2021 continues to be an “exceptional” year, in just about every conceivable way. From elections to epidemics, we’ve seen events and situations during this calendar year most of us have not seen in our lifetimes… and that most never expected to see. While it might be foolish not to acknowledge the unusual aspects of 2020, it’s important not to “give up” on the notion of normalcy in every part of our lives. Your family medical practitioners want you and your family to live as healthy and happy a life as you can. This means, of course, exercising the right amount of caution (without an overabundance of fear) with regard to some of the exceptional aspects of 2021 – such as the COVID-19 pandemic and our society’s reaction to it. But it also means maintaining a consistent approach to the regular habits that keep your family healthy and living a life of high vitality. Making sure to maintain your exercise routine… getting enough sleep… drinking enough water… taking your vitamins and being vigilant with personal hygiene… these are all important habits for the whole family. And, with the holidays (and their traditional feasts) approaching, it’s worth taking a renewed look at your nutritional needs, and those of the rest of the family.  

Are You Getting Too Much Junk… And Not Enough Energy?

Without a doubt, it’s been a stressful few months.  And when stress is high, some people and families tend to over-rely on the convenience of fast food and “junk” snacks when hunger pangs arise. Alcoholism and other addictions are on the rise, too, as people attempt to “self-medicate” through the most stressful times. Overeating is also more prevalent today.  You’ve heard the old expression about “eating your feelings” – it’s a real problem during times of high stress. Unfortunately, these problems tend to compound as the stress stretches out over time.  For instance, studies have shown that snacks high in processed carbohydrates tend to create cravings for themselves.  Remember the “No one can eat just one” ads for a national brand of potato chips? One drink too often leads to another… and when the family seems to enjoy a fast-food meal and the stress seems to diminish, it’s easy to make visiting the drive-through part of the family routine, rather than an exceptional event. But when you fall into a pattern of poor nutrition, it’s often hard to find your way back to the good stuff.  

Your Family Doctors Have Some Suggestions

Here are a few ideas to help you battle your way back to a “normal,” healthy diet for yourself and the family:  

• Try fasting.  If you can endure a water fast for even one day, the cleansing effects can be significant, and some of those cravings will diminish.  Many people report that the first few hours of fasting are difficult, but that the next morning, they wake with better energy and less desire for junk food or alcohol.  And if you can go two or three days, you might surprise yourself with how much good you can do for your body.

 

• Put yourself on a quota.  If you find it too difficult to cut out a favorite food or drink completely, try establishing a limit and sticking to it.  Some people find “trade-outs” effective, allowing themselves a “treat” as long as it’s accompanied by something healthy: a full glass of water for every glass of wine; a serving of vegetables for every salty or sugary snack.

 

• Keep a journal.  Many patients report that they had no idea how far they’d gone “off track” until they wrote down everything they ate or drank… often, patients have a hard time believing what (and how much) they’re actually consuming until they review a well-kept journal.

 

• Take junk food off the shopping list.  It can be powerful to run out of junky treats, and be left with nothing but healthy, nutritious food when the munchies strike!

 

• Supplement your diet.  You can go overboard with supplements and vitamin pills… but until you’re able to get back on track with a healthy diet, it’s not a bad idea to take at least one good multi-vitamin, and to make that a disciplined part of your daily routine.

  Call your family clinic for more great ideas.  Your personal family medical practitioners not only know what’s generally good in terms of health practices… they know you, they know your family, and they probably know what will work best for you specifically.  They want you to stay healthy, and that means keeping you and your family well (and properly) fed.

Counseling (sometimes called psychotherapy or talk therapy) is an intervention to help people who are experiencing emotional or behavior problems, or people who have a mental health disorder.  Counseling can help improve their mental well-being and engage interpersonal relationships in a way that facilitate the process of change. In most kinds of counseling, the person receiving treatment will talk with a trained therapist or counselor.  Counseling is more than just talking about your problems.  Counseling can teach you innovative ways to think about the situations that bother you and help you cope with your feelings.  It can help address your feelings of anger, fear, anxiety and panic.  Counseling can also give you tools to help fight depression, trauma, etc.  Some people may not want professional therapy or counseling because they have reservations about this resource, such as telling their personal business to a stranger; feel ashamed of their problems; or cultural generalizations that counseling is for the seriously mentally ill or crazy people only.  Don’t let shame and fear stop you from getting the help you need.  Good mental health is part of your overall health and well-being. Counseling can help address a variety of problems.  Some common reasons why people seek counseling include:  anger, depression; marital problems, infidelity, divorce or other relationship issues; stress and anxiety; career choice; grief, loss or bereavement; domestic violence or abuse; fertility issues.  If you are not sure if therapy and counseling are right for you, talk to your primary care physician or pastor.  They can refer you to a trained professional who can help with your problems.   You can also talk to trusted people who have benefited from counseling.        

