Naturally Living

Live Music

2009-05-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

We just arrived back home from Safety Harbor's Third Friday Music Series. Every third Friday of the month, the city of Safety Harbor closes Main Street in the heart of downtown and host this free event. The event includes live music, vendors, street performers, delectable food choices and beverages, including alcohol. The merchants along Main Street participate by offering samples and treats along the sidewalk. The vendors are numerous, varied and include homemade soaps, candles, artwork, pottery, jewelry, eco-friendly products such as recycled handbags, clothing and pet products.

Food vendors included BBQ, Thai, Greek, Italian ice, pizza, candied nuts, knish, hot dogs, lobster bisque, crab delicacies and wings. Beer and wine were also being served, as well as various other specialty drinks. After picking up a delicious beverage, my children and I spread a blanket on the grassy lawn to enjoy the live music of the evening. Tonight was a folk type band that mixed the tunes up a bit with some blue grass and even included a song by Jim Morrison. The evening was perfect as the sun set over the horizon.

Safety Harbor is a beautiful, quaint town with a touch of innocence. Most events hosted by the city are free and are always a treat. Each third Friday features a different band with their own sounds. I have personally heard Celtic, Reggae, Rock and Jimmy Buffet style music on various third Friday evenings. The festivities last from 6-10 PM and the event is family friendly. Children are running around, laughing and playing, while parents enjoy some social time. We enjoyed ourselves immensely and look forward to the next third Friday in Downtown Safety Harbor.

Here's to your Happiness!
ClearSkies

Mother's Day in Paradise

2009-05-11T21:43:00.000-07:00

For Mother's day this year, we visited Rainbow Springs up in Dunnellon, Florida by Crystal Springs. The springs and surrounding area are simply breath-taking. The water temperature is a perfect 72 degrees Fahrenheit, which may seem too cold, but on a hot Florida day, the temperature is perfect. Personally, I like to wait until I am too hot to handle and jump into the crystal clear water, swim around a bit, let the minerals envelop my body and emerge from the cool water, refreshed and exhilarated. After a few minutes, my body starts to warm back up and I feel totally relaxed and at peace with the world as I bask in the rays of the glorious sun. Once I warm up, I do it all again. After a few hours of this ritual, I am ready for a long nights rest. I slept like a baby last night and loved it. Today my skin feels smooth and I feel tranquil.

My children loved the nature excursion and were quiet the whole drive home, which was about 2 hours for us. What a rare treat to have a quiet two hour car ride with three children in tow. The best Mother's Day gift ever!

Rainbow Springs park has canoe/kayak rentals, hiking trails, huge grandfather oak trees and magnolia trees, waterfalls and beautiful flora and fauna. Parking is free and admission is $1 per person over three years of age. Picnic tables abound if you arrive before 11 AM and rolling hills of grass are ample for blanket laying and sun bathing. Everyone brings coolers of refreshments, grills are provided and a refreshment stand offers additional provisions.

Rainbow Springs is one of the hidden Florida Wonders and a must see for everyone.

Here's to your continued happiness!
ClearSkies

Flower Moon

2009-05-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

As my toddler and I drove over the bridge from Clearwater to Tampa tonight, the full moon was rising over the bay. The moon was pregnant with fullness and light of an orange color. The brightness radiated over the calm water and cast a beautiful hue of salmon color into our eyes. We pulled off on the side of the road, as did many other motorists to bask in the wonder of nature. My son was mesmerized, eyes gleaming and a large grin across his chunky little face.

In goddess traditions, the full moon represents the mother in all her glory. This is the power of love and on the eve of Mother's Day, what a glorious gift she has bestowed upon the children of the earth. As the flowers are blooming this time of year, Mother Moon shows us the light of love is everywhere, if we only stop and see. She guides us to complete our projects with creativity, energy and abundance.

This month of May is known as the Flower Moon from the Native American tradition of naming the full moons by the season. Perhaps this is yet another reason to honor mothers with the gift of flowers, which represents the beauty of growing and blossoming in life. Mothers guide us, love us, support us and honor our path no matter how different from their own. Unconditional love is a mother's love.

Remember to love yourself as a mother loves a child.

