Monday, March 25, 2013

The Mystery Disease

Unfortunately, there are those moments where the doctor misses the mark and a disease can go undiagnosed while the patient's health continues to worsen. The problem lies with the symptoms which are similar to other diseases and while they are ruled out - a very real problems still exists. Needless to say, the treatments and therapies are most often ineffective.

Here is a disease that many are unaware of and it really needs to be one that is highlighted among the awareness campaigns. Cushing's disease stems from a tumor or excess growth of the pituitary gland. The symptoms include:
•Round, red, full face
•Slow growth rate in children
•Upper body obesity,thin arms and legs

Chondra Hungeford and Sharmyn McGraw both women lived a healthy life. However, as they watched in horror, the changes in their bodies, they also struggled to get a handle on this disease. Take a moment to listen and learn more about this disease.





Learn more of Cushing's Disease and what causes the disease, symptoms and treatments.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Healthy Habits Healthy Homes.........

Seems like it was just yesterday when I was a little girl having fun in my very own land of make believe. In my land, I was all grown up, married with children - a boy and a girl. I played with my dolls and pretended that they were my children and I would go through great lengths to give baths, dress and feed my babies (pretend food). In my land of make believe, my babies were fed cakes, cookies, ice cream, candies, chips and all the tastiest snacks as if it were a never ending, all you can eat buffet.

However, in my real world, I was raised with the morning ritual of taking the cod liver oil in liquid form which was absolute torture as it gave me the shivers every single time. One A Day vitamins were also a part o the daily routine. Most importantly, we were served the healthiest breakfast choices. Our house was filled with fruits for snacks, 100% Fruit Juices, yogurt the real original no fruit mixed smelly yogurt, nuts and grains. Cakes and ice cream were treats that would come on birthdays or after a Sunday dinner.

As a child who was raised in a home where healthy foods were emphasized, I looked forward to my adult life where I would one day be able to eat whatever I wanted. Before you knew it, the time had come where I was able to make my own choices. I became a mom and for some reason, I just could not stray too far away from my dietary habits. My children had to take their vitamins which were flavorful, chewable and made in their favorite cartoon characters. They had the cod liver oil capsules. The yogurts were plentiful with a variety of fruit flavors and the breakfast was mostly healthy choices. Incredibly enough, they love salads, whole wheat bread, vegetables, fish and fruits with a great appreciation.

Here I am now well beyond my dream of becoming a mother. Now as a grandmother of Autumn and Theo, I can be confident that the healthy habits will continue with them. Autumn loves fruits, vegetables and at two years old, she would eat her salad as if it were a tray filled with desserts. Theo is only a few days old but it is only a matter of time he will also share in the healthy habits.

We enjoy eating desserts and snacks. We eat the pastas, the fried foods, the desserts. However, we are fortunate enough to have had a foundation that set the standards of eating healthy which is key in keeping us in line. One of the greatest things that my parents gave me, is a healthy start. No matter how much I may have resented it as a child, I am so glad that they did - it has made a difference in our lives. With the high rate of obese children who are now facing diseases that were once considered for adults or the elderly, it's time for parents to take control and make health habits for the home.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Are You A Sipper? Benefits of Tea Time

As a lover of tea, I find myself trying out the various blends of Lipton, Tazo, Tetley, Teavana, Celestial Seasonings, etc. My husband bought me a lovely case of teas (pictured above)which has a blend of teas from around the world. Le Palais Des Thés will be my next tea adventure, the case has a book enclosed that gives great details on the teas, their origin, the culture of the people who drink the tea and the benefits of the tea. I am so excited and I can't wait to tell you all about it.

My love for tea goes way back to my childhood days. My mother loved to drink tea. In fact, she stepped it up a notch by using the leaves from her garden. Lemon grass, Ginger root, Peppermint leaves and many more. She would tell me of it's medicinal purpose and I would listen in awe, just the thought that these leaves could in some way heal or cleanse the body was intriguing.



Have a headache, premenstrual syndrome, urinary tract infection, stressed, digestion concerns, etc.? There's a tea to help you. The following videos from my favorite wellness channel, Veria TV will explore beyond the pleasure of sipping your tea. It will give you some information on the health benefits of sipping a cup of tea.










Thursday, March 7, 2013

What Do You Know About It - Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (sometimes referred to as MS) affects women more than men. Although the disease is commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, it can occur at any age. Symptoms cannot be defined with absolute certainty because the location and severity of each attack can be different. There are moments when you may have an episode that can last for days, weeks, or months.

Did you know that there are environmental connections to this disease? There are certain areas in the world where MS is common within the population. In fact, Canada has the highest rates of MS in the world. The risk of having MS as a result of a family connection is not necessarily high. It could happen but the chances of having the disease is rather low.

The most important way to learn more about the disease is to listen to those who are affected by the disease. While you should follow your doctor's advice, it is also important to understand your body and make the necessary changes to get the best results possible. Former talk show host Montel Williams was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998. He has used his recognition to share the trials and triumphs of facing the disease. Take a listen to those who have been affected by Multiple Sclerosis.