Marital communication (and any two-way communication) is a process. What I have found in counseling couples is that it's not that couples don't communicate, but they don't listen. It is not enough to tell people to communicate when they don't know how to listen. Miscommunication can occur at any or at all parts of the process. Two key elements in effective communication are content and process. Content is the actual words used to convey a message. Process is how a message is said and how it should be understood in five parts: 1. A message from one person or group 2. Is sent in verbal or written form 3. To another person or group 4. Who receives the message 5. And understands its meaning in a certain way Broken and troubled communication occurs because of distractions and misunderstandings anywhere along the transmission of a message. For example, The message as constructed may not exactly represent the intention of the sender. The way it is sent may be poor or incomplete. The receiver may not be listening well. The understanding of the received message may be affected by the history, emotions, gender, and values filters of the hearer. SUGGESTIONS There are ways to improve the quality of one’s communication with their spouse. Genuineness, empathy and respect on the part of both the speaker and the listener are vital to improving communication between husband and wife. Here are some suggestions for effective conversation: 1. Spend More Time Talking. Studies have shown that many couples spend an average of only four minutes a day in meaningful conversations. 2. Don’t Allow Anything to Interfere with Your Communication.

• If you are overloaded with responsibilities, examine your commitments and determine what your priorities should be.
• Make time to communicate. Instead of filling your time with phone calls, television, shopping trips, sports, friends and other activities, spend time talking with your spouse.
• Don’t allow anger or bitterness to keep you from communicating. If you shut out your partner, you are doing yourself and your marriage a great disservice.
• Do not use text messages to replace conversations that should take place in person. Also do not use all caps letters to express your anger or prove a point. Calm down, step back and assess yourself.

3. Be Careful with Nonverbal Communication.

• Couples are constantly sending messages in person or via text, positive or negative, even when no words are being said. You must work effectively to control your negative communication.

For example, a man comes home from work and says nothing. He may be thinking that he is communicating respect in that he is not bothering his wife. His wife may perceive him as being cold. Another example is the shrug of the shoulders of a wife may be her way of saying, “I’m not sure,” but her husband may interpret it as, “I’m not very impressed by you,” or “These things are not important to me.”

•  Married couples must make every attempt to keep their intentions and their language clear.

4. End Poor Communication Strategies such as criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling (which is when one of the spouses shuts down and decides that he or she will no longer participate in the conversation). Communication is a skill, and it is also a gift to be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath. Couples need to remember that listening to their spouse is just as important as having their spouse listen to them.

Overview Home care is designed to help seniors with all their day-to-day needs while maintaining a senior's autonomy. It is a type of senior care that falls between senior independent living and a full-service nursing home. Seniors who opt for home care are well enough to maintain autonomy, yet they need some assistance with daily responsibilities.

Why Seniors Choose home care

Sense of personal independence Convenience and ease of daily life The joy of personal companionship Preservation of personal dignity Feeling of self-worth and importance

The Main Features of Assisted Living:

Personal care services, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing Supervision of medications Minor medical assistance Household chores, such as cleaning, laundry, and changing of bedding Preparation of meals Errand running, such as grocery shopping and medication pick-up Regular conversation and companionship Private living space Communal areas for socializing with friends, family and other seniors