Here's to all Mother's!
ClearSkies

sources: http://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names
Circle Round, Raising Children in Goddess Tradition by Stawhawk, Diane Baker and Annie Hill
Photo Courtesy of: http://www.pdphoto.org/index.php

Native People

2009-05-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

I have a special place in my heart for the Native American people. In the spirit of Naturally Living, I feel that as a culture, the Natives of our country embody living naturally. Recently, NPR did a piece called "For Native Americans, Old Stereotypes Die Hard", which refers to the depiction of Native Americans in society. Native Americans have been made a mockery in social, political and media circles.

Also of note is PBS's series titled "We Shall Remain", which is a must see. Log onto the link and watch all five episodes. The documentary covers the following: After the Mayflower, Tecumseh's Vision, Trail of Tears, Geronimo and Wounded Knee. The treatment of the Native Americans has been nothing short of a holocaust in my opinion. Watching the history of what has occurred would go far to educate our society on the Native people of our country. The importance of education cannot be understated. The knowledge of other cultures allows us to accept those different from our own as well as having understanding, compassion and empathy. The spirit of the American people is strong and able to rise up from any adversity or persecution. Native American people need to be respected and revered for the wonderful contributions they have made. Furthermore, they need to be honored for their spirit and drive to survive.

Here's to Honoring Others!
ClearSkies

Hormone Free Children

2009-04-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

I receive periodic emails from the Food and Water Watch. This group helps keep citizens informed and united to encourage the government to take appropriate actions in order to protect the people of the United States. Most of the issues deal with public health concerns or social issues as it relates to food and water.

Recently, I received an email to participate in the campaign to bring hormone free milk to our country's children. The children of our society are served milk via school lunches and breakfast programs. During 2005-2006, approximately 430 million gallons of milk were given to our Nation's children (National Milk Producers Federation). Much of this milk was not free of artificial growth hormones.

Artificial growth hormones in milk can lead to significant health issues in our children. Some of the health concerns are long term such as cancer. Our children can also be affected by developing and maturing too quickly due to the abundance of growth hormones in our food supply. In order to ensure that hormones stay out of school provided milk, send a note to your elected represented regarding the Child Nutrition Act. As the saying goes, "it takes a village to raise a child", so even if you do not have school age children, you can make a difference in our society by taking action and protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

Buying organic milk will send a clear message to milk producers that consumers want hormone free milk. The Food and Water site has a list of hormone free dairy providers for your individual state. Be proactive in your quest to live naturally!

Here's to your continued health and well-being!
ClearSkies

Caprese-Yum!

2009-04-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

After a workout at the YMCA, while my daughter had piano lessons, I came home and prepared a light dinner. I love insalata carprese, one of my all time favorite foods. The herbs I planted a few weeks ago are doing well in the pots out back. We have cilantro, basil, Italian parsley and garlic chives. What a wonderful treat to clip fresh herbs whenever I need them for salads and cooking.

Tonight I prepared a tasty insalata caprese, with fresh tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil from my potted herbs, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I slice the tomatoes thin and then top them with sliced buffalo mozzarella and basil leaves, sprinkled with salt and pepper and drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Caprese pairs well with a crusty baquette to soak up all the oil and vinegar. Sometimes I will have a fresh green salad and marinated olives to make the meal complete.

Living Naturally is simple and easy, especially when preparing summertime favorites. With the days getting longer, mealtime can be easy and light, which gives us more time to enjoy the outdoors. What I relish even more is sharing the meal with those I love in the outdoors before the weather gets too unbearably hot.

Here's to your continued health!
ClearSkies
Photo courtesy of: http://www.pdphoto.org/index.php

I feel the Earth move under my feet!

2009-04-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day!

We celebrated Earth Day by playing at our favorite park, Philippe Park, in Safety Harbor, FL. We played near the Indian Mound and breathed in the wonderful breeze coming off the water. Philippe Park is encompassed in ancient Oak trees, which feels like being embraced in the strong arms of a grandfather.

Anytime we need to connect with the Earth, we pay a visit to Philippe Park. Pinellas County has information about the park, as well as a virtual tour on their site. Visiting Philippe Park is a truly beautiful experience.

