|
Journey to Wellness |
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:
My View
Book Reviews
Bon Apéttit - Healthy
Food Tips and Recipes
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Houseboat Chicken
Create Your Own Fruit Salsa
I Can Cookbook Revision
Quote of the Month
We Can Change - Yeh!
MS Research News - Esperanza Peptide
I Get Lots of Mail
From the Internet
Exercise - Use It or Lose It
Featured Exercise Videos
_______________________________________
______|_______|_______|_______|_______|____
___|______|_______|_______|_______|_______|
______|______| MY VIEW
|______|_____|___
I am glad to report that as of June 14 I am now "retired," whatever that means. Actually I suppose it means different things to different people. For me this is my second "try" to retire, and I fully expect to be looking for a part time job before much time passes. But it was certainly time for me to get out of the law firm where my son was managing partner. Looking in the door of his now-empty office, directly across from mine, became increasingly difficult. It is now time to move on.
In actuality I have enough projects to keep me busy for a while. I'm revising and updating the I Can Cookbook, as well as From MS to Wellness. It is now 7-8 years since the first version of the I Can Cookbook, and 10 years since From MS to Wellness was published. I have learned a lot about the BBD and my own continuing healing process during the last 10 years. All of that I will share in the revised and updated books [see The New Cookbook, below].
I hope you enjoy this issue of Journey to Wellness. It includes lots of widely varying information. I am very pleased to introduce information about the Esperanza Peptide treatment. I have intentionally waited until now to get more positive reports from those who are taking the peptide. In recent weeks my e-mail box contained lots of interesting communications from readers…something for everyone. Shoosh Crotzer's exercise column is about one of the most important aspects of exercise for those with limited mobility.
TAI CHI QI GONG VIDEO AVAILABLE: In recent months I have diligently been searching for a Tai Chi Qi Gong video program, and in the process I have spent a lot of money and lots of hours evaluating various DVDs that are available. It seemed that every program I found offered something, but nothing was what I was looking for. I had to find something that was valuable for me personally first before I would recommend it to my readers. I had found Tai Chi for Seniors by Tai Chi master Mark Johnson about 12 years ago and found it very beneficial. But several years ago I lost contact with a source for the video. Then a few weeks ago while searching on the Internet, I relocated Mark Johnson and contacted him. I am pleased to report that I now have the DVD available (see Featured Books and Exercise Videos below). I cannot imagine anyone who would not like this program and benefit from it.
GUIDELINES FOR E-MAILS: Since I must deal with many hundreds of pieces of SPAM every day, please help me by using "From a Newsletter Subscriber," "Report Please," for the Diet and Supplements report, or "Order" as the subject of any e-mail you send to me. That way they will not get tossed into a SPAM folder and vanish into cyber space never-never land! And if you do not receive a response from me in two or three days, please send a follow-up.
AN IMPORTANT REMINDER: When you get a new e-mail address please unsubscribe your old address and re-subscribe using the new one, using the form provided at my www.BettysHouseLifeAfterMS.com homepage.
_________________________________________________
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 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. The array of products they offer continues to expand, as does their service. Check out their website using this Amazon.com icon. You'll be amazed at all the products available there. 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!
My own continuing search for meaning and answers to life's important questions since Kevin's death has lead me into very serious research into published data on why we are here, how we got here, and how/where we are going when we leave here. Amazingly there is a lot of information published by main-stream scientists to help us look at these very important life questions.
One that has been very important for me is:
Many Lives, Many Masters
by Brian
Weiss, M.D.
Dr. Weiss is a well-known and prominent psychiatrist in Miami, Florida. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Yale Medical School, as well as a medical school professor in psychiatry. After studying Dr. Weiss's books, I feel as though I now understand the death process. I also feel confident about the after life. Perhaps you have not yet considered these questions; I had not really until my son's death.
Dr. Weiss's book, Many Lives, Many Masters was published in 1988. Since then he has published a number of follow-up books. All are excellent and I highly recommend them:
Messages From the
Masters
Same Soul
Many Bodies
Meditation -
Achieving Inner Peace and Tranquility in Your Life
(accompanied by a CD)
Through Time
Into Healing
Only Love
is Real
By way of answering all your kind cards, e-mails and phone calls, which continue to arrive, Chris (Kevin's lovely wife), Zachary (his now eleven-year-old son) and I are moving on with our lives. It is true that in time it does become easier, or at least we develop better coping skills. It has now been eight months since Kevin left us, and I have come to believe that Kevin's time and tasks on this planet in this lifetime were finished, and it was his time to leave here. I fully expect to be reunited with him in time on the other side. I do not have to completely understand the how in order to accept it as fact.
