Sudbury Laser Health Clinic

Cows milk - is it really good for you?

2011-05-17T01:00:00.001-04:00

Let’s be very clear about the true purpose of cows’ milk …. IT’S FOR CALVES! That’s right; cows milk is for their babies, not for humans. Human milk is for human babies, cats’ milk is for kittens, dogs’ milk is for puppies etc etc – are you getting the picture? We are the ONLY mammal’s that drink another mammal’s milk.

A 200Ib calf will eventually grow to become a 2000lb cow (give or take a few pounds) thanks to its mothers’ milk and some good grass. Please note: it will not require milk from a goat, sheep or horse in order to nourish and help it mature into a strong healthy fully formed cow. Like all animals it suckles from its mother until weaning and then eats what was intended for it. Humans on the other hand, drink milk from birth; either mothers’ or a manufactured source, until we reach the age when cows take over…. FOREVER. We’re NEVER weaned from it! The fear instilled in us (through the multi million pound corporations) of weakened bones, decaying teeth and stunted growth has ensured that we continue to take the white stuff.

But it’s healthy right? Wrong! It’s well documented that milk and dairy products are linked to some of the worst diseases known to mankind, this mucus forming, difficult to digest, acidic curdling liquid is the reason for carrying excess weight, are permanently coughing up slimy gunk from your throat and are constantly tired. Milk coats the mucus membranes, forcing everything to slow down and use up vital energy in order to digest it. Casein, a substance found in cows’ milk, is for the growth of their huge bones; these thick dense curds place a massive burden on the human body. Translated, this equals lethargy, toxic waste, acid indigestion etc etc. And if that hasn’t convinced you, Casein is found is one of the strongest woodworking glues…Yummy! And this is what we have been raised to believe is a so-called ‘health’ product. Yet brittle bone disease and osteoporosis is more prevalent today than it ever was. Doesn’t make sense does it?

But what about ‘calcium’ I hear you screaming! How about kale, broccoli, kelp, cabbage, spinach, nuts, seeds, sea vegetables, romaine lettuce, rhubarb, sesame seeds, oranges, asparagus, sprouts, fresh fruits, green beans, garlic, fennel, figs, dates almonds…should I continue? These are calcium rich foods that the human digestive system can absorb and utilize.

Let your own body be the judge, it is your greatest teacher! Stop taking dairy in your diet for 2 weeks and see how you feel.

Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Get Healthy and Stay Healthy

2011-05-09T23:58:00.000-04:00

Listed below are ten essential elements of good health. If you take all of the actions listed below, you will be much healthier.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Drink at Least 8 Glasses of Water
Take a Good Quality Multiple Vitamin/Mineral
Connect with Other People
Express Your Emotions Appropriately
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Spend at Least 30 Minutes Outdoors
Do Something Physically Active
Take Some Quiet Time for Yourself
Keep Regular Sleep Hours
Establish a Relationship with a Doctor You Can Trust

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

As we work with patients to improve their diet, we continue to be amazed at how few people eat breakfast. Most either skip it entirely, or drink coffee and eat sugary pastries instead.

A healthy breakfast is the cornerstone of a good diet. It is a meal that provides the opportunity to eat a serving of whole grains, a digestible protein, and have a serving or two of fruit. The energy from a healthy breakfast can carry you through your morning in a more stable way than by eating stimulating foods such as sweets and coffee.

Studies have shown, for example, that people can lower their cholesterol by eating breakfast. This is due to several factors. Breakfasts tend to be high in fiber (fruit, oatmeal, whole grain cereals) which absorb cholesterol in the intestines for removal from the body. More importantly, however, when we skip breakfast, our bodies go for 10-16 hours with no outside source of energy. Our chemistry begins to shift to a mode of starvation, which increases appetite and changes how our bodies regulate blood sugar. We then tend to crave high fat and high carbohydrate foods and binge later in the day, resulting in taking in more calories than we need just as our bodies are primed to store energy in the form of fat.

If you are trying to improve your diet and nutrition and stay healthy as you age, eat a good breakfast every day. Vary your foods and try to get some protein if you have problems regulating your blood sugar.

To get you started, here's a recipe for the Immune Support Breakfast which is very popular with students at the naturopathic medical colleges. We eat this a few mornings a week at our house.

Recipe:
4 cups rolled oats
2 cups oat bran
1 cup lecithin granules
1 cup flax seeds, finely ground
1 cup milk thistle seeds, finely ground
1-2 cups sunflower seeds
1-2 cups almond slivers (toasted or untoasted)
1-2 cups raw cashew pieces
Optional: raisins or other dried fruit to taste

Mix ingredients and store in an airtight container, such as Tupperware. In the morning, soak 3/4 to 1 cup of the mixture in soy milk, rice dream or juice for 30 minutes. Before eating, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of flax seed oil. Add fresh fruit if desired.

Drink Water

Drink at least eight 8oz. glasses of water a day.

Thoreau said that water is the drink of the wise man. Water is fundamental to all life on earth. Our bodies are made up of 60% water. It is involved in every function in the body, including circulation, digestion, absorption of nutrients and the transmission of electrical currents in the body which control our nerves, muscles and hormones. Due to its importance in proper elimination and detoxification, I'm fond of saying "The solution to pollution is dilution," as water facilitates the elimination of waste products through urination, sweating, defecation, tears and mucus which line our respiratory and digestive tracts.

While we get water in many foods we eat and beverages we drink, pure water is often the best form to ingest. A recent study surveyed peoples' various aches and pains, energy levels and sense of well-being. When they were instructed to drink 8 glasses of water a day and their symptoms were reevaluated, notable improvements were seen in improved energy levels, fewer aches and pains, and generally improved sense of health. Adequate water is an extremely inexpensive and efficacious health practice.

Water quality is very important. In many areas of the country, tap water may contain lead, radon, nitrates and other potentially toxic chemicals. Additionally chlorine and chloramines are placed in municipal water to decontaminate it. Recently, San Francisco changed from using chlorine to using chloramine. Flouride in water supplies is a controversial topic with some studies suggesting health risks associated with fluoridation.

For these reasons, I recommend using clean sources of water and the use of solid carbon filters, such as Multi-Pure, or reverse osmosis filters. Avoid water that is in soft plastic containers, particularly in hot climates, as these can leach plastics into the water. Nalgene bottles are a good type for storing and transporting filtered water.

Take a Good Quality Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement

Eating a health-promoting diet is an essential component of good health. While it seems to be common sense that eating a healthy diet provides all of the vitamins and minerals we need to enjoy good health and reduce the risk of chronic disease, numerous scientific studies have shown that using good quality nutritional supplements can go beyond addressing nutrient deficiencies and help you achieve optimal health.

