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!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Can anyone make any sense out the Newtown, Connecticutt tragedy? Dr. Schulze tries to...

Gun control laws, lawsuits over guns...there doesn't seem to be an end or a solution when it comes to guns.  What is the answer?

I've been hearing for years now that guns kill people.  It's really a shame when we have to blame created objects that aren't even human for hurting and killing people.  Do knives, blunt objects, cars, alcohol and drugs directly kill people?  Have you ever heard of a knife standing trial?  How about a car ? Of course not.  Likewise I know of no gun being convicted for the murder of a human being. 

On his blog, Dr. Schulze discusses something that isn't being addressed in the mainstream media.  And though he calls pharmaceutical drugs a killer, he understands that it's the doctors who prescribe them who are the culprits.  Check out Dr. Schulze's blog post called, "When Drugs Backfire Causing Gunfirehere.

Monday, December 3, 2012

The Tales of Two Vets

THE TALES OF DR. BECKER

Does your pet "reverse sneeze?"  What is reverse sneezing and what does it look like?  Is it dangerous?  When should I be concerned?  Should I get my pet immediate medical attention? 
Find out in this video by Dr. Karen Becker.  More videos on other pet topics can be found here.

Be sure to watch the three pillars of health for your pet by Dr. Becker and find holistic tips and information you won't from your conventional veterinarian (because they're not trained in it).

Dr. Becker is a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian and is affiliated with www.mercola.com which is a great source for accurate information.

__________________________________________________________________________________

THE TALES OF DR. GREG

Dr. Greg Martinez says:

"My veterinary medical education was slanted towards diagnosis and treatment and not nutrition and prevention. That’s the way vets are trained."


Also, find out what "holiday dangers" you need to look for to avoid a trip to the ER this season. 

On Dr. Greg's website, you'll find, Dr. Greg's Dish Diet.  Dr. Greg also believes (and has written a book about it) that what you feed your pet can keep you away from the vet!  Check out his website for a more holistic approach to caring for you pet. 

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Sugar exposed!

In this 60 Minutes video, Dr. Gupta explores a not-so-popular truth.  This truth is unpopular not because it's unknown.  It's unpopular because there's a lot at stake if this truth gets out and is believed by the mainstream.  But what is so encouraging is that there are some medical doctors out there who are truly more interested in helping their patients get well than they are afraid of the repercussions.  They are seeing the truth for what it is and are not afraid to say so. 

Sugar as a toxin is the topic of discussion in the video Is Sugar Toxic?  It's important to understand that while some natural, unrefined and unprocessed sweeteners are the best choice, they are still sweeteners and should be used in moderation if not eliminated from the diet especially for those who have cancer and other diseases. 

Just eight years ago when I first was introduced to what seemed like a whole new world of health/wellness/disease, it was difficult to find an MD who would even entertain the idea of going outside of their scope of education.  I see things are changing for the better in this respect.

Watch the video .  Then think about evaluating your daily intake of sugar and look for ways to at least  reduce it.  Every little bit will help.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Coconut Banana Chai Shake: Great shake that is Vegan, Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free but best of all Delicious!

I was at Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting, PA yesterday and the cashier, who was very sweet (and I wish I asked for her name!) told me about a website she loves for healthy recipes called, ChocolateCoveredKatie.  So I wrote down the website to look it up when I got home.  

When I arrived home from my foodshopping excursion with not a bit of traffic on the eve of Thanksgiving Day at rush hour (and very thankful for it), I decided to look up ChocolateCoveredKatie's website and browse through her recipes.  I found this delicious and easy recipe for a great shake to wake up to on Thanksgiving morning, or any morning. 

With a few tweaks, here's my version of ChocolateCoveredKatie's Coconut Chai Shake that I made this morning for my husband and me.  This shake was DELICIOUS and very filling even according to my husband whose palate is a bit more discriminating than mine. 

For those who don't like banana, you can't even taste it.  This recipe is Vegan and Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free!


Coconut Banana Chai Shakes
Recipe adapted from Coconut Chai Shakes by ChocolateCoveredKatie.com
Makes 2 servings
  • 1 can full-fat organic coconut milk or the meat and juice of one Thai coconut
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • 2 frozen organic bananas, cut in chunks
  • 1 tbsp Indian chai masala or make the following mixture of organic spices.  Add 1 ¼ tsp of this mixture:  2 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp ginger, ½ tsp cloves, ½ tsp cardamom and a dash of pepper which is optional.
  • Sweetener, organic and/or raw is best (doesn’t need it but if you like it sweeter then add 2-3 tsp agave, honey or other sweetener to taste.)
  • A sprinkle of cinnamon for the top
Blend all of your ingredients together in a blender.  Pour into 2 glasses and sprinkle some cinnamon on top.
For ice cream, chill mixture and then make according to an ice cream maker or freeze the mixture and re-blend in a Vita-Mix.  Mmmmmmmm!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Doctored - A documentary you don't want to miss

"Doctored" is a movie documentary that will make you think.  Medical doctors and surgeons as well as Chiropractors and Naturopaths speak about the many myths we've been conditioned to accept and believe.

