Cold Season for Pregnant & Nursing Moms

I have lots of friends (and relatives, too) who are pregnant, nursing, or have babies. So specifically for the cold and germ spreading season, here's what I have to say.... Homeopathics are the safest. Many natural grocery stores and pharmacies carry homeopathics. But, most of the time, they are going to help with specific symptoms. Cold snap is a highly recommended homeopathic cold formula made of several different remedies. There are also many individual remedies available. Get something that you can have on hand and begin taking at the FIRST SIGN. The first sign is the first cough, sneeze, or dripping nose. Do not wait until the next day when you sneeze 5 times or have a very sore throat.

Zinc and vitamin C are great in helping your body defenses. Even as a pregnant or nursing mom you can take these. (See one note below on this) I prefer Emergen-C fizzing drink packets and Zi-cam in the nasal spray. You can also find children's versions or look at the dosage. I believe the children's packet of Emergen-C is half what's in the adult packet. Also, I use the nasal spray by putting it on a cotton swab and rubbing it inside the nasal passage. That keeps the bottle clean for everyone in the family to use. Above all, get rid of the Halloween candy as fast as you can (trash most of it) because the sugar feeds those viruses and helps them fight against you!

The note: If you are taking high dose of vitamin C during pregnancy, you will need to cut back toward the end of your pregnancy. You can also cut back if you are eating lots of C fruits. When I was pregnant, my midwife told me that we wouldn't want the baby to be born used to such high doses, so I needed to cut back before he was born. I was eating LOTS of clementines and tangerines! We did a urine test at every appointment so it showed up when I had taken lots of vitamin C. You are probably doing the same.
Be well!

Article on School Lunch Menu

Here's an article about the Institute of Medicine's report on the food being served to our children at school. This is what I'm taking to the local school. http://www.scribd.com/doc/21342166

For more about this topic, see my post earlier about taking action for our children.

Be well, children!

Seasonal Sadness

I've had some friends who mention they get sad during the winter and around holidays, perhaps because of Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder or just memories of a different time. Having personally gone through a serious depression in my life, I understand how these thoughts and feelings return from time to time. So, aside from a constitutional remedy prescribed by a homeopathic doctor or rx drugs, here is an alternative. It's called Ignatia. Ignatia (the name goes on, but if you find that, you are good) is great for depression, baby blues and children who are looking at negative side of things. It's safe for pregnant moms and nursing moms, too. But, the really important thing to remember is that it only works if you take it!!! If you find yourself not motivated to do anything, primarily thinking of things that make you feel sad or remind you of a time when everything was better than it is now, use the "depressive thoughts" as a sign to TAKE POSITIVE ACTION. Do not go to bed! Take action, take a dose of Ignatia and if your thoughts are still negative in 20 minutes, take another dose. It isn't a mind altering drug and it won't make grief go away. It just makes it manageable and allows you to continue with your life. There is always something positive to find, but it can be so hard when the depressive thoughts are in control. Let Ignatia or Field of Flowers (harder to find) help you regain control and put things into the proper perspective. Be well & be happy.

Immune Boosters: Elderberry & Other Herbs

Lots of people ask me how to boost their own or their child's immune system. People are realizing that helping the body strengthen it's own immune system is preferred over fighting disease with antibiotics and otc medicines. There are many different ways to prepare your body to fight disease. Very briefly, let's discuss a few.

The first is a healthy diet. If the body is stressing to deal with processed foods and sugars, it really doesn't have the energy to fight invaders. Drink plenty of water and take a high quality, whole food based vitamin because the way our food is grown and shipped, you cannot get all the nutrients you need from food alone. But make sure it is a supplement to a healthy diet and not a replacement for one. Also be sure to get some sunshine because your body needs vitamin D.

Herbal supplements are another way to boost the immune system. Elderberry is a nice one for winter. It comes in various forms and tastes good. If you have an acupuncturist, you might ask about Chinese medicine. I have found great success with Chinese medicine, but don't know enough about them to make recommendations. Another very common immune boosting herb is Echinacea. It should only be taken for short periods (a week) at a time, not all winter long. Finally, vitamin C is great for the body. Emergen-C makes a fizzy drink for adults and children with Vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals. If your daily vitamin does not have a high does of vitamin C, consider adding a packet of "fizzy juice" to your daily routine. But the immune boosting formula (I think it's honey lemon flavor) doesn't taste as good to me as raspberry, strawberry and orange flavors. Be well!

Oatmeal Is Still a Good Breakfast

I'd have to say that rushing around in the morning getting kids ready for school is one of my least favorite things to do. This morning I cooked oatmeal before waking the kids. Having a warm, hearty, healthy breakfast already prepared made it so much easier! Here's a few tips to keeping your oatmeal healthy.

Steel cut oats are the least processed, then regular oats, instant are the most processed. As always, use the least processed form you can at the time.

Instead of processed sugar, sweeten with stevia, maple syrup, honey or another natural sweetener of your choice.

