene by an Ojibway indian herbalist.  The blend of herbs was used by the Ojibway tribe for spiritual balance and body healing.  A book written about the complete story of Rene Caisse’s struggles using Essiac tea is titled “The Calling of An Angel” by Dr. Gary L. Glum. Continue Reading »

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• I just want to send a short post letting everyone know how thankful I am during this holiday and everyday.  I am thankful for:

1. My son getting me started in using this website.  I never thought I would be sharing all the information I have learned via the internet.  I have enjoyed writing to help educate people in healthier living.
2. Having the opportunity to live in a healthy, spiritual place (Taos, NM).
3. My wonderful health.  I continue to stay well, only noticing some aches and pains that come with age.
4. Sharing every day with a wonderful person, my husband Ray.  I have been blessed to have his loving support in my every day life.
5. The loving support of family and friends.  It is very healthy to be around family and friends having others to share your laughter and sorrows.
6. Being able to live in a beautiful place, breathing in clean air.
7. Every day I am alive.

I don’t think I am any different than any of you, when I start thinking negative I have to remind myself how great my life is.  Try to practice giving thanks everyday either when you wake up or when you lie down at night. Negativity is an unhealthy part of living.  If more people would try to fill their lives with joy, and laughter this world would be a much better place for everyone.

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Are you worried about all the celebrating during the holiday’s that is centered around food?

• Let me start by saying “dieting” should not even be a word in your vocabulary.  How many times have you been on a diet, lost some weight, and then put the weight back on and then some?  I lived through my 20’s and 30’s experiencing the “yo-yo” dieting.  I have since learned this lifestyle can have some consequences.  Continue Reading »

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Have you heard about stevia?

• Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a herb and much sweeter than sugar.
• It is not a toxic chemical unlike other artificial sweetners.
• It is safer than other sugar substitutes….does not cause nausea, dizziness, and headaches which can sometimes be possible from using Aspartame.
• Blood sugar does not get spiked using stevia.  It actually reducing blood sugar and blood pressure.
• Using stevia can boost the immune system. Continue Reading »

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