To all of you, my cyberspace family, thank you for all your concern and support over this very trying period. It certainly is true that we need each other.
Bon Appétit - Healthy Recipes and Food Tips
I have recently been learning to cook with a slow cooker/crock pot, and love this BBD-friendly recipe. If you like me have resisted purchasing one of these appliances, I encourage you to explore their possibilities. Actually my daughter-in-law uses one a lot, and I got intrigued when sharing crock pot dinners at her house. I hope you enjoy…
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper
(any color or mix of colors), cut into strips
2-3 pounds of
cut up chicken, whatever pieces you like
(I used two very large skinless-boneless breasts, cut into two pieces)
2 6-oz. cans
tomato paste
1 heaping T
Italian seasoning
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
2 cloves
garlic, minced
1 or 2 bay
leaves
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. dry
white wine (I used Vermouth)
Place sliced onion and pepper in bottom of stoneware. Add chicken pieces. In a bowl stir together remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours, or high 4 hours. This is excellent served over brown rice.
-- 0 --
Here's another BBD-friendly chicken recipe.
(From a famous now-closed restaurant in Sacramento, California)
Marinade:
1/2 c. olive
oil
1/2 large
bunch fresh cilantro
2 t. chili
flakes
2 T. fresh
lime juice
1/2 t.
chopped garlic 1/2 t. salt
2-3 chicken breasts (skin on gives a better flavor and texture)
Mix well marinade ingredients. Place in plastic storage bag, add chicken, and after closing bag massage well to distribute flavors. Place in refrigerator for two hours to overnight. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be. (It is always a good idea to place the bag containing the chicken in a bowl just in case there might be a leak!)
You may broil the chicken, basting with the marinade, or sauté in a pan. Serve with your favorite Salsa.
-- 0 --
I recently came across great instructions for making your own fresh fruit salsa with whatever seasonal fruits you have on hand - mangos, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, oranges, melons, any kind of berries, etc. You get the idea. Bell peppers and cucumbers work well with the fruits, and the peppers help to make wonderful contrasting colors as well as flavors. This will help get you started.
2 c. finely diced fresh fruit
1/2 medium
yellow, red or green bell pepper, cut into small dice
2
medium-sized green onions or1/2 small red onion, chopped
1 small
jalapeno pepper, minced (optional)
2 to 3 T lime
juice or rice wine vinegar
2 to 3 T
chopped fresh cilantro, basil, parsley or mint
Salt and
freshly ground black pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl, using the small quantity of lime juice or vinegar and fresh herbs and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Let stand for 10 to 30 minutes. Before serving adjust seasoning with more lime juice or vinegar, fresh herbs and/or salt.
As you can see there is no end to what you can do with this recipe idea.
Serve your salsa over chicken, beef, pork, seafood. I especially like it over chicken breasts, pork tenderloin and seafood. The other day I sautéed tilapia fillets and served them topped with a fresh fruit salsa and they were as good as anything I have had in a restaurant. One of my favorite San Diego restaurants when I lived there served fresh tuna steaks with a mango salsa that was truly food for the gods!
Here is a quote from the newly revised book:
SECTION ONE
Introduction:
I believe very strongly that the natural life-style approach to the management of what medical science calls multiple sclerosis can and does succeed more often than not. Although I am not inherently opposed to the medications, I also believe that the success rate of the natural approach for many, many people outpaces the typical medical model of the recommended MS drugs, without any of the so-called side effects.
Furthermore I believe that each of the recommended segments of the lifestyle approach: [1] diet, [2] a few but very important supplements, [3] stress reduction, and [4] very importantly a consistent, gentle stretching exercise program, is important. I am often asked which I think is the most important, and I do not wish to make that assessment. I believe the importance of each of these areas may vary from person to person. I do believe that each is important and should receive equal attention. And perhaps the most important underlying foundation is our attitude and belief system. I fully agree with many other writers that perhaps the most important journey we ever take is the one we take inside ourselves.
I have now lived with this program for over 10 years. during that period of time my own experience has continued to evolve, in each of the areas. Chapter 1 covers everything you have ever wanted to know about the so-called Best Bet Diet. Included is a 3-phase program which makes it easier to get started, as well as a 3rd phase to answer the question, "Do I have to live on this food plan for ever?" The answer is "NO!" for many of us. I'll show you how to proceed.