Doctored is available to watch for FREE on Mercola.com for a limited time (Dr. Mercola is in the movie).  It's truly for those who seek the truth no matter how difficult it is to hear.   This is for all eyes but especially for those who are in or who are going into the healthcare and disease care fields.  Please take the time to watch this movie for you own benefit and the benefit of your family. 

Here's the trailer to preview.

Does Acid Reflux keep coming up?

While away recently in Dayton, PA visiting our cousins, a friend of my cousin told us about a natural remedy for acid reflux that works for her and others she knows.  I can't say if this remedy works because I don't have acid reflux.  So anyone who try this, I'd love to hear your comments and results so please post them.  Here's the recipe - I recommend using raw honey and organic ingredients:

1 quart filtered water
1/2 cup raw honey
1 organic lemon, cut up in chunks
2 inches of fresh organic ginger root, unpeeled

Directions:  Boil all ingredients together for 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool.  Using a strainer, transfer mixture to glass jar and refrigerate.  Drink 1/2 to 3/4 cup each day.  This can be taken on a full or empty stomach any time of day or night.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Whole Food Supplements

Did you know that not all supplements are created equal?  Many people aren't aware that most of the supplements on store shelves are synthetic.  They are isolated nutrients created in a laboratory.  These types of supplements do not assimilate well, if at all in the body.  What does this mean?  It means that if you're taking a synthetic multi-vitamin supplement, you may be wasting your money and literally flushing it right down the toilet. 

To put this is simple terms, synthetic nutrients, unlike whole food nutrients are not recognized in the body so your body doesn't know what to do with them.   When you take a whole food supplement it's like eating food and if your body knows how to assimilate a carrot, then it will know how to assimilate a whole food supplement.

Another great thing about whole food supplements is that because it's actually made from food you don't have to take them with a meal.  You can take it at any time with or without a meal. 

Lately I've been hearing and reading that MegaFood supplements are highly effective premium supplements.  But I don't need anyone to tell me this since I see the benefits for myself.   

I take MegaFoods Women Over 40 One Daily and my husband takes MegaFoods Men Over 40 One Daily. They also have them in children's form.  I notice a tremendous different in my nails, my hair and my energy level.  

MegaFoods supplements can be quite pricey which may be prohitbitive for many people.  So search online to find the best bargain.  Here are a few online sources that I have found to have good price. 
Click on the links below for current pricing:

VNF Nutrition
Amazon

Here's to your health!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

The Kitchen Cousins

My cousin, Debbie and I, a/k/a the Kitchen Cousins, may be together again as the Kitchen Cousins at Dayton Elementary School in Dayton, PA, if my husband and I can make the 6 hour trip, that is.  Of course any chance we have to go to Dayton is something we don't like to miss out on.  

I posted some info about the upcoming craft show and what I'll be selling at my table if we go. 

So stop by our Kitchen Cousins blog to find out more.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Herb Doc, Dr. Richard Schulze on CONSTIPATION

This Dr. Schulze video is a MUST SEE 

It's a re-run from 2004 (once on his blog click the box that says, Dr. Schulze CLASSIC VIDEOS In the Pharmacy 2004, a blog post from 8/29/2012).

In the video, Dr. Schulze talks about his Intestinal Formula #1 while he gives an easy to understand description about how our bowels work and the importance of having regular bowel movements EVERY DAY, not once or twice a week or once a month.

I CAN ATTEST TO ITS EFFECTIVENESS

I've been taking Intestinal Formula #1 for a number of years now.  After I did the first bowel cleanse with Instestinal Formula #1 and Intestinal Formula #2, I lost about five (5) pounds!  I feel so much better and lighter since I've been using Intestinal Formula #1.  There is noting else like it.  I've tried almost everything.

After back surgery 19 years ago I was left with very sluggish bowels for some reason.  This constipation problem was unbeknownst to me as a problem.  I didn't know I was constipated because I thought if I didn't have the urge to go then I wasn't constipated.  And my doctor told me that eliminating once or twice a week for me was normal since that had been my pattern.

So my bowel problem turned into breast cancer.  After all the research I've done I've been able to conclude that this is true.  I was on many medications over the years for Hypothyroidism and because of my back, not to mention I wasn't feeding my body properly.  The waste was not being eliminted and the poisons were being asborsed into my body.  It had to go somewhere.

DISEASE BEGINS IN THE COLON

If you're experiencing sluggish bowels, not eliminating at least TWICE a day please don't turn to laxatives.  Our bowels can become dependent on laxatives and cause a worse problem.  And you're only covering up the symptoms and not addressing the problem.

Intestinal Formula #1 consists of a blend of herbs that promotes peristalsis (the motion of the bowel that causes the waste to be eliminated).  This helps strengthen the muscles so that eventually your bowels will work on their own as long as you're also eating a healthy and proper diet.

Constipation is a symptom,
not the underlying problem.

Intestinal Formula #1 comes in various quantities and in two strengths, Regular and Max.  Instestinal Formula #1 is used in conjunction with Intestinal Formula #2 as a complete bowel cleanse.  Think of it as a Fall cleaning!

To clean bowels!

Lisa

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Cantelope Recall - CDC advises not to eat cantelope from Chamberlain Farms

On August 22, 2012, the FDA announced a recall of cantelopes by Chamberlain Farms Produce, Inc., Owensville Indiana.


