High Risk Life Insurance

Given Mark's health - liver cancer and transplant, lung cancer - his only option is high risk life insurance. This is not generally an inexpensive policy, to say the least. What I didn't know is that there are companies out there that have a different outlook.

It's the underwriting process, which determines the financial risk to the insurer, that sets the policy premiums. By using outdated, 30-year-old mortality tables, insurance companies blindly decide that people with serious health problems are a much higher risk than they actually are. Because they take into account medical advances and treatments, which allow cancer patients or diabetics to live longer than they did 30 years ago, some insurers actually have premium rates that are similar to those for people in 'perfect' health.

All I can say is - It's about time!




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Jules

Weight Loss

I never thought I'd have to worry about weight loss. Then, I turned 47 and - boom! None of my clothes, which were previously too big, fit anymore.

Being a fairly lazy person, I took my weight for granted. After all, I had weighed the same 125-130lbs., not counting pregnancy weight, for over 20 years. At 6-feet tall, I was happily thin with a metabolism that let me eat whatever I wanted and never think twice.

Admittedly, I don't eat three-squares-a-day and never really have. This may account for a seriously slowed metabolism and the subsequently enlarged abdomen and hips. My body refuses to burn calories, since I'm not putting back in enough to keep it going.

Guess it's time to rethink my diet and exercise non-regime. In the words of my favorite red-headed singer/sitcom mom - "Crap!!"



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Jules

National Donate Life Month

Obviously, this is a subject near and dear to our hearts.

Tell someone: The need is great and growing.

* More than 95,000 people are in need of an organ for transplant.
* Each day, about 77 people get the organ transplant that gives them a second chance, but 17 to 19 others die because they did not receive an organ transplant.
* More than half the people on the waiting list for a donated organ are racial or ethnic minorities. Chances of getting a transplant increase if donor and recipient share the same racial/ethnic background.
OrganDonor.gov "April is National Donate Life Month"

Since 2003, April has been designated as Donate Life Month. There are 30 days in which you, your company, and your school can make a difference in the lives of people who need organ transplants. Programs exist for a myriad of applications.

Decision Donate is an instructional program for high schools, that helps students make informed decisions about becoming an organ donor.

The Workplace Partnership provides information about businesses that make donation information available to their employees. Find out how to get your company/employer involved.

Participate in National Donate Life Month events sponsored by an organization in your area. Help them spread the word!

As harsh as it may sound - when you're dead, you're dead. How incredible is it that from one death, the life of at least eight (8) people can be improved/saved? Don't think about death, think about life. Commit to Donation

What if You were on The List?

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Jules

Bodybuilding Supplements

Years ago, my younger brother grew up - really, really grew up. Seemingly overnight, he got tall and very muscular. So, after high school, he decided to get into bodybuilding.

I remember that he took bodybuilding supplements, some sort of protein powder to help him build muscle. Heaven only knows what was in it, but it certainly made a difference. Of course, he lifted weights and worked out constantly, too. At one point, his biceps were about as big as my thighs.

After all this time, I don't recall if he ever competed. I do know that buying a suit became a real challenge.




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Jules

Drug Treatment

Some of the more effective drug treatment programs go far beyond managed withdrawal and the simplistic, Reagan-era "Just Say No" concept. They teach about the nature of addiction; that it's not a product of an immoral nature, weakness, or even personal choice. Addiction is a disease, with physical and psychological roots.

One doesn't tell someone with Muscular Dystrophy or Diabetes that if they tried harder or if they were a better person, they wouldn't be sick. (Religious cuckoos, notwithstanding.) It's critical to understand a disease, before attempting treatment. Doctors don't put band-aids on compound fractures or give aspirin to patients with ulcers, because they understand broken bones and bleeding stomachs.

Successful drug rehab requires that patients and clinicians understand - and appropriately treat - all of the underlying causes and triggers. It takes time for bones to mend and ulcers to heal, and it takes time and support to overcome addiction.




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Jules

Exercise Equipment

It's not that I'm, necessarily, against working out or getting in better shape. I just don't like to sweat and, living in Arizona, that's not an easy thing to avoid. Then, there's the fact that I tend to jump into things with both feet and overdo.

Years ago, I had a set of free weights (marketed as 'smart-bells') that constitute the only exercise equipment I have ever owned. Eventually, after spending several days telling my youngest "Mommy can't pick you up, honey. Her arms don't work anymore." I did manage to improve the condition of my upper torso and arms.