I urge strict adherence to a consistent gentle, stretching exercise program, together with daily deep breathing exercises. (See Addendum A)
There are a few very important supplements that we must include every day. (See Addendum B)
Stress reduction is so very important. I urge everyone to develop the discipline of daily meditation. Its benefits are very powerful and certainly far outweigh the challenge of learning this skill. If you truly want to know yourself at a very deep, spiritual level, please explore this discipline. (See Addendum C)
Here's another quote from Chapter 1:
The Best Bet Diet Plan
I have great appreciation and respect for Dr. Ashton Embry, Ph.D., who first introduced the BBD to the MS world after refining it when his young son, Matt, developed MS. I shall be eternally grateful that I connected with Ashton on the Internet when I was still relatively newly diagnosed.
I now believe, however, that for any program to succeed it must have enough flexibility that most people will stay with the program. It must be simple enough that quite literally anyone can do it. I am sharing not only my own experience but also those of many, many hundreds of subscribers to my newsletter, Journey to Wellness, who have shared with me their personal experiences.
I have been told repeatedly by many, many people such things as:
“I can’t
do that.”
“It just
seems too difficult.”
“Do I have to
stay with the food plan forever?”
“I tried and
failed.”
This book will answer these concerns.
I have reached the conclusion that how one reacts to following this food plan depends on a number of things:
 | Whether we have primary progressive or relapsing remitting MS |
| How long it has been since our diagnosis, and how much neurological damage we have sustained |
| Whether or not we have food allergies and/or intolerances |
It is my observation that those diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS most often respond more positively that do those who are primary progressive. The reason for that difference is probably inherent in the differences in RR and PP MS. The PP person does not have the luxury of remissions. That being said it is important to note that I am Primary Progressive and have had great success with this program.
What is the difference in how the two primary types of MS react to the BBD? The RR person will frequently react with no, few, or perhaps much lighter exacerbations. This is much like they may react to the so-called MS meds.
However, if they have had MS for a considerable amount of time, or have sustained significant neurological damage -- (generally after repeated exacerbations one develops permanent disability and are called secondary progressive or SP), -- it is impossible to say how much improvement they may experience. Each person will have a different response, much like each of us has a different experience of MS.
I have never seen anyone who has primary progressive MS go into complete remission. That is, a complete remission of all symptoms. I have probably come as close to that as anyone I have ever heard of. Today I am 70 years old, diagnosed almost 13 years ago, with over two years of symptoms prior to diagnosis, and I have almost no evidence of MS today. I do have a weak right leg, and some bladder urgency incontinence. Other than that, I am relatively symptom free. That is a big win for a person diagnosed with primary progressive MS almost 13 years ago.
As you can see, this is a very comprehensive look at the natural lifestyle approach to the management of MS. Although it contains the nuts and bolts of the BBD in Stage 2, it is much more than a diet and cookbook. I do not yet know what I will call it, but it will not be the I Can Cookbook. I have been formulating and outlining it for a long time, and I am pleased with the way it is coming together. If you have a particular question about the BBD, or some other aspect of the program, send it along to me and I'll be sure that it is answered in the new version.
I have personally been living with the 3rd stage for a couple of years now, and it is time for me to share that with you. I would never recommend an important change to the program without first thoroughly testing it on myself. Watch for news of the publication date.
The following quote seems very appropriate:
"I HAVE COME TO BELIEVE…THAT
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT
TO ME MUST BE SPOKEN, MADE VERBAL AND SHARED,
EVEN AT THE RISK OF HAVING IT BRUISED OR MISUNDERSTOOD."
- Andre Lorde
On Sunday's my local newspaper features a regular column by two lady MDs who specialize in "integrative medicine," much like Dr. Andrew Weil. A recent week's column, entitled Neuroplasticity," a term I had not previously read, caught my eye. I quote from the article:
"The field of neuroplasticity is a fascinating, up-and-coming science…which suggests that the brain and the mind are not fixed or static, but are capable of changing or modeling given the appropriate circumstances.
Brain cells connect with each other through their physical connections and also through neurotransmitters, and this mass of connections tends to reflect the things we have focused on mentally. We now are finding that the brain may be a lot more changeable than we previously thought, and with a little "brain training" you can teach your brain and your mind to experience [what you wish to experience]."
