Hello to everyone, wherever in the world you are.  If this is your first issue of Journey to Wellness, I warmly welcome you.  I am in awe of the fact that we can communicate world-wide through this tool we call the Internet. 

The purpose of the Betty's House...Life After MS website, and this newsletter, is to help all people with Multiple Sclerosis believe that they need not be a victim of MS, but rather that they can be a victor; that they can be "enabled" by their MS rather than "disabled," and that the choice is up to them.  If this concept is new to you, I hope by the time you have finished reading this newsletter you will begin to realize that you too can change. After all, what do you have to lose?  And conversely there is so much to gain! 

It is always my intention that each reader finds something of value in every issue.  I have come to realize that we are an extended family, and I remind each of you that Journey to Wellness is intended to be interactive.  If you have a story of holistic management of MS and you would like to share it, I invite you to send it to me.   Relevant book reviews, recipes, etc., all are welcome.  I never want readers to feel that I think I have all the answers...far from it!  So please feel free to share your story, recipe, food tip for the BBD, or a book review.   And please include your photo if you wish.

    IN THIS ISSUE: 

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Hello to all. I hope you are having a good summer, wherever in the world you are. This month's newsletter is chock-full of useful information. In addition to the usual few e-mail exchanges I have had with subscribers, you'll find items related to the BBD, a lot of information on Vitamin D and the latest research news, tidbits from the Internet, etc. The primary focus this month, however, is Energy Medicine - the Medicine of the Future, and related healing through movement.

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to write to me in the last month.  Rarely does a day go by without my e-mail box containing several pieces of correspondence from my world-wide MS family.

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THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!  Again, as I do every month, my thanks and big hugs to all of you who help make this on-line newsletter and Betty's House possible by contributing $15.00 per year.  If you find benefit in Journey to Wellness, contributions may be sent to Iams House, 139 Inner Circle, Davis, CA  95618, or by credit card by calling 530-753-5595.   YOU make the website and this newsletter possible.   Without your help both would disappear.

Please also remember that when you purchase ANYTHING through Amazon.com on the Internet, if you'll use this Betty's House Amazon.com icon you will be helping in a small way to help pay the cost of this newsletter and the Betty's House website.   IT IS AN EASY, PAINLESS WAY THAT ALL CAN HELP.

I personally order from Amazon.com very frequently.   I'm actually writing this newsletter looking at a new flat-screen monitor I ordered from Amazon.  Check out their website using this Amazon.com icon.  You'll be amazed at all the products available there.  They have a lot more than books today, and it really makes for easy, trouble-free shopping.  For all of you who have been shopping using the Betty's House Amazon link, thank you for remembering to do that.   Each order you place using the Betty's House link means a few cents is returned to Betty's House to help pay the monthly fees for the website and publishing fees for this newsletter.  It is not very much, but every little bit helps.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!

Quote of the month:

                    "Joy is an inside job, and just a decision away"

Energy Medicine - the Medicine of the Future

Sometimes everyone who writes stares at the computer screen and wonders what to write about...it's often called writers' block. I am today trying to decide what I want to make the primary focus of the month. In my case it is usually not that I don't know what to write about, it is more trying to zero in on one interesting topic. If possible I also like to include something with which you may not already be familiar.

Energy medicine is one of those topics, and I truly believe that energy medicine will be a very important aspect of the medicine of the future. Perhaps in the not too distant future we will consider our currently practiced medical practices such as chemotherapy and radiation as impossible to comprehend as the ancient medical practice of blood letting.

Our bodies are really energy "machines," powered by our own electrical energy. That energy causes our heart to beat, and powers every single cell, system and organ throughout our body. The oriental world calls that energy chi (Qi in Chinese) and in the Hindu world the same energy is called prana. Whichever we call it, chi or prana, it powers our physical life.

Out of those two perspectives grew the two disciplines of Tai Chi and Yoga. I took the following definitions from Mirriam-Webster's dictionary:

        Yoga: A system of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being

        Tai Chi: An ancient Chinese discipline of meditative movements practiced as a system of exercises

        Qi-Gong: An ancient Chinese healing art involving meditation, controlled breathing, and
                          movement exercises

Qi denotes the energy chi, and Gong is achievement

Note that Tai Chi/Qi Gong emphasizes healing through movement. It is also important to note that both these disciplines emphasize the breath and deep breathing. When I was a resident patient at Dr. Deepak Chopra's Center for Mind Body Medicine, shortly after I was diagnosed with MS, I was first exposed to beginning yoga. We were taught that prana enters the body through the breath (as in when we were born and took our first breath), and also through fresh and freshly-cooked food.