A recent study that daily use of a multivitamin by older adults is a relatively inexpensive yet potentially powerful way to stay healthy. The group studied the effects of taking multivitamins on five diseases: coronary artery disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.

These researchers estimated that providing a daily multivitamin to the elderly would result in a five-year potential health care cost savings of approximately $1.6 billion, and avoidable hospitalization for heart attacks of approximately $2.4 billion because of improved immune functioning and a reduction in the relative risk of coronary artery disease.

There is evidence that both clinical and subclinical nutrient deficiencies are common in the Canada. In recent years, the government has commissioned a number of comprehensive studies to determine the nutritional status of the US population.

These studies in general reveal that marginal nutritional deficiencies exist in approximately 50% of the Canadian population, and that for some selected nutrients and selected age groups, more than 80% of people consumed less than the RDA (recommended daily allowance). While it is theoretically possible for us to get all of the vitamins and minerals we need from our diets, the evidence suggests the reality is many of us do not.

While most Canadaians are deficient in some vitamins and minerals, the level of deficiency is not often obvious. Severe vitamin C deficiency as seen in scurvy is rare, though evidence suggests that marginal, or subclinical, vitamin C deficiency is quite common.

So, what do I mean by a good quality nutritional supplement? First of all, it is not a one-a-day RDA vitamin/mineral combination. RDA guidelines were originally developed to reduce the rates of severe deficiency diseases such as scurvy and pellagra. There is much scientific evidence that the optimal levels for many nutrients, especially the antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E, are significantly higher than the RDAs for these vitamins. RDAs also do not take into account environmental and lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and exposure to toxins that affect how we absorb and utilize vitamins and minerals.

A good quality supplement, in my opinion, contains higher levels of antioxidant vitamins and minerals. It also balances the minerals and vitamins in proper ratios for absorption and utilization by the body and contains few if any binders, excipients and other additives. While not necessary for many people, I often use ones with hypoallergenic ingredients to avoid reactions in sensitive people. Finally, vitamins and minerals should be in safe amounts and chemical forms that absorb well and are easily utilized by the body.

What this means is most good quality vitamin and mineral supplements are in the range of four to six tablets or capsules per day. I can recommend a specific formula to address your needs and advise taking two or three with both breakfast and dinner. This simple step can go a long way to insure you are not deficient in important nutrients, and is often a core part of one's treatment plan. Typical monthly costs are approximately $1 per day for most formulas, and I prefer the Pure Encapsulations products as well as NF's Women's Formula.

Connect with Other People

By our very nature, humans are social animals. We nurture our young, form families and identify ourselves as part of larger social groups such as circles of friends, neighborhood ties, and memberships in clubs and organizations. Connecting with other people and forming bonds of communication and intimacy nourish our emotional and spiritual health as much as a healthy diet nourishes our bodies.

In this day and age, people can become increasingly cut off from others, leading to an increase in the prevalence of depression and feelings of isolation. Many go through their day-to-day lives surrounded by other people without making meaningful connections. The increasing use of the internet is a mixed blessing, allowing us to connect with other people via email and chat groups while remaining in the isolation of our homes. While the internet makes us feel connected, these communications lack the physical components of touch, body language and face to face communication.

We know that physical touch is extremely important to good health. Studies done in the 1930's in orphanages have shown that infants who are touched and picked up thrive and grow faster than those who are left alone in their cribs. Being touched in our early lives has been shown to help our brains and nervous systems develop in healthy ways.

As Dean Ornish, MD, states in his book Love & Survival, the healing power of love and relationships has been documented in an increasing number of well-designed scientific studies. In one study involving almost ten thousand married men, those who answered "yes" to the simple question, "Does your wife show you her love?" had significantly less angina (heart pain) even when they had high levels of risk factors such as elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and EKG abnormalities.

In other words, no matter how well people manage the physical risk factors in heart disease, the major killer of US citizens, our perceptions of love and connections to others is a major risk factor that is often overlooked by ourselves and our doctors.

In another study, researchers at Johns Hopkins tested and followed male medical students in the 1940's in order to determine if the quality of human relationships might be a factor in the development of cancer. Those who subsequently developed cancer were more likely to have described a lack of closeness with their parents than their healthy classmates, even 50 years later. Father-son relationships were particularly important to these male medical students.

Dr. David Spiegel, in a landmark study of women with metastatic breast cancer, found that women who regularly met for 90 minutes weekly for one year to express their feelings about their illness in a supportive environment lived on average twice as long as did other women who were not part of a support group.

The list of studies supporting the notion that intimacy, love and connections with others play an important role in our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being is growing everyday.How can we stay connected with others in an increasingly disconnected world? There are many ways to do this. Keeping in regular communication with our families and friends, even if separated by distance, can maintain a level of intimacy and connection.

Expressing our love and affection to our partners and loved ones on a regular basis promotes intimacy and opens our hearts. Becoming involved in neighborhood organizations and groups that share our common interests increases our connections with our neighbors and creates bonds with those in our community, growing our circle of friends. Learning the names of people we interact with in little ways on a regular basis and greeting them personally grows our sense of connectedness with others.

I would be remiss if I didn't include the role our pets play in fostering good health and connections with others. Pets have been shown to play hugely important roles in our mental and physical well-being, especially in the elderly, people dealing with chronic diseases, and people who live alone and feel isolated. Fortunately, San Francisco, recognizing this as an important public health issue, recently passed a law allowing people with specific needs such as the above can obtain a waiver to have pets in rental units that traditionally do not allow pets.

Our connection with others is an important part of what makes us healthy, and creating positive relationships provides a healing influence on our society at large. Make an effort to connect with others on a daily basis and I guarantee your happiness and sense of wellness will increase.

Express Your Emotions Appropriately

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Laser Therapy has always recognized that emotional factors play an important role in health and illness and notes seven emotions that particularly affect the body: joy, anger, sadness, grief, pensiveness, fear and fright. These emotions are not by themselves thought to be pathological and all constitute emotional aspects of healthy people. However, if any of these emotions are excessive over a long period of time or arises suddenly with great force, it can generate imbalances and illness.

Many theories of disease causation in TCM are based on inappropriate expression of emotions which leads to physical and mental symptoms. For example, inappropriate expression of anger is thought to affect the Liver. People who feel frustrated or irritable are often not expressing their underlying anger appropriately by talking about it or by creating change in their lives to relieve their frustration. This affects the function of the liver which helps promote the smooth flow of qi, or life energy, in the body. Consequently, this can lead to depression, achiness in the body, constipation, and inappropriate outbursts of anger. If the imbalance persists long enough, western diagnoses such as hypertension or tension headaches may result.

