UPDATE: Please come and support those with Lupus on Saturday, April 17, 2010 In Washington DC. For more info visit http://lupusgw.kintera.org/dcwalk2010/tricia?faf=1&e=3292946855

Hello Everyone,

Have you ever found yourself surrounded by something that you knew very little about but then suddenly bombarded by it and it is as if the universe is trying to tell you something and is using all media mediums in order to enlighten you on this topic? It first started when I was flicking through channels and was captivated by what I thought was another “medical” commercial for disease X and for medication Y. But then something clicked and I tuned in to the commercial to hear the announcer speak about Lupus. Then on the metro and in magazines I began to notice more posters and ads for Lupus and began to realize that I know very little about this autoimmune disease that 1.5 million Americans are living with and that strikes primarily women of childbearing age (between 15 and 44). Unfortunately, the topic of Lupus, didn’t really hit home until my son informed me that his former second grade teacher, who is only 27 years old, was diagnosed with the disease. So, for all our readers out there, who see the ads in magazines, on tv and on the metro and wonder “What exactly is Lupus?,” here is the 4-11 on Lupus. It is, as Joe Friday would say, “just the facts” about this disease courtesy of the Lupus Foundation of America (www.lupus.org).

Let’s start with the basis and break it down:

What is Lupus?

Lupus, known as the “wolf” in Greek, is a chronic autoimmune disease that damages any part of the body (skin, joints, blood, and/or organs inside the body, particularly the kidneys).
Right, so let’s break that down…chronic means that the signs and symptoms last longer then six weeks and often for many years. Autoimmune, (“auto” means “self”), means your immune system cannot differentiate between your body’s healthy tissue and viruses, bacteria and germs (aka “foreign invaders) and therefore the body creates auto antibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. This results in the auto antibodies causing inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body. Lupus is also a disease of flares (i.e. the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). The disease can range from mild to life-threatening and with good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life. There is no “exact” cause of Lupus but researchers have noted that genes, environment and hormones all can play a role in developing Lupus.

Other facts on Lupus:

Lupus is NOT contagious, not even with sexual contact. You can’t “catch” lupus or give it someone else.
Lupus is NOT like or related to cancer.
Lupus is NOT like or related to HIV or AIDS. In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive.
Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age, however men, children, and teenagers can develop lupus.
People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus, however, women of color are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus.
More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country.

If you like to understand and learn more about Lupus and or to donate funds to finding a cure for this disease check out the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. at www.lupus.org .

As always, stay healthy, get your regular check-ups and if your gut tells you something is wrong, then follow your intuition and consult a physician. You only have one body and one life so do your best to take care of it.

Hello everyone,
My client had recently come in to see me after seeing a dermatologist for her hair loss problem. He did not find evidence of scalp disease, or anything skin related that would cause her to lose so much hair. During my consultation, I did find out that she had begun menopause about a year ago. I assumed that the hair loss was a result of declining estrogen in her system. Estrogen replacement therapy could very well reverse the problem, if she does not run the risk of heart disease or osteoporosis. Thinning hair alone does not warrant such a risk to ones health. Its hard to face,but ,aging is a natural process and we all should strive to face it gracefully.
I told my client to relax, start taking Omega 3 fatty acids, and possibly try a topical drug called Minoxidil (Rogaine) to be used twice a day on the scalp, it comes in a spray bottle and is easy to use.There’s also Propecia , but that is only approved for men and I cannot attest to it’s performance.
Using topical potions or creams is a long shot at winning the fight of hair loss. Clinical studies have shown that only one in five women with hair loss due to low estrogen levels, experience only modest hair regrowth.
After several months of the treatment,and several hundred dollars later, not to mention that it might cause itching and redness…I think you should really think about using this product after much careful thinking.
I see advertisements all the time for hair growing creams and potions. Bogus charlatans trying to get us to buy supplements, hair tonics, and electric devises that should be illegal to sell, except, that trying to enforce such business conduct, is nearly impossible to do.People ,be aware and think, before you take out that credit card.
Surgical hair transplants are a good choice for hair follicles that have been destroyed.They take small patches of scalp from the healthy areas and apply them to the balding or thinning sites of the scalp.It seems to work better for men than women and they are very expensive, about $10,000 USD for an average high quality procedure.It tends to be painful in both the pocket and the body.Make sure to consult with at least three qualified doctors before you make such a decision.
Wigs and hair pieces are another option, easy on the pocket, painless and the results are immediate. I highly recommend a better quality wig and make sure its human hair, not synthetic, it looks a whole lot more real and natural.
Here is what I recommend and suggest you do if you are having hair loss problems:

Schedule a doctors visit to make sure you are not sick.

