Tuesday, April 28, 2009

What do we know about Soy?

In response to many questions from friends about Soy products, I did a bit of digging.
Here it is:
I switched to Soy milk and other "nutritious" soy-based snacks after hearing it was better for me because of my menopausal symptoms. For those of us who know - you understand; for those who don't - hot flashes (worse at night); feeling like you're on fire from the inside out; severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, dryness - everywhere, including eyes, & other 'unmentionable' places. O, don't forget the rapid weight gain. About the same time, my thyroid started acting up again, and the symptoms were intensified. Well, I got so sick of the weight, I thought it was the root of all my problems, and believed that losing it would help lessen the symptoms. So, I ventured into 'L.A. WeightLoss' to ask about their program; only to be turned away with, "Sorry Ma'am, we cannot help you. All our products are soy-based and you should not use soy with your thyroid problems - it only makes them worse." Guess what? It had already made them worse because I had been using soy for a few years.
One of the things they explained was the same thing I found in my search for more answers online: "Phytoestrogens that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in vast quantities in soy..." http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/
This is the link to more about those 'phytoestrogens'.
Not convinced? Here's more:
"Most people remain unaware that soy is known to contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High levels of phytic acid, trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines are all present in soy products.
Phytoestrogens that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone Genistein. Infants exclusively fed soy-based formula have 13,000 to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula, the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day. Premature development of girls has been linked to the use of soy formula, as has the underdevelopment of males. Infant soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease. Soy is linked to infertility, breast cancer, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, and many other disorders."
More to come on the soy controversy.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Summer

Wow! Did I sleep thru spring? It feels like summer is here. I enjoy the warm weather as much as anyone, but wow that was quick. I prefer a gradual change; how about you?
Are you all following the latest news about the flu epidemic in Mexico? Who would have thought the flu could be so deadly? Here is some of the news:
"WHO declares international concern over swine flu."
"GENEVA – The World Health Organization warned countries around the world Saturday to be on alert for any unusual flu outbreaks after a unique new swine flu virus was implicated in possibly dozens of human deaths in North America."
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said the outbreak in Mexico and the United States constituted a "public health emergency of international concern."
Take precautions as with any other flu-like symptoms. Hand washing is a big one; keep your immunity up with plenty of Vitamin C, E and Cod Liver Oil.
Within the next 24 hours I will add a link to my website at: http://www.atouchofnewhealth.com with more information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Stay safe.

Friday, April 24, 2009

World Malaria Day

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Saturday April 25th is 'World Malaria Day'. Do you know some countries still have deaths due to malaria? They are collecting mosquito nets to help combat the spread of the disease. Send me an email if you are interested in helping, I'll direct you to the link to make a donation.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Twitter

This is exciting! I joined 'twitter' which is almost like blogging, and am following Oprah Winfrey. After all this time of being teased by my kids, I finally joined the 21st century of 'texting', 'blogging' and 'twittering'. I like Oprah, because she is also really passionate about living a 'quality of life'. Her bio is "live your best life". I believe this ties right in to my passion for natural health, healing and life coaching.
Oprah's twitter message today said she had planned to do a show on the Columbine shooting - it's 10 years later - I can hardly believe it. She decided to pull the show and do something else because she believes it focused too much on the gunmen. How sensitive to the needs of the victims and their families. I thought that was so thoughtful of her. I definitely believe the focus should be those who were affected and still are.
You can go to MSN news to see an update on the survivors and their families. They have moved on and are living life, but will forever be affected by those events 10 years ago. How does one move on after tragedy? Everyone is his/her own way; but I know that a belief in God and His word is key to a successful recovery.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Recession

Everyone is feeling the pressure of the 'recession.' So many have lost jobs, or had their hours cut; subsequently they are losing their homes also. Is the stimulus helping? Not sure, since I haven't got any of it. So how do we deal with this so called recession? We need to be creative in cutting back on everything. 'Dollar Tree' is pretty much the recession friend; don't be ashamed to go there. You can get everything from toilet paper to dish washing soap to 'salmon' there. Yep, I did say salmon; I was shocked myself to see it, but it looked good - like any other frozen fish in the supermarket. Did not taste it yet; I was shopping with someone who did not want to go in alone; but I plan to try it soon.
Money issues are breaking up relationships, families and even friendships. Are you handling the stress; what are some ways you can deal with these issues. Lets talk; you'll be surprised how doable it is. It will take work of course, but it's worth it.

