We have to breathe to live. Avoiding respiratory illnesses can be a challenge. Let the sunshine in your body! It can help.
"Studies have found that vitamin D and exposure to UV light both have a protective effect against some bacteria and viruses."
Take the time to invest in your health. Drink a cup of something healthy and comforting while sitting outside and soaking up some sun!
https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/environmental/benefits-of-sunlight
Did you know? Many common household items do not last forever in our cabinets. Like the hydrogen peroxide used to clean the toothbrush, the disposable razor, bath loofah, mesh puff and cleaning sponge that you think can last for weeks or months! This is must know information. Stay well!
If It's Old, Throw It Out - CBS News https://share.google/VVFcxzFsA0dg4FLQN
Sweat and Stink . . . How and Why . . . What Can You Do About It?
Sweat is a good thing, right? Physiologically sweating is absolutely a good thing. Our body would overheat if we did not sweat. The stink that comes with sweating is not a good thing!
Why don't you smell body odor in young children?
"Sweating is a natural body process, but due to certain foods we eat, hygiene practices or genetics, sweat can have a bad smell once it comes into contact with your skin. Changes in the amount you sweat or the smell of your body odor could indicate a medical condition."
"Can certain foods cause body odor?
The saying, "you are what you eat, may apply to body odor. If you eat food rich in sulfur, you may develop body odor. Sulfur smells like rotten eggs. When your body secretes it in your sweat it can put off an unpleasant smell. Examples of sulfur-rich foods are: onions, garlic, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, red meat. Other common dietary triggers of bad body odor are: monosodium glutamate (MSG), caffeine, spices like curry or cumin, hot sauce or other spicy food, alcohol. Eliminating or reducing these triggers may help improve your body odor."
Check out how and why you sweat, stink and what you can do about it!
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17865-body-odor
Before you reach for the antibacterial skin care products, please read this:
"Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water"
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/antibacterial-soap-you-can-skip-it-use-plain-soap-and-water#:~:text=Wash%20your%20hands%20with%20plain,and%20to%20prevent%20spreading%20germs.
Generally, October through May is flu season. Although flu season is diminished, we still need to think about boosting our immunity. The article is geared toward those over the age of sixty-five. However, those 65 years old and younger will also benefit.
https://www.healthline.com/health/flu/boost-immune-system-over-65
As you take a look at the 8 ways to boost your immune system, look back through previous Comfort Therapy posts to find more helpful information.
For example did you know there's a difference between rest and sleep? Check out the post from 2019!
Here is a bonus item.
How does immunity work when you are exposed to a disease?
"The immune system keeps a record of every microbe it has ever defeated, in types of white blood cells (B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes) known as memory cells. This means it can recognise and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again, before it can multiply and make you feel sick."
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/immune-system
Immune system explained - Better Health Channel
Help your immune system to help yourself stay well!
Life is hard...Find a comfortable place!
The Red Oak Tree Labyrinth at Comfort Therapy LLC Celebrated World Labyrinth Day!
The labyrinth is a beautiful spiraling pathway uniting us with the energy around us. Walking the labyrinth is a way to connect to healing, creativity and intuition. The 180 degree turns help to balance the left (logical, analytical) and right (imaginative, creative, intuitive) brain. There are no tricks, it is not a maze. You end where you begin, and begin where you end. It is the circle of life. It allows you to slow down and create harmony within your body, mind/soul and spirit. Walking the labyrinth is an expression of thanks and remembrance of our universal spirit connection, and the divine in all things.
We "Walked as One for Peace". At 1 p.m. in our respective time zones around the world, labyrinth enthusiasts dedicated a labyrinth walk for world peace. We had a moment of silence for our personal reflection of "peace" before we began the walk. After the group walked, we enjoyed a beverage, snacks, a personal 5x7 finger labyrinth travel card and good conversation.
Enjoy the brief videos of our event. It was a 15 minute walk. I condensed it into 5 one minute segments. Thank you, Alaina and Bryan for making the video possible!
Watch to see if you can feel and see the energy moving, like the ebb and tide of the ocean, the sunrise and sunset, the inhale and exhale of the breath of life!
Did you know positive thinking can bring you comfort? It is powerful!
