1+1=10 When You Have RSD

One plus one does not equal two in the case of PMS and RSD. Like two moderate drugs that when mixed together create something one hundred times more potent, I dread this time of the month almost as much as this Miami-dweller dreads the cold (which will be here soon, meh). EXTRA PAIN, anxiety, irritability, hot flashes, the sweats, pure exhaustion, muscle aches... reminiscent of the flu on steroids call for lots of snuggling with my pup and fistfulls of chocolate (and raweos), but a "Law and Order: SVU" marathon doesn't hurt, either.

Class starts this Thursday, and my field placement starts this Friday. Oh lordy, wish me luck!

In the meantime, enjoy some cute baby pictures!

Product Review

Hemp Organic natural lip color is 100% certified organic and INCREDIBLE! If you are looking for a lip balm with a hint of color, declared "lip tints," for office days or to add a little color to your face on the way to your favorite natural market, this is the lip balm for you. My favorite color is "love," but there are several to choose from.

They carry other products, too! Enjoy looking natural, beautiful, and HEALTHY with these non-toxic, beautiful lip glosses. They are available at the Whole Foods near me so have a look before you buy online.

You can purchase them here:
http://www.vashonorganics.com/CategoryProductList.jsp?cat=Shop+By+Brand%3AHemp+Organics

Oh Boy

Something strange transpired last night as I was perched in my bed saying my evening prayers around 10:00PM. Just after the "Law and Order: SVU" theme song ended, which I was particularly excited about watching before sleep, my television mysteriously shut off with the remote nowhere near me (I had placed it on the desk next to my bed after turning on the TV). If that wasn't enough to spook me, Law and Order's theme for the evening was basically a bashing of holistic medicine that had my blood boiling, and I started to wonder if the universe and powers that be did not want me watching it and getting all torked up before bed???? Strange... those things usually don't happen to me, although, for years, I was a "non-believer" and not open to seeing any signs from above.

While almost nothing makes me more excited than catching a "Law and Order: SVU" rerun that I have never seen, this episode was basically government propaganda bashing holistic medicine and praising the "citizen oriented, non-money grubbing" (yea friggen right) FDA and Big Pharma... Whaaaaaaaat?!?!?! I kid you not... Great job, big business, for slipping in some of your lies and propaganda into America's favorite television shows continuing to brainwash citizens into blindly following your ideals and not encouraging individuals to think for themselves and take an active role in their health care.

Universe, I wish I listened to your message, because that show was maddening.

As for me, I have an appointment with my rheumatologist this afternoon, and I will most likely be repeating some bloodwork to see if the plaquenil has made a difference.

You Don't Want To Miss This

Naturalnews.com: http://www.naturalnews.com/026905_cancer_chemotherapy_cancers.html

Children who receive chemo are three times more likely to suffer from cancer AGAIN as adults. No shocker there since chemotherapy is a very high concentration of toxins... perhaps the medical field should broaden its horizone, especially in the way it treats cancer, but it couldn't hurt to evolve in several different ways.


And, a great post on choosing love from crazysexylife.com:
http://crazysexylife.com/2009/the-lovetarian-diet/

It really works, I promise! Choosing love over fear opens your mind up to a whole load of miracles to be worked, but you must be an active part in creating these miracles. Nothing good comes from fear, and everything good comes from love.

A Love Of Learning

I heard the door bell ring this morning, but being home alone, I decided not to answer it since I wasn't expecting anyone (my mom beat the fear of strange men into my head). What a treat to notice when my mom and I came back from our local farmer's market... my texts books have arrived! Yes, I am that nerd that reads her text books early, but when you are in graduate school for your passion, there is nothing better than learning, especially without any deadlines for the next week before classes begin. Declaring myself "clinical" second year is wonderful because I can specialize my courses to enroll in all of the "mental health" sections. For example, everyone is required to take a Policy II course, but mine is specifically in mental health.

My energy is good, very positive, and my diet is even better, so I see a great school year up ahead, and with my field placement 15 minutes from home and as a group therapist for the mentally ill and chemically addicted, I see myself enjoying this year much more than the last. Running my "wellness group" should be a blast, and I can pass along my knowledge to clients, most likely, hearing it for the first time. I will be their advocate, but, also, an advocate for holistic health, as I always have been.

I'm off to crack open my "Mental Health and Social Policy" text for the first time! I love learning and broadening my horizons! My mom has referred to me as a "professional student" before, and I agree. I am a student of life, soaking it alllll in.

Have you learned something new today?

Ummmm.... I Die!