The doctors then discuss how to accomplish this goal; perhaps you have guessed where this is headed - MEDITATION. They go on to say:
"So it is possible for us to change our brains…the secret is "practice, practice, practice…Taking on a daily practice of meditation and focused intention can train your brain cells to fire in different directions, to make new connections; it can train your mind to move to the positive."
"Attention and intention are especially important here; what we pay attention to, what we focus our intention on, impacts our bodies and our lives."
Meditation is a tool that can change your life. I probably receive more mail about meditation than almost anything else. Mostly they are from someone saying that they are not successful in learning to meditate. If you have read my little book, From MS to Wellness (now in the process of being updated), you know my concept of how easy it is. If you do not have this book, just send me an e-mail with Order as the subject and I'll send you the chapter on meditation, in a Word text file, which was written in 1997.
I believe the reason most people think they cannot meditate is two fold: First, they have a misconception of what it is and that something -- and they do not know what -- is supposed to happen; and second they do not grasp that patience is required to teach their mind the new state of "mental silence."
The truth is, "nothing" specifically is supposed to happen. Whatever happens - even if it is nothing - is supposed to happen. You are simply teaching your mind to stop the constant so-called mind chatter that we all experience. At the least you will achieve total and complete relaxation, and at the other end of the spectrum are incredible insights to be found in what Dr. Wayne Dyer calls the gap between our thoughts.
A few days ago I was invited to a neighborhood dinner party hosted by a new neighbor. It turned out that she is a student of spiritual development. We had a very interesting time getting acquainted and sharing our separate spiritual journeys. She mentioned meditation and I asked her if she meditates regularly. She said no, but she would like to. She said she just had not been successful in learning this skill and had given up. I asked her how long she had tried and she said, "Oh, about two weeks at least." I told her that for many people it takes months of practice. It just requires lots of patience.
I promise you that learning the discipline of meditation is worth all the effort.
The Internet is abuzz with news and testimonials for the Esperanza Neuro Peptide treatment for MS. Esperanza is based in Freeport, The Bahamas. Gerry Gallagher, CEO of Esperanza, sent me the following link to a PowerPoint presentation about the science behind the Peptide. Please note that you must have the PowerPoint software installed on your computer for the presentation to work .
http://www.esperanzapeptide.net/power-point/pharma-tech-science.ppt
The following is a quote from the material I received from Esperanza:
Treatment Program for Multiple Sclerosis, OPCA, PLS and Post Stroke
Esperanza Neuronal Peptide ®
Clinical Assessments and Dosing:
Our treatment centre is located as part of our new clinic facility at Millennium House in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island in The Bahamas. Dr. Kevin Bethel, M.D. is the Medical Director. Pre-assessment is required in order to be accepted and scheduled for treatment before coming to Freeport. In order to arrange for an assessment and to put yourself forward for this treatment
click here to contact us or please call the phone numbers listed on our contact page. Please note that if you are to be treated for Lyme Disease you will need to be diagnosed as positive for Lyme Disease through our 3rd party contract laboratory. You need to contact us in advance of traveling to Freeport in any case to arrange acceptance and scheduling to treat your condition whether it be Multiple Sclerosis (MS),Olivopontocerebeller Atrophy (OPCA), Post Stroke (PS), Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), or other select diseases/ailments.Upon arrival at the Freeport International Airport you will be able to find ground transportation to your hotel (If you are wheelchair bound or need other special transportation please advise us and we will be glad to recommend companies that can assist you with special transportation needs). Someone from the Wellness team will meet you the evening of your arrival, or the next morning after your arrival and will explain the schedule for the next few days. The next day, usually between noon and 1pm, we will begin the intake testing (speech, balance, upper and lower body function and more) and do the first dosing. Approximately 30 minutes after your initial dosing we will repeat the tests for speech, balance, upper and lower body function and other significant baseline testing. Once the post dosing testing is complete, you are free to relax or begin to explore the island. Someone from our treatment centre will schedule to meet with you again that evening. The dosing is done once a day and is sprayed under the tongue (no more needles, nor injections). The following day you are able to enjoy a quiet breakfast before beginning some additional testing. For those who are capable we like to teach pool exercises that you can continue when you return home. You will dose again that afternoon and be evaluated before and after your second dosing. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy.
What is the Treatment?
The treatment is a Homeopathic sublingual spray that is taken once a day. It is a peptide in a saline solution that allows conduction across the nerve muscle junctions, allowing return of function. It is safe and tasteless.