"Negative thoughts outnumber our positive thoughts daily, and negative thoughts have a greater impact on us than positive thoughts."
"A solution is to try to change your thoughts from negative to be more positive."
"These two steps can be used to change your thoughts to be more positive. These strategies come from research on how human brains process emotion and regulate stress."
Check out these two steps to help you change from negative to positive thinking!
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/challenge_your_negative_thoughts
COMFORT THERAPY TIP: Step 3. Make "YOU" statements, positive statements!
It's a New Year! Life brings many challenges. One common to women is menopause! It is a broad topic. The focus for this blog is the emotional challenges of menopause, how you can help yourself and how others can support you. Find a comfortable place.
DID YOU KNOW?
"Women are more commonly affected by panic attacks than men. This distinction becomes more evident with age, particularly when women reach the age of menopause. This increased likelihood of panic attacks after menopause is thought to due to the hormonal changes that occur around the age of menopause."
Be sure to watch the video: "Panic attacks during menopause & how to deal with them"
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Panic-Attacks-During-Menopause.aspx
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https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-menopause-causing-your-mood-swings-depression-or-anxiety/
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"Learn what goes on during a woman's menopause -- and how to help..."
"The average age of menopause in the U.S. is 51, but many women start to get symptoms in their early 40s. They can begin as early as 7 years before a woman's final period and last 5 years or more afterward -- that's some 12 years of disruptive symptoms..."
https://www.webmd.com/menopause/features/guys-guide-menopause#1
Did you know humming and sunshine can help keep you healthy?
Nitric oxide, (NO) is a by product of humming and soaking up the sun. Nitric oxide has been shown to be antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. The UVA rays from the sun causes the skin, part of the integumentary system and the body's largest organ to make nitric oxide. Before you go off on a tangent remember the risks of too much sun exposure. On the other hand I do not think excessive humming is dangerous!
You will think twice the next time you see a beautiful little humming bird! Enjoy in joy!
Read on to learn more.
"Your integumentary system protects your body from infection and injuries you could get from your external environment. It’s your body’s coat of armor and the first line of defense against viruses, bacteria and other microbes."
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22827-integumentary-system.
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"Sunlight exposure also produces NO in the skin. Yet, NO occurs in skin after exposure to UVA rays, not the vitamin D-producing UVB. In addition, NO has the ability to stop the replication of the Covid virus. One of the beauties of this system is that UVA rays and NO are available at any season when the sun is shining. This indicates that this healing action of sunlight is also available year-around."
https://sunlightinstitute.org/sunlight-uva-nitric-oxide-answer-to-covid/
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"What's the difference between UVA and UVB Rays?"
https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/difference-between-uva-rays-and-uvb-rays
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"How much sun is too much?"
"According to a 1999 paper by Lundberg and Weitzberg, NO in the nasal airways could represent an important first line of defence against infection.[1] NO is known to be broadly antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial.[2]"
"Research conducted during a previous Coronavirus epidemic i.e., the SARSCoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) epidemic showed that NO inhibited the replication of SARSCoV in a dose dependent manner, meaning that higher levels had a greater inhibitory effect on the replication of the virus.[3]"
"Here is a simple humming exercise you can do if you feel you are coming down with a respiratory infection, sinusitis, or are unwell. You can do it any time as a preventative measure to help boost immunity. We associate humming with cheerfulness and you’ll notice that it’s difficult to hum and feel down at the same time."
https://www.buteykobreathing.nz/blog/potential-immune-protective-effects-nitric-oxide-and-humming
Did you know some foods cause inflammation in your body?
"Science has proven that chronic, low-grade inflammation can turn into a silent killer that contributes to cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and other conditions."
"Your immune system becomes activated when your body recognizes anything that is foreign—such as an invading microbe, plant pollen, or chemical. This often triggers a process called inflammation. "
"However, sometimes inflammation persists, day in and day out, even when you are not threatened by a foreign invader. That's when inflammation can become your enemy."
"One of the most powerful tools to combat inflammation comes not from the pharmacy, but from the grocery store. "
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
Read the full article to learn how to use food to heal inflammation.
In joy, enjoy some Comfort Therapy!
Did you know?
