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.