Here's to your Earth Day!
ClearSkies

Self-powered Transportation

2009-04-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

One of the best modes of transportation in my opinion is walking. I love to walk to places I need to go. With all the cars on the road today, it is a lovely break to be able to walk. I walked to the bank today, which seemed like a long walk of about 10 blocks one way, but I enjoyed it. My 3 year old and I walked along and saw a baby bird learning to fly, which we would have missed had we been racing by in our car. My son found a grassy knoll to run up and down numerous times which gave him a total thrill and I was able to relish in his pleasure as well.

As we walked along, my toddler's legs became tired and he decided to hop in the stroller which I had been pushing empty all along. We made it to our destination and performed our bank transaction and headed back home. The sun was setting and there was a cool breeze in the air. As I proceeded home at a quick pace, I noticed my son was no longer moving about, as he had fallen fast asleep. Apparently, the walk, with it's joyous adventures and cool evening air had tired him out. This was the easiest he had fallen asleep in many nights. Ah, the joy of naturally living and living in the moment! What a wonderful way to end the day!

Here's to your Naturally Living Moments!
ClearSkies

Pickin' and Grinnin'

2009-04-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

My children and I met with up with our fabulous friends yesterday for our annual tradition of strawberry picking at an organic strawberry farm in Dover, FL. The experience was perfect with a backdrop of horses eating strawberries out of the kid's hands and dogs running around frolicking with the children. Moms and dads were busying themselves with picking strawberries in the field, complete with sunhats and glasses. Toddlers were running up and down the strawberry rows with red strawberry juices dripping down their chins and onto their shirts.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at Jordan Farms. The owners are friendly and have now expanded to include numerous vegetables as well. The organic vegetables included corn, broccoli, green beans, beets, cabbage, lettuces, squash, cucumbers and herbs. All the vegetables were u-pick except for the squash and cucumbers, which had vines that could easily be trampled upon by feet. The neighboring farm had blueberries for sale as well at the trailer upon checking out.

The Tampa Tribune published an article recently about Jordan Farms. If you are interested in experiencing the joy of organic strawberries that you picked yourself, go visit Jordan Farms. Call the owners and see how the berries are doing before you go:

Ron and Cherri
Jordan Farms
3243 MOTT RD
Dover, FL 33527
813-478-0844

We are thoroughly devouring our strawberries, blueberries, cucumbers, lettuces, cabbage, green beans, radishes and broccoli flowers. I made a beautiful salad last night and packed the kids fresh picked berries in their lunches. When I met my children for lunch at school today, my daughter proudly displayed her berries that she and her family picked to her friends. The smile on her face said it all!

Here's to your continued health and happiness!
ClearSkies

Emotional Freedom

2009-04-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

A close friend of mine is a practitioner of EFT, which is Emotional Freedom Technique. It is a wonderful approach to releasing those powerful emotions that can cause stress, depression and anxiety. EFT has also been used to treat physical ailments and disease. Children can benefit greatly from EFT and parents can apply the techniques themselves. EFT is described as a needle-free version of acupuncture, as it uses the bodies acupressure points to help release emotional patterns. EFT can be used to assist you in many areas of your life. I once used it to overcome anxiety related to my shoe breaking right before an important meeting. I was able to laugh about the event instead of stressing.

There is an official Emotional Freedom website where you can download your own manual and learn the techniques yourself. Spiritual leaders such as Deepak Chopra, Bruce Lipton and Cheryl Richardson all advocate EFT. The website contains various helpful articles and testimonials on the changes that individuals encounter for the better when using EFT. If you download the manual, it is user friendly and it is free.

Or you can visit a practitioner in your area. My friend, Lynette Conat, has done wonders for me personally. I have gone from experiencing excruciating sadness and anxiety to feeling blissful and happy again. She is a wonderful friend and healer, with a strong and powerful intuition. To contact her, go to Integral EFT website. I have found that for some deep seated emotions, a practitioner is able to get to the bottom of the emotion.

Here's to you emotional health and freedom!
ClearSkies

De-Stress Kit

2009-03-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

I found a wonderful e-book, called the De-Stress Kit. I especially like the play on words of distress (De-Stress), not sure if the author intended it, but kind of nifty, nonetheless. The author, Doc Childre, is offering this wonderful De-Stress kit for free. Just click on the De-Stress link and it will download on to your computer. This kit offers wonderful suggestions to decrease the stress in your life due to personal and global issues in our world.