If holding in emotions or expressing them in inappropriate ways can lead to health imbalances which may lead to illness, endeavoring to express our positive and negative emotions in appropriate ways can be as preventive as exercising or eating a balanced diet. In our society, this takes awareness and careful choices of words as the expression of "negative" emotions such as anger or sadness is often discouraged socially. Nonetheless, it is important to be in touch with our feelings and to express them in an authentic way.

One way to appropriately express anger is through the use of "I" messages. Instead of saying "You make me so angry when you...," try instead saying "When you ...., I feel......" This takes ownership for feelings and provokes less defensiveness in the other person.

Learning to be in touch with emotions, expressing ourselves appropriately, and letting things go-it is not easy but produces rewards in enriching our emotional lives and our relationships and connections with others.

Eat Fruits and Vegetables

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times: Eat your fruits and vegetables! You probably already know that you are supposed to eat plenty of fresh produce every day. Here are some compelling nutritional facts that tell you why, as well as information about just how to go about getting enough into your diet.

Fruits and vegetables supply many nutrients that are important for your health. For example, dark-colored berries contain proanthocyanidins which are potent antioxidants. These, in turn, scavenge free-radicals (which cause cell damage), slow aging, and fight cancer. The orange color of carrots and sweet potatoes indicate their high levels of beta-carotene which the body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is important for healthy skin and eyes. Popeye's favorite, spinach, is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and calcium. All fruits and vegetables supply the body with fiber needed for cholesterol regulation and proper bowel function.

Ok, so now you know why, but how? Whether you eat them raw or cooked, steamed or stir-fried, whole, chopped or mashed, it is best to start with fresh organic produce. Frozen is also good because the nutrients are fairly well preserved by freezing. Rather than getting too caught up in how many servings to eat, what constitutes a serving, or how many cups to eat for your caloric needs, I suggest you use the following helpful tips:

Emphasize vegetables in your meals, and choose fruits for snacks or dessert.
Eat the "rainbow"-Everyday choose fruits and vegetables that make a rainbow of at least 3 different colors.
Include dark green leafy vegetables every day.
The brightest and deepest colors indicate the highest levels of nutrients.
Eat a variety of plant parts: leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruit.
At lunch and dinner, aim for half of your plate being vegetables. (And I don't mean french fries!)

One great way to be sure to have a fresh supply of organic and locally-grown produce is to join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Here in California, we are lucky to have so many wonderful farms nearby. Many of them offer CSA programs that provide consumers with direct access to economical farm-fresh produce. By paying a membership fee of $15-25 per week, you will receive a box of produce as well as a newsletter with recipes and information about the farm. Typically, you would pay quite a bit more than this at the store for the same amount of food. This system provides the farmers with another way to reach consumers and helps them with the investments necessary to grow quality fruits and vegetables.

Each CSA is unique in their offerings. For example, there may be different sized boxes, weekly or biweekly delivery, home delivery or neighborhood pick up locations; some items like fruit or eggs may or may not be included; and the membership may be monthly or all season long. Whatever your needs, you can find a CSA that will work for you. Because CSAs provide a variety of in-season produce, you may be introduced to vegetables that you don't usually buy at the store. This is a great way to get in touch with nature's cycles, try new foods, build a relationship with your farmer, teach your children about where food comes from, support sustainable agriculture, and be sure that you eat your fruits and vegetables.

Spend at Least 30 Minutes Outdoors

Sunlight is every bit as central to our health and well-being as proper nutrition,clean water, and exercise. Naturopathic Doctors often recommend that we spend at least 30 minutes a day outdoors. Here are a few reasons why:

Our bodies make Vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight. 4-10 minutes in the noon day sun in the southern US, for example, produces the equivalent of 10,000 to 25,000 IU of oral Vitamin D. (MIlk, for example, contains 400 IU Vitamin D per quart.) There is strong evidence for a protective effect of Vitamin D on healthy bone density, muscle weakness, more than a dozen types of internal cancers, multiple sclerosis and Type 1 Diabetes. You do not need to get a sunburn to get adequate vitamin D and suncreens that block UVB diminish our bodies ability to make Vitamin D.

Sunlight affects moods positively and is a natural antidepressant.

Exposure to sunlight stimulates the pineal gland to produce melatonin which plays a role in proper sleep and has been shown to fight cancer.

When we are outdoors we tend to be more active by walking, hiking, and enjoying other physical activities. Also, being outdoors puts us in touch with nature and allows us to see and experience the rhythms and cycles of the natural world, reducing stress and increasing our sense of connectedness.

If you live in a new house or work in a modern office building, you may be exposed to high levels of indoor air pollution. New buildings are well insulated, trapping gases from carpets, pesticide and cleaner residues, smoke, dust and other respiratory irritants. Being outdoors part of the day allows us to get fresh oxygen and reduces our exposure to indoor irritants.

Finally, by doing a brisk walk for 30 minutes outdoors every day you can accomplish several simple healthy tips at once!

Do something physically active.

We've all heard about the importance of maintaining fitness and regular cardiovascular exercise. However, many of us don't get nearly enough activity to stay fit, due to sedentary jobs and lifestyles, busy schedules, etc. Many join gyms only to find a few months later that they are paying their monthly dues and not showing up for their "workouts".

Regular moderate daily physical activity goes a long way to help us maintain and improve our fitness. as well as our sense of well-being. Below are a few ideas to help you find ways to stay active every day:

Play: Have you ever noticed that adults workout and children play? Find an activity you really enjoy and you are more likely to do it more often. Go out dancing. Join a sports team like ultimate frisbee or softball. Go rollerblading or bicycling. Play more often.

Walk 15 minutes away from your house and then return: Walking is one of the best forms of exercise and almost anyone can do it. A recent study found that people who walked their dog 20 minutes daily 5 days a week lost 14 lbs in one year and improved their flexibility and balance. They also felt more positive and energetic. If you have a dog, walk it every day; if you don't, walk it anyway.

Integrate little walks and activities into your daily routines: Run small errands without your car – bike, walk, and ride public transit. Park in the far corner of the parking lot and walk to the front door. Walk two flights up and three flights down in multi-story buildings.

Take a hike: Hiking not only gives us a chance to get in a long walk, it also can take us into the beauty of nature. We are blessed in the Bay Area to have many urban parks, scenic waterfronts, and accessible wilderness areas to hike in. Hikes vary greatly in length and intensity, so choose one that is right for you. If you have trouble being active on a daily basis, try to plan a weekend hike for an hour or so.

Be more active with your household chores: Do vigorous housework (Hey, maybe you'll even save money on housecleaning too!). If you have a yard, work in your garden. Listen to music and dance in your living room.