What should I expect?
Every case and patient is different. In regards to Multiple Sclerosis, it depends a lot on where the lesions are located and the extent of damage. Most patients who have slurred speech notice an immediate improvement. Imbalance is a problem for many patients which markedly improves over time. In many patients we see significant positive changes are seen in upper body and lower body motor function (example: crossing a bad leg over he good leg). There is almost always an increase in energy and a decrease in fatigue with our treatment. It is the only treatment that allows you the possibility to regain motor function in any of the diseases/conditions noted above. However, please do not expect miracles ... remember the MS has taken it's toll on your body for years (probably well before you were even diagnosed) and any return of function and motor skills that may transpire can take varied lengths of time in different patients.
Is it a cure?
No this treatment is not a cure nor a guarantee of any function return, however our longest Multiple Sclerosis patient is now in his 20th year with an outstanding quality of life. If he stops the peptide, he will lose balance and motor function within 1-2 days. Post Stroke patients on the peptide do much better in rehab and are often able to go off the peptide after recovery.
I followed up with two questions for Esperanza. Gerry's response appears after each question:
1] I understand that the peptide is produced from snake venom. Is there a sufficient supply to continue making it if your market continues to grow?
Yes that is correct and we have secured supplies sufficient to manufacture for several years. We have also isolated the gene and can produce the peptide by synthesized process in the future.
2] Are there plans to make it available in the United States as you are doing in the U.K.?
Yes, it is a matter of training and getting Doctors to commit time to be trained in the USA and Canada. We recently certified practitioners in Scotland, England, South Africa, Israel and Mexico and we have 3 certified in the USA with many more to come in the future.
Gerry then went on to add:
This is the beginning of an exciting time for a treatment that has been developed over the past 23 years so it is new, but on the other hand has enormous experience, research and development behind it.
The main webpage for Esperanza is:
http://www.esperanzapeptide.net
Esperanza's website includes lots of testimonials and additional information. Esperanza has recently announced that their treatment program is now available in the United Kingdom.
Hi Betty,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you retire from your job. I certainly understand how it must have been overwhelming for you at Kevin's office. But I'm sure they will miss you. But from someone who loves your newsletters, I am certainly happy that you will be spending more time at home involved in the newsletter. I think they are fantastic, as you must know by now. You are just so inspiring and motivating for anyone with a condition such as MS, or really anyone for that matter.
I was very surprised in your last newsletter that you mentioned Hallelujah Acres. I'm surprised that you get on their web site. I subscribe to their newsletter, and find much of their information inspiring. They do have some good suggestions for recipes too.
You might be interested in the web site of Dr. John McDougall. Actually, you may know of him. He is in Santa Rosa, California.
www.drmcdougall.com. The web site has some good information and good recipes.I hope that you are enjoying your time off. Enjoy each and every day -- and especially enjoy that fantastic grandson that you have. Peace and hugs. /S/ Pam
Hi Pam,
Thanks for your lovely note. It meant a lot to me. I made it through the first week of retirement w/o going stir crazy! I know it will get easier. The hard part is that I now know - unequivocally know - how truly alone I am without my friends at work. I am learning to think of my newsletter subscribers as an extended family. I know that I'm not the only person out there who feels lonely and alone.
I have been a subscriber to the Hallelujah Acres newsletter for a lot of years, and have a great appreciation for what they do. I haven't written very much about them over the years because the person with MS doesn't usually do well on their diet unless they add at least seafood and eliminate legumes. You are so right - their newsletter and Dr. Malkmus does offer much food for thought, inspiration, and some excellent recipes, which I feature from time to time.
I am also familiar with Dr. McDougall's work and have his books. Unfortunately his recommended program I cannot recommend for MS for the same reasons as Dr. Malkmus' program. Both are 100% vegetarian, with legumes as the main source of protein.
Thanks again for your thoughtful note.
Hi Betty,Enjoyed your newsletter as usual. I was particularly interested in your comments re diet. I agree entirely after 5 years with diagnosis - I do find that stressing over a little bit of gluten or dairy probably causes more problems than the food itself! I would therefore be very interested in your revised cookbook - so do make it a project, as again I feel that Ashton, while a wonderful scientist, is not particularly sensitive to the realities of most peoples lives!
One thing I have done recently is go on Copaxone. Every newsletter states how anti the CRABS you are! However my MRIs continued to show inflammation and new lesions and after much personal consideration decided on Copaxone.