If you have cantelope at your house, be sure check its origin.  The CDC advises not to eat any cantelope from Chamberlain Farms and to throw it away (or take it back to the store and get your money back).      On August 22, 2012, Chamberlain Farms announced they believe their cantelope is the source of a miltistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infection.  The CDC has reported this outbreak and advises not to eat your cantelope.

The following states have been affected.  The number next to each state indicates the amount of people who have fallen ill, they believe, from the affected cantelope:  Alabama (13), Arkansas (3), California (2), Georgia (3), Illinois (21), Indiana (18), Iowa (7), Kentucky (56), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (6), Minnesota (4), Mississippi (5), Missouri (12), New Jersey (2), North Carolina (3), Ohio (4), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (3), Tennessee (6), Texas (2), and Wisconsin (4).

So far and prayerfully no more, out of the 178 ill people, 62 two of them have been hospitalized. In Kentucky there were two deaths reported.

It's always best to play it safe so use gloves when removing the cantelope and clean up any areas which it may have touched, especially in the fridge, on the counter top and even in your sink.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Another great time at the Media Farmer's Market

Yesterday was a great day at the Media Farmers Market (State Street in Media, PA right next to the Media Theatre).

My Penn State Extension - Food & Wellness table attracted all ages.  The color wheel was a huge hit with the kids even after I informed them (not very seriously) that in order to spin the wheel they had to answer a fruit and/or vegetable question. They were up for the challenge and surprised my husand and me of how knowledgable they were about fruits and veges!  It was a fun time for all!

Thanks to my husband, Rich, who was with me and helped out, Leah, my counterpart at the Penn State Extension and to Elizabeth MacGuire who stopped by to show her support.  Elizabeth is the author of Collingdale Borough (Images of America) which will be released on November 19, 2012 and can be pre-purchased on Amazon.  I'm looking forward to getting it. 

It was so nice to see some faces I recognized from my last visit there and it was a lot of fun getting to meet new people.  Those who stopped by for Sweet Zucchini Pie and Sunflower Seed Brittle samples (recipes below) were not disappointed.  All the recipe cards were gone by the time I left.  And there was only one young girl who didn't like the Sunflower Seed Brittle but Joe Fazik, the Media Farmers Market manager, was especially fond it so that made up for it!


I also displayed at my table an array of healthy information via flyers and brochues.  The jars of whole grains, dry beans, and legumes were there to add a balance to the fruits and vegetables.  The basket with food products were there to help consumers identify what may sound healthy at a glance due to their marketing techniques may not be (it's important to read the labels).  The farm and food toys I had displayed were also a big hit with the kids.  An adorable 2 year old didn't want to leave the Fisher Price barn!  

I 'm very much looking forward to my next visit at the Media Farmer's Market on Thursday, September 27th and hopefully will be there in October also.  Hope to see you there!  'Til then you have to try these recipes! 

Sweet Zucchini Pie

Ingredients:
5 cups diced zucchini – substitute apples for an Apple Pie
1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp white whole wheat flour
1 ½ -2 teas ground cinnamon
¼ teas ground nutmeg, optional
Two unbaked 9 inch crusts (one for top and one for the bottom)

Directions:
• Combine the first five ingredients and spoon into the bottom of the unbaked pie shell.
• Cover with top crust and cut a few slits in the top so it can breathe while baking.
• Bake at 400° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°; bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is browned and zucchini is tender. Cover crust edges with foil during the last 15 minutes if needed.
• Cool completely before cutting.
_________________________________

Zucchini Crumb Pie

Ingredients:
5 cups diced zucchini – substitute apples for an Apple Pie
½ cup sugar
2 Tbsp white whole wheat flour
1 ½ -2 teas ground cinnamon
¼ teas ground nutmeg, optional
One unbaked 9 inch pie crust

Crumb Topping:
1/2-2/3 cup white whole wheat flour
1/4-1/2 cup sugar, depending on taste
1/4 cup butter

Directions:
• Combine the first five ingredients and spoon into pie the unbaked pie shell.
• To make the topping, combine sugar and flour; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over pie.
• Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is browned and zucchini is tender or until mixture bubbles. Cover crust edges with foil during the last 15 minutes if needed. Cool completely before cutting.

Yield: 8 servings.

Variation: Use cupcake or mini muffin pans to make individual pies or mini pies. Press crust dough into muffin papers, fill with zucchini mixture and top with crumb topping. Bake at 350 for approx. 20-25 minutes for cupcake size and 15-20 minutes for mini’s. Remove from oven and pan; allow to cool.
_________________________________
Homemade Honey Roasted Sunflower Seeds

Ingredients:
2 cups raw shelled sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons honey or agave nectar (or use a combination)
1 1/2 tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:
1. Heat honey/nectar on the stove just until it melts/softens a bit. This should only take a minute or less.
2. Remove from stove and add the oil and salt. Mix well.
3. Add the sunflower seeds, mix very well.
4. Lay the sunflower seeds out as flat as possible on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake a 350 for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until it starts to change color, but before it starts burning.
6. Once finished cooking, remove from the cookie sheet and allow cool. When they're completely cooled they will harden; break them apart.
7. Store in an airtight jar until you finish eating them.