Weather

Well, it was about time!! Gorgeous day today, wasn't it? I have always said what I love about the North-East is the changing in the weather. You know, a few months of Summer- nice and hot. We can go to the beach, the pool; wear sandals - a good excuse to get those pedicures ladies. All those sexy outfits come out, with less and less clothes each day. Girls are salivating over the bare-chested, rip muscles on the guys; guys are tripping over themselves when the short skirts, 'daisy-dukes' or boobs are out. Don't know about you ladies, but I keep one eye on my man when we go out, all the while pretending not to notice the hot guys going by. (LOL). It is OK to look, everyone, not for too long with the tongues hanging out, but just enough to say - "DAMN!" and move on. Then I always turn to look at my man, and smile, cause he looks good too.
Just when we think we cannot stand another hot day, it's Fall, and the temperature is cooler. O, how I love those beautiful colors. My husband, Jon and I go on long drives just to savor those colors as the leaves change. We start with the north early in the fall, then once they''ve lost their leaves we go south. :-)
Winter; a bit cool, but it's refreshing for the first month or two. As I get older I want it to be over sooner; although the hot flashes help. They don't come as frequent anymore since my natural health changes. And I still do enjoy the beauty of a fresh snow fall. The air is crisp, everything has a glow - the ground, and the dried branches on the trees. The icicles hanging from the trees and some rooftops also take on an artistic form of their own.
Not to be outdone, if you do it right, even winter outfits can look sexy.
By the time spring comes around we are like, "Boy, I want some warmth!" This one is a strange one, with more rain and cold days; making us wonder if Spring is really here. The allergies and colds seem to be more frequent and intense. That is because we never know how to dress; one day we can leave the house with just a long sleeve shirt or blouse and the next day we need a sweater or jacket even. I took sometime today to get some garlic, tea and juices to my son & daughter who are both feeling a bit under the weather because of a bad cold. Did I say garlic? Yes indeed! Garlic is almost a wonder 'drug' in the world of natural health. By tomorrow they both should be feeling a whole lot better.
But back to Spring, today was almost 70 degrees, sunny and beautiful. The tree buds are poking their heads out; more green leaves are sprouting out on the trees; the air is fresher especially after the recent rain. It is almost as if God did some 'spring cleaning' :-) So, let's enjoy the earth that God made for His children; do good to others as you would have them do to you; love God & keep His commandments. God wants us to have a "more than abundant life" so lets gets healthy God's way - the natural way.
Have a blessed day all.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Spring Blues

So Spring has sprung! We should be happy, right? Why aren't we? Well, it's the rain and the wind and the pollen and the 'A' word- allergies! Must we suffer like that every year after year after year?? Maybe not; there are natural remedies to relieve those pesky symptoms; herbal remedies without the side effects. Let us talk about it; see if it may help you.
Have you been told you have Diabetes, or maybe you have a family member with it? Are you doing everything you need to manage it; or is you blood sugar still creeping up slowly? Maybe you are in denial; and think you can still have that chunk of chocolate or cheese cake; maybe it's that apple pie thats calling your name. You may even be thinkng, 'Well, I cut out all the sugar, and cake but my sugar is still high or my leg ulcer will not heal.' Talk to me; let us work together to improve your health; find out what it is you need to stop doing or maybe it is something you should be doing. I can help you customize a diet plan.
Send me an email at: candia@atouchofnewhealth.com or visit my website - http://www.atouchofnewhealth.com
I am a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience; I think I can safely say "I know what I am talking about." There is no magic or "hooky-pookism" to it. Just natural health and healing.
God bless.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Life Coaching

Did anyone see Oprah's show on Thursday, April 9th? Her guess speaker was Dr. Bergman, a sex therapist. Dr. Bergman encouraged a mother to have "the talk" about sex with her 10 year old daughter. The daughter had been asking questions about "the talk". Gail King, Oprah's friend, along with many mothers were all 'freaking out.' Seriously, can you see yourself talking about sex with a ten year old, son or daughter? What about the "M" word; masturbation. According to Dr. Bergman, parents should not only speak with their kids about it, but encourage them to do it. I know some are fainting, having chest pains or even on their knees, hands folded in prayer, going: "O Lord, have mercy." But is Dr. Bergman completely off or can you see the wisdom in handling these topics early and at home, instead of letting the children pick it up from friends or movies? Maybe we can avoid some sexual deviations or relationship problems as they continue to grow. This is important, so jump in with your comments.
That is part of what I explore with my clients as a life coach. The goal is to shape our lives and our children to be healthier, more productive parts of a society. I'm sure everyone knows that putting off having "the talk," does not mean we are shielding our children. They will hear all about it at school, play dates or in church (YES!) The information may not always be correct though and by then it may be too late for us to shape their minds.
So, what is the best time/age/place to handle "the talk"? How do we deal with the questions after they have already had the "street version"? Let me help you explore these and other questions as your life coach. Together we can prepare our children and even ourselves to deal with these and many other of life's perplexing and stressful issues.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Lifestyle Changes

