Health and Wellness

Healthy Cells, Healthy Immune System, Healthy Body

Our immune system was designed specifically to heal our bodies and keep them healthy. So why are so many failing these days?

There are many factors that cause our immune systems to function poorly - diet, lack of exercise, too much stress and how we handle it, pollutants and contaminants in the air and water, toxins in our food supply, body care and cleaning products among many other factors. But taking our health seriously doesn't have to be burdensome and confusing.

I don't know anyone who wants to be sick or die of disease but sadly that's what is happening to so many people. Death is a sure thing, but disease doesn't have to be.

If you're interested in strengthening your immune system allowing it to do its job, which is to heal your body, then go to Amazing Molecules . Find out how healthy cells make for a healthy body and then contact me!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The H1N1 Flu: What's really going on?

The H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic is being called into question. A pandemic, which is world-wide as opposed to an epidemic, which is in a concentrated area, is usually very serious declaration or else there would be no need to alarm anyone.


The World Health Organization (WHO), back in April 2009, declared the H1N1 a pandemic. Did they jump the gun?

While it’s true that about 10,000 deaths have been reported due to the H1N1 flu, people also die from seasonal flu. In fact, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) stated that on average 36,000 people in the US die each year from seasonal flu. While it’s important to understand how to protect yourself from getting any flu or any illness/disease, is all the hype about H1N1 really necessary? According to Mark Strassmann from CBS News, it is. Click here to listen to Mark Strassmann’s report on H1N1.

In another report, Sharyl Attkisson, a CBS News correspondent and investigative reporter in Washington, DC, uncovered the facts about the H1N1 Flu.

Around September 2009, Sharyl received tips from people in different segments of public healthcare telling her that the CDC recommended that they stop testing for and stop tracking H1N1 flu. A cause for concern? Why would the CDC recommend they stop? The reason was either the flu was so serious that they didn’t want to cause panic or it wasn’t serious at all. This was what the people who contacted Sharyl wanted to know. So with that, she began her investigation. You can hear Sharyl’s interview with Dr. Mercola (a very reliable source) by clicking here.

While the flu can be fatal and is a serious matter, it’s important to understand the reason why we get sick. There are different theories about this, one which relies on the germ theory and one which relies on how strong or weak our immune system is.

The germ theory basically blames disease and illness on germs while the other recognizes that a strong healthy immune system will fight off the germs. So a good question to ask is, if germs cause disease then why doesn’t everyone get sick or diseased from them? The reason is as simple as this: A strong, healthy immune system will fight off germs and infection while a weakended or compromised immune system will not have the ability to do so. The germs will overpower the good cells which are not able to multiply quickly enough to fight the germs off. Because most medical doctors rely soley on the germ theory, they believe that medication, vaccinations and medical procedures are necessary while dismissing the fact that our immune systems were created by God to keep us healthy.

The reason why so many people get sick all the time and “catch” colds and other contagious illnesses is not because of the germs but because their immune systems are not healthy and strong enough to fight off the germs. This makes sense when you think about why some get sick and some don’t when exposed to the same germs at the same time.

I’d also like to ask this question: Shouldn't the government and the WHO declare a pandemic on death by healthcare? According to T. Collin Campbell, PhD in his book entitled, The China Study, 225,400 people die each year as a result of healthcare mistakes whether it be from medication errors, unnecessary surgery, hospital borne infections, adverse drug reactions, or other preventable errors in hospitals. The fact that this is not public knowledge or at the very least not “advertised” causes me to wonder why. How about you?  It  confirms the fact that "we, the people" are only given information "they" want us to know.  It also confirms the fact that the truth is being suppressed.  

Before we believe anyone or make any important decisions, shouldn't we know the facts? It is not enough to read the newspaper or watch the news. From these sources you will only get the information they want you to know. Not only that but some information is reported incorrectly. It is our responsibility to ask questions and seek out the facts for ourselves in order to make an informed and intelligent decision.

~ Lisa

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Not Just Cooking Newsletter is finished!

It has been five years since I was diganosed with breast cancer.  It seems appropriate that after all this time of research and study on health and nutrition that I begin to hold classes on what I've learned, so far. 

In this last week I've been working on my first Not Just Cooking newsletter.  In it, I introduce my classes and give more detailed information about them.  I also included some health tips, a list of resources, a page for Pets featuring our feline friends and more. 