It was, truth be told, not too bad. We had a flat coffee table that was the perfect height and width to substitute for an exercise bench. I'd work flat for the first few reps. Then, with a couple of books under one end I'd work several reps head up and several reps head down.

I really miss that coffee table.




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Jules

Colon Cleanse

Getting older brings some interesting changes. There are new health risks and problems, and a slew of new 'regular' tests that men and women need to start thinking about. When Mark was sick with end-stage liver disease, we went through some of the tests, like a colonoscopy. And I've had repeated mammogram recommendations. (I even managed to get a couple of them.)

Now, I've been reading about some interesting ideas to keep the digestive system healthy. A colon cleanse is actually a fascinating concept. It involves a combination of herbs that stimulate the colon, increase muscle activity, and help clear parasites and toxins from the system.

As bad as my diet is and as sluggish as my system has become, it's something I could probably use. I'll definitely be doing a lot more research.




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Jules

Individual Health Insurance

With the employment situation that exists under the current administration, it is incredibly difficult to get individual health insurance. Not to mention, Congressional bills, that are designed to help the uninsured, keep getting vetoed. If that isn't enough, $42 million has been spent to tell taxpayers, who are entitled to a rebate, that they are getting a rebate.

How amazing?! Virtually every taxpayer who files this year will be getting a rebate. I don't know about you - don't need another notice. Oh, of course, this is from the president who says that the economy might be in difficulty.

Thank you (heavy sarcasm), GWB for spending more and more and more money than is logical, helpful, or available. Which country/countries are buying off our president? Oh, and then we have our vainglorious VP -- a warmonger who's companies provide pathetic support and, yet, generate profits that are beyond embarrassing.

God help us all.




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Jules

Calories in Water?

Hmmmm? Calories in water? Didn't know that was possible. And, heaven knows, it wasn't something that existed when I was a kid.

I am dismayed - not amazed or impressed - by the companies that advertise fewer calories in their water. Especially when you consider that many companies who bottle water take it directly from their community's tap.

Hell! Buy a filter and drink from the tap! That's what we do.






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Jules

Addiction Treatment

It's not an easy topic - addiction treatment - but it's something that many people and their families have to deal with every day. In fact, there's a TV program dedicated to helping addicted individuals and the people who care about them. The important thing is to realize that not everyone is capable of beating an addiction without help and there is no shame in asking for help.

I seriously admire anyone who fights to overcome problems, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and eating disorders. It can't be easy.




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Jules

Drugs in Drinking Water

This story scared the daylights out of me. With all of the chlorine and other chemicals in our drinking water, to which Mark is seriously allergic, we decided to purchase a water filter for our kitchen tap. After years, we convinced ourselves that we were drinking and cooking with clean water.

Now we have this story. And it's not just treated water or only the United States. Ground water, wells, rivers, and estuaries are all contaminated to some degree.






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Jules

Top Diet Pills

My daughter is getting married at the end of May and I am trying to find something great to wear. It's not easy. The wedding takes place in the afternoon and isn't seriously formal. Everything I've found is either too formal or too not-my-body-shape.

Over the last year or so, I've put on some extra weight. Yes, I love my pasta and it has to be drowning in real butter. So, you can see I'm not a lo-cal person.

I've been looking at some of the top diet pills, in an attempt to take off a few inches. So far, they scare the daylights out of me, so I may just be doing the low-carb, more-exercise thing. One helpful aspect - I'm not really into bread.




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Jules

Zero Gravity Recliner

I hadn't heard of a zero gravity recliner, until recently. Now, I want one - badly. Mark and I both have bad backs - the price of being tall, it seems. Arthritis and compressed discs makes sitting, standing, and lying down uncomfortable.

What this recliner does is place the body in a position that is similar to astronauts during take-off - legs higher than the heart, at a very specific angle - effectively removing all additional pressure on the spine. Can you imagine how amazing that would feel? Right now, I can only sit or stand in one position for a short time. Then, I have to shift to relieve the discomfort in my back.

To quote Will Smith's character in Independence Day: "I gotta get me one of these!"




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Jules

Low Vision Aids

One of the joys (?) of getting older is a change in vision. I've always worn glasses, well since the 2nd grade, and my vision got progressively more near-sighted as I got older. In the last few years, something new and interesting started happening - thanks to advancing age. My vision started 'improving'.

As we age, we tend to become more far-sighted - less able to see closer objects. As Bing Crosby put it in White Christmas, we start "playing the trombone." For someone as myopic as I am, these changes mean that what I had to hold under my nose to see before, I can now see at a distance of over a foot.