Participate in classes to improve your fitness: Many local gyms, in addition to weights and treadmills, offer classes such as step aerobics, pilates, and stretching. San Francisco abounds with yoga studios, tai chi classes, pilates studios, and Curves franchises. If scheduling your activity works better for you, consider which activity speaks to you and go for it. SOMA Acupuncture can help you find a neighborhood activity that suits you.

Take some quiet time for yourself.

COMING SOON!

Keep regular sleep hours.
Insomnia and sleep problems are major complaints from people these days. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 70 million people in the USA may be affected by sleep problems with approximately 60% of the US population suffering from some type of chronic sleep disorder.

The use of medications to help people sleep is one of the fastest growing segments of the pharmaceutical industry. Between 2000 and 2004, the use of sleep medications doubled among adults 20-44 years old, and the use of these medications in children aged 10-19 increased by 85%. Every night we see ads on TV for Ambien, Lunesta and other sleep aids. Clearly, the promotion of sleep aids is a profitable endeavor for the pharmaceutical industry.

This trend is alarming. We know that extended use of sleep medications often makes insomnia worse over the long term, and many prescription sleep meds can be habit-forming. These drugs often don't treat the cause of sleep problems, thus becoming a crutch instead of a cure, and have a plethora of side-effects. While we know that the use of sleep medications should be restricted to brief periods of time and used intermittently, it is very common to see people at our clinic who have used sleep aids for months or even years at a time.

Fortunately, there are many natural solutions that address the causes of insomnia and other sleep problems which have few if any side effects, are cost effective (or free), and can help improve overall health. One of the most effective behavioral remedies we've found is keeping a regular bed and wake time schedule.

Our sleep-wake cycle is regulated by our brain as part of our circadian, or daily, rhythm. Nervous system chemicals such as melatonin and cortisol tell our minds and bodies when it's time to sleep and when it's time to wake up. By keeping regular sleep hours, we strengthen our natural circadian rhythms which helps us fall asleep more easily. This is especially true if you have different schedules on different days of the week. If you're used to getting up at 6 am on weekdays to go to work but sleep in until 10 am on weekends, your circadian rhythms change as if you flew to the east coast every weekend. No wonder you're tired on Monday morning!

Try it; it works well. I haven't used an alarm clock in years unless there was a special circumstance and find that my body and mind fall in to natural cycles of the seasons. I get sleepy around 10 pm nightly and naturally wake up around 6-7 am in the morning, and have good daytime energy levels. These times vary slightly from winter to summer with changes in daylight. Make sure you allow 7 to 9 hours in bed nightly to get sufficient sleep and rest. If events come along that change this rhythm, that's to be expected; just be sure that the sleep bed and wake times are generally consistent over the long term.

Establish a relationship with a doctor you can trust.

By following a healthy lifestyle, you can greatly reduce the risk of many acute and chronic diseases; however, no matter how well we take care of ourselves, we occasionally need health and medical care. Accidents and injuries happen, acute infections arise, and chronic health issues require ongoing management. Just as important, preventive and wellness care such as periodic physical examinations, gynecological check-ups, dental care, and screening lab tests are tools to look ahead and improve your chances of preventing or delaying the effects of aging and chronic disease.

There are significant advantages to establishing ongoing relationships with health care providers who you know and trust. Early on, your doctor gets to know your relevant medical and family history, assesses your current health status, and can advise ways to lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Subsequent care insures that someone is working with you to make sure you are achieving your health goals, adjusting your plan as necessary and avoiding any potential harm. In the long run, when health issues arise, there is a partner you can turn to, to help treat and guide you.

On the other hand, if you don't have a health care provider, you may be unaware of underlying health issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other predictors of health risk, and seek expensive care at emergency rooms or with doctors who don't know your health history and treatment preferences.

Naturopathic doctors, or NDs, are general health practitioners who specialize in natural medicine. Trained much like medical doctors in physical examination and diagnosis, NDs provide preventive health care including review of health history, physical exam, and screening for disease risk as well as treating common health conditions. NDs are well trained in nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle factors and other natural therapies to maintain good health as well as address specific health conditions. An ND on your health care team can help you live a healthy lifestyle as well as treat many health conditions in ways that support your innate healing ability.

Having an MD on your team is also important. Modern medicine is particularly effective in treating injuries and emergency health conditions, and MDs have access to strong medicines which can be life-saving. Further, MDs are well trained in diagnosis and have access to current technology and procedures such as surgery that can be essential in the proper treatment of many injuries and diseases. Medical specialists such as orthopedists and ophthalmologists provide highly qualified treatment for specific health problems.

Rounding out your health care team may involve working with an acupuncturist, physical therapist, chiropractor, or other health care provider either on a preventive basis or to address specific health issues.

Whoever you choose to be a member of your health care team, it is important that they know your goals and your desire to manage your health with an integrative approach. They should be open to your active involvement in your health and be willing to coordinate care as needed with other team members.

Can Asparagus Cure Cancer?

2011-04-26T21:09:00.000-04:00

Can Asparagus Cure Cancer? I got an e-mail last week that many people have already read. I was asked my appinion on this matter. I see this letter all over the internet. I would love to hear what you think about it.

My Mom had been taking the full-stalk canned style asparagus that she pureed and she took 4 tablespoons in the morning and 4 tablespoons later in the day. She did this for over a month. She is on chemo pills for Stage 3 lung cancer in the pleural area and her cancer cell count went from 386 down to 125 as of this past week. Her oncologist said she does not need to see him for 3 months.

THE ARTICLE:

Several years ago, I had a man seeking asparagus for a friend who had cancer. He gave me a photocopied copy of an article, entitled, Asparagus for cancer 'printed in Cancer News Journal, December 1979. I will share it here, just as it was shared with me: I am a biochemist, and have specialized in the relation of diet to health or over 50 years. Several years ago, I learned of the discovery of Richard R. Vensal, D.D.S. that asparagus might cure cancer. Since then, I have worked with him on his project We have accumulated a number of favorable case histories. Here are a few examples:

Case No. 1, A man with an almost hopeless case of Hodgkin's disease (cancer of the lymph glands) who was completely incapacitated. Within 1 year of starting the asparagus therapy, his doctors were unable to detect any signs of cancer, and he was back on a schedule of strenuous exercise.

Case No. 2 , a successful businessman 68 years old who suffered from cancer of the bladder for 16 years. After years of medical treatments, including radiation without improvement, he went on asparagus. Within 3 months, examinations revealed that his bladder tumor had disappeared and that his kidneys were normal.