Be gentle to your hair and scalp.

Towel dry and let it dry naturally if possible.

Do not use heat on your hair…it can damage the follicle.

Use a hat to protect the hair and scalp from the sun.

No chemicals. No color, bleach or perming the hair.

Rest, try to sleep well,and relax.

No new diet fads.Some diets can cause malnutrition and hair loss as well.

I also highly insist that you incorporate Omega 3 Fatty Acids into your daily routine.I have seen wonderful results from these supplements.It takes about four months for them to kick into your system,but there is nothing better than omega fatty acids for hair, skin and joint mobility. Try to have a positive mental outlook, remember ,we will all grow old and pass on one day.Its what we make of it while still here that really matters. I wish you wealth, health and happiness.

Hello Everyone,
Recently, a 39 year old sister of a friend of mine underwent a mastectomy for breast cancer. Knowing that breast cancer runs in her family, she and her mother were both tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. She was told that if a defect was found..her chances of eventually developing breast cancer would be 85% and the risk of ovarian cancer would be about 30%.Wow..that’s tough.Both mother and daughter went to counseling first, because even though cancer is a horrible disease,the test results after genetic testing are not always conclusive and can be very peace shattering.
Both mother and daughter were positive for BRCA1 mutation.The daughter took it well enough and started a proactive plan of regular exams and a healthier lifestyle. The mother, on the other hand took it very badly. She blamed herself for passing on a bad gene to her daughters. The guilt that the poor woman felt was overwhelming.
Should you do genetic testing? Do you really need to know?
Do get tested if the following applies to you:
If you have a family history of a certain disease
If you are planning of having a baby and are at risk of passing a genetic disorder to your baby
Use your own judgment and common sense and think about the benefits and drawbacks before making your decision.
Here are the benefits:

You don’t need to worry about it anymore. Knowledge is power and you can relax.
A positive test result might catch your disease at an early treatable stage.
You will be able to get yourself better prepared for the inevitable… start that bucket list.

Here are the negatives:

You might be tested positive and cannot do anything about it.
High level of stress, even if you test positive for a genetic disease, it does not mean that you will get it.
High risk of discrimination, secrets, medical or personal, are hard to keep and insurers have a way of finding out things you and I cant even imagine.
Having said all that, just be wise, seek counsel and talk to a health care provider.Ignorance is not bliss,take control of your life and be happy.

Hello and welcome,

Being overweight and lethargic, after giving birth to my children, has always been a problem for me. I could not seem to lose the baby weight no matter how hard I tried. Seventy six pounds is not that much weight gain during pregnancy is it? They said I should be eating for two…no? Well I ate to my hearts content…three times. After all was said and done, this woman (me) was 26 years old 5’8 and 246 pounds. And that is just the start of my quest for health, love and wealth…more on that later. Today I want to write about FAT and what it really is. I hear that not all fats are bad for you, just some. So here it goes: THE FAT FACTS!

Fats are a subgroup of nutrients called lipids, which is a chemical name for a group of compounds that includes fats, oils and cholesterol. A lipid is refered as fat if it remains solid at room temperature and an oil if it is liquid at room temperature. Fats and oils come from plants and animals…but only cholesterol comes from animal products (milk, cheese, eggs).

Cholesterol is a white sticky substance that is found in every cell of our bodies. It actually is a building block for hormones, vitamin D, cell membranes and helps digest fat into energy. So what is so wrong with cholesterol? Well, it has two sides: Good Cholesterol (HDL) is a lipoprotein that travels throughout our body cleaning out our cells and vacuming up dying cells and free radicals. Bad Cholesterol (LDL) is a lipoprotein that we have a lot of in our bodies (70%). The reason that it’s bad is, that they stick to our arteries, possibly creating strokes, blockages and heart attacks. Many factors determine our cholesterol: Genetics, smoking, age, physical activity…But how much BAD cholesterol is in your system is because of excess…FAT.