Note: To make them with a granulated sweetener instead of honey or other sweeteners, mix 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons water, 1.5 tablespoons oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring them to a boil on the stove top until the syrup becomes golden. Mix with sunflower seeds, then continue from step 3. These will be lighter in color than ones made with honey.

You can make these also with peanuts instead of sunflower seeds. Use raw, shelled peanuts and make exactly the same way. You just need to roast it for a little longer.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Herbal Water, a delicious discovery


I recently made a delicious discovery while my husband and I enjoyed an appetizer at the Desert Rose, a new Mediterranean restaurant on State Street in Media (where the Selene co-op used to be).  The discovery?  A wonderfully, refreshing drink called Herbal Water.

My first to last sip of Herbal Water at the Desert Rose was so delicious that I wanted to find out where I could buy it.  My next trip to Giant Food Store ended my search.  They carry 4 out of the 5 flavors and I love them all!  Now I am able to enjoy my favorite water any time and I am thrilled to be able to offer it to my family and guests when they stop over.  It's a great alternative to sugary drinks, and parents can be confident that their children are actually being hydrated with Herbal Water.  This is especially necessary and important during the warm/hot weather even for all of us.

Ayala Laufer-Cahana M.D., the creator of Herbal Water lives locally.  She believes in and sees the benefits of eating an organic, whole food, nutrient rich diet - music to my ears!  It's so refreshing to see a medical doctor promote a healthy diet.  These are all reasons to support Dr. Ayala.

Besides her role as the creator of Herbal Water, Dr. Ayala is also a mother, a pediatrician and an artist.  Her blog is filled with helpful and important information, recipes and tips. 

Herbal Water can be purchased in participating restaurants, stores (find a store) and online.  Online purchases can be shipped anywhere within the US. 

Dr. Ayala's contact information is below:

Ayala Laufer-Cahana M.D.
V.P. of Product Development
Herbal Water, Inc.
(O) 610-668-4000
308 E. Lancaster Ave. Suite 110
Wynnewood, PA 19096

email: ayala@herbalwater.com
website: http://www.herbalwater.com/
blog: http://www.herbalwater.typepad.com/
follow me on twitter- www.twitter.com/DrAyala

Here's to tasty hydration!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Help your car have a long healthy life


A word from my husband, Rich Small at
Robin Ford
about the health of your car!

______________________________________________________________

Hi Folks,
 
It’s that time of year again that you may be traveling more than usual so be sure to get your car (or truck) checked out by our service department (we’re open on Saturdays) before leaving on a trip. Routine maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations etc.) goes a long way in helping your car have a long healthy life.

As someone near and dear to me says: 
It’s the small things that make a difference!

See you on the road or stop in to see me for a new or used car or truck!

Rich Small
Robin Ford Sales
100 N. MacDade Boulevard
Glenolden, Pa. 19036
610.915.6031
richsmall@rcn.com

Saturday, June 23, 2012

A natural solution to toxic turmoil

Most cleaning products you'll find on your supermarket shelves contain toxic ingredients and chemicals which are harmful not only to you, but also to your babies, children and your pets.

I've always been under the impression that Pine-Sol, now owned by Clorox, was one of the most natural commercial cleaners.  But after doing a little bit of research I've come to the conclusion that over the years as the formula has changed, so has its toxicity level.

On the Pine-Sol safety web page I noticed a contradiction.  On one hand they say that Pine-Sol is safe to use around pets and in pet areas.  On the other hand they say it's highly toxic if ingested and they say not to use Pine-Sol to wash dishes because "it is not approved by the EPA to be used on food-contact surfaces."  Here's an example of the problem this poses using pets as an example but substitute "baby" for pet if you have a baby crawling around on your floors.

If the Pine-Sol warning label states, "Avoid contact with food" yet it states it's safe to use in pet areas (but not as a shampoo for pets) then what would happen if you've just mopped your floor and your pet walks on the wet floor and then begins to groom him/herself?  Or a similar scenario would be if you've just cleaned your floor with Pine-Sol and your pet is eating.  The pet drops the food on the floor and licks it up along with the freshly applied Pine-Sol.

You may find these scenarios insignificant and they could be if this only happens once in a pet's lifetime, depending on how much cleaner they ingest.  But if they continually ingest harmful chemicals, over time you may have a problem, or I should say, your pet may develop a problem.

The good news is to every problem there is a solution!  Using cleaners that are safe for everyone including our environment (soil, water and air) will be a big step towards clean living, and though being clean on the outside is important it's more important to be clean on the inside because what is inside spills over on the outside.  But that's for another post.

First, I recommend making an investment of Liquid Sunshine concentrate from the Vermont Soap Company.  Vermont Soap carries all natural, organic and chemical-free products.  You can purchase Liquid Sunshine as a concentrate or already diluted in a variety of sizes.  My husband and I purchase the 5-gallon drum and make our own cleaning solutions from that.  The 5-gallon drum lasts us at least 1-1/2 years and if I didn't give out samples, it would last even longer.

Take a look around the Vermont Soap Company website.  Here's a quick order form for easy ordering.  Purchasing the concentrate will save you $$$$ and when your spray bottle is empty, just whip up another solution.  Liquid Sunshine cleans everything under the sun!

I'm also including some other natural cleaning ideas and recipes I use.  These will also save you money.