  Difficult clients In carrying out our assignment we are supposed to bring change in the lives of our clients and customers. I look at the hair dressing industry and I see many changes.  Chemicals and treatments that are being used in clients’ hair continued to cause hair damage. As a result, several Afro American are going natural or wearing wigs or braids today. There are difficult clients in home care who need to be cared for regardless of how they behave and how severe the memory loss is. Yet like the hair industry there is little or no change in the way these clients are treated. Often times, these clients are moved from one Agency to another or the Aide is changed very often. Those in leadership fail to have an individualized plan for these clients. As I encountered a challenging case recently I began to think about what could be done differently. I responded with kindness to this client but was met with so much resistance. First the care giver failed to let me know what the client could do without help. This would have helped me tremendously.  Where I work currently I feed, guide and dress my client. I could not approach this client with the same technique. The next factor is that the caregiver set out a schedule outlining the different time and tasks for the day.  The client refused to follow. The fact that the client had nothing to drink or eat all night means that she may not need to use the bathroom at 9am. Upon waking up she was soaking wet and still got the opportunity to use the bathroom by 8am. Here the client genuinely has a reason not to cooperate. She doesn’t need to use the bathroom just yet. Another issue is that other Aides found her difficult to handle and they did not come back. It is evident that this client has gone through many aides and Agencies. As a result, she will not bond with someone new. Maybe, she is thinking that the new aide will leave as the others did. There may be other issues of trust, abuse, and or lack of compassion. However there is constant frustration on every side. Therefore time must be taken out to find an individualized plan for each client. One thing that I admired about this Caregiver is the fact that she had a system in place. First, she prepares three meals for the day. A schedule is made up with the time to eat, to take medication, bathroom visits and bedtime. The client starts the day with a shower and ends the day with wash up. In addition, a camera is in place to ensure that there is no abuse. Although this system needs some improvement it is workable. One other area that could be looked into is for equipment and or tools which would help this client to stand up. There are recliner chairs in the market that pushes the client almost in a standing position. In addition, there are grab bars, rails, Hoyer lifts and gaiter belts available. Another downfall is the fact that Aides are not treated properly. In a case where one is on the job for twenty four hours or longer provision must be in place to prepare and eat hot meals. Other issues were no lunch breaks, no comfortable seating, lack of adequate space for personal items and your person. These factors are some of the reasons Aides did not return. My process would be different as a CEO. As much as clients are an important factor in the business aides or workers are equally important. My workers must be treated with respect, have lunch breaks, adequate space and provision for hot meals. Before I send my aide into an environment certain things must be in place. This would be written up and re emphasized. There are rewards in home care that goes beyond money. When an Aide works hard to bring quality of life to clients and is appreciated that is a reward. Words like,” thank you,” a smile and or a squeeze of the hand means more to me than money. It means that my client is satisfied with my service.

Taking care of the elderly or senior care is a big industry in the United States. It is also a growing industry. Many adults will reach the age of 65 and over this year. Also, more than three quarters will need assistance in their homes, placed in a nursing home or some other facilities. There are various facilities that care for the elderly. These include but are not limited to assisted living, nursing home, home care to name a few. My emphasis is on home care. A senior who lives alone need someone to talk to, prepare meals, help with doctors appointment, run errands for grocery, take a bath, laundry and such like. Basically, you are assisting the client with activities of daily living. Other key factors in home care are safety and quality of life. My first job in this country was home care. Someone took a day off and allowed me to work in their stead. I was in it for the money and the hours were long, it was a 24 hr case also called a live in case. Later on I got alive in case for 2 months. At first I thought how the days were drawn out. I wondered how others did this kind of work. The patient could walk and feed herself so the job was not difficult. But it took me some time to adjust to the hours. Previously I worked as a School Librarian in a prominent High School in Jamaica. The salary was not rewarding but I touched the lives of many. Teachers, students, ancillary staff, those in the adjourning community quickly learned that they could receive help whether financially, help with lunch or bus fare or special discounts in copying documents. Also, students would receive access to certain reference tools. In addition, my office would be used to counsel and or minister deliverance to those who were oppressed by the devil. When I found myself in American in a totally different setting it took me some time to adjust. The culture was different and the role was certainly menial. The first thing I learned in the home care business was humility. Before, I never obeyed orders from anyone. Pride slowly left me but I was constantly angry at being observed by neighbors, through the windows and pop ups. I was in an Italian neighborhood. They trusted no one. I didn’t mind cleaning and cooking but I hated being watched and checked on. Above all, I hated to be categorized as a maid. The emphasis on personal care was not much basically I was a companion. At the end of each week I had $500 US and even though I sent money home I could save because I lived and worked on the job. The hours were long and there was no day off until my sister re enters the country for another six months. This was the only skill I knew and within six years I had done 3 private cases. One case was very rewarding. At first I worked very hard in organizing and cleaning which was my third hardest assignment ever. It was the dirtiest place I ever seen with piles of garbage, dirt, books and more debris. At the time I had no choice, because my sister just tricked me out of the first Italian job. I needed money and shelter. Even though the place was horrible I realized that I was working for a very wealthy and kind man. As I shared my love for gardening, I was able to help this gentleman move out of the mess into a Pent House on the East side. I along with his lady friend enjoyed the best of food, clothe and city life. Now I didn’t have to work, I only did gardening which I liked and went shopping. I was more of a companion. I received so much favor on this job that is too much to mention. The Lord had really blessed me and my family financially. I did not know the impact I had on this gentleman until his family told me. I was glad that the last six months of his life was the best. Although he was terminally ill and didn’t want to hear about my God, he was able to enjoy fresh air and quality of life. He gradually deteriorated, could not eat, or do the basic things like toiletry. I helped him through each process and made it pleasant for him. As I looked back, I realized that compassion was in me. Anyone could say that it was because he was wealthy why I treated him kindly. I can safely say that it was not true. For example, there were opportunities that he constantly spoke about, but I later realized I missed. He would ask if Dudley or I would consider doing a franchise. At that time I was more concerned about his health and wellbeing. I must make mention that the tasks that I engaged in such as gardening and heavy cleaning is not in the duties as a caregiver. This was done out of compassion and the need to bring quality of life. In fact, if you ask a caregiver to dust or clean she will tell you, “I’m not here for that.” After this client’s death, I was able to go back to school and started working for a  Home Care Agency. Many clients were rude and hard to get along with. Whenever I had a bad experience I would call my coordinator and request something else. Sometimes a client may be rude because of his experience with another Aide. In such a case I remember that I represent a company and most of all Jesus Christ and do right. Often times the client responds to the kindness. Home care is rewarding for me, in the sense that through compassion, I am able to change a person’s situation.  A client may want to go shopping instead of staying indoors all day. He may also take an interest in gardening which can give him some self worth. Whatever the need is each client is different and must be treated with dignity. As much as home care is rewarding there are challenges in it. There are those who will not trust you, others who will test you and some who will go into war with you. Regardless of the situation we are building a tabernacle and we must effect change. My aim, as a caregiver and CEO of SENIOR KARE INC is to bring quality care to those who have been assigned to me. In a changing world where money becomes the focal point I chose to use compassion and foster change in the lives of seniors. An individualized plan is essential as every client has different needs. In addition, human resource will be groomed, rewarded well and made accountability for services rendered.  