We have three types of FAT: polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and SATURATED. The first two are cool, the last one is the killer. Saturated fats (lard, butter, fatty meats) those types of fats are very bad for you, all processed foods have a lot of this saturated fat shit in them to have a longer shelf life. I will tell you what asses the food industry are later on. But, in the mean time they add hydrogen to good fats and that turns good fats into bad fats called TRANS-FATTY ACIDS, which not only makes us fat, but it can kill you by raising the darn cholesterol levels. Mine was 320. Unsaturated fats like olive oil, canola oil, fish oils help to lower bad cholesterol…good stuff. So now that we know how bad fat is for us…WHY DO WE CRAVE IT SO MUCH?

We crave fat because other than the fact that it tastes good, we are biologically programmed to love it. There I said it, we love fat! It tastes great, keeps me energized and we humans have survived by storing it in our bodies. But eating fat does not make me fat, eating more than I need makes me fat. Not being active makes me fat. Oh heck, I LOOK at doughnuts and I get fat. About four years ago I went to a doctor specializing in bariatrics (Dr Brunner), she has put me on a diet/vitamin/activity plan. I am doing much better and people do ask me what I have done to lose and keep the weight off. I will share all with you, if you can do the same and share your personal quest with me. How does that sound?

Hi, Robin Here:

When going to the doctor’s there are a few things one does not want to hear.  For instance, “we will just have to slice that off” is one of them and “Uh oh! There is a lump,” is another. For me, I heard the latter about two years ago during what I thought was just a routine check-up with my new doctor. My life, as I knew it, changed with those simple words. After the finding of the lump, I was handed the “The Thryoid Book”, arranged to meet with an endocrinologist and subjected to an ultrasound exam on my thyroid.  Despite what the experts were saying, I couldn’t calm my fears that there was a foreign growth. I met with the endocrinologist who showed me the results of the ultrasound and express her concern with how big the lump was and gave me my options – either “waiting and seeing” or having surgery to remove the lump and spending the rest of my life on thyroid medication.  Before I made the decision of having surgery, I wanted a second opinion and was referred to another endocrinologist who told me the same thing as the first. At least now I had to doctors who verified what I was happening.  The lump was apparently growing at an alarming rate but my blood work was coming out normal (small blessing there). I was then referred to have a fine needle biopsy – which never sounds when a doctor refers that because that just screams “we think it is cancer!” despite the doctor’s cries of “well, we think it just a benign goiter, but we want to make sure EVERYTHING is okay!”

My biopsy was scheduled a month later and a very good friend went with me as they injected the biggest needle I have ever seen in my life into my lump. A few days later, I received the good news that the lump was benign and for anyone who has ever had a “cancer” scare, you understand the joy and relief this news brings. However, this relief was brief because six months later bam! there is was, the goiter had grown at a surprising rate and was getting dangerously close to my vocal chords and closing my throat and my doctors feared that there was a rare form of cancer in the goiter. I saw a surgical specialist and when I asked him how and why this was happening, I was asked where I live and apparently growing up in southeast Pennsylvania on well water and living about 60 miles between two nuclear power plants plays a role. Yikes!

After a lot of debate and consultation, I had the thyroidectomy on my right thyroid. It was an extremely tough decision to make because each time you have surgery and lose a bit of you; you have to deal with the consequences. For me, it is dealing with the occasional hormonal change and increase or decrease in energy and the dependency on the thyroid hormone medicine.  I have to constantly monitor and have blood tests done every six months to check my thyroid hormone levels.

The take away message from this incident is pay attention to our bodies, get regular check-ups, get a second opinion if the first one does not agree with you or if you need clarification, and most importantly, take care of ourselves.  We only have one body and it’s our responsibility to take care of it.

Hello and welcome,

Being overweight and lethargic, after giving birth to my children, has always been a problem for me. I could not seem to lose the baby weight no matter how hard I tried. Seventy six pounds is not that much weight gain during pregnancy is it? They said I should be eating for two…no? Well I ate to my hearts content…three times. After all was said and done, this woman (me) was 26 years old 5’8 and 246 pounds. And that is just the start of my quest for health, love and wealth…more on that later. Today I want to write about FAT and what it really is. I hear that not all fats are bad for you, just some. So here it goes: THE FAT FACTS!

Fats are a subgroup of nutrients called lipids, which is a chemical name for a group of compounds that includes fats, oils and cholesterol. A lipid is refered as fat if it remains solid at room temperature and an oil if it is liquid at room temperature. Fats and oils come from plants and animals…but only cholesterol comes from animal products (milk, cheese, eggs).