It is also interesting to note that both the oriental and Hindu approaches teach that when we are ill or have a physical challenge the energy is blocked and not flowing freely. Acupuncture utilizes the energy meridians, and is designed to return the body to a state of homeostasis by correcting the energy flow.

Over the 9-10 years of this newsletter I have shared many times that when I was developing the program that stopped my primary progressive MS in its tracks, the first exercise program that helped me was Mark Johnson's Tai Chi for Seniors video. Mark's excellent routine is easy and if you can stand at all, you can do it. A few years ago I literally wore out my old video tape of this program, and doing it from memory I gradually lost more and more of it, although I continued some of the warm-up portion, Recently I made contact with Mark again and first ordered one of the new DVD versions for myself, and rediscovered hos great it is for me. I now do it several times a week, together with the Yoga for MS.

The Tai Chi for Seniors video includes many simple, easy-to-do healing exercises for such things as headache, the neurological system, pain originating at various places in the body, strengthening (normalizing) the immune system, help for the digestive system, self massage, etc. Some of these simple exercises are based on acupuncture and some on Tai Chi/Qi Gong.

You all know that I firmly believe one cannot overcome the tendency of MS to progress without a good exercise program. Even if you are sitting in a wheelchair, you can improve your situation immeasurably just by starting a consistent exercise program. It is also important to note that you MUST do deep breathing. That is the source of your body's energy.

Simply stated, energy medicine is learning to move the energy in your body, and to use it for self-healing. Mark's video teaches you to "feel" your own energy. It is such a great skill to have. I had some friends over the other day, and when they came in I was doing my Tai Chi/Qi Gong routine. I started to turn it off but they wanted to see it. At that point in the program Mark was referring to feeling your body's energy. They were fascinated. I then said you can not only feel it, you can see it. They doubted they could ever see their body's energy, so in about two minutes I taught them to see the energy field that surrounds us and is actually part of our body. They were fascinated, learning to "play with" their energy.

Another aspect of the medicine of the future is that machines which can manipulate our body's energy are currently beginning to appear, and although in the early stages of use reports are surfacing from allopathic medical doctors recommending some of them. Watch for information in the future as these devices prove their effectiveness.

Meanwhile, we have the modified yoga featured in Shoosh Crotzer's Yoga for MS DVD, and Mark's excellent DVD called Tai Chi for Seniors. I highly recommend them both and have used them both for years. You should have both these videos. What else can I say, THEY WORK!!  Invest in yourself...you won't be sorry.  For ordering information see below.

Bon Appétit
Healthy Food Tips and Recipes

HEALTHY SPREAD FOR CRACKERS OR SANDWICH
(From Dr, Weil)

Rich in Omega 3, many of us -- me included -- have in the past not developed a taste for sardines. I have just recently discovered how really delicious sardines can be. Try this - I think you'll like it!

Sardine Spread

This Scandinavian-inspired spread is wonderful on dense, thin-sliced pumpernickel bread or whole grain crackers. Sardines are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, known to help reduce risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer.

            1 can sardines packed in water
            1-2 t. Dijon mustard
            1 T onion, finely chopped
            ½ t. fresh lemon juice

Drain the fish and mash them with a fork in a bowl together with the mustard. Add the onion and lemon juice. Spread on your rice crackers and enjoy.

GREAT REFRESHING ICED TEA

            2 Earl Gray teabags - decaffeinated
            2 Ginger-Peppermint herbal teabags
            Boiled water
            Raw honey (optional, to taste)

Preparation:

 1] Place teabags into a temperature-proof glass jug.
 2] Pour freshly-boiled water over tea.
 3] If using raw honey, add at this stage.
 4] Steep for approximately half hour.
 5] Remove tea bags.
 6] Cool, then refrigerate, covered.

Enjoy, smile and accept compliments from your guests.

FRESH FRUIT SMOOTHIES

One of my favorite things about summer - especially in the rich, agricultural Northern California valley where I live, is fresh fruit smoothies.  Because I have a colon that talks to me when I eat more than a little of many fresh fruits, I have learned to make smoothies.