I will be emailing the newsletter out but you may not be on my list.  If you'd like a copy, please send me an email or call me, and I'd be happy to email one to you. 

I hope you will find my newsletter informative and helpful.  Please pass it on to anyone you would like to or make copies.  If you find a mistake, please let me know! 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, and remember to always be thankful, not just on Thanksgiving day!

To your and health and mine,

Lisa
lisasmall@rcn.com
(610) 532-6594

Thursday, November 12, 2009

2nd Unofficial Juicing Class

Had a great time today at my friend's house for my second unofficial juicing class.  She has a Jack Lalanne juicer that worked well.  She wanted to make sure she was using the juicer properly before she started on her new juice venture (by the way, if anyone has a juicer or is going to purchase one and has no clue as to how to use it, I give private juicing classes).  She chose to juice oranges, cranberries and apples. The juice was delicious but then again, how could it not be? We put a plastic bag in the pulp catcher and it made clean up easier.  Cleaning the juicer is important and getting the pulp out of the screen is not always an easy task.  I advised her to use a vegetable brush to clean the screen because the pulp gets stuck in the tiny holes.  The brush works wonders.  

We also discussed detoxing.  Detoxing the body (removing toxins) is a great way to, as my friend stated, start with a clean slate.  But before you start a detox, there are many things you need to know.  Detoxing can be quite dangerous if you don't know what you're doing (yes, I have a personal story about this and learned the hard way). In one of my classes detoxing will be introduced and the prerequisites discussed.

Remember I will be having an OPEN HOUSE as I mentioned previously so that anyone who is interested will have the opportunity to come and find out about my classes (and sample some good food and beverages, too)!  I also plan to incorporate Pampered Chef products in my classes so that anyone interested can purchase them conveniently (you don't have to have a demonstration/show in order to make a purchase).  Pampered Chef specials and discounts will be offered to those who participate in my classes.  I also have some other ideas I'm working on but won't mention them until they are for sure!

Side Note:  Cranberries are only available seasonally in PA (usually in the Fall) so if you want to have them year round, freeze them in a single layer on a cookie sheet.  Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag.  This way the cranberries will be individually frozen and won't freeze in clumps.  When ready to use, take out what you need and give them a rinse under water.  Cranberries are  also great in smoothies!

~ Lisa
Email me at LisaSmall@rcn.com

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Juicing/First Unofficial Juicing Class/Juicer Reviews

JUICING


Juicing is a major step towards building a strong immune system. For babies and children, it could make a tremendous difference in how often they get sick and how long an illness will last. The younger a baby or child is when fresh vegetable juice is introduced to them, the better! My 2 1/2 year old granddaughter loves fresh vegetable juice and fresh fruit juice. She knows when mom-mom gets out the apples that she's getting fresh apple juice. She also guzzles down carrot and green juice which she's been drinking most of her short young life.

As for adults, it's important to realize that anything new may take some time to get used to but believe me, you will want to, especially when you see how much energy and clarity of mind you have, not to mention the elevation in your mood. Doing the most menial tasks are no longer drudgery.

JUICING CLASSES

I had my first "unofficial" private juicing class. We juiced all organic veges and apples. Some of the veges we juiced include carrots, zucchini, and collard greens that we had growing in our back yard. And oh, yes, a touch of lemon. For me, it was very exciting to see someone so interested in strengthening their immune system and going towards optimal health. My husband, Rich, also participated and he was very encouraged, too.

I have another private juicing class coming up that I'm also looking forward to. If you're interested in a juicing class or any one of my classes, including a shopping (reading labels) and new basic pantry class or cooking and food prep classes, please feel free to contact me. Anyone who has a class and has at least three but no more than five participants will get their class for free as a thank you. Brides-to-be and their bridesmaids are an exception to the five participant limit.

JUICER REVIEWS

Juicers can vary a lot in quality, longevity and price. The Norwalk Juicer, the highest priced juicer I've seen, goes for around $2400-$2500. It's solid construction of stainless steel and is a hydraulic press juicer. It is said that the Norwalk Juicer results in no oxidation, which means there's no spoilage (oxidation example:  an apple, when cut, turns brown). The company also claims that it extracts 50-100% more juice than other juicers thus saving money in the long run (http://www.nwjcal.com/).