When you as a Christian realize that you or someone you love is in need of counseling, there are several issues that need to be addressed. First is the stigma that seeking professional help may bring. In certain Christian circles, professional help is viewed in a negative light, even when it is Christian. One has to see these counselors as a gift from God to bring His healing presence in your life. Second is the task of finding a competent counseling professional who will truly integrate their faith into the counseling process. Unfortunately, not everyone who claims to be a “Christian counselor” operates with a personal and professional commitment to Christ-centered soul care. In order for a believer to make a good decision about a Christian counseling professional, there are some important factors that need to be understood as well as the various options available to you. Most communities have a number of counseling resources. Churches may provide a pastoral counselor, a counseling professional who works out of the church; lay trained counselors or a particular support group. Professional counselors may be available in various settings, including private practice, clinics, government agencies, treatment centers, etc. When choosing the most appropriate counselor for you or a family member or friend, there are a number of factors that need to be addressed: The individual’s needs: How severe is the problem? Is it life threatening? Is the individual motivated to get help? The individual’s resources: The person’s finances, medical insurance, time, their family and other support systems all need to be considered. The church’s resources: Types of counseling that the church offers, what support groups they have, as well as funds to assist in paying for professional counseling. The community’s resources: What resources are available in the community? Are there competent counselors and psychiatrists available? In addition, are there community mental health services that are accessible to this person? TIPS FOR CHOOSING A COUNSELOR There are a number of things you need to consider before choosing a counselor: 1. Which type of counselor do you think would be best? Choosing between a pastoral counselor, lay counselor or a licensed professional is a choice you must make. 2. What is the payment structure? Does the counselor accept insurance payment and is he/she accepted by your insurance? Is there a sliding scale based on ability to pay? Does your church assist people who need counseling? 3. Is there a trusted person (pastor or friend) who recommends this counselor? 4. What kind of licensure or certification does the counselor have? 5. What experience does the counselor have in dealing with your specific issue? 6. Does it matter to you if you have a male or female counselor? Is it also important for you to know some things about what this professing Christian counselor believes and how that applies to the way that he or she practices their counseling? Psalm 1 declares that “Blessed is that man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly.” You may call the counselor’s office and ask some questions before you set up an appointment for counseling.