"Raweo" cookies have received much acclaim in the raw food world of blogging, so yesterday, I figured I would take the plunge and order some off of the internet this week. Imagine what it was like for me to walk into my favorite natural market this afternoon, much to my delight, to see a brand new display of "Raweo" cookies! I picked up a pack and ate two on the way home from the doctor in my car. Holy Raw Heaven!!!! They are absolutely incredible and have totally lived up to the hype! Made from soaked almonds, cashews, coconut, honey, vanilla bean, and carob dehydrated, so it is a 100% raw treat, these little cookies really rocked my world. Perhaps they will be taking the place of my vegan cookies? I think so, because they hit the same spot that regular cookies do, but they are much more nutritious and can aid in healing. Who knew?! A cookie to aid in healing?!?! I must have died and gone to raw heaven.

Juicy Slices Of Heaven

When I think of summer as a kid, a summer staple that always pops into my head is watermelon, and as August comes to a close, it is time to highlight this tasty, cooling, nutrional summer treat before the heat gives way to falling leaves. Watermelon is loaded with cooling properties, is a great way to hydrate, whether you eat it or juice it, and is loaded with lycopenes, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and many many more incredible, healing nutrients. There has also been some talk about watermelon acting as a viagra substitute for men, if you know what I mean ;-) Jokes aside, this juicy summer treat seems to taste too glorious to be THIS good for you, but the truth is, it's packed with healing properties. So, load up because summer is coming to an end before you know it (I say with disdain)!!! We have been buying organic watermelons from the farm down the road and will be passing it tomorrow on the way to the doctor. I see another watermelon in my future!

I have been enjoying taking my vibrant pup to the dog park and meeting lots of new dogs and dog owners while I watch Shorter run around like a maniac. It's great for me to be able to do something with him, since RSD doesn't leave me with many options these days. Thankfully, I have my dad and fiance to take my pup for long runs :-) Lucky me and lucky Shorter.

Fun Friday And Eating High Raw In Grad School

Another fun Friday with the baby and the love of my life came and went, leaving behind some great photos as evidence. As you can see above, Addie sat still in her Elmo chair and polka dot feet pajamas while I read her a bedtime story, obviously, about Elmo, too. I'm big on matching themes... After story time, Pat decided he wanted Addie and I to come for a ride with him while he picked up a frozen pizza at food town, so we each took a hand and walked Addie through the giant foodstore while she screamed and laughed with joy and onlookers "oooohed" and "ahhhhhed" as we ran by. She had a blast, and we did, too, watching her enjoy herself with such delight.

I have been eating extremely high raw lately, incorporating one cooked food into my day, which has usually been in the form of a small vegan muffin, a piece of a vegan cookie, some steamed veggies, or a modest portion of pasta made with spinach and artichoke flour. I'm a fan of vegan pastry delights! Some of you may be wondering how I eat high raw when I am out of the house all day, which is a timely question since grad school and field are starting again. It's a simple answer... I pack all of my food in several containers, place them in a Whole Foods shopping bag, and drag them around with me. It can get pretty heavy, and I appreciate having Pat around to carry it for me! He's so wonderful! Annoying? Yes, it is annoying, not packing my foods, but HAVING to pack my foods because I cannot count on raw, organic, vegan cuisine when I am out with the masses, especially on campus (my field placement is 2 minutes away from my favorite natural market that caters to raw vegans!!!!). It only takes an extra 15 minutes in the morning, and it really isn't a big deal, which I hope is getting the point across that it is possible to eat healthy, vegan, and raw when you have a real, busy life.

Exciting!

If you haven't checked out crazysexylife.com, the holistic healing community founded by "Crazy Sexy Cancer's" Kris Carr, than you really must. The 8,000+ member community has grown trememdously since I first joined a year and a half ago, and its monthly newsletter featuring mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional healing news goes out to each member featuring an "inspiring testamonial" each month. Guess what! I am the inspiring testamonial this month! Have a read!


"At twenty years old, I was running for a division one university. I began experiencing some unusual pain in both of my legs. Three years later, when I could no longer stand up for more than a few minutes, I was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, a progressive neurological disease. A day before I headed into NYC to have an experimental procedure done, I went to Best Buy to find a neat documentary to watch in the hospital. That is when I came across Crazy Sexy Cancer, and after I watched Kris battle her illness with a raw, vegan lifestyle I decided I would try it too! Obviously, the procedure did not work, and it was AWFUL! When I was discharged, my parents bought me a juicer, and I have never looked back. I took matters into my own hands and changed my diet, incorporated meditation, prayer, and other spiritual practices including yoga. A year after my diagnosis, I am healthier than I have EVER been, even with this disease. With this lifestyle as a supplement to my pain medications, I have evaded a wheelchair AND received a 4.0 GPA in my first year of graduate school (for social work). I am by far beating the odds. Not only has this lifestyle affected my physical health, and those obvious benefits like better skin, hair, lessened digestive issues, amongst other treats, but it has also positively affected my mental health because it has empowered me again in the face of a disease that is uncontrollable and has no known cause or known cure. Thank you, Kris Carr, and the Crazy Sexy Life community!!!!"