Cholesterol is a white sticky substance that is found in every cell of our bodies. It actually is a building block for hormones, vitamin D, cell membranes and helps digest fat into energy. So what is so wrong with cholesterol? Well, it has two sides: Good Cholesterol (HDL) is a lipoprotein that travels throughout our body cleaning out our cells and vacuming up dying cells and free radicals. Bad Cholesterol (LDL) is a lipoprotein that we have a lot of in our bodies (70%). The reason that it’s bad is, that they stick to our arteries, possibly creating strokes, blockages and heart attacks. Many factors determine our cholesterol: Genetics, smoking, age, physical activity…But how much BAD cholesterol is in your system is because of excess…FAT.

We have three types of FAT: polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and SATURATED. The first two are cool, the last one is the killer. Saturated fats (lard, butter, fatty meats) those types of fats are very bad for you, all processed foods have a lot of this saturated fat shit in them to have a longer shelf life. I will tell you what asses the food industry are later on. But, in the mean time they add hydrogen to good fats and that turns good fats into bad fats called TRANS-FATTY ACIDS, which not only makes us fat, but it can kill you by raising the darn cholesterol levels. Mine was 320. Unsaturated fats like olive oil, canola oil, fish oils help to lower bad cholesterol…good stuff. So now that we know how bad fat is for us…WHY DO WE CRAVE IT SO MUCH?

We crave fat because other than the fact that it tastes good, we are biologically programmed to love it. There I said it, we love fat! It tastes great, keeps me energized and we humans have survived by storing it in our bodies. But eating fat does not make me fat, eating more than I need makes me fat. Not being active makes me fat. Oh heck, I LOOK at doughnuts and I get fat. About four years ago I went to a doctor specializing in bariatrics (Dr Brunner), she has put me on a diet/vitamin/activity plan. I am doing much better and people do ask me what I have done to lose and keep the weight off. I will share all with you, if you can do the same and share your personal quest with me. How does that sound?

The Mediterranean diet has become quite popular in recent months. While the diet itself is nothing new, those who are just discovering it are fascinated by the concept. The idea that simply eating certain types of food (all quite delicious) can reduce your health problems, increase your life expectancy and even help you lose weight, without depriving you of food is an attractive idea. It is what draws many people to the Mediterranean diet.


The base of the Mediterranean diet is the food that is commonly consumed in the Mediterranean. Years back, studies began to show that diet was the reason people living in Mediterranean countries were so healthy. The average person from this area tends to be free of heart disease and cancer, living longer than many others from other countries.

The food that is involved in the Mediterranean diet hasn’t changed much over the past several generations, which makes it possible for us to study its true effects on the people following this diet. Throughout the generations, people from this region are healthier and live longer, with their diet as a main factor in their astounding health. Now, the secrets that have been common knowledge for centuries in the Mediterranean are becoming famous in the Western world.

So, what does the Mediterranean diet consist of? While there are many variations of this diet, the basic concept is simple. Anyone following this diet cuts back on meat, perhaps one or two servings per week is sufficient. Also, they keep masses of fruits and vegetables. Olive oil is also a main component. No one is exactly certain which of the ingredients in the diet is vital; perhaps they are all necessary to provide the desired effect.

Olive oil is used over butter or other forms of oil in the Mediterranean diet, whether cooking or seasoning. We know that olive oil is one of the healthiest fats that man ingests and it contains crucial antioxidants, as well as useful vitamins. However, it is not the only healthy food included in the diet.

Fresh vegetables, especially tomatoes, are also main features of the diet and are all quite good for you. They contain valuable vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants. It is suspected that a large amount of vegetables and fresh fruits consumed by the Mediterranean people plays a big part in their health and longevity. This is quite easily duplicated by anyone wishing to follow the diet anywhere in the world.

While meat is not a major part of the Mediterranean diet, fish is. Oily fish contains Omega-3 fats, which are important for brain development as well as disease resistance. These fats are only found in a few select foods, with fish being the most abundant source. Omega-3 fats have been linked to the prevention of heart disease and may be one of the reasons that people following a diet of this sort tend not to suffer from heart problems.

The final candidate in the health booster category is wine. While excessive consumption is not recommended, wine (particularly red) in moderation is very good for the heart. It is also a main part of the Mediterranean diet and probably plays a part in the long lifespan of those who eat this diet.