Case No. 3, a man who had lung cancer. On March 5th 1971, he was put on the operating table where they found lung cancer so widely spread that it was inoperable. The surgeon sewed him up and declared his case hopeless. On April 5th he heard about the Asparagus therapy and immediately started taking it By August, x-ray pictures revealed that all signs of the cancer had disappeared..

He is back at his regular business routine.

Case No. 4, a woman who was troubled for a number of years with skin cancer. She finally developed different .skin cancers which were diagnosed by the acting specialist as advanced. Within 3 months after starting on asparagus, her skin specialist said that her skin looked fine and no more skin lesions. This woman reported that the asparagus therapy also cured her kidney disease, which started in 1949. She had over 10 operations for kidney stones, and was receiving government disability payments for an inoperable, terminal, kidney condition. She attributes the cure of this kidney trouble entirely to the asparagus.

I was not surprised at this result, as `The elements of materia medica', edited in1854 by a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania , stated that asparagus was used as a popular remedy for kidney stones. He even referred to experiments, in 1739, on the power of asparagus in dissolving stones. Note the dates!

We would have other case histories but the medical establishment has interfered with our obtaining some of the records. I am therefore appealing to readers to spread this good news and help us to gather a large number of case histories that will overwhelm the medical skeptics about this unbelievably simple and natural remedy.

For the treatment , asparagus should be cooked before using, and therefore canned asparagus is just as good as fresh. I have corresponded with the two leading canners of asparagus, Giant and Stokely, and I am satisfied that these brands contain no pesticides or preservatives.

Place the cooked asparagus in a blender and liquefy to make a puree, and store in the refrigerator. Give the patient 4 full tablespoons twice daily, morning and evening. Patients usually show some improvement in 2-4 weeks.. It can be diluted with water and used as a cold or hot drink. This suggested dosage is based on present experience, but certainly larger amounts can do no harm and may be needed in some cases. As a biochemist I am convinced of the old saying that `what cures can prevent.' Based on this theory, my wife and I have been using asparagus puree as a beverage with our meals. We take 2 tablespoons diluted in water to suit our taste with breakfast and with dinner. I take mine hot and my wife prefers hers cold. For years we have made it a practice to have blood surveys taken as part of our regular checkups.

The last blood survey, taken by a medical doctor who specializes in the nutritional approach to health, showed substantial improvements in all categories over the last one, and we can attribute these improvements to nothing but the asparagus drink.

As a biochemist, I have made an extensive study of all aspects of cancer, and all of the proposed cures. As a result, I am convinced that asparagus fits in better with the latest theories about cancer.

Asparagus contains a good supply of protein called histones , which are believed to be active in controlling cell growth.. For that reason, I believe asparagus can be said to contain a substance that I call cell growth normalizer . That accounts for its action on cancer and in acting as a general body tonic. In any event, regardless of theory, asparagus used as we suggest, is a harmless substance. The FDA cannot prevent you from using it and it may do you much good. It has been reported by the US National Cancer Institute, that asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione , which is considered one of the body's most potent anticarcinogens and antioxidants.

Analysis: Exactly who Richard R. Vensal, D.D.S. is and what his qualifications as a cancer and nutrition expert are we do not know, for the simple reason that his name doesn't appear anywhere in print except in connection with this one online article.

The periodical in which it was allegedly published, the Cancer News Journal, no longer exists but apparently devoted itself to "alternative" cancer therapies. An article with the identical title ("Asparagus for Cancer") and similar if not identical content appeared under the byline "Karl Lutz" in the February 1974 edition of Prevention magazine.

In any case, contrary to the impression given above there are no peer-reviewed medical studies proving that eating asparagus alone "prevents" or "cures" cancer. That's not to say asparagus offers no cancer-fighting benefits whatsoever — there's a good chance it does, given that it contains vitamin D, folic acid, and the antioxidant glutathione, all thought to play some role in lowering risk factors for certain cancers. By all means, eat your asparagus!

The thing is, lots of other foods provide the same nutritional benefits and more besides, so emphasizing one particular vegetable over all the other health-promoting foods available is surely counter-productive. Generally speaking, medical experts recommend a diet high in fiber, fruits and vegetables and low in fats and nitrates for optimal resistance to cancer.

At the risk of stating the obvious, it should also be noted that dietary measures ought never to be regarded as a substitute for proper medical diagnosis and treatment of any disease, especially cancer.

2011-04-26T10:23:00.000-04:00

I promised myself years ago never to argue or discus my views on religion. but after a discussion with my wife on good Friday about why we don't eat meat on that good Friday, we started making call to all the religious people we know. I found it to be very funny how no one knew the answer. now we did find out the answer but thats no the topic of discussion here. Here is the link to wikipedia where i found the answer.

I find that some people assume that science and religion are in conflict with each other. Medicine, they say, is based on fact while religion is based on faith. But after carefully reading the Bible, I am amazed at how much medical knowledge can be found in the Bible.

Allow me to discuss three examples, written before Christ’s birth that may convince you of the practical wisdom of the Bible.

Vegetarian Is Healthier

The first health advice can be found in the book of Daniel. The prophet is famous for being thrown in the lion’s den and escaping unharmed. But little do readers know that Daniel conducted the first scientific study when he proved to the King that a vegetarian diet is healthier that a meaty diet. Daniel presents his research proposal to the king: “Please allow your servants a 10 days’ trial, during which we are given only vegetables to eat and water to drink. You can then compare our looks with those of the boys who eat the king’s food; go by what you see…”

When the 10 days were over, Daniel and company looked better and fatter than any of the boys who had eaten the meaty food (Daniel 1: 12-15). Thus, Daniel convinced the king to adopt a vegetarian diet.

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that people who consume more vegetables are healthier and have lower blood pressures compared to predominantly carnivorous people. It’s funny how researchers had to spend a lot of time, money, and energy to arrive at Daniel’s same conclusion 2,560 years ago.

Avoid Fat and Pork

The second Bible advice is to avoid fat and pork. With no knowledge of how cholesterol clogs our arteries, Moses emphatically states: “Do not eat any of the fat of cattle, sheep or goat … You must not eat (pork) or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you (Leviticus 7:23, 11: 8).”

For doctors, it was only in the 1950s when the ravages of cholesterol came to light. If you browse medical journals, the latest warning is remarkably familiar: Avoid fatty foods, especially pork and beef fat (bad cholesterol).

Be Clean and Avoid Infections

If the first two examples can be attributed to a prophet’s luck, then the third advice is simply incredible. Is it possible that Moses already knew about disease-causing bacteria two millenniums before any human eye saw them with a microscope? This appears to be the case when Moses warned that anyone with a skin sore should be isolated for seven days. The sick person is to burn his clothes and clean himself thoroughly. Moses gives a lengthy discussion (like a dermatologist) on what type of rash is clean or unclean. Then the high priest, acting like a doctor, will see the isolated patient every week until the sore disappears (See Leviticus 13).