A wonderful Australian doctor - George Jelinek (has two great books on MS), who has MS himself, really thinks that it is easily the safest and most effective of the CRABS. He is also a huge fan of diet and Omega 3 and vit D3 and meditation!
My point is - sometimes I feel that we can benefit from drugs if they are reasonably safe and effective. He is now 8 years on Copaxone - plus diet and Omega 3 and vitamin D3 and has absolutely no symptoms ( his mother died from MS at his age!). He feels that diet, Omega 3- VitD3 and Copaxone all contribute about equally to this health - based on his extensive (medical) research.
I am now 3 months on Copaxone and have maintained diet etc and have had absolutely no side effects apart from increased energy and a feeling that being 'under attack' is actually diminishing. Maybe sometimes we do throw out the baby with the admittedly dirty bathwater! Just a thought Betty. My thoughts are still with you on the death of your son. I cannot imagine this tragedy befalling me. /S/ Neil H.
Hi Neil,
It's nice to hear from you. I'll announce the next cookbook revision in the newsletter. Now that I'll be retiring in a couple of weeks, I'll have more time for writing. A agree with you completely about Ashton.
I am not necessarily anti the CRABS. Most of the comments I publish in that regard are in quotes from correspondence I receive from readers or from the Internet. I remain mostly neutral on all the recommended MS drugs. I have also collected many hundreds of experiences from readers. It appears to me from where I sit that more people do well w/o the drugs than with them, overall.
You might be interested in reading a column Ashton wrote for the New Pathways magazine published in England last year. In it he explores the medication issue. I'll attach the file for you. [I'll be glad to send this file to anyone requesting it.]
I hope Copaxone seems to work for you. The biggest challenge is in how to evaluate what works and what doesn't. Even in my own natural approach, I don't know if I can credit one thing over another. As my own experience of MS matures, I have revised somewhat my perception of the order of importance of the various aspects. I believe it was in the April issue of the newsletter that I expressed my feeling that perhaps the non-physical aspects are the most important. I have come to believe that when I reversed the progression of my own MS (classified by MDs as primary progressive) I was really emphasizing serious daily meditation, two times each day. That experience really changed my life in a number of ways. When I revise and update From MS to Wellness, I will share details of all that.
In re-reading this note I just occurred to me that perhaps the most powerful "medication" of all is the placebo effect. Even allopathic medicine is now recognizing that.
Thanks for your thoughts about the loss of my son Kevin. He and I were very close, all his life, and his loss is the most painful thing I have ever experienced. I hope you never have to experience such a loss. Someone much smarter than me first said, "For everything there is a season..." and I have come to know that Kevin's time on this earth came to an end when it was supposed to, as will mine and yours. I don't have to understand that in order to accept it.
Thanks for writing, and do stay in touch and keep me up to date on your progress. Best of luck. I urge you to keep up all aspects of your program.
In a recent issue of Journey to Wellness I included an exchange with a reader concerning delicate elimination issues. I have discovered the following quote from Dr. Weil that sheds some light on this subject:
"Help for Staying Regular - Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can often be resolved successfully with simple lifestyle changes. You can help keep your body running smoothly with a fiber-rich diet: add a high fiber breakfast cereal to your morning meal, add extra servings of vegetables to your lunch and dinner, and substitute whole organic fruit for chips at snack time. Also drink plenty of water, get daily exercise, and utilize some type of daily relaxation technique, such as biofeedback, breathing exercises or yoga (stress can interfere with relaxation of the whole body, including the bowels). If constipation is a problem for you, Dr. Weil recommends triphala, a mixture of three fruits from the Ayurvedic tradition; a low dose of magnesium glycinate may also be helpful for chronic constipation."
This post reminded me that Dr. Chopra recommends triphala.
-- 0 --
SIGNS OF A STROKE: Did you know that if you are with someone who is having a stroke, even a mild one, it is important to know the identifying symptoms? One needs to receive medical attention within three hours in order for the damage to be reversible.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a
stroke by doing the following:
S * Ask the
individual to SMILE
T * Ask the
person to TALK
to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. . . It is sunny out today)
R *
Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
*NOTE: Another indication of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out
their tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other,
that is also an indication of a stroke. If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of
these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
-- 0 --
Food for Thought
Questions regarding chocolate/cocoa
I read a Q&A from Dr. Weil a few days ago regarding recent reports on cocoa and its health benefits, which have flooded the media recently. Perhaps you'll find it interesting too. Here's the website address:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA400203
Butterfly Pose
The hips and pelvis are always areas of utmost importance because they affect
posture and balance. In this column, we will work on a very simple stretch that
focuses on opening up and loosening the hips, as well as the inner thighs.