The United States is a culturally, ethnically, and racially diverse country. Culture shapes people's attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. Young people may find it difficult to talk to an adult from a culture or community different from their own. If you are counseling a young person with a cultural background different from your own, there can be additional challenges in communication. In some cultures, it is common to describe emotional distress using physical terms rather than emotional terms (e.g. complaints about stomach aches and headaches rather than anxiety or fearfulness). You may find it to be more effective to first establish a warm and trusting relationship with the young person's family, discussing strengths and interests about the young person, before sharing your concerns about the young person's situation or condition. Gain knowledge of the local services (clergy, layperson, mental health) that are effective with and acceptable to members of this person's cultural group before recommending where the young person can go for help. It is important to know about the different cultural and racial groups in your community and what makes these groups unique without generalizing. For example, when confronted with a mental health/behavioral challenge, Chinese Americans generally use family and community resources first and mental health services as a last resort. In addition, each family will have different acculturation experiences within each generation that will influence their approach to mental health services. It may be more effective for you to first ask what the young person would want rather than jumping to the conclusion that they want a therapist. Sometimes, a young person will be more comfortable talking to an adult from their own culture than to someone from a different culture. It is important, however, not to make assumptions about the young person's needs solely on their cultural background. Ask questions about what the young person needs rather than acting on the basis of what you think they need. Ask questions about what has happened to the young person rather than what is wrong with them. Remember that it is more important to make the young person feel comfortable, respected, cared for and heard than to do all the right things and follow all the rules.

Unhealthy marriages and divorces are so commonplace today that you may wonder whether a lasting marriage is even possible. Many have entered this institution without preparation to face the inevitable challenges that come with marriage. Unfortunately, according to recent statistics from wedding industry experts (a $1 billion dollar industry), more attention and money is given to planning a $50,000 six-hour wedding than investing time in laying a solid foundation through premarital counseling. Given the staggering statistics of divorce today and the far-reaching impact of marriage on society, more couples today are seeking premarital counseling to prepare them for the journey of marriage before they say “I do”. Premarital counseling is a service rendered by a professional counselor or trusted clergy person who journeys with the man and woman who are seeking wise counsel in making lifelong decisions. This involves commitment, work, patience and time on the part of all parties involved. Premarital counseling will assess the couple’s family-of-origin history (ethnicity, upbringing, medical, mental, religion/spirituality, etc.), strengths and weaknesses; identify expectations and needs that are important in a marriage, and other relevant topics such as career choices, living arrangements after marriage, financial management, choosing where to serve in ministry, and how to grow spiritually together. One of the benefits of premarital counseling is giving the relationship the time needed to develop properly. Counseling may be unsettling and painful at times as new truths are revealed, confessions are made, vulnerable conversations are fostered and the discomfort of change occurs, which may make or break the relationship. In practice, the woman is more of the interested party than the man to participate in premarital counseling. I have observed some men to be very reserved and prefer that their personal business is not discussed in the open. Although couples come in with their mind set on their upcoming wedding and to fulfill their church’s requirement, most have found that there were more issues to work on than they anticipated. As a marriage and family therapist, I remind couples not to rush the process of counseling but engage both of them in healthy conversations to look at issues that beset them such as emotional baggage from the past, learn how to listen well and view situations from the other’s perspective, just to name a few. Whether a couple is newly engaged or have known each other for many years, premarital counseling can prepare them to build a strong foundation and experience a great marriage that goes the distance.

Pineapple Juice Is 5 Times More Effective Than Cough Syrup Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. It fights infections and kills bacteria. The juice from fresh pineapples can suppress coughs five times more effectively than cough syrup. One cup of pineapple juice contains nearly 50% of the daily requirement for vitamin C intake. This helpful nutrient works to implement the use of vital enzymes within the body that regulate metabolism and energy conversion. Pineapple juice also contains high levels of manganese, a mineral that predominately helps form healthy connective tissue and bones. Manganese works to absorb more calcium, metabolize carbohydrates and fats, plus increases regular nerve function. Some bromelain appears to be absorbed by the body intact, so it's also thought to have effects outside the digestive tract. In fact, bromelain is often marketed as a natural anti-inflammatory for conditions such as arthritis. It's one of the most popular supplements in Germany, where it is approved for the treatment of inflammation and swelling of the nose and sinuses due to surgery or injury. If you have one of many types of persistent coughs and it's not something more serious like pneumonia, reach for pineapple juice instead of cough syrup. It’s less expensive, has no toxic chemicals and contains the nutrients that will help fight a cold. Drinking pineapple juice helps soothe a sore throat and aids the body to expel mucous easily. Thick and stubborn mucus in your lungs or sinuses can cause seemingly endless spasms of coughing, sneezing and painful infections. In a study published in "Der Pharma Chemica" in 2010, researchers attempted to find beneficial treatments for patients who have tuberculosis, an infectious disease often caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. As part of their studies, they discovered that a mixture of raw pineapple juice, pepper, salt and honey given to patients every day helped to dissolve the mucus in the lungs. In a subsequent study, research found that raw extracts from pineapple could decrease mucus five times faster than over-the-counter cough syrups. Patients recovered 4.8 times faster and exhibited a decrease in all symptoms related to coughing, especially hacking. Most of us do not need additional sugar in our diets, so look only for natural unsweetened pineapple juice and stay away from canned. If you can juice the pineapple yourself, that would be far superior to any store bought. Pineapple Cough Suppressant Recipe - 1 cup of fresh pineapple juice - 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice - 1 piece of ginger (about 3 inches) - 1 Tbsp raw honey - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Combine all ingredients and take 1/4 cup, 2-3 x/day and repeat recipe daily.