What makes Moses’ pronouncements so astonishing is the fact that it was only in the 1880s, when scientists began to accept the germ theory, that bacteria caused disease. Before this time, doctors could not explain the numerous infections and deaths they encountered after operating with their bare hands. How could Moses have known that invisible particles caused disease and that burning and isolation prevented its spread? Unless, of course, he had some heavenly inspiration.

These are just three of numerous health tips I will leave for you to discover in your readings. Here are a few more to get you started:

1) A little wine is beneficial but not too much (1 Timothy 5:23, Psalm 23:20-21).

2) Don’t put infection-prone tattoo marks on your bodies (Leviticus 19:28).

3) Reduce stress by not worrying (Matthew 6:25-34) and resting on the Sabbath day (Leviticus 23:3).

Trust God with Your Life

Finally, there is one advice, unheeded yet by science that is the essence of the Bible — the power of faith and prayer. God asks us to trust Him completely, and He will take care of all our needs including our health, finances, and career. Could this be the secret to a long and fruitful life?

In a classic case, the elderly King Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. Despite his frail health, Hezekiah prayed earnestly and God granted him a life extension, saying: “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add 15 years to your life (Isaiah 38: 5).” And just like that, the king lived 15 more years.

Trust Your Doctors, Too

But lest we be misunderstood, patients must also seek the benefits of modern science and follow their doctor’s advice. Doctors are an extension of God’s healing hand, as the Lord Himself tells us to seek a good doctor and to trust him: “Honor physicians for their services, for the Lord created them; and their gift of healing comes from the Most High (Sirach 38: 1-2).”

As you can see, religion and science are not really at odds with each other. It is just that God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Let those who have eyes, see. Over 2,000 years ago, God already gave us the blueprint for a healthy life, written in the holy pages of the Bible.

50 ways to lose weight

2011-04-11T21:09:00.003-04:00

Make small changes and lose big weight

Stop!! This is not a sales pitch or some weight loss program that's going to ask for $100 for the secret of our master plan to help you lose weight. Believe it or not there are people out there that are not over weight and maintain their weight without a second thought. Listed here are 50 Life style changes that can be made to help you achieve your goals.

Before you start on any weight loss program I want you to stop and think about a couple things first. In my years of helping people achieve their weight loss goals at the Sudbury Laser Health Clinic, there are a couple similarities that occur between clients.

Number one, sit down and make a list of the reasons you want to lose weight. Now sit back and re-read those reasons. How many of those reasons are emotional? E.g. “I want to lose weight because I feel unattractive, depressed, feel lazy or I feel unhealthy, I can’t breathe when I walk up the stairs. These are all emotional reasons. Yes! Wanting to be healthier is an emotion, it’s fear. The problem is our emotions change very frequently and as our emotions change so does our reasons for wanting to lose weight, thus is the reason for breaking diets or weight loss program.
Think of it, how many times have you bought some weight loss product because you thought it would get you to your goal much faster? They sold you the product through sheer emotion. Two weeks later the product is sitting under your bed collecting dust and a year later sitting in your annual yard sale.

You need to make changes in your life. Small changes at a time. It is said it takes 21 days to build a new routine. Yes 21 days. I want you to pick two small changes such as morning exercise (100 jumping jacks) and drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water a day. Completing 100 jumping jacks every morning is not the important part rather building a daily routine. If you feel you can only accomplish 25 or 50 , then get them done. After the 21 day mark you can now start to push your self to do a little more. It’s a manipulation process. When you feel you are ready to take on another step then come back to this page and pick another step that suit your life style.

Here are 50 different steps that can be taken.

Morning Makeover

1. Wake-up workout when your eyes open, sit up slowly without using your hands. With legs straight out, lean forward until you feel a gentle stretch in your back and hamstrings. Hold; then, using your abs, lower yourself flat. Rest and repeat two more times. Strengthens core. Now get out of bed and try to do 50 to 100 re-bounders or jumping jacks before even getting dressed, This will boost your energy levels and your metabolism before even eating breakfast.

2. Go for the grains: Try sprinkle on a few tablespoons of wheat germ or oat bran on your cereal. Try to Work up to adding 3/4 cup of low-sugar whole-grain cereal with at least three grams of fiber per serving, and pass on that Danish or bagel. Try using 1% milk.

3. Add some protein The more you eat earlier on, the less you eat as the day wears on. Try adding a high protein snack between breakfast and lunch. Try alternating between a hard-boiled egg, almonds, yogurt or a part-skim mozzarella cheese stick to keep you feeling full -- and away from that pre-lunch brownie. Saves 200 (or more)

4. Balance booster While you brush your teeth, alternate standing on one leg as you switch mouth quadrants (every 30 seconds). Balancing develops your core muscles and may even be good for your brain. Burns 10

5. Be a ballerina As your coffee drips, stand sideways, put one hand on the counter, and lift the outside leg straight out in front of you, keeping it extended. With upper body straight, hold for a few seconds and move it to the side; hold and extend it behind you. Do five to ten times on each leg. Tones outer thighs, hip flexors and quadriceps. Burns 10

6. Coffee saver Instead of pouring that 1/3 cup of half-and-half (a whopping 105 calories!) into your mug, replace it with the same amount of 1% milk. “I Know, I know, don’t touch my coffee”, but believe me, slowly diminishing the sugar and cream out of your coffee, you will soon acquire a new taste and you’ll learn to love it. Saves 60

7. Push your steps Buy yourself a stepometer and count your daily steps if you’re not hitting your daily 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day start to push a little more each day till you get closer. Knowing is better then not knowing.

Nine-to-Five Fixes

8. I have a sit down Job Then get rid of the chair. Place your chair in another room for 30 to 60 minutes a day. You may squat at you desk or pace while on the phone. Standing while typing isn’t that comfortable so tilt your screen upwards and find a way of supporting your keyboard at a higher level.