I have been reading through the kit myself and I am enjoying it immensely. The kit is on the Institute of HeartMath website, which is a fascinating site to peruse. The Institute of HeartMath offers information on the connection between our hearts, minds and the world around us, complete with scientific research and data. The HeartMath website has quite a bit to offer, see for yourself.

Here's to your Heart Health!
ClearSkies

Green Moms

2009-03-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

For all of those interested in connecting and conversing with other parents who are a little "green", there is a great new online resource sponsored by Kiwi Magazine and Earth's Best Foods. Go to the sign-up link and fill out the form. You will receive a complimentary subscription to Kiwi magazine plus $5 in coupons for Earth's Best products.

Signing up would be a fabulous start to living green while parenting. They are even recruiting moms to be moderators/ambassadors for the forums, what fun that would be! Plus you will be connecting with other like-minded parents for the support that we all need once in awhile for our green lifestyle.

Here's to living naturally and being green!
ClearSkies

Dip for Party

2009-02-27T08:09:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

I have a fabulous recipe that I like to make for parties or bring to potlucks. The dish is an appetizer and it is delicious and naturally healthy.

Avocado Salsa

1-16 oz. package of frozen corn, thawed
2-2.25 oz. cans of ripe olives, drained and chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
5 gloves of garlic, minced
1/3 cup of olive oil
1/4 cup of lemon juice
3 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
4 avocados

In a large bowl, mix together corn, olives, red pepper and onion.

In a small bowl, combine garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar and spices. Pour over corn mixture and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.

Add avocados before serving. Serve with tortilla chips.

Your friends and family will love it and ask you for the recipe. It is delicious, nutritious and healthy. Purchase organic ingredients to make it even healthier. Enjoy!

Here's to your continued health and well-being,
ClearSkies

Contentment-a state of mind...

2009-02-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

This is one quote which strikes me as relevant in life:

"When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, 'Oh yes -- I already have everything that I really need.'" —The Dalai Lama

The American College Dictionary describes discontent as dissatisfied, uneasiness, displeasure and restlessness, and contentment as satisfied, appeased and gratified.

It is interesting that discontent is not only dissatisfaction but restlessness, which is how we feel when we are discontent. I would venture to say that there is a feeling of anxiousness as well as longing. Dis-contentedness can grow into an obsession if left unchecked. Mindfulness and gratitude for what is in our life will go far to manage this ego related issue that so many of us suffer as a result of dis-contentedness from time to time.

A daily practice of gratitude every morning upon rising will allow the mind to rest in knowing that all that is needed is already here. Being in the moment and present every day and looking around at what is really happening will establish a practice that can put the mind at ease and allow us all to enjoy our lives.

Practicing contentment will allow life to unfold as it should by acknowledging what we have and are grateful for in our lives. Contentment is knowing that everything is already here for you, you just need to prepare yourself and it will be revealed. The more we are content, the more will come to us.

Here's to a healthy mind!
ClearSkies

Cleaning the Oven the Non-Toxic Way

2009-01-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

From a Feng Shui perspective, having a clean oven clears the energetic path to success and wealth. If you aren't into Feng Shui or have no idea what I am talking about, having a clean oven means when you turn it on, it won't have a funky smell. Another benefit to a clean oven is the kids won't ask you if you are making cookies, french fries or burning something every time you preheat for dinner.

So, if you are like me and there is no oven cleaner function on your oven or if you can't stand the smell of the oven cleaner function and you don't want to use toxic chemicals to clean, here is great oven cleaner recipe:

Pour a box if baking soda in your oven, spray with water and let it sit overnight. After the soaking, clean out the baking soda, which will have lifted all the oven grime off and rinse the oven. If you need something more heavy duty, mix the baking soda with washing soda. Washing soda can be found in the laundry detergent section of the grocery store. You will need to rinse more with the washing soda to effectively remove it all from the oven.

That is it! So, now you can clear the path to wealth and keep those toxins out of your home at the same time!

Here to your continued health and wealth!
ClearSkies

Source: Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond

New Year, New Heart!

