Get Ready Get Set and Go Take Good Care of Yourself!

 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!

https://www.verywellhealth.com/zicam-cold-remedy-770626

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403

https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/12-tips-prevent-colds-flu-1#3

Did you know? "Maintaining indoor relative humidity >40% will significantly reduce the infectivity of aerosolized virus." 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583861/

See the July 28, 2020 Comfort Therapy post to learn more about the health benefits of humidified air. It is a scientific read. You can read the section on results, conclusion and introduction to get the information you need.

Making fresh fruits and vegetables last longer.

"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 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qfQ3_N7S6Y

Did you know pomegranates are good for your heart and your joints? 

Be sure to read the whole article for reasons NOT to drink pomegranate juice.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-pomegranate-juice#2

The Earth...A Healing Force

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!

"Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons"

" 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/

September: National Preparedness Month

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.

 

Time waits for no one!

Where does time go? It truly is only in the here and now. August was the month for the time of harvest. What have you gathered to share with others?

Our family was blessed to safely gather together just before the harvest month. We shared our love for each other and our hope for comfort for those in need. 

There is a rhythm to life. Nature continues in the rhythm of the cycle of life and death, sunrise, sunset, over and over. Find your harvest and share it with someone.

“Even After All this time The Sun never says to the Earth, ‘You owe me.’ Look What happens With a love like that, It lights the whole sky.” – Hafiz

"As" always. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYQfWJNWe3I

Indoor air quality and your well-being

Something to think about to keep indoor air healthy. Some comfort therapy health information. 

"Maintaining indoor relative humidity >40% will significantly reduce the infectivity of aerosolized virus." 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583861/

A hygrometer will check the relative humidity in a room. You can purchase a hygrometer for less than $10. 

A word of caution. A whole house humidifier is more effective to maintain relative humidity then individual humidifiers. Individual humidifiers generally are not kept clean which can cause health risks . A whole house humidifier is easier to maintain for cleanliness.  

To Every Thing There Is A Season

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

I spent the month of April "Safe at Home" not in quarantine. I spent the month of May safely coming out of my home. While at home I made it a point to get plenty of fresh air, sunshine and exercise doing outside work. With the help of a friend I made significant progress on developing a walking labyrinth. I call it "The Red Oak Labyrinth". When completed it will be part of the comfort and well-being consultation offerings for Comfort Therapy. It is also an item I can check off of my bucket list. I enjoy the calm that walking a labyrinth as a spiritual meditation brings to harmonizing body, mind and spirit in unity.

Red Oak Tree Labyrinth

“King of the Forest” the mighty oak is considered a cosmic storehouse of wisdom embodied in its towering strength. It symbolizes: longevity, humble beginnings, patience, faith, power, endurance, and strength.

The Labyrinth is a beautiful spiraling pathway uniting us with the energy around us. The conscious intent of creating this sacred space originates in our awareness of the divine. Walking the labyrinth is a way to connect to healing, creativity and intuition.

There is no right or wrong way to use the labyrinth. It is not a maze, there are no dead ends or tricks. You end where you begin and begin where you end. It is the circle of life.

It is an opportunity to slow down and find your inner strength, the mirror of the soul, creating harmony within your body, mind/soul and spirit. Walking the labyrinth is an expression of thanks and remembrance of the divine in all things.

Things you need to know!

Sharing some information for your use and your family.
Check the websites for more information.

What are the top 2 things to avoid during the coronavirus pandemic?

#1 is SUGAR!

Did you know that within 20 minutes of consumption, sugar decreases the ability of your white blood cells (called macrophages) to “eat up” viruses and bacteria that are trying to invade by 50%? And that effect lasts up to 5 hours! So while we’re sheltering-at-home and doing all the things we can to keep our children and ourselves healthy, don’t sabotage our immune system by loading up on sugary treats.