“There’s more BPA in a single thermal paper receipt than the total amount that would leach out from a polycarbonate water bottle used for many years,” said John Warner, Ph.D., president of the Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry."
"Research has linked BPA to an increased risk of breast and prostate cancers, cardiovascular disease, and reproductive and brain development abnormalities. Because it mimics the biological activity of estrogen, developing children face the greatest risks from BPA."
"Even if you’re not a cashier, you still may be getting more BPA exposure than you realize because thermal paper is used in so many receipts we handle – everything from airline boarding passes and luggage tags, to trains, movies, sporting events and amusement parks tickets, even labels on prescription bottles or packaged deli meats or cheeses."
"Here’s a quick test to tell you if the paper you’re handling is the thermal type containing BPA: scratch the printed side of the paper. If you see a dark mark, the paper is thermal."
https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2016/12/23/is-bpa-on-thermal-paper-a-health-hazard
Read the article to find out how to decrease your exposure to BPA.
Be well. Stay well. Find a comfortable place!
Every year on the first Saturday in May thousands of people around the world participate in World Labyrinth Day as a moving meditation for world peace and a celebration of the labyrinth experience.
Each Spring nature comes alive with a new beginning. As the days warm up we can open the windows and air out the house. However, with Spring comes more allergens in the air. Here is an easy way to help improve the quality of indoor air at home.
I found this article while looking around on the internet. I have used cheesecloth over house vents for years. You will be amazed at how many visible particles there are floating around in the air!
"A couple of weeks ago I received a newsletter containing Healthy Home Tips from the Environmental Working Group about dust. It contained tips on how to get rid of the toxic dust that is in our homes. Dust is toxic because it is known to contain chemicals that have been shed from products in our home such as furniture and our televisions. One type of chemical found in household dust is flame retardants, which is a known endocrine disrupting compound. Dust also contains pet dander, fungal spores, soil, and fibers. Yuck! And all along I just thought dust was made up of our shed dead skin cells."
Greetings everyone!
Spring, Summer and Autumn have passed and now we have Winter. A time for rest and renewal. Staying safe is an ongoing theme around the world. Staying safe is something we should always keep present in our lives, whether during an ongoing world pandemic or during the best of times.
Now that we have cooler or cold weather our homes will have the windows closed. Remember to air out the house whenever possible to help with good indoor air quality. See Comfort Therapy post July 2020.
Please continue to clean high touch surfaces on a regular basis. Here is some information regarding using hydrogen peroxide as an disinfectant.
https://www.insider.com/does-hydrogen-peroxide-kill-germs-and-viruses
DID YOU KNOW.... Hydrogen peroxide can expire? An easy way to tell is when you pour a small puddle, if there is no bubbling or fizzing sound it is not effective as a disinfectant. How sad this information is NOT listed on the bottle!
Be sure to read the section on how long does hydrogen peroxide usually last.
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-hydrogen-peroxide-expire#how-long-it-lasts
Enjoy the slower pace of winter. Take time to rest and renew! Stay safe too!
In joy, enjoy a little COMFORT!
Find YOUR balance! We live in our bodies, led by the thoughts in our minds, fueled by the spirit (life force) within us. Comfort is the result of balancing the energy of our body, mind and spirit. Consider physical balance and how so many factors can influence it (ears, eyes, sinuses, spine, muscle coordination, etc.). Our cells and organs depend on nutrition or lack of it from the foods we eat, the liquids we drink and the substances we ingest to perform at their optimal comfort level.
Did you know your skin is the largest organ of the body? Check out the post from 2014 titled "Do you know what's touching your skin?"
This current post has been an extended venture. Since the last post there have been several events that have caused me to stop and reflect physically mentally and spiritually. To go into detail would take too much time. The short of it and the good news is that this post is beneficial for everyone. It is information that you can use now and forever.
I warn you it is a long post and you need to read the information thoroughly. The research information is well written, easy to understand and to use. Take what you need. Apply the information to your personal situation.
Consult with your healthcare provider as needed and remember whatever you do to help yourself, every little bit counts. For some of us it will be a major lifestyle change. However the benefit in the improved quality of life will be invaluable. Take your time as you begin the journey. Be realistic with your goals. Find your balance!