2009-01-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

As we begin a new year with contemplation on how to make our lives better and more beneficial for ourselves and humanity as a whole, it is important to remember to take care of our own health and well being. What better place to start than the heart, the source of life and love. One fruit that is highly beneficial to this central part of our life is the pomegranate. The luscious red color of the pomegranate indicates there is more to this beautiful fruit than meets the eye. "Studies show that just two ounces of pomegranate juice daily can help preserve the health of the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart itself and the many arteries that feed its muscular walls" (Newman & Lansky, 2007). For those that already suffer from cardiovascular issues, all is not lost. The body, with the help of proper nutrition and exercise, can make miraculous shifts. Adding pomegranates to your diet can do wonders for your heart and help reduce blood pressure levels.

Another benefit of pomegranate is its ability to reduce inflammation, which is directly related to heart issues, as well as the capacity to open restrictive blood vessels by stimulating the body's ability to produce nitric oxide. The beautiful pomegranate aids the body in keeping the blood vessels open and flowing to the heart. The pomegranate is truly a beautiful fruit and has the health benefits to ensure an open and functioning heart. The pomegranate does resemble the heart with its rich dark red color, the multiple layers of veins and the flowing juices as it is opened. Nature does like to give us little clues in life, doesn't it?

Open your heart to the pomegranate, and open your heart to love this year!

Here's to a New Year of Health, Happiness and Love!
ClearSkies
Source: Pomegranate The Most Medicinal Fruit by Robert A. Newman, Ph.D. and Ephram P. Lansky, M.D. with Melissa Lynn Block, M.E.D.

2008-12-22T08:41:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

In thinking about the seasons, I am left to contemplate the energy surrounding this time of year. When I look around, it is getting cold and dry. The plants and trees are going within to prepare for spring. I find myself going within as well and wanting to plan for my future. A problem arises when I allow my mind to race about thinking about all the tasks I should be completing, but energetically, I am not there. I love this time of year with the holidays and gathering with family and friends. I love the excitement in my children as we attend more social events, eat large meals with those we love and display all the holiday decorations. Even picking out a tree is a beautiful event. The house smells of greenery, cinnamon and cloves. The warmth of the fire glowing in the fireplace even brings a feeling of peace and contentedness. In all of these wonderful experiences, I can still find myself absorbed in doing and performing, especially when having guests over to celebrate.

This year is somehow different, in that I am really feeling the peacefulness of just being. I don't mean letting things go and not accomplishing any tasks, but rather, being ok with the quietness and calmness of my being. This is the time to go deep inside and allow myself to feel all those emotions that have been pushed aside during the busier times of year. With every change of season, there is an opportunity to embrace a different part of one's self, and if we fully embrace it, we will come out of the season prepared for the next season of life. Animals do not fight the seasons or discuss them at length and figure a way to get around it. Why do we as humans insist on staying up late, performing endless tasks, using technology, such as lights, television and computers to emulate daylight? No wonder so many people suffer from anxiety, depression, stress, obesity and heart disease. We need to pay attention to the seasons, they give our bodies, minds and souls the rest they need. We need to embrace our fears and move through them, so they pass along instead of binging them with us like a carry on bag everywhere we go. Winter is the time for seeing what benefits and what does not benefit us. It is a time for deep reflection and for planning for the future. Figure out what seeds you would like to plant in the spring, for growth in the summer and for harvest in the fall. Personally, I have big plans for next year, I have already begun to choose my seeds wisely and it is going to be a beautiful upcoming year!

Here's to your health this holiday season!
ClearSkies
photo courtesy of: www.freefoto.com

Let Them Play!

2008-11-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

Check out this article on the importance of playing for children. Our children need to play again, and not organized play like team sports or physical education. The benefits of imaginative, free play are numerous. Playing supports learning, creative and social skills, and abstract thinking. Our schools need to bring back recess, and we need to leave the TV, video games and movies for only special occasions. Lack of play is seriously affecting our children's social skills, problem solving and creative capabilities, not to mention their health. American children have obesity problems and Attention Deficit issues.

Perhaps parents and teachers need to model the appropriate behavior as well. Imagine all the adults and children outside again playing or inside making new discoveries. Maybe we all need to get in touch with our inner child and learn to play again. Get on the floor and pretend you are a panther slinking through the forest, or stand tall with a pot on your head and a broom stick in your hand and pretend you are Queen of your domain. The kids will love it and perhaps they may even help with dinner and cleaning if it is made into play. Pretend you are the steam engine of a train when loading kids in the car for school, and all the children can be different cars on the train with the caboose bringing up the rear. The children will laugh and pile in the car and you won't have to yell five times to get in the car. Think of how wonderful the world would be if everyone played!