Cleaning Recipes and Ideas

All Purpose Cleaner:  In a clean spray bottle add 3-3/4 water and 1/4 cup of Liquid Sunshine.  My recipe includes 7-10 drops of Rosemary and Thyme essential oils each.  Ten drops of Tea Tree oil instead of Rosemary and Thyme oils can substituted.

Windows:  In a clean spray bottle add 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 teas. Liquid Sunshine or liquid soap and 2 cups water.  Shake well before using.

Scouring:  Instead of commercial cleansers, buy a large bag of baking soda* (BJ's has the large bags) and keep a jar of it upstairs and downstairs.

To use, first wet the surface.  Using a cloth with a some Liquid Sunshine or soap, scrub the surface, then rinse.  This works on pots and pans, too.  For burnt pans, sprinkle some baking soda in the pan and add hot water.  Let soak overnight and scrub.

*Tip:  To brighten your clothes and remove odors, add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to your laundry (add it with your laundry detergent to the water before adding clothes).

For Disinfecting:  Disinfect after you have cleaned your surface.  Here are two ways to disinfect without harsh chemicals. 
  •  Lemon Juice:  Squeeze a lemon or lemon juice concentrate on a clean surface and wipe.   If you're a skeptic, here's scientific proof of the effectiveness of lemon juice as a disinfectant.
  • Vinegar and Peroxide**:  In one clean spray bottle add straight vinegar and in a second clean spray bottle add 3% hydrogen peroxide (can be found in most grocery and drug stores).  Spray one on the surface you're disinfecting and then spray the other (it doesn't matter which you spray first).  Wipe and rinse.  This method can also be used on fresh produce to disinfect it before eating.  Not convinced? Click here.  

    **NOTE:  DO NOT MIX vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together in one spray bottle.
If you have any recipes not listed or you've tried the ideas and recipes above, please comment.  Thanks! 

~ Lisa

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Dining with Jesus

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
~ Revelation 3:20


Jesus is waiting for you to dine with Him.  He will give you food that's out of this world!  

Open your ears and hear Him knocking.  Open the door and dine with Him.  His food nourishes your mind and soul.  It truly satisfies and heals!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Do you know what you and your family are eating?

My mom was very anxious to tell me about the topic of conversation yesterday on The Doctors. The show was about, “What’s Really In Your Food?“

Do you know what’s in your food? Watch the short video excerpts from The Doctors on pink slime and from an earlier episode about chlorine. Has pink slime and chlorine been unwanted guests at your table?  What about school-age children?  What's on their school menu?

How about cloned meat and milk from cloned animals? Remember that?  Are you consuming cloned animal foods and do you know what risks are associated with food from cloned animals?  Do scientists know what the risks are?  Do you think it’s important to know?

Click on the links above and make sure you’re not eating while watching! 

Bon appetit!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Medical Doctors Were Wrong

Watch this inspiring video of a man who was told by medical doctors that he would never walk unassisted again.  For fifteen years, he believed them.  It's amazing what God can do and that Man will not give Him the glory.

This story hit home with me for two reasons.

Degenerative Disc Disease
I was told by my doctors in 1994 that by the time I was around 60 I'd be in confined to a wheel chair due to degenerative disc disease.  I was basically left to rot away, with no hope of recovery.  That was my prognosis.

But that doesn't seem to be the case anymore.  Not since my husband talked me into going to a chiropractor over 10 years ago.  I had prayed for healing and believed that God COULD and WOULD do it and He did it!

My family and I very highly recommend Dr. Ron Feinberg.  He has helped us, and me especially, to be able to live a more normal life.  I've been to four or five chiropractors before Dr. Ron and he's truly the BEST!  He is my primary care doctor.  Oh and chiropractic healed my allergies, too!

Dr. Ron is currently taking new patients and can be reached at 

(610) 461-5222

He has offices in Sharon Hill and in Broomall, PA.  Tell him I sent you and maybe, just maybe he'll be nice to you!  LOL

Hyperthyroidism
After my husband found me asleep in the middle of our living room floor, in my apron I might add, on December 24th 1994 (we were having a big Christmas dinner the next day and I was cooking), he insisted that I go to the doctor and get checked out.  So I did and I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism.

My doctor prescribed Synthroid and told me that I would be on medication for the rest of my life.  He said to expect the dosage to be increased with age because eventually my thyroid would get weaker and weaker.  But after my cancer diagnosis in 2004 which prompted wellness and nutrition research and experimentation, I came across information about healing the thyroid.  I read that coconut oil increases metabolism and also heals the thyroid, among many many other things.  So I bought Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil, unrefined and undeodarized and I took two tablespoons a day.

In September 2005, after drastically changing my diet, after realizing that in order for me to get well I had to really trust God and after being on the coconut oil regimen for a while, I realized that I had forgotten to take the Synthroid for three days.  It occurred to me that I must have forgotten because I had no symptoms!  Even while on the Synthroid I still had symptoms of fatigue, hoarseness, being cold all the time, brittle hair and nails.  So I decided to see how long I could go without having symptoms and without taking the Synthroid (don't try this yourself at home).