The Champion Juicer, which is what my chirpractor, Ron Feinberg, my step-daughter and I have, can be purchased for around $200-$250 online (may or may not have free shipping) or may be purchased in some natural food stores. I love the Champion juicer.  To me, it's easy to clean and easy to use. The Champion Juicer has a 1/3 horsepower electric motor and uses the "mastication process", which means it chews the fiber and breaks up the cells of fruits and vegetables. It is said that the Champion Juicer's mastication process results in little oxidation though it is not good for juicing wheatgrass. If I were to purchase it again, I'd get the one in black (http://www.championjuicer.com/) .

The Omega Juicer has various models. One of my brothers and my husband's workplace both have an Omega Juicer which I believe is around the same price as the Champion, give or take depending on the model. My brother and sister-in-law enjoys his and my husband said he likes the Omega better than the Champion we have at home (he has something to compare it to). I just heard from my sister-in-law that my niece now has one! The Omega Juicers are said to do well with wheatgrass and very fibrous produce (http://www.omegajuicersdirect.com/).

My daughter has a Sunbeam/Oster Juicer that we picked up from Walmart for around $60 a few years ago which seems to do the job at a great price. It may produce more oxidation than the better brands/models but if you're just starting out, this should work out fine.  It's a good idea to put a plastic bag in the pulp catcher for easier clean up (the inexpensive gallon size bags that require a twistie tie) (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=sunbeam+juicer&oe=&cid=9666516366415302486&sa=title#p ).

My other brother and a friend of mine both have a Jack Lalanne Juicer. My brother is very happy with this juicer and has had it quite a few years now. My friend is just starting out on hers but is excited to get started.  I've used this juicer and it's easy to use and clean.  Again, it's a good idea to put a plastic bag in the pulp catcher for easier clean up.  These juicers range in price from $100-$150 depending on the model and if you purchase it on the official website. You may get it for less if you search the web (http://www.powerjuicer.com/).

If you're interested in the Champion, Omega or the Green Star, which is also popular and a good brand from what I've heard and read, check out this discount online store http://www.discountjuicers.com/juicers.html.

Here's to juicing your way to better health for your body, mind and soul.

~ Lisa

Monday, October 26, 2009

Not Just Cooking classes are forming!

Not Just Cooking classes are forming now.  Classes will include a presentation, printed materials and/or a CD, ingredients for recipes, prepared snacks and drinks to be taste tested by participants.  You will also be privy to Pampered Chef specials (see below)!

All snacks, drinks and ingredients will be organic and/or in their natural state, raw, free-range, free of pesticides, hormones and antibiotics, unheated (or heated only up to what is still considered raw) and/or unfiltered (exceptions may apply if an item is not available though the highest quality I can find will be used).  Classes may be tailored to fit the person or group though there will be an extra charge for this due to the extra time it will take to prepare for it.

Here are some examples of what you can expect in the classes:
  • The Immune System
  • Reading Food Labels
  • Organic and Sustainable Farming
  • Pesticide-Free and Certified Organic
  • Hormones and Antibiotics in Animals
  • Free-Range
  • Juicing and Enzymes
  • Fiber
  • Raw Foods (Dairy, Honey, Nuts, Seeds etc...)
  • Raw Food Diet
  • Vegan vs Vegetarian
  • Benefits of Coconut Oil
  • The Diet that is Destroying the Health of our Pets
  • and more!
Because many people are afraid of what they don't understand, I will periodically host an OPEN HOUSE to display Real Food products from Gluten-Free to Vegan (this encompasses Non-Vegan/Vegetarian, Vegetarian and Raw food items)!  This way skeptics can see and taste for themselves how delicious real food is and how it's meant to be.

In addition, because I will be using Pampered Chef products in the classes and to make it convenient for class participants, I will be offering Pampered Chef products in case anyone would like place an order.  I have been using Pampered Chef products for many years.  They are excellent products, a great value, and I highly recommend them.

Finally, to round all of this out, I have a list of resources which includes local natural food markets and co-ops, books, videos/DVD, and Natural and Integrative Practicioners in PA and NJ who I have either been a patient of, met or have come highly recommended.  This list will be given to all class participants.  If you find that you need or are looking for a natural practioner other than what is on my list of resources, please let me know and I'll be happy to try and find one for you.

Here's to a disease-free and healthy life,

~ Lisa Small
   Contact me at:
   Phone:  (610) 532-6594
   Email:  lisasmall@rcn.com

Also, visit http://www.kitchencousins.blogspot.com/ for upcoming events!