Here's to your playful side!
ClearSkies

Fruit of Kings!

2008-11-16T05:31:00.000-08:00

Also known as pineapple, the "Fruit of Kings" is packed with nutrition that is hard to surpass in the produce department. Pineapple is high in Vitamin C, which makes it a must have as we enter the cold and flu season. Vitamin C helps protects us from free radicals and fights seasonal illness like colds and flu. Pineapple also aids in digestion, reduces blood clotting and assists the body in bone development. An excellent item to add to fruit salad or eaten alone, pineapple is beneficial for old and young alike. The Manganese contained within this royal fruit aids in energy production, as well as preventing osteoporosis and bone fractures. It also contains Vitamin B1, which further elevates energy productions. Besides Vitamin C, pineapple contains Bromelain, an antibacterial enzyme that suppresses inflammation and coughs, and loosens mucus. Other benefits of pineapple include antiviral properties and significant levels of potassium.

When it comes to consuming pineapple, fresh is best. Canning causes the pineapple to lose some of its beneficial health properties. When purchasing a pineapple, give it the "sniff" test, if it smells sweet, it is purchase worthy. If it doesn't smell sweet, put it back and sniff another. Pineapples stop their ripening process when picked, so choose wisely. When storing it at home, leave it on the counter upside down, which will allow all the sweet juices to trickle down to all areas of this delicious tropical fruit.

Pineapple is a must have in sweet and sour stir fry dishes. It lends well to being eaten alone or with other fruits as well. If adding pineapple to any dairy such as yogurt or cottage cheese, make sure you add it right before eating, as the properties of the fruit change when mixed with dairy. Personally, I like to cut it up and keep it in the refrigerator for easy snacking on the go. Children love the sweet taste of pineapple as well and eating it frequently will assist them in their bone development and Vitamin C intake. We could all benefit from this "Fruit of Kings"!

Here's to your continued health and happiness!
ClearSkies
photo courtesy of: www.freefoto.com
sources: http://www.bizaims.com/coffee+break/advices+projects/pineapple+health+benefits
http://www.knowledgebase-script.com/demo/article-283.html

Coincidences, I think not!

2008-11-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

As I sit at my computer, doing yet another graduate study assignment, I am listening to an audio CD from Deepak Chopra, "The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire", which is about harnessing the infinite power of coincidence. A wonderful and supportive friend brought it over and I am soaking up every utterance. Deepak is inspiring and poignant in his analysis of the arrangement of the universe, it is truly inspiring and under the umbrella of Naturally Living.

If interested, click on the link to the right and it will take you directly to Deepak's book on Amazon.com, and soon you will be have the Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire.

Have a Naturally Living weekend and enjoy!
ClearSkies

Is Happiness Abnormal?

2008-11-13T16:13:00.001-08:00

Ok, now I have seen it all, or at least I think I have, which remains to be seen. Anyway, enough of the philosophizing. Here is an link to an article that indicates a proposal has been made that happiness could be classified as a psychological disorder.

Quoting the article: "In a review of the relevant literature it is shown that happiness is statistically abnormal, consists of a discrete cluster of symptoms, is associated with a range of cognitive abnormalities, and probably reflects the abnormal functioning of the central nervous system." I find this hilarious, what do you think? Perhaps we need to redefine the definition of abnormal.

According to the text, it is not scientifically relevant that happiness is seen as positive and not negative, it could still be classified as a disorder. Wow, I think that about says it all....

Here's to your continued happiness, abnormal or not!
ClearSkies
source: Journal of Medical Ethics 1992;18:94-98; doi:10.1136/jme.18.2.94Copyright © 1992 by the BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & Institute of Medical Ethics.

Vitamin D and Our Children

2008-10-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

We have talked about the benefits of receiving daily sunlight in order to receive ample Vitamin D. Now the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending children receive an increase in Vitamin D supplements in their report on Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents. Apparently, our children are not receiving adequate amounts of this necessary nutrient.