Mark, however, had perfect vision. The same changes that are helping me, cause him so much trouble that we have had to find low vision aids to help him see. Our apartment is, despite the sunny Arizona weather, generally quite dark, which means we have to have strategically placed lighting. Depending on whether he's reading his phone or his computer or directions on a frozen pizza, Mark has different strength reading glasses for each situation.

I'm seriously thinking about getting him a 'big-print' keyboard, as well. He's definitely not a touch-typist, so seeing the letters on the keys is critical. For a while, he had a black keyboard for the desktop that drove him crazy. We got an ivory one that's not as bad, but I know we can do better.




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Jules

Quitting Smoking

Okay, I'm really going to quit smoking in 2008. I even asked my NP (don't ask - that's a whole 'nother post) for a prescription for Chantix. Then, she explained that you have to take it for 3 months, it's $120.00 a month, and insurance doesn't cover quit-smoking meds. (Or at least, the state coverage doesn't.) They want to be sure patients are really serious about quitting, so those of us who can't afford health insurance to begin with have to pay for it ourselves.

Huh? Isn't that why Arizona is taxing cigarettes to death? Isn't it in the best interest of the state, which claims that smokers have higher than average medical claims, to do everything in their power to help residents quit and lower the overall payouts for treatment? Oh, wait! Those are mutually exclusive ideas, aren't they?

It's actually a real catch-22 for state health coverage and stop-smoking groups in Arizona. They get a large portion of their funding from the exorbitant per-pack cigarette tax - about $2.00/pack, I believe. As more people decide to quit, more and more tax money is spent on the people who actually paid the taxes. Then, as more people actually stop smoking, less and less tax money goes into the system. Already, between July and October 2007, cigarette sales, and therefore tax revenues, have dropped dramatically.

Forgive me, but who thought it was a great idea to tax smokers to pay for health programs, while exhorting these revenue-generators to quit? Once you cure the smokers, those very same health programs will be bankrupted. Just like gasoline taxes designed to pay for road construction and repairs - once the price of gasoline rises to the consumers' breaking point, they drive less, buy less fuel, and the tax revenue becomes a moot point.

Hmmmm. Perhaps it's my civic duty to continue smoking - never considered that?! Nah! Cigarette taxes were just a stupid idea to begin with.






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Jules

Migraine

Not everything we receive over the holidays is welcome. Those few extra pounds, from all of the wonderful goodies we've eaten, manage to follow us into the New Year. The stress of trying to do it all brings on exhaustion, post-holiday illness, and, in my case, a migraine headache.

This year has been especially fun. The cold I usually catch on or about New Year's Eve decided to visit early - stay longer - and share itself with Mark. Now that it's showing signs of leaving, my holiday headache is starting to settle in. Undoubtedly, by this time tomorrow, I'll be tucked into bed in a dark room.

One of these years, I'll learn.




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Jules

Nutritional Supplements

Now that we've gotten through the holidays and all of the yummy things that taste great, but aren't too healthy or good for you, I've been thinking a lot about diet and nutrition. Not really one for vitamins, especially if I have to take them more than once a day, it's time for me to find nutritional supplements that work for my lifestyle. Since I really don't know much about these things, I've been researching like crazy.

At my age, I really like the idea of a supplement that will help my hair, skin, and nails. Just slathering on moisturizer isn't enough anymore. Not to mention, it would be really nice to get in the habit of taking a B-Complex for stress, with vitamin C for my aging immune system. Who knows? I might just get healthy in the New Year!




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Jules

Cat Safety at Christmas

I've been searching the WWW for pet safety tips, since we're going through the leave-the-tree-alone phase with Paka. He's developed an unhealthy fondness for the metallic garland, which is bad for him and bad for the decorations. It has to be something about the smell, because otherwise he wouldn't even know it's there.

This article from Cat World has lots of great information. It recommends spraying bitter apple on lights to keep your cat from chewing on the electrical cords. Terrific idea - except the only time I tried bitter apple as a deterrent, my (other) cat reacted by tearing apart everything I sprayed it on. So, I'm still not convinced that that's the solution.

Any ideas would be welcomed!






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Jules

Isn't a Fractured Knee Enough?

You would think that limping around with a fractured left kneecap would be enough pain, but noooo! I had to sprain / break my little toe on my left foot to add to the joy. It is a really pretty shade of purple, for what it's worth.