A Healing Miracle For Burns BURNS A young man sprinkling his lawn and bushes with pesticides wanted to check the contents of the barrel to see how much pesticide remained in it. He raised the cover and lit his lighter; the vapours ignited and engulfed him. He jumped from his truck, screaming. His neighbour came out of her house with a dozen eggs and a bowl yelling, "Bring me some more eggs!" She broke them, separating the whites from the yolks. The neighbour woman helped her to apply the whites onto the young man's face. When the ambulance arrived and the EMTs saw the young man, they asked who had done this. Everyone pointed to the lady in charge. They congratulated her and said, "You have saved his face." By the end of the summer, the young man brought the lady a bouquet of roses to thank her. His face was like a baby's skin. A Healing Miracle for Burns: Keep in mind this treatment of burns is being included in teaching beginner fireman. First Aid consists of first spraying cold water on the affected area until the heat is reduced which stops the continued burning of all layers of the skin. Then, spread the egg whites onto the affected area. One woman burned a large part of her hand with boiling water. In spite of the pain, she ran cold faucet water on her hand, separated 2 egg whites from the yolks, beat them slightly and dipped her hand in the solution. The whites then dried and formed a protective layer. She later learned that the egg white is a natural collagen and continued during at least one hour to apply layer upon layer of beaten egg white. By afternoon she no longer felt any pain and the next day there was hardly a trace of the burn. 10 days later, no trace was left at all and her skin had regained its normal color. The burned area was totally regenerated thanks to the collagen in the egg whites, a placenta full of vitamins.