Add fruit and nuts to make lots of variety. Cinnamon is also a healthy, warming spice that I love to add to oatmeal.

You and your family can enjoy a warm breakfast and the wonderful health benefits of oats! Be well.

Ditch the Soda, Try this instead

Ok, heard on the news this morning they are considering taxing soda. If you haven't already, time to ditch the soda pop! It's a special treat to have soda in our house. I have never been a soda drinker as an adult. It's not good for you! The diet sodas fall into the same category. Have you ever noticed how many obese people drink lots of diet soda? As with most things, a little bit on occasion won't hurt you. Here's an alternative that I prefer and is still a treat in our house... I call it "juice soda."

Club soda (aka carbonated water) mixed with fruit juice makes a much healthier alternative to regular soda pop. Almost any juice will work- orange, grape, cherry, lemon (with stevia added) and the list goes on. If you need caffeine, there is a great tasting drink called QuikStik(TM) and I can order those for you, just email me. QuikStiks are mixed with water and contain herbs and no sugar. The ones with caffeine definitely give you a boost! So, whatever you choose, choose wisely and be well.

Raw Food Brownie Recipe

I got this from a friend and can't wait to try it! I love brownies and she swears this tastes so good. You can also add other things to make bars (dried fruit, protein powder, etc) Let me know how you like it!
Here's the jist :

3 cups pecan "flour"
22 pitted dates
2/3 cup cocoa powder
agave syrup, or stevia to to sweeten

I take the pecans about 1/2 to 1 cup at a time, buzz it in the bullet, leave some larger chunks or not, and dump it in the cake pan, 8x8 or whatever. you can use almonds, but I prefer the pecans or walnuts.

buzz about 8 or so dates at a time, there might be some larger chunks but that's okay, they will get Incorporated later.This will be sticky.

I used agave syrup, but my sister in-law used stevia, a natural sweetener, and it tasted great.

Just put them all in a heap in the pan, then use your hands to mix together. flatten, and put in fridge. Make sure you lick your fingers:)LOL Then eat.

NO JOKE, they taste just like a stinking fudgy brownie. But the good part is, you feel awesome after you eat them! Your brain will be confused.....which is a good thing.

Enjoy!! Be well.

Healthy Foods for Your Family

I have been lying to my children. For quite a while now I have fed them almond butter and called it "peanut butter." I feed them all fruit spread and call it "jelly." "Would you like an almond butter and fruit spread sandwich?" It just didn't fit. Peanut butter and jelly is what kids are supposed to eat, right? I do it with all sorts of things: milk in our house is actually almond milk, hot dogs are those delicious Aidell's natural sausage with something like spinach and cheese. I love putting shredded zucchini and/or carrots in the spaghetti sauce and I have tried to pass off zucchini pancakes as "pancakes." That one they caught on to, but found that they like them!!

What does all this mean? Well, it's about using our creativity to get our kids to eat something healthy, or at least something healthier than what they think they are having. If you need to get your kids to eat healthier, here are a few tips:
- Look at labels and get rid of things with corn syrup, also called high fructose corn syrup, in them. It's everywhere!! I limit it as much as possible.
- Begin by replacing things they like with healthier versions of the same.
- Hide healthy foods inside things like sauces or breads. And I may call a "bread" a "cake." (Oh, I also developed a very healthy cookie recipe I'll post later.)
- If sugar is a problem, begin using fruits as dessert sometimes. Also look at natural and/or low-glycemic sweeteners. Stevia is an herb with 0 calories used to sweeten foods, now being marketed as Truvia (which you may find in liquid and powder forms for less money in natural food markets.) Other natural sweeteners include honey, pure maple syrup, brown rice syrup and agave nectar.
- Finally, incorporate whole foods as much as possible. Limit processed foods. Everyone has to figure out how much they can do because it does take time to cook from scratch! So allow for times when you have to break the rules.

There are lots more things you can do, but hopefully this list will give you a start or some ideas. Be well!

Basics on Homeopathy

Since I've been talking a lot about homeopathic remedies, I decided it might be a good idea to post some basics about taking homeopathics. If you are afraid of the word, check out www.boiron.com to learn more about the uses, history, etc. of homeopathics. Homeopathy dates back to 1700's, but this site, by a popular maker of the remedies, contains lots of current information on the subject. And their remedies have the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) approval.