Apparently, when I'm tired, I swing my left leg to the side, instead of lifting it and stepping straight forward. Not a good thing in this little apartment full of lots of big stuff. A couple of nights ago, I was walking from the living room to the bathroom, past the portable washing machine. Well, the theory was to move past the washing machine. I didn't quite make it and it felt like I tried to rip the little toe off my foot.

That purple I mentioned? It goes up both sides, and across the top of my foot from the little toe to the toe beside it. Did I mention that the toe is the size of a Vienna sausage? Oh, yes! It's just lovely!






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Jules

Weight Loss Diet Help

Are you trying to lose weight? I am. Somewhere in the last 6 months, or so, I managed to put on about 30 pounds. Five of them I can live with, but the other 25 have got to go. My only problem is that I've never actually tried to lose weight or tried any kind of diet plans.

Luckily, Weight Loss Diet Help has the information I need to find a plan that will work for me. By reading through the different diet options and checking out the Medifast and Nutrisystem weight loss program discount coupon codes, I can see which diet suits my personality and saves me money. Because this is all new to me, I'm concerned that I won't stick with it, so I have to have something that comes naturally to me - and Mark.

Right now, I'm leaning toward the South Beach Diet. It's something that will help Mark, too. We both need to learn how to incorporate good carbs into our meals, not just the low ones. As a carb-loader, it wouldn't do me any harm to be a bit more selective. And I really like the idea that the diet is a step-by-step process. We don't have to make drastic, immediate, permanent changes.

There are also a number of articles at Weight Loss Diet Help, in addition to the diet information, that provide really helpful tips and facts. I like Exercise and Diet For Diabetics and Weight Loss Tricks and Healthy Diet Tips. The advice is simple, no-nonsense and easy to follow.

If you have been thinking about starting a diet, this is a good place to get the practical information that you need to pick a plan and be successful.




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Jules

Discount Dental Plans

Now that I've found a toothpaste that eliminates the pain in my teeth, I've been thinking about getting some work done. As I can't afford full price or outrageous premiums, discount dental plans are at the top of my Internet search list. Until I found DentalPlans.com, I wasn't having much success. This site understands what people want when they're trying to compare options.

I started by entering my zip code. This took me to the list of plans that are available in my area; a long list, I might add. From there, the chart told me everything - and I do mean everything - I needed to know to make an educated, cost-effective decision. Many of the listed plans are just as good as the one I had when I was employed, at about the same out-of-pocket cost, which means that they are a much better value.

Let me explain why. As a corporate employee, I was provided x-number of dollars each year with which to 'order' benefits. Of course, if you were a new employee, there was a waiting period until you were covered. The very, very basic coverages were, in essence, paid for by the company. But to upgrade services, i.e., avoid huge deductibles, the employees had to pay for the difference.

I always chose a dental plan upgrade, which meant that, each paycheck, I paid out-of-pocket fees for the better plan - lower or no deductible, lower or no charge for services. Over 6 years ago, my total annual cost was almost the same as many of the plans available at DentalPlans.com. And the coverage was, actually, not as good as some of the discount plans offered here.

If you don't have dental coverage at work, or you're paying too much for the plan that your company offers, I strongly advise that you look into these discount dental plans. Many of the ones in my area even include prescription, vision, chiropractic, and hearing plans - at the same low price. And the family enrollment fees are just as great.




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Jules

Whish Body Products

I don't care what they say, the shaving products for women that you can find in the local stores don't do the job. No matter the brand or the price, they don't moisturize or protect against those annoying bumps that pop up on my legs as the hair starts growing back. And don't tell me that if I shaved every day, I wouldn't have to worry about regrowth. My skin can't take it.

Now, women have some great options from Whish Body Products. It doesn't matter if you need oily skin care products, rejuvenating toners, or something that will soothe those sore muscles. If you want to get rid of scaly, flaky skin, Whish Body Products has the perfect lotions and potions.

Between the Body Brush that helps exfoliate; the Shave Crave shaving cream that tones and rejuvenates, and the Flawless Bump Fighter (my personal favorite) that inhibits hair growth - my legs are actually looking forward to the next shave.

The best part? Whish Body Products are hypoallergenic, never tested on animals, and made in the USA. I'm sold! How about you?




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Jules

Aqua Dots Recall

Mark was telling me about this recall last night. Frankly, I had never even heard of "Aqua Dots" before, but I guess they're a really popular craft toy?! (Every shopping website I checked has yanked their product page, so I still don't know.) Not that it matters, too much, what they are; what matters is the reason for the recall. Oh, and the fact that they're manufactured in and imported from China!