"To help your body’s pH level become balanced, seventy to eighty percent of your diet should be alkaline foods. This means that your plate should be filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, such as leafy greens and salads. The remaining portion of your plate should be filled with lean proteins and grains. This will ensure you create a balanced diet. Additionally, you will need to drink three to four liters to help the kidneys filter waste and restore pH levels."
"All life depends on maintaining proper pH levels. Optimal pH levels help regulate metabolism, optimizes enzymes in the digestive system and keeps the immune system functioning properly. When the body becomes too acidic or alkaline, you can be plagued with a variety of chronic diseases and illnesses, inflammation and pain. Learning how to properly maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 will help keep you healthy and may extend your longevity."
https://www.rosewellness.com/are-you-acidic-or-alkaline/
Here is a helpful list of acidic and alkaline foods.
https://greenopedia.com/alkaline-acid-food-chart/
In joy, enjoy in comfort!
Cold, flu and virus season is upon us. Get ready, get set and learn how to take care for yourself. I like the information from all three websites below. Zinc has gotten some attention during COVID. Read about the pros and cons of Zicam. The Mayo Clinic has a "no bones about it" approach for cold remedies and does a nice job with information about natural remedies. WebMD gives you the what, why and how to care for yourself.
As soon as I feel chilled and achy I take a steaming hot bath and add a cup or two of Epsom salts. Soak until you sweat (this is the raise the body temp to fight the virus principle). Next dry off thoroughly, then wrap up so you do not chill. Hydrate and soothe your soul by drinking something hot. Remember to use a humidifier to keep those nasal passages moistened. The humidifier not only moistens the air but makes the air feel warmer.
Go! Take good care of yourself!
Did you know? "Maintaining indoor relative humidity >40% will significantly reduce the infectivity of aerosolized virus."
"You're storing fruits and veggies all wrong — here's the right way to do it"
In Ohio most local harvesting is complete now that the beginning of winter is upon us. If you prefer fresh fruits and vegetables here are some tips for how to store them to make them last longer.
https://www.insider.com/what-foods-you-shouldnt-store-next-to-each-other-2016-8
Did you know fresh whole pomegranates are not available year round?
My new food passion is freezing pomegranate seeds for a sweet crunchy treat throughout the winter and until the next harvest! I like picking my own pomegranate seeds. It takes patience.
Here are two You Tube video tips. Use the "Fast Way to Process a Pomegranate" for cutting and the "How to Seed a Pomegranate" for seeding. To freeze place on a cookie sheet till frozen and then store in an air tight freezer bag. Find your food passion and enjoy the comfort.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma77qhzNnOI
My apologies. I forgot to post this in November. I have done this for years. It works. It is a long scientific read, but skip through and pick out what you need. It is a free easy way to help yourself. Enjoy!
" The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity."
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/
It is good to be prepared for whatever you think, you need to be ready for.
What one, two or three things would you need if you had to leave your home in a hurry? Medications, money, gasoline? Find one thing to be prepared for should the need arise.
This year in addition to emergency preparedness, I am preparing for 6 months of food staples due to the current health challenge throughout the world. As a nurse I know the cold weather brings more stress on the immune system. The air is drier and without good humidity in the house the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes dry out faster, thus leaving you more vulnerable to viral infections.
Check out the post from July 28, 2020.
The immune system is also challenged due to people not slowing down and taking more time to sleep, rest and renew. Limiting the amount of time spent shopping decreases your exposure to seasonal viruses. We are used to the convenience of just running out to the store. Planning ahead will give you more time to take the extra time to sleep, rest and renew.
Check out the post from February 27, 2019
"Despite numerous studies proving the negative health impacts of poor sleep, experts say many people still don’t prioritize getting enough sleep."
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-sleep-bolsters-your-immune-system
Here is a good tip on 911 emergency preparedness.
Did you know you can text to 911? What if you can't talk or do not want to speak?
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-text-911-for-help-in-an-emergency/
https://www.gov1.com/public-safety/articles/the-911-silent-call-procedure-that-specifies-public-safety-services-PmuX6KV0p67Wvskv/
Prepare to stay safe, be well and rest and renew.