All it takes is a scoop of protein powder (I use one made from corn), a teaspoon of vanilla if you wish, fresh or frozen fruit of your choice, Rice Dream, about 3/4 cup crushed ice or cubes, and a little sweetener of your choice if you wish.   (I like a mixture of half a banana and about half a cup of blueberries.  I also like banana and unsweetened applesauce, and even banana and lime juice)  You may add about half a cup of plain, natural yogurt if you eat dairy.  Be creative.  Cantaloupe is especially good if your tummy can tolerate it (mine can't!).  Strawberry is also a favorite of mine.

I love these smoothies.  I call them the elixir of the gods.  Be creative and have fun. 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FROM THE INTERNET:

One of the food groups that is restricted on the Best Bet Diet (BBD) is legumes, which includes soy. My own ELISA test showed an extreme reaction to anything made from soy. I have read a great deal about soy products over the years, and even without my ELISA test results, I would not consume them. Now here comes an article at Dr. Mercola's website, The Dark Side of Soy. I consider it a must read for everyone.

Here's the web link:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/07/05/the-dark-side-of-soy.aspx

-0-

A guaranteed Belly Laugh

Two tall trees, a birch and a beech, are growing in the woods. A small tree begins to grow between them, and the beech says to the birch, "Is that a son of a beech or a son of a birch?"

The birch says he cannot tell.

Just then a woodpecker lands on the sapling.

The birch says, "Woodpecker, you are a tree expert. Can you tell if that is a son of a beech or a son of a birch?"

The woodpecker takes a taste of the small tree. He replies, "It is neither a son of a beech nor a son of a birch. It is, however, the best piece of ash I have ever put my pecker in."

Now wipe that smile off your face.  OK.  OK.  I'll go quietly!

-0-

The following was shared in an MS newsgroup:

I am currently taking a physical therapy series, and the young man who works with me says that it is very important to keep using leg muscles, even if you can only push down. He said to do some strengthening exercises if you can. He also said we lose muscles much faster than we build them back.

Exercise for Wheel Chair - Bound Friends

If nothing else just push down with your butt and feet. Another is to put a pillow between your legs when seated & try to push in. Another is hold your knees (or put a small pillow between your WC and thighs) and try to push out. Do at least three times a day.

My readers don't really need to be reminded of the benefits of exercise, but it is nice to have the validation from a professional physical therapist. EXERCISE WORKS!

I Get Lots of Mail

Hi Betty,

Hope you're having a nice summer and staying cool. What do you know about or think about a colon cleanse for MS folk? I heard (and believe) that a majority of immune function is in the intestines/bowels. I just really think it would be a good idea for me to clean everything out, esp. since I've got constipation issues. Just wondering if you tried it or heard pros or cons either way. Thanks. /s/ Kathleen

Hello Kathleen. I subscribe to seven different printed newsletters (I'm newsletter poor!), published by well-known and well-respected physicians, and not one of them recommends colon cleansing -- for anybody!!!  The only people who recommend colon cleansing are the people and companies who sell the procedure and/or products.

The best colon cleanse there is is provided by nature. Constipation doesn't mean you need a cleanse.  Look at the May/June newsletter I believe it was when I wrote about constipation, The July issue also contained still more information.  Constipation is a continuing problem for many people -- mostly diet related -- whether they have MS or not. It can be especially difficult when one is confined to a WC and/or physically inactive. But forget the cleanse. You might as well take a dose of Milk of Magnesia!  Lots of fiber supplemented with suppositories are a better solution.  I hope this helps.

Dear Betty, first off I want to thank you for your newsletter and I appreciate your support for all of us with MS. Also I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved son and hope you are doing ok.

I wanted to write to tell you I have the Pathways to Better Living with Arthritis VHS tape which is the same I think as Yoga for Arthritis DVD. I have had the tape for a year and finally with your encouragement in each of your newsletters decided 3 days ago to start it. I have been in a wheelchair for 2 years and want to get myself out of it. I started using the chair after a serious fall and the fear of falling has kept me in it. So I really hope daily use of this tape will help me. I get discouraged easily and know I have to overcome that. The tape is hard for me right now and I truly hope it will get me up and out of the chair.

I really want to go for physical therapy and hope that the tape will give me the strength needed for permanent mobility. I couldn't have started this without your newsletter giving me the 'push' that I've needed to get me going. So thank you and I appreciate all the time you take to help us MS'ers! /s/ Nancy O.

Hello Nancy.

It was very nice to hear from you. I am doing OK, thank you. Life does move on, even when we think it can't, and the sun does begin to rise again!