I'm packing up all of my food and juices to go spend the rest of the day with Pat and the baby. Happy Healing!!!!

It's That Time Of Year!!!!

A local farm 5 minutes from my home run by a sweet, elderly couple is overflowing with organic produce right now!!!! My mom and I have taken the quick trip twice in three days packing away organic cukes and green apples for juicing, cherries, nectarines, pears, white eggplants, DELICIOUS watermelon, and many, many more perfect organic produce specimens. I'm like a kid in a candy store!!!!! Today, I grabbed a bucket of their organic, homemade granola made with every nut and seed you can think of and rolled oats. It looks fantastic. I'm typing this with a big bowl of cherries beside me, sharing every few juicy bites with my pup. Glorious summer... It feels great to support local, organic farmers :-)

Juicing For Health

Here is a wonderful, easy to navigate and read website on juicing if you are new to the idea:

http://www.healingdaily.com/juicing-for-health.htm

Remember kids, we need to eat 1 pound of raw veggies per 50 pounds of body weight a day for optimal health. That means I would need about 2 pounds of raw veggies, and a great way to get them in with optimal absorption is through juicing. Personally, I add raw, nutritious fruits in to the 2 pounds, but depending on your condition/illness or reason for changing your lifestyle, you may want to stay clear of certain or all fruits (ex. cancer).

Happy juicing!

Juice It Up!

Here's a great article on juicing from naturalnews.com, "juice It Up."

http://www.naturalnews.com/026881_health_cabbage_cherries.html


My favorite juices consist of celery, cucumber, green apple, kale, and spinach. I have at least 16oz a day if not more when I have the time, energy, and am close to my juicer. Yay juicing! My mom helps me out, too, making it even easier for me to get in those miracle working green sips!

To answer your question, Amber, yes, I do use a juicer and juice the veggies myself. That way you are sure to only have the good stuff in your juice. If you get green juice substitutes in a bottle, it's not raw, so you are losing a lot of those live enzymes and you never know what junk they add in to give it a shelf life. You'll want to drink your juices immediately if you can to get the benefit of live enzymes, but you will still get the nutrients if you have to juice ahead of time and wait to drink it. Feel free to ask any other questions if you are curious. I am here to help!

Follow The Mainstream If You Want To Die Early And Sick

I'm watching Oprah today coaching overweight teens with her "dream team" of doctors and nutritionists on how to choose the right foods to create health. Personally, and I know a lot of others who agree, I feel most of the information America and these kids are being seduced by is false and the opposite of healthy, especially when "high quality protein of eggs and bacon" is suggested over fruit, nuts, and seeds for breakfast (with a green juice). Have these people even heard of The China Study???? The focus is on calories and sugar instead of on what these foods, especially animal proteins, do to the body. "Lean proteins" are being suggested over dark green veggies and eating according to the colors of the rainbow while excitotoxin dense foods are given the thumbs up. I give mainstream nutrition a big fat thumbs down.


I have gripes about alcohol, too, so look for an upcoming post highlighting the sickening societal need to binge drink while ignoring the work your poor livers have to do to metabolize so much junk... not to mention the total acidity of alcohol and what that does to create an environment for disease to flourish. Thankfully, my fiance and I have gotten beyond that stage of developmental experimentation, but some never do and continue to put their bodies through unnecessary abuse.

Happy, Healthy, Eco-Friendly Sipping!

Keep Cup: http://www.keepcupstore.com/servlet/the-Small-Cup/Categories

I Am Not A Paper Cup: http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?itemId=17308&9gtype=search&9gkw=i%20am%20not%20a%20paper%20cup&9gad=3273891627&9gag=1003401687&gclid=CIaytvHG0JkCFQ6jagodyV_Stg

BPA Free, Kid Safe Sippy Cups: http://www.growgreenbaby.com/product_p/kibtss-x.htm


Customize Your Water Bottle: http://www.cafepress.com/designer/sigg/

Precious Moments

I've really been experiencing some wonderful days and precious moments as the summer is coming to a close and grad school nears with each passing minute (I made a deal with God... if he heals me, I will go straight through and get my Ph.D.). I've never said "screw RSD" more than I have been lately, and believe me, I will heal myself with god's and the universe's help and my strong will, and I will live a breathtaking life. I think I already do :-) Stay tuned!

In two weeks, I will be back to the grind, but in the meantime, days spent with my loved ones, especially Pat and the baby, have been like the air I breathe, vital to my existance and connecting the physical world with my inner being. The little doll is working her baby booty off learning to stand and walk on her own, tirelessly holding your hand and running in circles strengthening her muscles and tendons for the day she takes off on her own. For someone who is not a "child person," I could have never predicted how much I love and care for her. She is part of my family now, and I love her unconditionally.