9. Snack smarter Portion out the day's snacks into pint-size zip bags, or buy single-serving portions. For example, four regular Oreos have 200 calories versus the 100-calorie snack bag version. Saves 175 (over two snacks)

10. Casual day payoff You will blast more calories during the day wearing comfy clothes like jeans or khakis, sport shirts and soft-soled shoes than donning constricting suits, skirts and heels. Why? Because you walk more, a study found. Now you just have to convince the boss. Burns 25

11. You know squat! At your desk chair, pretend you're going to sit but don't -- stop and come back up without using your arms. Always start squats by lowering your hips, not bending knees forward, and keeping your weight on your heels. Repeat the motion throughout the day (even at the potty!) for 15 to 20 total. Strengthens quadriceps. Burns 15

12. Switch your soda It would be nice to get rid of carbonated drinks altogether, they are addicting and a poison to your body, NO Diet Soda are not ok! You are teaching you mind that drinking a can of sugary substance is ok. Trust me the less you drink the better it is. The fact that you feel you need that one drink a day is a problem….. Try switching to water and eating fresh fruits at the same time. Saves 300

13. Talk it up Every time you grab the phone, stand up and pace around. Heavy people sit on average two and a half hours more per day than thin people, according to the Mayo Clinic. Burns 50 or more
Around Town

14. At lunch, pick a pita Use one mini whole-wheat pita instead of the usual two slices of white or refined wheat bread for your sandwich. Try having a vegetarian wrap to avoid processed meat, It’s different but very refreshing and doesn’t give you that gross stuffed feeling afterwards. Saves 70

15. Get face time We use e-mail so much we've forgotten what our co-workers look like. Pick a colleague or two who sits farthest from you and deliver 10 of those daily messages in person. And go out of your way: Hit a bathroom or a copier on another floor -- and take the stairs, of course. Burns 100

16. Firm as you file Pause from your papers with a few wall push-ups. Place hands wide at shoulder height against the wall. Take a couple of steps back so your body is at a slight angle and your weight is on your toes, and do three sets of 10 push-ups. Strengthens chest and triceps. Burns 10

17. An apple (or more) a day They're packed with fiber and water, so your stomach will want less. Plus, studies out of Washington State and Brazil have shown that people who eat at least three apples or pears a day lose weight. Try two small apples and two fewer large cookies. Saves 100

18. Try a simple chair workout
Dips: If your chair has wheels, brace it against something. Facing forward, place palms on the front edge of the seat with knees bent at a right angle. Lower butt toward the floor; raise and repeat for two sets of 10. Tones triceps. Burns 10

Lifts: Seated in a chair with your back straight and your feet on the floor, squeeze knees together and gently bring them toward your chest. Do two sets of ten. Strengthens abdominals. Burns 10

19. Carry some weight When you're grocery shopping or running errands, wear a backpack with a 5-or 10-pounds inside to increase resistance and burn more calories. Come on now, you might feel silly but your children do it every day. Add purchases to your load as it becomes easier. Be sure to properly strap it on not to hurt your back. Burns 20 (for an hour of errands)

20. Tweak your treat Instead of a large coffee and chocolate donut, start using the word SMALL, Get a small coffee and ask the person behind the counter what type of healthy snacks they have, the selection may surprise you and they may mention something you may enjoy. Try a small low-fat raisin or carrot muffin. Saves 340

21. Pump at the pump Instead of fuming over gas prices, think about firming your calves: With one hand on your car, stand on the balls of your feet and slowly rise up and down for as long as it takes your tank to fill -- for an SUV that might be 50 raises! Burns 10

22. Do the pizza If pizza is the choice. Then make it a healthy choice try patting your slice with a napkin to cut anywhere from a teaspoon to a tablespoon of grease -- and calories. Saves 50-100

23. Shop till the pounds drop At the mall, try on at least ten outfits, in 5 different shops both pants and shirts. No need to buy! Burns 60

24. Eat like a kid You don't have to give up that quick lunch if you order smaller portions: Instead of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and large fries, opt for the cheeseburger Happy Meal. You can even play with the toy. Watch how satisfied you feel 20 minutes later without the bloating or guilt. Saves 390

25. Recharge yourself Anytime you're waiting in line, stand evenly on both feet, clasp hands behind your back and squeeze shoulder blades together to open your chest, an energizing yoga-based move that stimulates the nervous system. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds while slowly breathing in and out, taking longer on the inhale. Burns 5

On the Home Front

26. Push the stick Every day you should be going for a walk. A good way to motivate your self is by taking a stick with you and sticking it in the ground. Next day walk to your stick and move it 20 to 30 feet

27. Use better butter No, you don't have to give up the real deal -- instead of a tablespoon of stick butter, use a tablespoon of whipped and cut half the calories. Stay away from margarine. Saves 30

28. Step on it Before you lug those backpacks upstairs, stop and stand on the bottom step for these calf toners. Hold the banister with one hand. Bend your right leg and place the toes of your left foot on the edge of the step. Let your heel drop down, press into the ball of your left foot and rise to your toes. Pause; repeat with each foot for 8 to 12 reps. Burns 10

29. Start with soup Order a clear soup instead of a salad soaked with two tablespoons full-fat ranch and you can save twice the calories. Plus you'll feel fuller, so you'll eat less when the entrée comes. Carful with the sodium make sure it homemade. Saves 100

30. Stretch your dinner Do you feel tire after dinner and just want to nap? Try stretching. learn yoga or just sit on the floor with your legs crossed and stretch in all different directions. Burns 10

31. Make perfect pasta Substitute whole-grain pasta for semolina and you'll be satisfied with a smaller portion (1.5 ounces instead of 2). Saves 50. Or use the same amount of oat-bran pasta. Saves 90

32. Climb up! Taking the stairs for a total of just two minutes, five days a week, gives you the same calorie-burning results as a 20-minute walk. Burns 100-140

33. Fill up with fruit Like pie? Here's how you can cave to the craving: Sprinkle fresh fruit -- some cut-up apple, pear or a handful of cherries -- with some Splenda or Equal, cover and nuke for a minute or so. Tastes just like pie filling. Saves 275

34. Have your cake Pick up an angel food cake for dessert. It's packed with air and has fewer than half the calories of, say, pound cake. Saves 70

35. Ease into evening Sitting with feet uncrossed, grab your wrist and raise your hands above your head to lengthen the spine. Take a deep breath in as you reach and hold the position, breathing slowly in and out for 20 seconds, taking longer on the exhale. Instant relaxation. Burns 5

36. Get your chocolate fix Instead of a candy bar, try a sugar-free, reduced-calorie Jell-O chocolate pudding snack with a squirt of nonfat whipped cream topping. Eat it with a baby spoon to savor it longer. Saves 185

37. Crunch for your clicker The average half-hour TV show has eight minutes of commercials. Make reaching for the remote control worth it: Place it out of reach on the coffee table or, if you're lying down, on the opposite arm of the couch. Every time an ad comes on and you reach for the remote, crunch until the show comes back on; you should reach 100-150 or so. Tones abs. Burns 24

38. Lift those hips Before you tuck yourself in, lie on your back on the floor with your legs up on the edge of the bed or a chair. Slowly bend your knees, lifting your hips off the floor. Hold for five seconds, relax and repeat 10 to 12 times. Firms up hamstrings and core. Burns 10