Congratulations on your decision to get started with your Pathways to Better Living video. Yes, it is the exact same program as the Yoga for Arthritis DVD. A little advice if I may. Please don't expect miracles. Remember that the sooner you begin the easier it is, and you have been delaying starting a regular exercise program for a long time. The challenges for you now, I think, will be:

1] Start slowly and know that it will get easier.

2] Be really determined and don't give up.

3] Send me a progress report at regular intervals - at least once a month - and it will help keep you on track.

I personally do not do the seated program on this video, and although I have seen it I do not recall how it approaches strengthening the legs. I suggest if you can stand at all that you work at just standing up, and then sitting down, repeating this until your legs get tired. Use the arms of your chair for help if necessary. Then when you can stand without using your hands, do this simple exercise without help from your hands.

If you add some deep belly breaths (inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling as slowly as possible through the mouth) before doing the above standing-up exercise, the added oxygen will increase your leg strength. Deep breathing is also very relaxing.

Good luck, and please keep in touch. I give great pep talks!

Dear Betty,

Wow! In this July Journal I was so surprised. When you wrote about the two lady MDs who specialize in "integrative medicine," I was caught so off guard by the end: "Attention and intention are especially important here; what we pay attention to, what we focus our intention on, impacts our bodies and our lives." To think that doctors are now saying this!!! I have been living with this knowledge pretty much all my life. My mother almost preaches it!  Ha ha. It is nice to read this.  So surprising.  But good to know that someone scientific is finally agreeing! :-) /S/ Emma H.

Hi Emma,

I have been for the most part like "spitting in the wind" teaching this for many years. And as you say, finally scientists are agreeing. The same with the books I have been reviewing. That main-stream medical doctors are finally accepting what metaphysicians have known for many, many years is very reassuring. I thought it was so exciting when "The Secret" came out. People like Oprah, me and you (and apparently your mother), and of course many, many others, have always known that we create our world. It is such a simple concept. Why is it so hard for so many people to grasp?

I have been taken to task by the entire MS world for teaching that we all create our world. I not only believe it, I KNOW it!

Thanks again for writing.

   FOCUS ON VITAMIN D

Betty, thought you might be interested in Dr. Perlmutter's Internet blog today regarding Vitamin D. /S/ Pam T

CALLS GET LOUDER TO RAISE VITAMIN D LEVELS

July 29th, 2007 - From NutraIngredients.com

Recommended daily intakes of vitamin D should be quadrupled to 800 International Units, says a leading US expert from Boston University School of Medicine.The review, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, increases the need for policy makers to review current guidelines for the vitamin, and could open opportunities for food fortification and supplements.

The review, published in the prestigious , increases the need for policy makers to review current guidelines for the vitamin, and could open opportunities for food fortification and supplements.  Dr. Michael Holick states that current recommendations of 200 IU per day for children and adults up to 50 years of age for vitamin D need to be increased to 800 - 1000 IU vitamin D3.

"However, one can not obtain these amounts from most dietary sources unless one is eating oily fish frequently," said Holick. "Thus, sensible sun exposure (or UVB irradiation) and/or supplements are required to satisfy the body’s vitamin D requirement."

Vitamin D refers to two biologically inactive precursors - D3, also known as cholecalciferol, and D2, also known as ergocalciferol. The former, produced in the skin on exposure to UVB radiation (290 to 320 nm), is said to be more bioactive. The latter is derived from plants and only enters the body via the diet. Both D3 and D2 precursors are hydroxylated in the liver and kidneys to form 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), the non-active ’storage’ form, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), the biologically active form that is tightly controlled by the body.

Holick notes that about one billion people are estimated to be vitamin D deficient with children and adults in Europe at particular risk, even more so since very few foods are fortified with the vitamin. In adults, vitamin D deficiency may precipitate or exacerbate osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

Moreover, he stated that without vitamin D only about 10-15 per cent of dietary calcium and about 60 per cent of phosphorus is absorbed by the body, thereby have direct and detrimental effects on bone health and muscle strength in adults and skeletal problems in children.

Holick’s review follows hot on the heels of similar statements in leading nutrition journals during the past six months. Fifteen experts from universities, research institutes, and university hospitals around the world, led by Reinhold Vieth from Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital wrote in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: "We call for international agencies such as the Food and Nutrition Board and the European Commission’s Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General to reassess as a matter of high priority their dietary recommendations for vitamin D, because the formal nationwide advice from health agencies needs to be changed."