A Touch of New Health is all about lifestyle changes. As I got older, I noticed my hair would thin out and break. The hairstyles went from braids to relaxer to trimmed and now pretty short as I work out treating it and helping it grow back naturally of course. (Well, for now anyway :-) Menopause hit me like a ton of bricks. Whoa!!! What is that fire I feel running through my body? I felt like I was burning up from the inside out, and from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. Once when I was at the beauty shop, the beautician stopped suddenly and looked at me. "Are you alright?" she asked. "Sure," I answered; "why?" "Your head just got really hot, like its on fire", she stated. I laughed. "O, that; I'm just flashing", I replied. "Wow" was her startled response; "its that bad?" "Yep."
As those flashes became more frequent and intense, I knew I had to find some relief. My gynecologist said, she could prescribe HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), but one of the side effects was cancer. What a side effect huh? After months of research I found effective relief using natural remedies without the side effects.
Another health issue started one day when I woke up with a terrible headache, and felt sick pretty much all day. When I also started having chest pains, I checked my blood pressure - 'HELLO'! 160/130. I had never had high blood pressure, but it runs in my family. I went to ER; well my husband and sister Kathleen, aka Kathee, (who happened to be visiting at the time), practically dragged me there. (LOL.) I was admitted and kept in for two days running tests and giving me medications to get the blood pressure down. You know the routine, if you've ever been in a hospital; when you are discharged you must follow up with your primary car physician (PCP). So I did - reluctantly of course. His first response as a doctor was to talk about starting me on medication for high blood pressure, and began to list all the side effects. One of the side effects was decreased libido or low sex drive. Whoa? At my age; low sex drive is already a side effect. Why would I want to take medication willingly to make it even less? What would I tell my husband? I might as well become a NUN. (LOL)I refused which got him a bit unhappy with me. So I said, "OK; give me 2 weeks; if the pressure does not come down, I'll start on the medication.
Two weeks later, I returned for my follow-up; you guessed it...the blood pressure was 120/72. My doctor was curious about what I did, so I shared with him my natural remedy, which always includes prayer, by the way. He smiled and nodded in agreement, stating that the more one can do without pharmaceutical drugs the better.
I learned really quick that I needed to not only take some herb once in awhile, but that I needed to make some lifestyle changes. No longer could I just eat a bag of pretzels or popcorn whenever I wanted. I had to cut down on my salt intake, increase my water intake, detoxify my body.
Well, that is how 'A Touch of New Health' came about. After learning all about how to make the lfestyle changes using natural remedies, I studied as much as I could, and it has become a passion.
Let me help you with my phone counseling sessions or in person treatments to assist you in making these lifestyle changes. Whether you are younger or 'flashing' like me; man or woman with some health problems, lets talk....You too can enjoy a better quality of life.
O, O; look at the time; past my bedtime; till next time.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Welcome to my new blog

Hi, and welcome to my new blog. As I get older, menopausal, hot flashes etc., I find myself focusing more on being healthy and improving my quality of life. During my many years as a registered nurse, I have worked with my patients to improve their health. More often I found myself references herbs and more natural sources as the treatment of choice. I fought it of course; I am a medical professional, and therefore had to be loyal to the medical field. But there was no denying the results I saw after the use of natural herbs or specific diets.

My earliest recollection of an interest in natural health stems from watching my grandmother, Amelida, treat all types of ailments using natural herbs grown in her garden at the back of her house. Over the years I continued to learn more from my sister Karan who was smart enough to learn many of "Granny's" natural healing tips.

I eventually gave in, and started to study natural health and healing; which led me to start my business 'A Touch of New Health'. My goal is to help as many as possible realize a better quality of life. God made the body to heal itself and as we tap into that knowledge we can achieve improved health and healing naturally. As a nurse, my purpose is not to ignore conventional medicine, but to compliment it.