Two months later I called my doctor to schedule a blood test, which was typical.  I had to get my blood levels tested every six months anyway.  He said in order for the test to be accurate I would have to be off of Synthroid for six weeks to get it out of my system.  I told him I had not taken it for two months. So I had the blood work done.  When my doctor called me with the results he said I was within normal range but that he wanted me to have it checked again in six weeks to be sure.  This was not typical.  Any other time when my levels were not within normal range he never advised me to come in again for a test. I never went back.  It has been six and half years since I have not had symptoms or taken Synthroid!

To the One true God who saves us and heals us!

~ Lisa

Monday, May 7, 2012

Is The Total Transformation For The Child Or The Parent?

My husband was surfing the TV channels one day and came across a program on dog training.  The dog trainer, he said, was an older woman who resembled Mrs. Doubtfire. 

Each dog was accompanied by their owner and they were all assembled in a semi-circle.  It was the hope of each dog owner that the dog trainer would  teach their dog some "new tricks."  But what the owners didn't know was that the class was actually for them!  And the instructor even said as much!  As I recall, here's what my husband said the trainer advised the owners, in her British accent (if you can imagine it), "First of all, I want to let you know, the problem is not your dogs, it's you!"  

Wow!  I can imagine how those those dog owners felt.  They probably thought, "What is she talking about?  My dog doesn't listen to anything I say!"  Sound familiar?

It started as a baby, then it continued as a toddler, it got worse approaching the school age years and didn't stop after third grade.  It escalated at ten and now at fifteen it's full blown.  How did this happen???

We all know that children will test the limits and go past the boundaries at times but what about the child who goes through a stage that they don't grow out of?

A child's behavior develops early on.  If parents are not equipped with the right tools how can they pass on the right tools to their children?  Many parents have been to their wits end and back because their children will not listen and worse.  Their willful misconduct, lack of respect, or to the extreme, violence and abuse are just intolerable. 

Many parents will make excuses for their children with or without taking any responsibility themselves while others blame the child and dismiss any chance that they've had any part in their child's negative behavior.  So, which is it?  Are you the problem like the dog owners above or is your child?  Find out in this article from The Total Transformation's E-Newsletter, Empowering Parents.  The article is called, Defiant Child Behavior:  Is Your Child's Bad Behavior Escalating?

It's always most important to remember that a real and healthy relationship with God will be evidenced by how you live your life.  So keep in mind, your children will learn more from what you do and less from what you say.  But sometimes God sends help through others.  James Lehman's program, The Total Transformation gives practical tips and help so that you can have a better relationship with your child.  I would say that's a good thing.

Get James Lehmans' program, The Total Transformation for FREE when you provide them with your feedback about the program.  You pay up front and then are reimbursed in full (minus shipping and handling fees) once you send them your feedback.  Click here to lean more. 

This program is not for parents with children who behave well for the most part. This is for those who need help and nothing they're doing is effective.  Therefore, if you read the reviews keep an open mind.  I've listened to five of these CD's and I would say this program has some great advice.  It's great for parents of young children as well as teenagers and can be used as prevention.

Message me if you have any questions or thoughts.  Till then...

~ Lisa  

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Meet Dolly, our Dairy Queen

We don't regularly feed our cats table food and most of our cats, though they may beg, aren't the least bit interested after they give it the smell test.  Dolly, on the other hand, does have her favorites and though we don't allow her to indulge too much, once in a while we allow her to eat some pizza (including the dough part) and dairy, anything dairy.  Some of our other cats actually do like to lap up an occassional (small) bowl of milk.

All of the dairy, except for yogurt and a few types of cheeses (Asiago, Feta and Mozzarella) in our refrigerator is straight from the cow's utter, that is, raw and unpasteurized.  Unpastuerized milk/dairy is much better tolerated in cats as well as in humans than the pasteurized versions.  In fact, I have found, without a doubt, that I can enjoy dairy in its most natural state but once it's been pasteurized I'm in trouble; you probably know what I mean...the lactose intolerance problem?

This morning as I was eating breakfast (yogurt, a banana and some almonds) I noticed that our gray tabby, Dolly was sitting beside me.  This is pretty unusual since she has made it perfectly clear that I'm on her black list.  Dolly has nicknames like Mrs. Small and the Dairy Queen and this morning Mrs. Small was doubling as the Dairy Queen!  I suspect it had something to do with the yogurt I was eating.  With her nose in the air I decided to share it with her but first, I got the camera ready.  

Watch and listen carefully as Dolly enjoys her morning yogurt!

Yum, yum!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Red Pepper Vege Burgers

These burgers need no rolls!
Yield: 6 burgers

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
½ of a large red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/3 cup Mirepoix (mixture of chopped onion, celery and carrots – see photo in link)
1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley or 1 ½ Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon onion powder
1 egg
Optional: Mix in ½ - ¾ cup shredded Cheddar, Jack, Colby or any melting cheese to your liking.

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together until well combined and shape into patties. Cook immediately or store in the freeze for future use.

***Serve with homemade potato salad, macaroni salad or pasta salad and deviled eggs and have an early Spring time BBQ.  Mmmmm!

The use of organic ingredients is not only best for you but it's best tasting!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

How to Save 20% on Amazon

If you like getting a bargain and you don't know about Amazon.com's Subscribe and Save, then keep on reading.