Offering a myriad of health benefits, Coconut Oil is affordable, readily available and completely natural. I use it for EVERYTHING. Literally. I buy it in 5 gallon increments and keep it all over my house. I even have some in the car. So here is a little information to inspire you to check out this amazing oil! Coconut Oil Is: Anti-bacterial (kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum diseases, and other bacterial infections) Anti-carcinogenic (coconut oil has antimicrobial properties so it effectively prevents the spread of cancer cells and enhances the immune system) Anti-fungal (kills fungi and yeast that lead to infection) Anti-inflammatory (appears to have a direct effect in suppressing inflammation and repairing tissue, and it may also contribute by inhibiting harmful intestinal microorganisms that cause chronic inflammation.) Anti-microbial/Infection Fighting (the medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found in Coconut Oil are the same as those in human mother’s milk, and they have extraordinary antimicrobial properties. By disrupting the lipid structures of microbes, they inactivate them. About half of coconut oil consists of lauric acid. Lauric acid, its metabolite monolaurin and other fatty acids in coconut oil are known to protect against infection from bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi and parasites. While not having any negative effect on beneficial gut bacteria, coconut oil inactivates undesirable microbes.) An Antioxidant (protects against free-radical formation and damage) Anti-parasitic (fights to rid the body of tapeworms, lice and other parasites) Anti-protozoa (kills giardia, a common protozoan infection of the gut) Anti-retroviral (kills HIV and HLTV-1) Anti-viral (kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other viruses) Infection fighting Has no harmful for discomforting side effects Known to improve nutrient absorption (easily digestible; makes vitamins and minerals more available to the body) Nontoxic to humans and animals Daily Dosage: Here is a chart outlining the recommended daily dosage of virgin Virgin Coconut Oil for persons over the age of 12. Coconut oil may be consumed by children under 12 but it is advisable to check with a healthcare practitioner on the proper dosage. Any good naturopath will have the information at the ready. (Starting at 12 months of age, I gave my daughter one teaspoon per day and she weighed about 16 pounds at that time.) Weight in pounds/kilograms Number of tablespoons of coconut oil daily 175+/79+ 4 150+ /68+ 3 1/2 125+ / 57+ 3 100+/ 45+ 2 1/2 75+ / 34+ 2 50+ / 23+ 1 1/2 25+ / 11+ 1 Type of Coconut Oil to Use: Virgin (unrefined) coconut oil tastes and smells coconutty and is great for cooking and baking where you want that flavor. You can use it for anything but it will impart a coconut taste (mild) and odor (pleasant in my book)! Unrefined coconut oil retains the most nutritional value and is superior to refined oil. Expeller pressed (refined) coconut oil can be used for anything. It does not have a coconutty smell or taste. It is still outstanding to use but does lose some of it’s health properties during the refining process. Food grade should always be used. 160 Uses for Coconut Oil Coconut Oil for Personal Hygiene/Body 1. Age Spots (also known as liver spots) – applying coconut oil directly to the age spot will help it fade. 2. After Shave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores. Great for razor burn! 3. Baldness – apply three times a day to affected area of hair loss. Coconut oil supports cell regeneration. 4. Birth Marks – can be used after a laser removal treatment to aid in healing. Can also be applied after an apple cider vinegar treatment to help support and aid the fading process. 5. Body Scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell. 6. Bruises – applied directly to the bruise, Coconut Oil enhances the healing process by reducing swelling and redness. 7. Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process. 8. Burns – apply to burn site immediately and continue applying until healed. Will reduce the chances of permanent scarring and promotes healing. 9. Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection! 10. Cradle Cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily. 11. Dandruff – coconut oil soaks into the scalp moisturizing dry skin and relieves symptoms of dandruff. It also helps to control oil secretion from the scalp, another leading cause of dandruff. 12. Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda! 13. Diaper Salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers. 14. Exfoliator – coconut oil mixed with sugar or sea salt is a very nourishing and effective exfoliator and safe to use all over the body. 15. Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening. 16. Face Wash/ Soap – mix equal parts coconut oil with olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil and castor oil and use in place of soap when washing your face. Wet face, rub oil in and leave on for two minutes, rinse and pat dry. One teaspoon should be adequate. 17. Hair conditioner/ Deep Treatment – use as a leave-in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of Coconut Oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight. 18. Hair Gel/ Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair). 19. Healing - when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy. 20. Lubricant – it is an all-natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex! 21. Makeup Remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works! 22. Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub! 23. Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face. 24. Mole Remover – when applied after an apple cider vinegar compress for several weeks, moles have been known to “slide off” or just disappear. 25. Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings. 26. Oily Skin Fix – prone to oily skin or an oily T-zone? Use a pea sized amount underneath makeup or alone to reduce the appearance of oil. 27. Pre Shampoo Treatment for Hair – rub a little into scalp and hair before shampooing. This is especially useful for those with course or frizzy hair. 28. Pre-Shave – coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving. 29. Skin Problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. 30. Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help. 31. Sun Burn Relief – rub liberal amounts of coconut oil into the affected area. 32. Sunscreen – see my post on natural sunscreen for more detailed information. 33. Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days. 34. Tattoo Healing and Moisturizer – continued use of coconut oil on tattoos will help keep the pigment from fading. Used on new tattoos, coconut will hasten the healing process and decrease the chance of infection. 35. Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush. 36. Wrinkle Prevention and Wrinkle Reducer – rubbing coconut oil on winkles and sagging skin helps strengthen the connective tissues to bring back that youthful look! Coconut Oil for General Health and Wellness 37. Breastfeeding – for breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich the milk supply. 38. Bones and Teeth – coconut oil aids in the absorption of calcium and magnesium leading to better development of bones and teeth. 39. Digestion - the saturated fats in coconut oil help control parasites and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around. 40. Energy Boost – coconut oil boosts energy and endurance making it a great supplement for athletes as well as those needed a quick pick me up. 41. Fitness - coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat while increasing muscle. 42. Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose making it great for both diabetics and non-diabetic. 43. Lung Function – increases the fluidity of cell surfaces. 44. Nausea – rub some coconut oil on the inside for the wrist and forearm to calm an upset stomach. 45. Nose bleeds – coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme heat and extreme cold. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with Coconut Oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding. 46. Oil pulling with coconut oil offers a two for one health benefit! 47. Stress Relief – relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level. 48. Vitamin and nutrient absorption 49. Weight loss - the saturated fats contribute to weight loss and controlling cravings. Also increases metabolic rate. Coconut Oil for Health Problems (when taken internally it is known for aiding, preventing, relieving or even curing these health issues) 50. Acid reflux/indigestion aid if taken after a meal 51. Adrenal fatigue 52. Allergies (seasonal hay fever) 53. Alzheimer’s/Dementia 54. Asthma, even in children 55. Autism 56. Bowel function 57. Bronchial Infections 58. Cancer (has been shown to prevent colon and breast cancer in laboratory tests) 59. Candida Albicans 60. Cholesterol – improves HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) to LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol 61. Chronic Fatigue 62. Crohns Disease and resulting inflammation 63. Circulation/feeling cold all the time 64. Colds and Flus 65. Constipation 66. Cystic Fibrosis 67. Depression 68. Diabetes – helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings 69. Dysentery 70. Eczema – in addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, but some don’t 71. Edema 72. Energy boost 73. Epilepsy (known to reduce epileptic seizures) 74. Fever Support 75. Flaky, Dry Skin 76. Gallbladder disease and pain 77. Gas 78. H. pylori 79. Head Lice 80. Heart Disease (protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis) 81. Hemorrhoids (can applied externally or internally twice a day) 82. HIV 83. Hot Flashes 84. Hyperthyroidism 85. Immune System Builder 86. Irritable Bowel Syndrome 87. Jaundice 88. Kidney Disease 89. Kidney Stones (aids in dissolving them) 90. Liver Disease 91. Lung Disease 92. Malnutrition 93. Mental Clarity 94. Menstruation Relief regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow 95. Migraines (with regular use) 96. Mononucleosis 97. Osteoporosis 98. Pancreatitis 99. Parasites 100. Periodontal Disease and tooth decay 101. Prostate Enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) 102. Rickets 103. Skin problems 104. Scurvy 105. Stomach Ulcers 106. Toenail fungus 107. Thrush 108. Thyroid Function (regulates an overactive or underactive thyroid) 109. Ulcerative Colitis 110. Underactive thyroid gland – results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming normal after ingesting Coconut Oil daily 111. Urinary Tract Infections (Bladder Infections)