To quote the above article: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said the Aqua Dots craft toys include a chemical, 1,4 butanediol, on their beads which, if swallowed, can turn toxic and cause unconsciousness, respiratory depression, or seizures.

Not sure what 1,4 butanediol is? I wasn't either, so I did a little research. With thanks to the Faculty at the University of Washington and 'Neuroscience for Kids', here is what I found out:

1,4-Butanediol: An Overview

Its chemical formula is C4H10O2. You can purchase it on the Internet. It is in industrial cleaners. It is used in polyurethane to make car bumpers. It is used to make Spandex. It is also an abused recreational drug that has been linked to two deaths and six severe illnesses. "It" is 1,4-Butanediol (BD).

BD=GHB

Once ingested, BD (and a similar chemical, GBL) turns into gamma hydroxybutyrate, GHB. GHB, the so-called "date-rape" drug, received national attention when two teenage girls died after it was slipped into their sodas.

I have said this before and I will say it again - and again and again - STOP importing from China!! We have proven - over and over and over - that we are incapable of effectively monitoring the quality of products coming into this country. So in the best interest of the citizens and consumers of the United States - STOP LETTING CHINESE PRODUCTS INTO THIS COUNTRY!






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Jules

Plastic and Food - Handy Tips

We've all read about the risk of microwaving food in plastic containers. I've never really done that, preferring glass containers for the microwave. But I do have a couple of containers in which, admittedly, I have 'nuked' food. It's just easier to go from fridge to micro in the same dish.

Today I was reading my latest Green Living email, the Care2 newsletter about healthy living ideas, and found an article about food and plastic. Not good news, my friends. But a lot of really helpful tips that I just have to share:

Many of these tips don’t exclude the use of plastic, but rather offer the safest options.

1. Know your plastics. Plastic items are marked with a resin identification coding system (the number surrounded by arrows), which stand for:
1 - polyethyelene terephthalate (PETE)
2 - high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
3 - vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
4 - low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
5 - polypropylene (PP)
6 - polystyrene (PS)
7 - other (includes polycarbonate, acrylic, polylactic acid, fiberglass)

2. When you need to use plastic, these are the safer choices to use with food: 1, 2, 4 and 5.

3. Learn to recognize, and then avoid, polycarbonate (number 7) for food usage. Polycarbonate plastics are hard and clear. Common items made from this BPA-containing plastic are food storage containers, baby bottles, water bottles, bowls and tableware. (And the lining inside food and drink cans, by the way.)

4. If you don’t get rid of all of your plastic, at least retire old plastic containers, especially those that are heavily worn or scratched. Older plastics tend to leach increasing amounts of toxins as they age. Use them to organize and store non-food items.

5. Be careful of serving and storing hot foods or foods made with fats or oils in plastic containers. These foods more readily facilitate the transfer of plastic toxins.

6. Never microwave foods in plastic containers. “Microwave safe” means the container won’t melt or warp, but doesn’t mean it won’t leach. Heating plastics increases the potential for leaching of chemicals into your food.

7. Never microwave food in yogurt tubs, take-out bowls, or other one-time use containers. These containers can warp or melt, possibly causing harmful chemicals to migrate into the food.

8. Avoid using plastic sandwich bags or plastic wrap products.

9. If you must use plastic wrap, make sure it is a brand free of both BPA and PVC. Ziploc, Glad and Saran are promoted as being free of BPA and PVC—but remember that these plastics live for 1,000 years…in our landfills.

10. Avoid deli-wrap and similar generic packaging since you can’t ascertain the plastic type used. When sliced cheese and meats are sold in plastic bags and/or plastic deli wrap, transfer them as soon as possible to unbleached wax paper or a safe container.

11. Remember that if you are pregnant or nursing, BPA chemicals are passed through your bloodstream directly to your baby.

12. Instead of mixing petroleum (i.e. plastic) with your food, use inert alternatives such as glass and ceramic rather than plastic food storage containers. Reusing jars is a win-win—and you can often find glass storage containers at flea markets and thrift shops. Or simply store food in bowls covered with a plate.

I'm going to go check all of my bowls, storage containers, and that gallon-size pitcher that we keep in the fridge for tea. Wish me luck - I have a feeling I'm in for some serious surprises.






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God Bless!

Jules

Damaged Nail

I know this is going to sound a bit silly, but it wouldn't be the first time I sounded a bit silly - so here goes: Does anyone know how to repair a seriously damaged fingernail? Currently, I have a big problem with the nail on my right index finger.