Subscribe and Save saves you 15% on already low priced items and products which are conveniently shipped to you or anyone you choose for FREE with a total purchase amount of $25 or more! And to make it an even better deal, you can sign up for Amazon Mom and save an extra 5% on diapers and wipes.* That's a


****** 20% $avings******


Yes, it's for real. I've been using Subscribe and Save for a number of years now but I just found out about Amazon Mom this week (and I signed up and already saved a total of 20% on diapers and wipes).

Oh, and you don't have to be a Mom to sign up for Amazon Mom! Can't beat that!

*Revised 3/19/2012 - Save an extra 5% on diapers and wipes only.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Does Disease Begin in the Colon?

Have you ever heard that "disease begins in the colon?"  If not, you're not alone.  The majority of adults, children and babies are seen by medical doctors when they are sick.  Unfortunately though, many medical doctors don't understand or believe that disease begins in the colon, but it's true (I found out that it's just not part of their curriculum in med school, how sad is that?).  And not only is it true, it makes perfect sense.

To put it very simply so that even a child can understand this before his or her mind is filled with misconceptions and yes, lies which get in the way of proper thinking (but that's another article for another time), the way that God created our bodies is that when we eat something, our body takes what it needs from the food to nourish our organs, veins, blood etc... and then eliminates the waste.  Simple, right?  So what happens when we eat food, the body takes what it needs (if it's available in the food - again another article for another time) but the waste is not eliminated?  Uh-oh!

This is where it gets ugly.  You continue to eat food but you are not eliminating!  So what happens to the waste?  It just sits in your colon and ferments, so to speak, not to mention it adds on unhealthy weight.  If this waste isn't eliminated for a period of time, bacteria will develop and grow and your problems are just beginning if you don't catch it in time.  

Sadly, constipation is very common.  Did you know that human beings should  eliminate three times a day?  About twenty to thirty minutes after a meal the waste from the previous meal should be pushed out (see peristalsis and catastalsis).  But for many, this isn't happening and constipation becomes the known problem.  But constipation isn't the problem just as much as cancer isn't the problem.  They are only symptoms of something that has gone wrong within.  So what's the reason why this happens?  Mainly because of a poor diet, not a lack of food, but the lack of a healthy diet.  

After my own personal experience, after all the research and after a drastic change in my own diet (along with a lot of praying and asking the Lord for direction) I'm convinced that it's true:  Disease begins in the colon. 

Sunday, March 4, 2012

The Beautiful Truth

Is there really a cure for cancer and other diseases?  Does mainstream medicine have all the answers?  Is the American Cancer Society really interested in finding a cure for cancer?

The Beautiful Truth is a “must see” documentary featuring a teenage boy who uncovers what lies beneath.



You don’t need to have an open mind. You just need to be willing to see the truth and accept it for what it really is.

Thank you, Rich for finding this movie!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Raw Dairy: A letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Dear Mr. Hennes,

My husband came across an article on Channel 6 Action News today regarding two people from PA (where I live) who became ill from the consumption of raw milk. After reading the article and hearing so many lies about raw milk and dairy, I would like to state some thought and facts.

My family has been consuming raw milk and dairy for the past seven years now.  I am lactose intolerant.  There is a tremendous difference when I drink pasteurized milk versus raw milk.  I do not get bloated and doubled-over in pain from drinking raw milk though I did from pasteurized milk.  I would say there's something to be said for that.  But the FDA states in the article link above that raw milk does not help the lactose intolerant person.  I'm living proof that it does.  Where do your facts come from?

I’m very familiar with the campaign against raw milk and raw dairy, but could there some truth to the claims that there is BIG money in the pasteurization and homogenization of dairy? What is really driving the campaign against raw dairy? Isn’t this the same type of “campaigning” that took place between tropical oils (specifically coconut/palm oils) and soybean oil?

The soybean industry created a smear campaign, using scare tactics to convince consumers that coconut and palm oils would clog their arteries and cause heart disease. Wouldn’t it be more accurate to say that it’s actually homogenization that causes clogged arteries and heart disease? After all, homogenization requires milk to be put through a sieve which breaks down the fat globules into such miniscule “uniform” fat particles making them small enough to enter our bloodstream. This is why the fat doesn’t come together and rise to the top of the milk (consumers seem to prefer that uniform look or that which has the appearance of being pure and healthy like white flour and white sugar).

Milk that has not been homogenized has naturally occurring fat globules that are not uniform in size and are too big to enter the bloodstream causing them to be eliminated as waste. And speaking of accuracy, wouldn’t it be more accurate to say that coconut oil is one of THE most healthy foods on this planet? At 76 degrees F coconut oil is a clear liquid. If our body temperature is 98.6 degrees F I can’t see how it could possibly clog our arteries, can you? I can personally vouch for how nutritious coconut oil is. A drastic change in my diet which included extra virgin organic coconut oil healed my thyroid after taking Synthroid for eleven years. Synthroid hasn’t been part of my diet in over six years now!  And my cholesterol levels are very good.

Is it true that in 2003 the FDA reported that compared to raw milk, deli meats contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes caused many more illnesses than raw milk? If so, why hasn’t the public been warned that deli meats are "inherently dangerous and should not be consumed," just like the FDA advises about raw milk?