"The balance of the evidence leads to the conclusion that the public health is best served by a recommendation of higher daily intakes of vitamin D. Relatively simple and low-cost changes, such as increased food fortification or increasing the amount of vitamin D in vitamin supplement products, may very well bring about rapid and important reductions in the morbidity associated with low vitamin D status," they said.

"Because of the convincing evidence for benefit and the strong evidence of safety, we urge those who have the ability to support public health-the media, vitamin manufacturers, and policy makers-to undertake new initiatives that will have a realistic chance of making a difference in terms of vitamin D nutrition," wrote Vieth and collaborators.

A recent review of the science reported that the tolerable upper intake level for oral vitamin D3 should be increased five-fold, from the current tolerable upper intake level (UL) in Europe and the US of 2000 International Units (IU), equivalent to 50 micrograms per day, to 10,000 IU (250 micrograms per day).

Source: New England Journal of Medicine,

July 19, 2007, Volume 357, Number 3, Pages 266-281

Hi Pam,

Rarely does a day pass w/o at least one e-mail from one of my subscribers about Vitamin D. I find that so interesting because I was lambasted in the MS press when I began to promote 4000 i.u./day. It must for sure make Ashton happy. So far as I know he was the first to tout mega doses of Vitamin D to "normalize" the immune system. He was instrumental in getting the first report in the Journal of Neurology. Immediately when he discovered the role of Vitamin D he sent me a note about Vitamin D as a preventive measure for the children of families who have MS in the family. I can't even remember how many years that has been, but I believe it was about 10 years ago.

I remember calling my son -- he was always fearful of getting MS after I was diagnosed -- and having him start taking the 4000 i.u./day.  They now know that Vitamin D has a protective/curative effect on many cancers, including the kind he had.  About 3-4 months before he made his transition I called him to see if he wanted me to order some for him when I was replenishing my own supply and he said that he didn't take it any more, because his nutritionist took him off of it. I ALMOST HAD A HEART ATTACK.  I then learned that for about a year he had not been taking it.

During the first year and a half after the upper lobe of his right lung had been removed -- the first surgery -- he did so well, his doctors were amazed, and during that time he was taking the 4000/day. As the saying goes there is nothing to be gained by "crying over spilled milk," but I wish I had known and would have made sure that he continued the Vitamin D. He did live 2-1/2 years after diagnosis, almost unheard of with that kind of lung cancer. Dana Reeves lived a few months, and the ABC newsman lived even fewer after diagnosis.

Please note that the 800-1000 i.u./day recommended in this posting is still too low! Even Dr. Weil recommends 2-3000/day. At least they got the D3 right. It is also worth noting that the D used to fortify foods is the synthetic D2 form which is reportedly worthless because the body cannot utilize it!

VITAMIN D - The Complete Story
(from The Daily Dose newsletter - 8/13/07)

With all the heliophobes taking up space on the globe today, you don't have to be a sprocket scientist (also known as an electrician) to see that the sun-will-kill-you propaganda has taken root. But these sunscreen-slathering, umbrella-toting pasties aren't any healthier for all of their misguided efforts.

You see, every time they smear the smelly gook on their skin, wear long-sleeved shirts, or just refuse to go outside, they're increasing their chances of developing cancer, arthritis, brittle bones, and plenty of other less-than-healthy problems. That's because in the process of blocking out the sun's rays, they're also blocking out one of the most important nutrients for your body… vitamin D.

Studies have shown time and again that if there's one nutrient you don't want to be without, it's this one. Here are a few of the reasons why:

It helps prevent falls. An analysis of five studies on the benefits of vitamin D showed that a sufficient daily dose of this sun-vitamin can reduce the incidence of falls in those 65 or over by 22%.

It increases lung cancer survival. Researchers at Harvard found that patients who had higher levels of vitamin D in their blood and had undergone surgery in the sunnier months were more than 2.5 times more likely to be alive after 5 years than whose who had the lowest levels of vitamin D.

It prevents MS. Of the 187,000 people in the Harvard School of Public Health study, those who had a high intake of supplemental vitamin D were 40% less likely to develop incurable MS.

It prevents rheumatoid arthritis. In an 11-year study of 30,000 people, those who consumed the most vitamin D were 30% less likely to develop the disease.

It helps treat steroid-resistant asthma. Research conducted at King's College London reveal that vitamin D supplementation may help patients that don't respond well to inhaled steroids (the typical asthma treatment) to become more responsive to therapy.

This list doesn't even put a dent in the arsenal of studies that continues to strengthen vitamin D's defenses. And the latest one I came across might be the most impressive yet.