The Weekend

39. Sing a song Spend Sunday morning belting it out in the church choir. Burns 70 per service

40. Make it bacon At the diner, order three slices of crisp bacon instead of two sausage links, and pat off the extra grease. Saves 90

41. Move it, Soccer Parents! After every quarter of the game, get up from the bleachers and take a lap around the gym or field. Four or five times around a typical one is about a mile. Burns 75

42. Movie time Most people eat 45% more popcorn from large-size containers, so make sure you get only a small and skip the butter, which adds more calories than the popcorn itself. Bring your own seasoned salt or Parmesan cheese for more flavour. Saves 350

43. Orient yourself At Chinese restaurants, be sure to avoid anything named General Tso or Crispy, which means fried. Eat only the filling of the egg roll and not the shell. Saves 400-500

44. Catch this! Spend a half-hour tossing a ball or Frisbee with your kid. Burns 90

45. Cut the cheese Order your pizza with half the cheese or even cheese-less, and then sprinkle with a few tablespoons of Parmesan. Saves 100

46. Have a hot dog! Pile on the pickles, onions and sauerkraut -- these fiber-packed condiments will fill you up and prevent you from eating a second dog. Skip the cheese and chili. Saves 250

47. Think about your drink Consider beer or wine instead of a frozen drink: A glass of regular beer has 140 calories and a serving of wine has 126 calories, while a strawberry daiquiri has about 300 and a margarita 340.There are many drinks you can find online that have very little calories maybe I’ll even post a list on my blog. Saves 150-200

48. Fix your fries Rather than asking for medium fries, get a salad replacement or split the fries with your partner. (8 to 9 rings). Saves 60

49. Scream for sorbet Indulge in chocolate sorbet instead of chocolate ice cream. Saves 125

50. Make whoopee Instead of a bowl of ice cream as a bedtime snack, have a robust tussle with your spouse. Burns 300

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Focus on gratitude, not craving a cigarette

2009-12-29T00:30:00.000-05:00

With the new year holiday upon us, we prepare for a day designated solely to focusing on abundance and gratitude. Many of us, however, lose sight of the meaning of the holidays and become swept up in the activities that surround them instead.

We're consumed by where we're going, what we're eating, when we'll start shopping , and so on. With the distraction of all the festivities, we forget what we're there for in the first place.

Gratitude is a powerful force. When we truly focus on the things for which we are thankful, we alleviate (or at least minimize) the worries and strife that we carry throughout so much of life.

When thinking about the benefits of not smoking, whatever they are for you, it's impossible to simultaneously, in the same moment, be thinking about missing the cigarette. Although cravings may surface, when you choose to think about the blessing of longer life, feeling healthier, saving money, smelling clean and fresh, and not having to stand in the cold to smoke, you can quickly shift to feeling gratitude for being smoke-free.

I want to challenge you this new year to take your gratitude to a new level. Expand your awareness to not only include the joys of the holiday traditions, but to also keep focused on gratitude for the gifts in your life, however big or small they may be. See how that focus then impacts your desire to smoke and how you manage cravings. I'll look forward to reading what you discover.

Have a safe and happy New Years!

Why do you want to quit tobacco?

2009-12-23T16:21:00.000-05:00

In talking with people like you about becoming smoke-free, everyone seems to have their own motivation to stop using tobacco. The main reason seems to be for health, whether it's facing an immediate illness or wanting to avoid the risks down the road.

Some of you aren't as concerned with your own health as with that of loved ones. For example, pregnancy can be a strong motivator for women to quit smoking. When it comes to family, I hear a lot of parents expressing concern for the example they set for their children, so for them becoming a non-smoker is part of being a good role model. I've even heard some people express concern for their pets' exposure to secondhand smoke.

For others, the incentive is financial. With the rising costs of maintaining a tobacco addiction, coupled with the current economy, many people would rather put their money someplace more useful or rewarding than in their ashtrays.

I'd like to hear more about what's on your mind. What are the things, people or circumstances in your life that make becoming a non-smoker important to you?

Honoring of self-promises

2009-12-23T16:16:00.001-05:00

Taking on the process of becoming a non-smoker requires making a very deep commitment to one's self. I think one of the greatest lessons we can learn in life is the honoring of self-promises.

We often take more seriously our commitments to others — our families, spouses, employers, children, friends, and even our pets. I know many people find it easier to "keep their word" when they have someone else who's relying on them or holding them accountable.

What about your self? Isn't your self — you, the person you are with all the time, every day of your life — worth making promises to and then following through with them? What happens each time you break your word to yourself ... how do you feel afterward? How does it make you feel when you do follow through on your self-promises and succeed in meeting your goals?

Undergoing the evolution from being a "smoker" to becoming a "non-smoker" requires making that deep commitment to your self. It is important to support your self through this time of transition, with patience, empathy and dedication.

Imagine encouraging your self through this change process, just as you would help any loved-one through a challenging time. Passionately pledge to your self that smoking is no longer an option in your life and that your primary focus is on your health and prosperity. Find ways to hold your self accountable as you make the choices that will bring you to your goal. This will strengthen your resolve to become and remain smoke-free.

What are the areas in your life where you're able to honor self-promises? Where do you succeed with relative ease? How can you apply some of those tactics to stopping tobacco use? I look forward to reading your comments and hearing your thoughts.

Selecting your smoke-free date

2009-12-22T12:01:00.000-05:00

"Quit date" "Goal date" is the phrases most commonly used to refer to the day one plans to stop smoking. I encourage you to focus on having a "Quit date," the day you reclaim your life. By setting a date for your self you get the ball rolling and build confidence

The day you begin your smoke-free life is the day you start to regain those things you've sacrificed for the cigarette: time, money, intimacy, smelling good, excellent health, freedom. This is what you want to focus on when you plan to make new choices that don't involve smoking.

So how do you identify a good date?

It's important to know yourself, your triggers, your responses to being without the cigarette and what you can do to manage them, and who will support you along the way. Consider the following:

Is it better for you to stop smoking on a work day? Or on a day off?

Is there anything particularly stressful that you anticipate happening on or around that date?

Who are the people you will spend time with on your first smoke-free day?
How will you keep yourself occupied?

What are specific alternatives you plan to use in response to each trigger?
Have you spoke to one of our experts to book an appointment?

Try to be as specific as you can when making your game plan for the first few days and weeks of being smoke-free. The main thing to remember is to set yourself up for success as you make the transition to becoming a non-smoker for good.

Please share your tips for success.

2009-12-21T22:19:00.001-05:00

Quit smoking after January 1 2010 and you could win a new car in the driven to quit challenge. link found on our home page.