The Mediterranean diet is not some amazing new fad. It has been around for hundreds of years. It is based on a culture and location rather than scientific studies. Only now are we beginning to realize the incredible potential of this amazing diet, which combines all the right foods to create the secret to healthy living. If you have difficulty cooking healthy for yourself, there is a company that can help. It’s a proven strategy that has worked for thousands of others.

A Moment on the Lips Doesn’t Always Mean Forever on Your Hips! Let’s face it, baked goods are delicious! And vitamins are good for us. But as much as we like to indulge our sweet tooth, we don’t want the extra calories. After all, we are familiar with the saying, “A moment on the lips is forever on the hips.” Or is it? Is it possible to live in a delightful world where there are vitamin-fortified, low calorie baked goods that are great tasting, which really exist? Can you see it? Can you imagine this wonderful place where one can have that moment on the lips but have it end up on your hips? Is it possible? Well, thanks to Vitalicious.com, this delectable moment can occur.

Vitalicious Food, Inc. is the leader in “vital and delicious” baked goods that promote a healthy lifestyle, without sacrificing taste. They are leading the way to a holistic approach to maximize satisfaction. Of course, with the minimum calories with products that is low in fat and high in fiber and nutrients. Therefore, baked goods + Vitamins = Scrumptious.

So, the next time you are craving a scrumptious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without increasing your waist line, check out the variety of “vitamin-fortified, delicious, better-for-you baked goods,” offered at Vitalicious. Healthy, All-Natural Muffins and Brownies…Visit Vitalicious.com Today!

Disclaimer: The entire content of this site/articles are based on our opinions. The information on this site is not meant to replace a relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended for medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on good research and with a respected health care provider.

The normal metabolic processors of the body use up vitamins and minerals. Health shops make money by selling items your body needs to maintain health. As an herb or a vitamin cannot be patented, nutrients remain reasonably priced. Compare the price of buying a good quality calcium and magnesium formula, designed to replace lost calcium and improve good bone density, with a pharmaceutical drug doing the same thing. The cost of the drug can be up to five times more expensive and comes with its own cocktail of side effects.

When dealing with a health shop, search out one whose staff can answer all your questions about the products they sell. Most companies that manufacture nutritional products do intensive and ongoing training with their suppliers. The staff in the shop can also advise on diet and explain the nutrients needed to assist the body to heal itself. The staff can usually provide a list of local practitioners who specialize in the holistic approach. Also, Olympia, the Miracles Lady here on our site would be more than happy to answer any Nutraceuticals questions you may have. E-mail her at Olympia@miraclesinthecity.com.

Asking for nutrient information in a pharmacy/chemist that sells vitamins and minerals may be frustrating. Drug sales are the pharmacy’s core business and usually their staff only have rudimentary knowledge of the nutrients they sell.

If you want to start on the road towards improved health, the first step is to have a health checkup with a Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.) or a Homeopath. This way you’ll get the fundamentals of diet and exercise – the starting points of working for a better body. When creating a new lifestyle, do it on a gradient. Simple changes ensure that you don’t suddenly unhinge your routine. Going from white bread and loads of sugar in everything to stone-ground flour and heaps of vegetables is too steep and will bring all your good intentions tumbling down. Taste buds, and family members alike, take time to accustom themselves to a new pattern. Your body, and health, will slowly adjust. The operative word is “slowly.” Don’t expect too much too soon. If you spent twenty years building a body with the wrong ingredients, then it is unrealistic to think you’ll fix it in a flash.

The body is incredibly good at healing itself once provided with good nutrients, exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Don’t wait until you are so ill that you need Herculean effort to return to wellness. Vitamins and minerals are vitally important components in the repair and maintenance of the human body. A strong, active body is a goal, which can be attained if you follow a health-building regime. What are you waiting for? Disclaimer: The entire content of this site/articles are based on our opinions. The information on this site is not meant to replace a relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended for medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on good research and with a respected health care provider.

The complementary medicine industry is one of the fastest growing on the planet. Since the late 70s, people have become more determined to take control of their bodies. The idea that one has to be on five different medications by the time one reaches fifty is a concept that people have been revolting against for the last few decades. In addition, the many expose?s that now litter our television screens of medical aid fraud, unethical doctors and thousand of failed medical cases have driven people back to remedies their ancestors used.