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, taking vitamin D and calcium together can significantly reduce a woman's risk of developing several types of cancer.

Here's a quick rundown of the study: 1,179 healthy postmenopausal women were divided into three groups, one taking 1,400-1,500 mg of supplemental calcium, another taking that amount of calcium plus 1,100 IU of vitamin D3, and the third taking a placebo.

The researchers found that the women taking calcium and vitamin D3 together had a 60% decrease in their overall cancer risk compared to BOTH of the other groups.

A prominent vitamin D researcher from the University of California, San Diego said the study was "a breakthrough of great medical and public health importance. No other method to prevent cancer has been identified that has such a powerful impact."

Just like most great discoveries, this one came about BY ACCIDENT. The original purpose of the study was to determine how the combined efforts of calcium and vitamin D could improve bone health. But it didn't take long for the researchers to figure out that the lower cancer risk was far more impressive.

But even though it wasn't their intent, they came out with results that prove – yet again – that I've been right about vitamin D all along. But there's more to it than just that letter D.

Pick up any random bottle of vitamin D at the drug store, and chances are good it'll be the D2 (synthetic) variety. Why anyone would choose to sell the weaker form of the vitamin en masse – or at all – is beyond me. You should really be loading up on D3, the same form your body produces when it's exposed to the sun.

You can't trust the RDA (recommended daily allowance) at all — it's as skewed as everything else you'll hear from the USDA and any other government-funded organization that pretends to know about nutrition. They tell you that you only need 400-600 IUs per day, but you should really be getting at least 1,00! 0 IUs. And if you ignore everything else I say, listen to this one thing: The amount used the study was 1,100 IU, which is exactly why the results were so dramatic.

When it comes right down to just how much vitamin D is right for you, though, only your doctor and a blood test can tell you that. An optimal blood level of vitamin D is 45 to 50 ng/ml. And remember to get a healthy dose of sun.

William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.

NOTE FROM BETTY: I have been appreciating Dr. Douglass' unique humor and insights about health and nutrition through his newsletter for years. Just for the record, the recommended Vitamin D for those of us with MS is 3,000 to 4,000 IU/day.

Featured Exercise Videos and Books

^{I absolutely do not believe that one can prevent the tendency of MS to progress without a consistent gentle stretching and deep breathing exercise program. In addition one of the worst aspects of MS, acute fatigue, responds very positively to exercise. Such a deal! And it really doesn't matter what level of disability one has. Many exercises can be done either standing, seated, or lying down. And deep breathing -- which is so essential -- can be done any time and any where.}

THE HEALER WITHIN is an excellent book by Roger Jahnke, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, which I no longer carry in stock.  You may, however, order it from Amazon.com.  Just click on this Amazon link to order.  The Healer Within is based on QiGong, the healing form of Tai Chi, and I highly recommend its simple movements.  The best thing about this book is that all the movements may be done standing, seated or lying down. 

I CAN COOKBOOK  I continue to work at the update, revision and expansion of this e-book.  It is a monstrous task, but I hope to have it completed by this fall.   Anyone who purchases the book prior to availability of the update will receive the new expanded version at no cost when it becomes available.

The Best Gift
by Gary Prichard

Think about it. The best gifts in life aren't things, but our relationships with other people. Let me share one gift with you. I was a young man managing a small store in Stanton, California. I was out in front working in the garden, and two men I recognized came up. I'd spoken to them before, but didn't really know them. One pointedly emphasized to me how important it was to sometimes "stop to smell the roses," and together we took a few moments to enjoy the early evening sky and the garden I was working in. The other one came back a week later to tell me that his friend had died of cancer. This man had shared what he knew were some of the few remaining minutes of his life to remind me of the importance of stopping to smell the roses. Now I pass his gift on to you.

I first printed this contribution from reader Gary Prichard a number of years ago, but it such a lovely little story I am pleased to share it again. Thank you Gary.

Two great newly-published books:

Buddha - A Story of Enlightenment
By Deepak Chopra

This is a novel based on what is known about the life of Buddha, who was born into royalty about 3000 years ago. Dr. Chopra is a great storyteller, and this book is a real page turner and a great read. I simply couldn't put it down until I had read the last word.

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life
By Wayne Dyer, PhD

Dr. Dyer brings us another great book based on the 2500 year-old writings of Lao-Tzu called the Tao Te Ching. Affectionately referred to as The Tao (Dow), it has been studied by spiritual masters throughout the centuries since it was written.

You may order them at discounted rates using the Amazon link above.