On to some basics about homeopathic remedies...
1- Always store your homeopathic remedies separate from everything else except other homeopathics. This is a really broad suggestion so that the odor from the mint in your toothpaste or other herbal tincture does not interfere with the homeopathic remedy.
2- Avoid other foods and drinks (besides plain water) at least 15 minutes before or after taking your homeopathic remedy. Again, this is so that strong odors and citrus foods and drinks do not interfere with your remedy.
3- Pellets, liquid or soft tablets... all forms work and you can take whatever type you prefer or find available. I find the soft tablets and liquid easier to use in small children. Also, since they dissolve faster, it makes the time easier to calculate if you have a child who is always hungry.
4- Homeopathics are very safe and effective, when you use the correct one. See more on the Boiron site about this. Also, Doctors of Homeopathy can help you find the correct remedy for you. Many remedies, however, can be purchased just like you would an over the counter medicine. In fact, it is becoming more common to find homeopathic formulations in Wal-Mart and Target. Examples or these are Similasan ear drops or pink eye treatment and Hylands teething tablets. The best reference I've found for homeopathic remedies (as well as other conventional and alternative remedies) are in the Smart Medicine for Healthier Living or Smart Medicine for Healthier Child books available at Amazon.com.
5- Don't be afraid to use them! Sometimes, you may need to take a remedy every 15-20 minutes for the first hour, then it can be taken perhaps every hour or few hours after that. If it is not working after taking a remedy 4 times in an hour, you have the wrong remedy. This is where a knowledgeable health care practitioner is very helpful. If you don't have a homeopathic doctor and it's not an emergency situation, go ahead and try something else. These remedies are very specific to the symptoms and individual.
Be well!

Short Video on Swine Flu Vaccine

Just wanted to share this short video clip on swine flu symptoms and warning about the swine flu vaccine.

Swine Flu Vaccine

A health care worker in the Four Corners area told me today that their swine flu vaccine should be arriving next week. NPR said that limited quantities are available and were shipped to a few states today. You can click here to hear and read more from NPR Morning Edition on "What You Need To Know About Swine Flu".
Whether or not you get a vaccine for H1N1 or the other "regular" strains of flu, you can still benefit from the homeopathic remedies listed below in my earlier post (all the way at the bottom). I've never had a flu vaccine. For around $7 I purchased the remedy recommended by my Doctor of Homeopathy to prevent flu. Generally, there are no side effects and no drug interactions with homeopathic remedies. I only say "generally" because if you took a homeopathic remedy that consisted of something (like chamomile) that you were allergic to, I'd expect you might have a side effect.
When you have to wait on someone else to get a vaccine, you don't want to take a vaccine or can't qualify for the vaccine, remember that there's ultimately one person responsible for your health, YOU! Be well!

The One Healthcare Book All Parents Should Have

Last night at 3AM when I pulled out my copy of the book Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child to take care of my sick child, I realized you all should know about this book if you have children. If you own one healthcare book, this is what it should be! I've given it as gifts to very appreciative new mothers and I've referred to it so many times for myself and friends who have asked me for advice. What makes this reference book stand out above all others I've seen is that it includes many ailments and for each it offers conventional treatment, dietary guidelines, nutritional supplements, herbal treatment, homeopathic remedies, Bach flower remedies and accupressure treatment. It explains the diseases, tells you when to call the doctor and includes a section on therapies and procedures (so you know where the Four Gates accupressure points are) and the elements of health care (caring for a newborn, providing safe environment, diet and nutrition, etc). Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child is really the most complete, most comprehensive health care reference for parents! Even when we know what to do, it can be hard to remember all of our options in the middle of the night! Be well!

Action Required for Children's Health

Because I know that what I believe means nothing if I don't act on it, I am going to have to take action. Childhood diabetes is a serious problem and the lunch menu at my local public school is not helping! I'm not kidding, hotdogs (or some version thereof) are a weekly menu item, along with canned vegetables and things like nachos. Is anybody counting the sodium on this menu? To give them some credit, salad and vege sticks do appear a handful of times through the month. But I have to wonder what's in the dip and dressing.
The sad part is that is doesn't have to be this way and the children who are on free/reduced lunches need healthy foods the most because they probably don't get those at home. Those of us who can afford are likely the ones sending cold lunches of a healthier variety. A nearby Montessori school was featured in the newspaper last year and applauded for the healthy meals the cook prepares for a large number of children. Healthy, delicious foods can, and should, be available for ALL children at every school. I guess I'll start by initiating a conversation with the head cook at the public school. If you have a belief that requires your action, don't put it off. Your words are empty without actions. Be well, children!

Flu Arrived Before I Was Ready

Well, I feel like I goofed, sort of. I knew that flu season was here and earlier this week I looked at the local store for the homeopathic remedy that I was planning to use to help PREVENT the flu running through my family. But alas, the local store did not have it so I was planning to go to town TODAY to find it. And this morning my 6 year old son came into my room with a fever, headache and has not been able to keep food down. So, I tried, but I was a little too late for prevention. Luckily, I had a homeopathic treatment that may help reduce the length and severity, so I administered it at first signs. If it's not too late for you, get your flu prevention homeopathic remedy TODAY!!

(Recommended by homeopathic doctor for prevention is one dose of Influenzinum 9c or 30c once a week for 4 weeks. Then wait one month and give one more dose. If flu symptoms are present, 'Oscillicoccinum'200c. Give 1 dose of this remedy 3 times in one 24 hour period, for example 7AM, 7PM and 7AM.)

http://www.scribd.com/full/20545025?access_key=key-2dgz7bgqot3av06b9gic