Dementia is a term for a range of illnesses. The most common type is Alzheimer’s disease, in which brain cells deteriorate through the buildup of protein. Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia and is caused by problems in the supply of blood to brain cells. About 75% of people who are diagnosed with dementia will have either Alzheimer’s or vascular, or a combination of the two. There are other kinds of dementia which are less common. They include Huntington’s disease, alcohol related dementia and HIV/AIDS related dementia. Although there are many different forms of dementia, they all share the commonality of progressively damaging the brain. Symptoms include serious memory loss, losing track of time, getting lost in familiar places and changes in behavior. Additionally, people with dementia are likely to lose their ability to reason clearly or make decisions. With the right help and support, most people with dementia can go on living at home and enjoy a good quality of life for a long time. Early on in the illness, many people may need help such as reminders and memory aids, and help with managing money or making decisions. Later, they will need increasing amounts of help with their daily activities. They will need a lot of help with activities of daily living later on. The activities of daily living include eating, bathing, dressing, and toiletry. In most cases, dementia is progressive and degenerative. The care needs of people with dementia increase as the disease progresses. The progress of the disease is broken into three stages; mild, moderate and severe. In mild dementia, a person might have difficulty making decisions and coping with complexities in their work or hobbies. Also, they may have problems remembering to pay bills or keep appointments. At a moderate stage, the person with dementia may have increasing difficulty recognizing family, friends and familiar places. More help is needed in their daily activities. The person behavior and personality may change. This can range from the embarrassing, such as inappropriate outbursts, to hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behavior. In the later stages the disease affects more functions of the brain, and problems of memory and every day activity become severe. Communication can become challenging and the person’s physical activities are increasingly affected. These diseases also have a significant effect on a person’s caregiver. Care givers can become worn out and frustrated by the extreme behavior of the client. Many times the client refuses to cooperate with the care giver. For people affected and those who care for them many measures can improve their lives. Cognitive and behavioral intervention may be appropriate. Also, educating and providing emotional support to the caregiver is important. In addition, exercise programs are beneficial with respect to activities of daily living. Globally dementia affects thirty four million people. Economically it cost 604 billion USD per year to treat. About 10% of the population develops the disease at some point in their lives. The disease becomes more common with age. Three percent of people between the ages of 64 – 74 have dementia. In addition, nineteen percent between the ages of 75 – 85 are affected. Finally, nearly half of those over the age of eighty five have this sickness. Although there are no cures, much can be done to ease the impact of the illness, and to maintain the best possible quality of life for those affected. It is important for people with dementia that their interests, skills, and normal life are supported and maintained for as long as possible. Also, they should be able to make choices, even if it is limited and their rights should be recognized. 1 Roth, t al. (1998) CAMADAX, “The Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of the Elderly.” Cambridge University Press.