First let’s discuss exactly where the hip sockets are. Most people think
of their hips as being on the outer sides of their torsos, a bit below the
waist. For example, when we say to “put your hands on your hips,” typically
you’d put your hands on both sides of your waist. However, the actual
location of your hip socket is surprisingly lower and closer to your groin.
If you move down below your navel about 4 inches and
then measure about the width of a pair of eyeglasses out to the sides, you would
be pointing to each socket. So, when you visualize movement in your hip sockets,
you need to focus on these two spots, imagining that ball of your leg bone
rolling around in the socket. (The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, meaning it
can have movement that is 360 degrees, compared to the knee, for example, which
can only move forward and back.) Since the joint is supposed to move in
all these directions, it is important to keep it limber, making sure it doesn’t
lose any range-of-motion with lack of use.
The Butterfly Pose will help open up those hip joints. It
is done on the floor while lying down on your back, legs resting on a couch or
chair seat. -- (It can also be done from a seated position, but it
is more difficult to regulate the posture while seated, and I prefer to teach it
from the floor. When done while seated, it is often called the “Cobbler Pose”,
because in India, cobblers would, and still do, hold the shoes they work on
between their feet from this position!) -- So, once you have gotten
onto the floor in this starting position, bring the bottoms of both feet
together at the edge of the chair or couch, bending your knees out to the sides.
It’s okay if your big toes don’t touch, but try to keep the outer sides of your
feet together. Now, place your hands on each knee. Inhale very slowly,
remembering where your hip sockets are so you can focus on rolling the legs out
to the sides, starting with movement at the sockets. Feel your abdomen
expand and feel the muscles in your hips stretch. Then as you exhale, gently
push your knees towards the seat. Make sure your sacrum (tailbone) stays
firmly in place on the floor so your pelvis and spine remain lined up correctly.
Try to feel your hips and pelvis sinking into the floor with each exhalation,
relaxing those tense hip muscles, which will then let your legs open wider.
Repeat this breathing pattern for 5 breaths. Then, let your legs rest back
on the chair seat.
This pose really feels good and helps you to get those hips more flexible. So,
give it a try! If you have any questions relating to this column, you can email
me directly at shsh@mobilityltd.com. (Remember, I am not a doctor, so please do
not ask medical questions.)
Note from Betty: This butterfly pose is for me one of the
most important things included in the Yoga for MS video routine. It really pays
big dividends to help us maintain the ability to walk. IT REALLY WORKS!
But don't be surprised if it is uncomfortable when you first start doing the
pose.
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.
Over the years I have evaluated personally dozens of exercise programs, and the absolute best I know of are Yoga for MS by Shoosh Crotzer, and Gentle Fitness by Catherine MacRae. I am very confident in recommending them.
YOGA FOR MS AND RELATED CONDITIONS - I found this modified yoga program in the Yoga Journal about 10 years ago, and it remains the mainstay of my own exercise program. This program is recommended by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
GENTLE FITNESS - Catherine and I connected on the Internet about 8-9 years ago, and I order her Gentle Fitness. I find it an excellent program, and use sections of it together with the Yoga for MS program.
TAI CHI FOR SENIORS - This is a simple, easy-to-do QiGong (chee gung) Tai Chi video program. It was the very first exercise program I found after being diagnosed with MS, and 12 years later I still find it very beneficial. This program alternates beautifully with the Yoga for MS routine.
These videos make up my personal exercise library, and alternating the programs keeps me from getting bored. Together with deep breathing exercises for a few minutes a couple of times a day, and walking about a mile several mornings a week not only keeps me fit and energetic, it keeps my legs strong and moving.
Each of these exercise DVDs are available for $29.50 each plus $4.00 shipping and handling. You may order by providing credit card information by e-mail to Betty@BettysHouseLifeAfterMS.com, or by calling 800-651-3155 (in the U.S. and Canada), or 530-753-5595 from other countries.
Follow this link for more information on these videos.
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.
We have covered a lot of ground this month, and as always I hope you have found it beneficial. And remember…
"...a smile adds a great deal to our face value!"
- Linda Smith
Big smiles and {{{hugs}}} to all.
Betty