Children are not exposed to sunlight as much as children in past generations. There are many reasons for this: schools removing outside recess and PE from their schedule, children home alone after school staying inside, children performing more sedentary inside activities like watching TV and playing video games, and using excessive amounts of sunscreen to avoid burning and skin cancer. This is having an impact on our children's current and future health. Lack of Vitamin D affects the immune system and is linked to Type 1 Diabetes, as well as a condition known as rickets.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending more Vitamin D supplements for infants, children and adolescents, in order to offset any future health problems. Children who live in colder climates and who have darker skin are more at risk for Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D aids the body in absorbing Calcium from foods, which is important for proper bone development.

Babies, children and adults alike would benefit from 15 minutes of sunlight per day, in order to acquire the needed amount of Vitamin D. If needed, supplements may be taken or eating foods high in Vitamin D, such as Salmon and Cod Liver Oil is helpful.

Now we have another reason to encourage our children to go outside and play, they need their daily dose of Vitamin D and its organic! Model the beneficial behavior and get outside yourself, your body will thank you by maintaining healthy bones and immune system.

Here's to your continued health!
ClearSkies

The Versatile Cucumber

2008-10-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

The other night I had a dream about cucumbers. I was being served a huge plate of delicious, juicy sliced organic cucumbers--yes, I even dream organic! I am a huge follower of dreams, both in the sleep state and otherwise, and that being said, I pay attention when a food comes up in my dreams. Upon waking I ate sliced organic cucumbers and I dined on them again this morning.

When researching their many benefits, I was amazed at what cucumbers bring to the table in terms of health and vitamins. Cucumbers are rich in Vitamin C and have been used for centuries to bring down inflammation and fevers in the body. They have cooling properties, as well as cleansing, and work well to assist the body in ridding the skin of disorders. Naturally a diuretic, cucumbers act as a tonic to the kidneys. They can also be used to treat arthritis and gout. Drinking fresh organic cucumber juice daily works exceptionally well for those who are suffering from arthritis. The versatile cucumber will further assist those with lung and chest conditions. The digestive tract also benefits from this wonderful vegetable that hails from the squash and melon families, and individuals with ulcers, acid or heartburn will see relief when adding organic cucumber juice to their diet.

As many have seen in fashion magazines, cucumbers are also useful for bringing down inflammation in the eyes or relieving tired, strained eyes. Simply place cucumber slices over eyes, sit back and relax for a few minutes. When applied to skin, cucumber juice or fresh cucumber can also relieve sunburns. Juicing fresh organic cucumbers and drinking daily will assist the body with maintaining a healthy system. I have even heard that dried cucumber seeds will rid the body of tapeworm, good news for those who travel abroad.

For those still not sold on organic being better, here are the results of a study on the increased nutritional value of organic cucumbers as opposed to conventionally raised cucumbers. Going organic is the only way for me and my family!

Here's to your continued health and nutrition!
ClearSkies
photo compliments of: http://www.pdphoto.org/index.php
source: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies by C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph. D.

Congress Doing Its Part

2008-10-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

Congress has voted to ban 6 chemicals from the market in order to protect consumers from harmful toxins such as phthalates. Three of the chemicals will be permanently removed from the market place and the other three will stay removed until manufacturers can prove them to be safe. In the past, the chemicals had to be proven unsafe in order to be removed, but now it will be in the hands of the manufacturers to determine safety.

The article on this progress points out the dangers associated with the chemicals that are commonly used in plastics and the disastrous effects on consumers, especially infants and young children. Leo Trasande, a pediatrician and environmental health specialist at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, states: "We're engaged in a giant, uncontrolled experiment on America's children. Based on the evidence we have to date, a stronger approach is needed."

I read information on the dangers of these plastics ten years ago and removed all plastic toys from my home. We don't use plastic ware, plates or cups either due to the problem of the plastic leaching toxic chemicals into the food and beverages. Yes, my children actually learned how to drink out of a glass or stainless steel cup. I found wonderful websites that sell natural toys made from fibers such as wool or cotton and wood. Magic Cabin Dolls has a fantastic selection, as does Rosie Hippos. Honestly, there are so many sites now that cater to natural toys and products that are safe and well-made. For drinking bottles, we use Klean Kanteen, which are stainless steel and fabulous.

Although it has taken well over a decade for Congress to take some action, I am impressed and pleased that the effects of harmful plastics is being made public and the general public is starting to be protected. If you need more helpful suggestions to steer clear of toxins, read this article on "Nine Ways to Avoid Household Toxins".

Here's to your Health!
ClearSkies