Speaking of working your butt off, I have been working my cutie lil' booty off taking in extra green juices, supplements, especially antioxidants, and a raw, vegan, very clean diet, hoping to detox from any and all excitotoxins in my system and to HEAL! I think it is time.

Enjoy the baby pics!

Why Are Smart People So Ignorant? Parts 1 & 2.

"Why Are Smart People So Ignorant When It Comes To Health, Vitamin D, and Vaccines?" from naturalnews.com.

(Part 1) http://www.naturalnews.com/026843_health_food_nutrition.html

(Part 2) http://www.naturalnews.com/026851_nutrition_health_cancer.html

Hazy Days Of Summer

The balmy August heat has arrived in New Jersey, and my legs and my hairy puppy are not jumping for joy as the humidity is steadfast in its quest to take over the last few weeks of summer before grad school begins again. If it wasn't for RSD, I would be 100% excited to begin again because I love higher learning, which is why I always saw myself with a Ph.D. teaching and doing research at a research based university some day (perhaps the University of Miami!). RSD brings up a whole new world of anxieties into any goal attainment, but with the love from my support system and support from a school who understands my disability, I am sure I will be fine. My plan is to do field from 8:30am-4:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, and take two classes on Thursday, which will leave me with one day to do the doctor visits. My plan is to finish my field hours for good this year by taking less classes, and then finish up my leftover classes next year with field behind me. Hopefully, I can manage this :-)

I have been taking a break from doctors, doctors, and more doctors while I have been getting ready for field. Sometimes, we just need a break.

My girlfriend and I went to see a psychic for fun Sunday afternoon, and she told me the same things the last psychic told me, but she sees a happy, healthy, "fairy tale" life for me and that I just have to believe God will heal me and he will. She doesn't see this illness in my future. I can groove with that :-)

Off to an evening massage! Oh, right now I am reading "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills." The way in which excitotoxins effect the cell is very similar to the explainations of what happens to cells with RSD, especially concerning calcium and the need for calcium channel blockers. Look into it, people!!!!

The FDA Sucks

I have no faith in the FDA. Read this article from naturalnews.com and you may lose faith in the "rogue federal agency," too:

http://www.naturalnews.com/026822_mercury_the_FDA_mercury_fillings.html

Shorter Is Green

I feel the need to give a shout out to this eco-friendly, all natural site for pet supplies: http://www.pawlux.com/

I just purchased some natural ear cleaner, a natural shampoo bar, and an eco-friendly dog toothbrush for Shorter. What a lucky, earth friendly pup!

The China Study

Although I have been using diet and nutrition in my wellness journey for close to two years now believing whole heartedly that diet has the ability to prevent and cure disease moreso than anything Western medicine has to offer, I just got around to reading The China Study, a revolutionary text based on sound, peer reviewed scientific evidence that animal-based diets cause disease, such as all cancers, auto-immune disease, and heart disease, and plant-based diets create health. I finished the close to 400 page book in two days. Simply, I just could not put it down because it was everything I believe and know in my heart wrapped into a tiny, scientific, bible-like package that I can now present to others when they criticize my lifestyle choices instead of defending my position time and again until I am blue in the face. Once you read this text, your world will change. Knowledge is power, and if you want health, you need to get rid of your emotional ties to certain foods and eat in a way that promotes and sustains health and prevents disease. I've cheated here and there, especially when out with the status quo getting a cup of joe to wake up this med head (a common scene for a grad student on opiates) and there is no soy milk, or my preferred un-sweetened coconut milk, to go around, but no more.

I could go on forever about this text and what it represents, but at the same time, I am left without words because of how astounding the evidence is. You need to read for yourself, and the sooner you do, the better off you will be.

Meatless Monday

Check out these astounding facts about how meat consumption is destroying our planet and join CrazySexyLife.com in their "Meatless Mondays" for those of you who still consume animal flesh.

http://www.meatlessmonday.com/the-math-behind-meatless-monday/

Inspirational Self-Healing Quotes

"Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food." - Hippocrates


"Bad men live that they may eat and drink, whereas good men eat and drink that they may live." - Socrates


"If you are not your own doctor, you are a fool." - Hippocrates


"The rest of the world lives to eat, while I eat to live." - Socrates


"Nature itself is the best physician." - Hippocrates


"Nothing's changed my life more. I feel better about myself as a person, being conscious and responsible for my actions and I lost weight and my skin cleared up and I got bright eyes and I just became stronger and healthier and happier. Can't think of anything better in the world to be but be vegan." - Alicia Silverstone




I find it quite intriguing that Hippocrates was so fixated on food as medicine and the healing powers of the human body, but Western medicine has deviated far from its father's beliefs.... Go figure.

I've been doing some research on DHEA deficiency and RSD, so I picked up a DHEA supplement to try. Give it a google.