For as long as I can remember, I've been a nail biter. To cover the ragged edges, I started wearing artificial nails - both from a salon and the kind you get at the drugstore - years ago. I don't wear them all the time, but I do wear them frequently; especially now, since I can't grow all 10 nails. The problem is that the nail splits from tip to cuticle, just to the right of center, once it grows out even the slightest bit. Obviously, I've seriously damaged the nail bed, since it's been splitting for about 3 years.

I have tried gluing the split tip, to allow it to grow and strengthen - didn't work. The glue drove me nuts and I just ended up picking at it until it came off and the nail split again. Artificial nails aren't a really good choice, either. They're tough on all of my nails.

Any ideas would be immensely appreciated.






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God Bless!

Jules

Blood Sugar and the Hypoglycemic

It's interesting. Mark has hyperglycemia, abnormally high blood sugar levels, meaning his pancreas either doesn't make enough insulin or his system has forgotten how to use it. I, on the other hand, have hypoglycemia, abnormally low blood sugar levels, meaning my system over-produces insulin or has forgotten how to process sugars. Both conditions are greatly improved by eating several small meals and managing dietary carbohydrates.

I've been re-reading information about hypoglycemia, because I've been feeling funky recently. Check out this information I pulled from The Hypoglycemia Support Foundation. It's a bit scary.

Some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia are:

fatigue insomnia mental confusion nervousness mood swings faintness headaches depression phobias heart palpitations

a craving for sweets cold hands and feet forgetfulness dizziness blurred vision inner trembling outbursts of temper sudden hunger allergies crying spells

I hate to admit that at my age, I still have the horrible eating habits of the average teenager. Bad food choices, too many sweets, skipped meals - all of it. It's no wonder I have experienced virtually every symptom on that list at different times in the last few years.

Guess it's time to get back to that hypo diet again. It's not really difficult to follow. I am just so out of the habit of eating 3 times a day that I can't imagine eating several small meals or 3 meals plus snacks. Although - now that I'm thinking about it - I'm actually hungry.

Maybe if I stop stifling hunger with tobacco and soda - and actually eat - I'll start feeling better. What a concept!







Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

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God Bless!

Jules

Biotene® Sensitive

For years, my teeth have given me pain. The degree and frequency has varied, but there is always some pain. It doesn't help that I am deathly afraid of dentists and the last one I visited did such an abominable job that my mouth is in worse shape than it was before I sought treatment.

A few months ago, in addition to 2 broken teeth, I lost a crown that this dentist had installed. The sensitivity to cold and heat was excruciating. With all of the exposed nerves, the pain is sometimes so bad that I can barely eat. As you can imagine, I have worked my way through the special products in the toothpaste aisle; very few offered relief for more than a few hours.

Today, I tried something new from Biotene that actually works. Unlike other products that I've used, Biotene® Sensitive toothpaste isn't a temporary pain-blocker. It combines Potassium Nitrate, powerful protection against sensitivity, with a patented enzyme complex that inhibits bacteria growth.

This one-of-a kind toothpaste builds increasing protection against sensitivity. In addition, the natural immune-boosting enzymes promote healing of bleeding gums and irritation caused by a dry mouth, treating common causes of tooth sensitivity. I didn't realize that I could be suffering additional problems; I just knew that my teeth hurt.

Since I used Biotene® Sensitive earlier today, I have had hot coffee, iced tea, and hot stew. Not only do I have no pain, my teeth still feel clean and even after a cigarette, my mouth isn't dry.







Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Time Change Increases Pedestrian Deaths

I was reading an article today that was a little frightening. Studies have shown that, after daylight savings time (DST) ends, pedestrians are almost 3 times more likely to be struck and killed by cars during the 6PM rush hour. By December, the statistics drop back down to numbers similar to those from October and continue their decline until May.

The reverse is true for the morning hours, when daylight comes earlier. Although pedestrian deaths drop during the 6AM rush hour, there are fewer walkers, so the morning reduction doesn't offset the evening increase. There is talk that implementing a permanent daylight savings time would save about 200 lives per year.

I don't mean to be difficult, but if changing the time twice a year is hazardous - why not just leave it alone?! It works for Arizona!






Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

National Memory Screening Day

As you know, November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. For the 4th consecutive year, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is bringing together organizations and healthcare professionals from across the United States for the National Memory Screening Day on November 13, 2007. As part of the focus on "Together for Care . . . in addition to Cure," participating sites are providing free confidential memory screenings, follow-up resources, and educational materials to those concerned about memory loss.

This colla