#2 – it may not be Ibuprofen…

Ever since news from France came out that NSAIDS (i.e. Advil, Motrin) may be linked with more serious illness in patients with COVID-19, I’ve been flooded with questions from concerned parents whether or not it’s safe to give their child ibuprofen for fever if they suspect they may be infected with SARS-CoV-2.

https://healthykidshappykids.com/
https://health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/coronavirus-and-ibuprofen-what-to-know
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=2348213&page=1

March 2020 COVID-19 Global Pandemic What's Going On?

"Stay calm, wash your hands and don't touch your face."                                 
I saw a sign with this on it. It made me smile. 

This is important information. However, here are some other things to consider while riding out this pandemic. We have been through pandemics before. The one in 2009 started in the United States and spread around the world (we don't want to point one finger with three pointing back!). 
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/2009-h1n1-pandemic.html

This is a good educational clip about the corona virus COVID-19. Listen carefully to the information.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNo5ZDvKuHg&feature=emb_rel_end                                                    

Think about your personal, individual situation and plan accordingly. Some common sense tips: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, eat well, avoid drinking alcohol, get fresh air (around trees) away from crowds and allow 8 hours of rest/sleep per day! 

"If you needed another reason to get a good sleep, this might be it. Sleep helps the immune system. . . now researchers from Germany have found that sound sleep improves immune cells known as T cells. T cells are a type of immune cells that fight against intracellular pathogens, for example virus-infected cells such as flu, HIV, herpes, and cancer cells,”. 

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-sleep-bolsters-your-immune-system

Did you know as you age T-cell function decreases? https://www.livescience.com/35908-aging-lowers-your-immunity.html

Regarding fresh air and sunshine. You want the vitamin D effect for immunity. However watch out for the UV (ultra violet rays). Check the daily UV index for your area and what to do. 

https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-1

I love this information regarding improving indoor air quality. We can all do this. 
https://www.tipsbulletin.com/12-awesome-ways-to-clean-indoor-air-in-your-rooms/

"Music listeners had higher numbers of an immune cell type called "natural killer cells," whose job it is to attack bacteria, infected cells, and cancerous cells." 
https://www.medicaldaily.com/scientific-literature-shows-music-can-boost-immune-system-and-reduce-pain-244824

It is quite a bit to think about. Does it make you want to holler and throw up both your hands? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9wWcMY2dHg&list=RDH-kA3UtBj4M&index=2

Just remember: "Stay calm, wash your hands and don't touch your face."

Laughter and humor also help immunity. Check it out. Be sure to read the important last bullet point under the improve your sense of humor section.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456

"Falling in love is associated with immune system gene regulation." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30299259

Think Marvin Gaye knew this? Love and take care of yourself. Enjoy. In joy! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-kA3UtBj4M 

February is Heart Health Month

Let's celebrate heart health every day! 
During heart health month talk with your pharmacist and physician about the best way to take your heart medications. Here is some good information to discuss with them.
Love your heart!

New research suggests that the best time for people with hypertension to take their blood pressure pills is at bedtime rather than in the morning.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326771.php#1

How do you know if your heart is working too hard?
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/what-causes-heart-palpitations#1

National Wear Red Day® is celebrated the first Friday of February. Wear red and encourage others to do the same to bring awareness that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but that it's largely preventable.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-month

Welcome 2020! What's in an olive?

Happy New Year! Olives!

I started the new year thinking about olives and what well-being benefit this small food might offer. When I researched the benefits of olives I was amazed! For all of you olive lovers, enjoy the powerhouse punch of this little fruit. Yes it is a fruit!

Olives are small fruits that grow on olive trees (Olea europaea). They belong to a group of fruit called drupes, or stone fruits, and are related to mangoes, cherries, peaches, almonds, and pistachios. Olives are very high in vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/olives 

10 Benefits of Eating Healthy Olives 

Antioxidant  * Memory aid * Beautiful skin * Pain reduction * Anti-cancer * Plus more

Read the full article:  https://www.olivemypickle.com/blogs/news/10-benefits-of-eating-healthy-olives