Following is an excerpt from an article on the FDA website entitled, "Listeria monocytogenes Risk Assessment: Interpretive Summary."   "While outbreak investigations provide valuable information about potential modes of L. monocytogenes transmission, they do not always identify the contaminated food source."  So why does all the focus go towards raw milk and dairy?  Please review Summary Table 4 in the above Risk Assessment article link where "Deli Meats" top the list for highest risk for Listeria contamination!

While it’s not impossible for an illness to occur from raw milk, I can’t help but wonder why raw milk and dairy consumption are polarized and take the headlines like they do. These cases are so few and far between, unlike, say, medical mistakes.

The Abstract below (highlighted in yellow and green) was taken from page 13 of 136 of the Institute of Medicine’s article called “Roundtable on Value & Science-Driven Health Care” dated September 22, 2011. It is reported that ten years prior there was an alarming rate of medical errors. If this is true, why doesn’t this make the headlines? I haven’t noticed many warnings, if any, from the FDA/government even though we are all potential victims to man-made medical errors which, by the way, are rampant. Highlighted in green below is a claim that even though our government/country has attempted to address these problems in healthcare, progress is slow due to greed and egos (that’s my interpretation). I understand human nature is what it is, but who is taking the initiative to hold these people accountable? And why aren’t these dangers being headlined and broadcasted in the news media? Is it because that’s all covered under the so-called “patient rights” when we are required to sign our lives away prior to treatment of any kind by a doctor/hospital so that they are NOT able to be held liable? Could it be that it’s the doctors and hospitals who are being protected and consumers are being duped and left out in the cold? What a sad state of our union.  Just for the record, I don’t rely on doctors and hospitals for my health and wellness. I take responsibility for that. Shouldn’t we all and shouldn’t we be teaching  children to do the same?  I think so.  But instead what are we teaching children here in the United States of America?  Evolution as though it were fact, homosexual lifestyle as though it were normal and premarital sex is condoned as though it were no different than going to the nurse for an aspirin?  We teach tolerance to everyone and everything except to the One who created us, who sustains us, and who gave His life for us.

ABSTRACT
Ten years ago, the Institute of Medicine reported alarming data on the scope and impact of medical errors in the US and called for national efforts to address this problem. While efforts to improve patient safety have proliferated during the past decade, progress toward improvement has been frustratingly slow. Some of this lack of progress may be attributable to the persistence of a medical ethos, institutionalized in the hierarchical structure of academic medicine and healthcare organizations, that discourages teamwork and transparency and undermines the establishment of clear systems of accountability for safe care.

“Pasteurized for your safety” is the little catch phrase spelled out on lids and containers of all kinds of beverage and food products that make consumers feel, oh I don’t know, special? Important? Cared for? Loved? That is your motive for including that phrase, isn’t it? Because when some feels special, important, cared for and loved, they, in return will TRUST whoever their affections are directed at. This is a tactic used everywhere for personal and business gain. It uses and abuses people.  It’s wrong and just plain dirty. The reason for pasteurization is for pure profit. Pasteurization allows beverages and food to stay on shelves longer and that’s the bottom line. It might be convenient to consumers because people are now so accustomed to their busy lifestyle, but that doesn't negate the fact that the FDA and the government is certainly not thinking of our safety first!  Allow us to drink and eat pure and healthy foods which clearly nourish our bodies.

I know that raw dairy is legal in PA, for which I am grateful, but it’s not legal in many states and it’s not legal to cross over a state line with which, in all honesty, is absurd. Alcohol, which is legal all over and sold in many states in the supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations etc. is much more lethal and kills many more people directly and indirectly than raw milk ever has and ever will, yet I don’t see that going away any time soon or at all. Why is that? Is it because there’s too much money being made from it? Listen, I’m not asking for something that is dangerous here. Those who work for the FDA and those in our government should open their eyes and stop making money and greed your bottom line. Once you stop that then you’ll be free to see the truth and understand it.

I would like to ask that the FDA/government allow organic farmers to farm without interference from the government or from the Monsanto monopoly schemes. Put a stop to Monsanto's frivolous lawsuits against innocent farmers who believe that organic and true sustainable farming methods are not only better for our environment but also for consumers. Put an end to Monsanto's insatiable appetite for destroying farmers' land and livelihood (and stop them from clogging up our judicial system).

Why is it that we, the people, are being deprived of our inherent right to eat what God has provided to nourish our bodies which He created, yet those with appetites to destroy what is right and true and good have their fill? If the FDA would stop approving processed “junk”foods and drugs that attribute to poor health and even death then people would have to take responsibility for their own lives. This county needs to wake up to the call that’s been sounding out for many, many years.

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I hope you seek the truth and work to make a difference for the people, not for lobbyists, food and drug manufacturers, the government or for yourself unless it’s first for the people!

I’ve had my say. Now I would like to hear your response.  Again, thank you.

Differing views on raw milk:
On The Safety of Raw Milk (with a word about pasteurization) - FDA
Rebuttal to the FDA's power point presentation - Weston Price Foundation

Sincerely yours,


Lisa Small
Wellness Blog

Revised:  3/9/2012

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus

I came across this video on a website called John the Baptist TV.  The video is said to be controversial. It’s spoken by a young guy in poem form. As of this morning, it’s had over 16 million views and counting.


The video is called Why I hate religion but love Jesus. Just click on the title to watch it. Whatever faith you are of I hope you’ll watch it.


Comments are welcome.