It All Depends... Try to Find The Balance... Your Balance

 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!

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.